Kelly Paxton

Fraudish

A Careers , Business and Entrepreneurship podcast

About the show

Fraudish is a podcast to help those working in fraud. Hosted by Kelly Paxton, Certified Fraud Examiner, Ex-Private Investigator, and Pink Collar Crime Expert. Kelly is a former special agent turned investigator specializing in embezzlement and workplace dishonesty cases. Fraudish interviews outstanding fraud professionals so you can continue to move forward in your career. Origin stories, tips, resources are just some of the amazing fraud content you will hear each Tuesday.

Newest episodes

Robin Dreeke on Curiosity, Connection, and Honeypots: Lessons from FBI Counterintelligence

Nov 10, 2026 54 min

Kelly interviews former FBI counterintelligence agent Robin Dreeke about how curiosity, nonjudgment, and precise word choice build connection and elicit truth, while labels like “liar” trigger defensiveness, shame, and “shields up.” Dreeke explains reframing accusations (stealing, deception) as safety and agenda issues, using “what” questions over “why,” and treating gut instincts as noticing deviations (“wobbles”) without jumping to biased stories. They discuss shame as a powerful tool in grooming and scams (including the “pig butchering” term), and how long-game honeypot operations work at high corporate levels, referencing an alleged Nvidia/Jensen Huang scenario. Dreeke outlines his career recruiting Russian intelligence officers, leading FBI behavioral analysis, and collaborating with allies, plus his post-retirement writing/speaking path influenced by Joe Navarro. Connect with Robin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rdreeke/ https://www.robindreeke.com/ https://www.robindreeke.com/the-books https://www.instagram.com/rdreeke/?hl=en https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCms3TC7728CLcm4XVxtVOfg?view_as=subscriber https://open.spotify.com/episode/64AE1UtyHtq1lliHZRNNNQ 00:00 Timely Nvidia Honeypot 00:53 Curiosity Over Judgment 04:25 Predictable Motivations 06:40 Who Steals More 09:25 Power of Questions 10:29 Words That Trigger Defensiveness 16:51 Shame in Scams 19:51 Robin Drake Background 21:37 Real Counterintelligence Work 24:51 Shows Books and Calm Brain 27:25 History Repeats Itself 28:12 Musk vs Einstein 29:58 Neuralink Problem Solving 30:52 Da Vinci and Innovation 31:41 Honeypots and Gender 34:06 Long Game Recruitment 37:17 Gut Instinct Wobbles 40:58 Interview vs Interrogation 43:04 What Makes a Spy 47:27 FBI Source Mistake 49:09 Retirement Goes Organic 51:46 Flow and Sharing Knowledge 53:18 Final Thoughts Great Conversations

Laura Hollaway Finding Fraud Angels: Empowering Women in the Fraud Fighting World

Oct 27, 2026 32 min

Connect with Laura: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fintechsalesleader/ Valid Systems: https://www.linkedin.com/company/valid-systems/home/ Women in Fraud: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/34470006/ Trail of the Lost: https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/64000414-trail-of-the-lost Hailey Windham: https://www.revfcu.com/knockout-fraud/ Kelly interviews Laura Hollaway, senior director of strategic growth at Valid Systems, about her LinkedIn-based Women in Fraud community and how it grew organically. After 20+ years in enterprise sales and an 862-mile Appalachian Trail hike in 2024, Laura joined Valid Systems and sought mentors to quickly learn banking fraud; she started a free newsletter to recognize women practitioners, noting many fraud, risk, and compliance roles VP and below are 70–75% women while leadership skews male. Valid supported the initiative with a first-year budget for a “no sales zone,” helping it grow to 2,200 newsletter subscribers, 650 community members, monthly coffee talks, and live workshops. We discuss information sharing across institutions, remote work’s isolation, shared community resources (victim-conversation tools, a vendor list, and a member directory), male allies, and recommendations like Fraud Forward and Daniel Pink’s To Sell Is Human. 00:36 Dinner With Al Capone 01:15 Mafia Stories and Books 02:44 Who Steals More 04:27 Laura Origin Story 07:05 Appalachian Trail Tales 09:13 Valid Systems Backs Women 11:38 Sharing Is Caring in Fraud 13:20 Women Leaders and AI Shift 15:53 Coffee Talks and Resources 18:07 Remote Work and LinkedIn 20:51 Professionally Persistent 22:03 Fraud Media Recommendations 28:30 Books Sales and Scammers 31:18 How to Join and Support

