Today on The Protectors Podcast, Mike and Mark explore the unique challenges and proactive measures taken by the US Postal Inspection Service to safeguard the joyous spirit of Christmas. Postal Inspectors across the country work hard to protect your mail, but with deliveries to more than 100 million addresses, the Inspection Service can't do it alone.

US Postal Inspector and National Public Information Officer Michael Martel joins us today to shed light on the precautions in place to ensure mail and shipping safety during the festive season, and what you can do to make certain your holiday deliveries arrive safe and sound this season. Listen and enjoy as we equip you with practical tips and strategies for protecting yourself against holiday mail scams and shipping fraud so that you can enjoy a worry-free festive season!

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United States Postal Service Contact Number: 877-876-2455

United States Postal Inspection Service Website: https://www.uspis.gov/

United States Postal Inspection Service Website Holiday: https://www.uspis.gov/holiday-2023

Safety Tips from Today's Show:

1. The United States Postal Service (USPS) WILL NEVER send you a text message unless you have signed up for text alerts with your local postal service.
2. The USPS WILL NOT call you about an unclaimed package.
3. If you receive a piece of mail claiming to be from the U.S. Postal Service, check the return address to confirm that it is legitimate.
4. Pay attention to the language used in emails, text messages, and mail. Something casually written is likely NOT from the U.S. Postal Service.
5. Delete all emails and text messages that you believe to be fraudulent. DO NOT click on any links or respond in any way!

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IAFCI CONTACT INFO:

IAFCI Website: https://iafci.org/

Phone: 916-939-5000

Advertising Opportunities and Guest Appearance: [email protected]

As we deck the halls and dash through malls, the holiday hustle could make us easy prey for scammers. In this must-listen episode of The Protectors Podcast, hosts Mike and Mark join forces with Scott Warren, a seasoned investigator from the Oak Brook Police Department, to spotlight the hidden traps of holiday shopping frauds and scams. Scott brings years of battling retail fraud to the table, sharing crucial know-how to keep you and your gifts safe and your season joyful. 

Scott Warren LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-warren-746a698a/

Oak Brook Police Acting Supervisor (Investigations) Scott Warren: [email protected]

Oak Brook Police Chief Brian Strockis: [email protected]

Oak Brook Police Deputy Chief Reid Foltyniewicz: [email protected]

Oak Brook Police Deputy Chief Mark King: [email protected]

Oak Brook Police Sgt Jason Wood: [email protected]

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IAFCI Website: https://iafci.org/

Phone: 916-939-5000

Advertising Opportunities and Guest Appearance: [email protected]

Ladies and gentlemen, fraud fighters and curious minds alike, The Protectors is celebrating its two-year anniversary of entering the podcast arena!

In today's episode of IAFCI Presents The Protectors Podcast, our listeners get to take a rare, behind-the-scenes look at how the IAFCI and The Protectors embarked on this incredible journey to educate investigators and the public about the dangers of fraud, financial and cybercriminal activity. Our podcast has become the epicenter for learning about the methods and tactics that fraudsters use to commit these heinous crimes.

Ever wondered what goes on behind the microphones, the research, and the interviews? In this episode, Mike, Mark, and producer Doug Taylor let you in on the secrets, the funny mishaps, and the aha moments that bring our podcast to life. From in-depth interviews with experts to uncovering the latest scams making waves in the digital world, The Protectors Podcast and the IAFCI are here to empower the public through knowledge, education, and awareness.  

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IAFCI Website: https://iafci.org/

Phone: 916-939-5000

Advertising Opportunities and Guest Appearance: [email protected]

Doug Taylor, Executive Producer - Modified Media

Phone: 215-315-3148

In the 1990's everyone remembers the McDonald's promotions and rewards programs. Buy some food, and maybe you will become a millionaire. Well, a former police officer working as a vendor for McDonald's saw an opportunity to rig the contest and line his pockets with a portion of the winnings over 12 years.

