In this episode of Behind Enemy Lines: Conversations with Fraud Fighters, host Mike LaFleur sits down with Kelly Paxton, Certified Fraud Examiner and host of the Fraudish podcast. Together, they explore the world of pink collar crime—fraud committed by everyday people in positions of trust, often within small businesses or local organizations.

Kelly explains why pink collar crime feels so personal and relatable, drawing on real cases like embezzlement in dental offices and community nonprofits. She challenges the myth that trust alone keeps businesses safe, stressing that “trust is not an internal control.” Kelly shares practical insights on how fraud starts small, how social media can reveal hidden clues, and why even well-run organizations face risk when internal controls fall short.

The conversation closes on the human side of fraud prevention. Kelly reflects on her work helping victims, her passion for education, and the importance of staying connected. Her story shows that fighting fraud isn’t just about numbers—it’s about protecting people and building a safer workplace for everyone.

Guest-at-a-glance
💡 Name: Kelly Paxton
💡 What they do: CFE Speaker, Author, and Host of Fraudish
💡 Company: Self-employed / Fraudish
💡 Noteworthy: Known for her expertise on pink collar crime and embezzlement, Kelly educates businesses on fraud prevention and shares real-world insights from years of financial investigations.
💡 Where to find her: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellypaxton/