IAFCI Presents... The Protectors

Today, Mike and Mark are joined by Adam Colby, Director and Chief Intelligence Coordinator of the Financial Crimes Intelligence Center in Tyler, TX.  Adam discusses how his agency, in coordination with other law enforcement agencies, have been able to significantly reduce gas pump credit card skimming cases in the past several years in Smith County, TX.  Adam gives helpful tips and useful knowledge to help protect yourself from falling victim to this multi-billion dollar criminal enterprise.

Public link to the TX Financial Crimes Intelligence Center https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/fcic

Mike and Mark welcome Dr. Liselotte Schuster, a romance scam victim at 44 years old, lonely and looking for love, who stood up, reported her story and is now an advocate for others. Joining them is Postal Inspector Natalie Reda, working on the frontline, investigating, and seeking justice for those who have fallen victim. In this episode we get the point of view from both the victim and the investigator.

https://liloschuster.wordpress.com

Mike and Mark welcome Officer Todd Radek of the Arlington Heights, Illinois Police Department to the podcast, as he shares Anne’s Story. Tragically, Anne fell victim to a romance scam and was victimized repeatedly by fraudsters. The crime itself was not the end to the pain she endured. We hope Anne’s story will help prevent others from becoming victims.

Mike and Mark welcome Erica Michalowski Associate state director for AARPs community Outreach Program in Connecticut to the show to talk about AARP's Fraud Watch Network and the incredible work their volunteers are doing to educate our seniors about frauds, scams, and other crimes targeting our loved ones. With a little education and awareness, we can protect our loved ones from fraudsters.

Detective Crystal Lopez of the Maryland-National Capital Park Police joins Mike and Mark on the podcast to discuss "Felony Lane Gang (FLG) groups that target females who leave their purses and contents unattended inside their vehicle for just a few costly moments across the Nation that leave their personal belongings in parked vehicles. A break of the vehicle window and quick reach in and they are off to the nearest bank branch to impersonate you.

Detective Crystal Lopez, Maryland-National Capital Park Police

Email: [email protected]

Office Phone: 301-929-2774

In today's world, there are almost as many fraudsters on dating websites and the Internet as there are people looking for relationships. Mike and Mark, the hosts of the Podcast, IAFCI Presents... The Protectors discuss online dating scams. Think you met the perfect soulmate? Well if your discussions have anything to do with finances, then you probably getting scammed. These fraudsters are patient, convincing, and know how to gain your trust. 

Online dating and romance have become common nowadays. While there are people that have found love through online dating (you probably know some), its rapid increase in popularity over recent years has seen a dramatic rise in online romance scams.

Finding love online can be challenging. You will never know when you will meet the right one or if you are meeting someone who will scam you out of your pockets.

Not long ago, it was embarrassing to find love online. Some people thought it was a clear sign of desperation. Some thought that dating websites were scams and full of people that were up to no good. But due to the ever-changing world, it can be challenging to find a partner.

Fortunately, due to innovations, more and more people are checking the internet for almost everything including love.

Mike and Mark welcome Bud Miller, Executive Director of the CouponInformation Center (CIC), who is considered one of the leading coupon fraud investigators in the United States. Coupon fraud is a multi-million dollar business that not only affects manufacturers and retailers, but also you, the average consumer.  Thinking about buying coupons on the Internet?  You will think twice after you hear this podcast.  Coupon fraud has gone viral and Hollywood with the recent release of “Queenpins” starring Vince Vaughn.  Now find out how the real investigators take down coupon fraudsters and how retailers can quickly identify counterfeit coupons.

GUEST CONTACT INFO:

Bud Miller, Executive Director

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 239.331.7280

Coupon Information Corporation (CIC)

https://couponinformationcenter.com/

Register for the CIC App FOR RETAILERS and LAW ENFORCEMENT ONLY

https://couponinformationcenter.com/ap  p-request-form/

The Coupon Information Corporation (CIC) is a not-for-profit association of consumer product manufacturers dedicated to fighting coupon misredemption and fraud.

CIC was founded to encourage integrity in connection with the redemption of manufacturers’ coupons and participation in other promotional programs. We encourage and support federal, state, and local law enforcement efforts to identify, investigate, and prosecute coupon misredemption.

Since its inception in 1985, CIC has:

• Exposed fraud schemes involving more than $750 million
• Identified thousands of individuals and entities misusing coupons
• Addressed new and emerging coupon challenges prior to becoming endemic
• Recovered and returned millions of dollars to victims
• Supported the prosecution of every significant coupon fraud case since 1986 – and never lost a case.

CIC provides education and current information to consumers, best practices to retailers, advocacy for our members (primarily manufacturers), and resources and support to law enforcement.

CIC leads efforts to reform and improve security practices, enhance transparency, and open communications among all industry participants. 

Mike and Mark invite Silvia Carrier, Team Leader for the Mail Fraud Team for the U.S. Postal Inspection Service Chicago Division, to their Holiday Podcast to discuss fraud awareness and prevention for the Holiday season. It may be the season for cheer and goodwill, but it is also a busy season for fraudsters and grinches. Silvia will provide valuable information to protect against, mail theft and fraud, porch pirate schemes as well as holiday and charity-related scams.  

https://www.uspis.gov/

or Toll Free 24/7 at 877-876-2455

Since 2001, Charity Navigator has been empowering millions of donors by providing them with free access to data, tools, and resources to guide philanthropic decision-making. Through our ratings, nonprofits are equipped with the nonprofit sector's premier trust indicator and a powerful platform to raise awareness and funds.

Accessed more than 11 million times annually, donors can give with confidence knowing the organizations that are highly rated on Charity Navigator efficiently steward donations and are accountable and transparent. While we have a large footprint and an established, trusted brand, our team of approximately 25 considers itself small but mighty.

Like the nonprofits we rate, we're a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, too. We don't charge the organizations we evaluate, ensuring our ratings remain objective. In turn, we depend on the generosity of individuals, foundations, and corporations to fund our programs.

https://www.charitynavigator.org/

Mike and Mark welcome April Devalkenaere, Wisconsin Chapter President (IAFCI) and  Paralegal for the White Collar Crime Unit at the Waukesha WI District Attorney’s Office to the podcast.  April discusses the epidemic of elder exploitation in America and the fact that 90 percent of the perpetrators are known by or close to the victim.  April will provide valuable red flags that may indicate that your loved one is being targeted for exploitation or scams.  If you are a senior or have a senior in your family, you will not want to miss this episode.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Founder of Fortress Financial Education LLC, with 25 years of financial experience. I enjoy educating people on how to protect themselves and their loved ones. I have a bachelor’s degree in Computer Technology, Sociology and Criminal Justice. I am certified as a paralegal through the State Bar of Wisconsin (SBWCP) and as a Certified Financial Crimes Investigator (CFCI) through the International Association of Financial Crimes Investigators (IAFCI).

https://protectyourfortress.com/

https://www.justice.gov/elderjustice

Mike Carroll and Mark Solomon welcome Declan Hill, journalist, academic, and author of "The Fix & The Insider’s Guide to Match-Fixing." Declan is considered one of the world's foremost experts on match-fixing and corruption in International Sports. 

While speaking at the IAFCI Annual Training Conference in Chicago, Declan stopped by our on-site studio to sit down with Mike and Mark and discuss the withdrawal and ongoing crisis that is Afghanistan today. Declan discusses the multitude of failures and travesties that America and NATO allies have suffered in Afghanistan over the past 20 years. From child sex trafficking and the resurgence of opium production to government spending abuses, political corruption and the billions in weapons and technology abandoned, Declan tackles it all.

PLEASE NOTE: International President, Mike Carroll and International VP, Mark Solomon want to thank all the servicemen and women who served in Afghanistan, and especially the families of those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Your service was not in vain, and America is grateful and proud of your efforts and sacrifices.

GUEST INFORMATION:

Declan Hill

Website: https://www.declanhill.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/declan_hill

Podcast: https://www.crimewavespodcast.com/