However, a tip from an informant led to its unraveling, and a team of dedicated FBI agents, led by Special Agent Chris Graham (Ret.), took down the ring of fraudsters and sent eight people to prison.

The McMillions fraud and investigation were chronicled in a six-part HBO documentary about how $24 million was stolen from the McDonald's Monopoly game and how Graham and his team dismantled the fraud.

On today's episode of The Protectors Podcast, Mike and Mark welcome Chris Graham, who headed the investigation. Throughout his illustrious 26-year career, Chris held various critical roles, but his tenure as the lead agent in the McDonald's Monopoly Game Fraud case made him "famous."

Join us as we peel back the layers of this incredible story, exploring the highs and lows of a two-year-long investigation and the dedicated agent at the heart of it all.

Chris Graham LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-graham-446ab939/

Other Chris Graham Links:  https://jerriwilliams.com/episode-200-chris-graham-mcdonalds-monopoly-scam/

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IAFCI Website: https://iafci.org/

Phone: 916-939-5000

Advertising Opportunities and Guest Appearance: [email protected]

In a world where our lives are increasingly intertwined with the digital realm, the battle to protect our identities has never been more critical. Identity theft is not just a crime; it's a relentless predator lurking in the shadows of our cyber lives, waiting to pounce on the unsuspecting. It preys on your personal information, financial security, and peace of mind.

Today on The Protectors Podcast, Mike and Mark delve into the chilling reality of identity theft and why it has become one of the most serious and pervasive crimes of our time. But today's show is not just about revealing the horrors of identity theft; it's about empowerment. We'll equip you with tools, strategies, and insider knowledge from a surprise guest caller to fortify your defenses.

Whether you're a cybersecurity enthusiast, a concerned citizen, or someone who has experienced this fraud firsthand, join us today as we peel back the layers, unmask the truth about identity theft, and empower you to take control of your digital identity.   

Federal Trade Commission Website: https://www.ftc.gov/

Identity Theft Affected 40 Million U.S. Adults in 2022 Totaling $43 Billion in Losses 

IAFCI Website: https://iafci.org/

Phone: 916-939-5000

Advertising Opportunities and Guest Appearance: [email protected]

In the darkest hours of crisis and chaos, they are the unsung heroes who rush toward danger when everyone else is fleeing from it. First responders - the valiant men and women comprising our law enforcement, firefighters, paramedics, and emergency personnel - stand on the front lines of society, ready to sacrifice their own safety to protect ours. First responder suicide and mental health concerns are topics that are seldom spoken about. The individuals who dedicate their lives to preserving ours are, tragically, taking their own lives at an alarming rate. We know this episode will help those who are struggling and also give a better understanding to the public of what these men and women face daily.

Today on The Protectors Podcast, Mark and guest co-host April DeValkenaere welcome the founder of Resilient Heroes, Liz Pol. Liz created Resilient Heroes to present members of Law Enforcement with Psycho-education of Trauma and Police Suicide. As a current police officer of 19 years, she understands the adversities of the job, including the psychological, emotional, and physiological challenges experienced by members of law enforcement. 

Today's podcast isn't just about acknowledging the problem; it's about discovering the solutions, dispelling the stigma, and ensuring that every first responder knows they are not alone. It's about spotlighting the resources available to help them heal, cope, and thrive. It's time we honor their sacrifice by extending the compassionate hand of support, standing side by side with those who stand for us, and forging a path toward a brighter, more resilient future for our heroes.

Resilient Heroes Website: https://www.resilient-heroes.com/

Liz Pol LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/resilientheroes/

Liz Pol Twitter: https://twitter.com/LizRH2022

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IAFCI Website: https://iafci.org/

Phone: 916-939-5000

Advertising Opportunities and Guest Appearance: [email protected]

According to the Commission on the Theft of American Intellectual Property, the theft of trade secrets costs the U.S. between $180 billion and $540 billion annually. And with advanced technology and the Internet, stealing intellectual property has become easier than ever before. Intellectual Property, or IP, can be movies, music, content on the web, software, patents, and more.

Today's episode of The Protectors Podcast is brought to you from the 2023 CCROC Conference in Chicago, IL. Mike and Mark sit down with Attorney Angelo Mazza. Angelo is an expert in the field of Intellectual Property Theft, with over three decades of experience battling the ever-evolving challenges that artists, inventors, and creators face. As a legal expert, lecturer, and advocate, Angelo has been at the forefront of protecting intellectual property rights, ensuring that the creative minds behind innovations and artistic works receive the recognition and compensation they deserve.

Whether you're an aspiring artist, a tech entrepreneur, or simply curious about the evolving landscape of intellectual property, our podcast will provide you with the knowledge and insights to navigate this intricate terrain.

Angelo Mazza Email: [email protected]

Gibney Website: https://www.gibney.com/

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IAFCI Website: https://iafci.org/

Phone: 916-939-5000

Advertising Opportunities and Guest Appearance: [email protected]

Welcome to the 50th episode of The Protectors Podcast. Today's episode features special guest - news anchor, narrator, producer, and author Bill Kurtis. This legendary journalist's credits include hits such as Cold Case Files, American Justice, and American Greed, to name a few. 

Host Mark Solomon, and sitting in for co-host Mike Carroll, April DeValkenaere, take listeners on a compelling adventure recounting Kurtis's journey from his early days to becoming an internationally known TV personality.

In this special 50th episode, Bill shares his thoughts on the fraud and financial crime crisis plaguing the United States and the world. Bill also discusses what he calls the four "Crimes of the Century." This podcast promises to be as entertaining as it is enlightening, so sit back, relax, and let the Maestro himself take you through this very special 50th episode of The Protectors Podcast.

IAFCI Website: https://iafci.org/

Phone: 916-939-5000

Advertising Opportunities and Guest Appearance: [email protected]

Criminals use every bit of technology to their advantage. You can no longer trust who is calling, sending a text, or an email. You just never know who is at the other end. And you can wind up losing everything.

Welcome to today's episode of The Protectors Podcast. In this episode, we're joined by a special guest, Christian, a brave college student who has experienced firsthand the devastating impact of a banking scam. Christian courageously shares his personal story, taking us through the harrowing journey of being targeted by a cunning phone call scam that appeared to be from his banking institution. The fraud left him bewildered, vulnerable, and potentially penniless. His story is a call to our younger Americans, as to others, that getting educated about fraud is critical in the world we live in. Fortunately, Christian reacted quickly, and with some help from the Protectors Podcast, IAFCI, law enforcement, and bank investigators, this story has a rare happy ending. Christian wanted to "pay it forward," so others know what to do when they are targeted by imposters.  

IAFCI Website: https://iafci.org/

Phone: 916-939-5000

Advertising Opportunities and Guest Appearance: [email protected]

Insurance fraud, a hidden but significant menace, greatly impacts the U.S. economy and your wallet. As fraud cases rise, they inflict severe losses on insurers, inevitably leading to higher premiums for honest policyholders like you. To tackle this issue effectively, a strategic collaboration between government agencies, law enforcement, and insurance companies is essential for protecting our economy and the citizens.

In today's episode of The Protectors Podcast, our hosts Mike and Mark are joined by Steve Bodge, a seasoned expert from Nationwide Insurance with over three decades of experience. Steve peels back the curtain on the world of insurance fraud, illuminating different types of scams, such as staged accidents and fraudulent medical claims. He will also share the broader implications of these deceptive practices on insurers, policyholders, and our economy. Whether you're an insurance professional, a vigilant citizen, or simply curious about financial crimes, this episode will offer crucial insights and emphasize the role we all play in curbing insurance fraud.

Steve Bodge Business Cell: 304-482-2223

Steve Bodge Email: [email protected]

Steve Bodge Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-bodge-cfe-cfci-ciafp-cifi-scla-5a402017

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IAFCI Website: https://iafci.org/

Phone: 916-939-5000

Advertising Opportunities and Guest Appearance: [email protected]