Kelley Brubaker CPA Lawyers missing money

Oct 20, 2026 56 min

Fraud in Law Firms: Trust Accounts, Controls, and ‘Surprise and Delight’ Auditing (with Kelley Brubaker, CPA) Connect with Kelley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelleybrubaker/ https://www.profitscalethrive.com/link-in-bio https://www.profitscalethrive.com/about https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQx-5aFarKk&list=PLg49S9w-ON1IsOz0v3sk8nMwD_1PuLXyV&index=23 Host Kelly interviews Kelley Brubaker, CPA, who runs a 21-year accounting firm and has spent the last decade focused on law firms, about embezzlement patterns and practical prevention. Brubaker recounts her Big Four audit discovery of an ATM-deposit fraud and explains how theft often starts as “borrowing” that snowballs, especially when trust accounting is messy or poorly understood. They discuss gender patterns (men stealing higher dollar amounts, women more often), warning signs like sudden lifestyle changes, and why most law firms avoid reporting to law enforcement due to shame and reputation concerns, relying instead on DOJ press releases and bar discipline records for cases. Brubaker emphasizes controls and “surprise and delight” spot checks, limits on access (cards, signing, wires), the reality that banks don’t proactively verify signatures, and tools like Ramp to separate initiation and approval. 00:00 Meet Two Kellys 00:20 Fraudster Dinner Question 01:11 Who Steals More 03:26 Cookies And Red Flags 05:08 Kelley's CPA Origin Story 07:37 Law Firm Embezzlement Patterns 10:30 Trust Accounts And Controls 15:12 Surprise And Delight Audits 17:33 Why Firms Avoid Police 23:52 Signature Rules Dont Work 28:59 Death Valley Firm Size 31:15 Conference Q&A Confessions 32:52 Money Mindset for Lawyers 35:08 Nonprofit Fraud Hiring Story 37:14 Fraud in Pop Culture Picks 37:59 Career Path and Legal Research 42:09 Clients Who Went to Jail 43:57 Fraud Controls for Growing Firms 48:34 Partnerships and Money Fights 52:19 Tone at the Top and Tax Write Offs

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All episodes

The newest 50 of 242 episodes

Robin Dreeke on Curiosity, Connection, and Honeypots: Lessons from FBI Counterintelligence

Nov 10, 2026 54 min

Laura Hollaway Finding Fraud Angels: Empowering Women in the Fraud Fighting World

Oct 27, 2026 32 min

Kelley Brubaker CPA Lawyers missing money

Oct 20, 2026 56 min

Robert Nordlander-Fraud Podcasters unite!

Oct 13, 2026 55 min

Robert Nordlander on Fraudsters, IRS CI, and Building a Career in Forensic Accounting Kelly interviews forensic accountant and former IRS Criminal Investigation agent Robert Nordlander about fraud, career paths, and professional development. Nordlander names Kevin Mitnick, Marc Rich, and Charles Ponzi as fraudsters he’d most like to have dinner with, and argues most fraudsters are more charismatic than smart. Asked who steals more, he says women more often in embezzlement due to greater representation in office and bookkeeping roles, while men more often commit violent theft. He recounts becoming a CPA, serving as a city councilman and reserve deputy in North Carolina, then spending nearly 21 years in IRS CI before starting a forensic accounting practice during COVID. He discusses why IRS CI excels at following money, enjoys criminal tax defense and bankruptcy cases, explains challenges of innocent spouse claims, and advises aspiring fraud investigators to get training, seek mentorship, use LinkedIn strategically, and create content such as a podcast. Connect with Robert: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-nordlander/ https://www.nordlandercpa.com/ https://www.forensicscpe.com/courses/index.html https://my-cpe.com/continuing-education/robert-nordlander https://my-cpe.com/continuing-education/robert-nordlander 01:03 Dinner With Fraudsters 04:24 Who Steals More 08:54 From CPA to IRS CI 14:26 Why IRS Follows Money 17:26 Too Jaded for Fraud TV 21:33 Tax Shelter Trouble 22:51 Defending Criminal Tax Cases 27:47 Criminal Tax Secrets 28:11 Choosing the Right Cases 29:17 Why Bankruptcy Works 30:59 Bankruptcy as Marketing 32:02 Bankruptcy Filing Gotchas 33:03 Innocent Spouse Explained 36:23 Asset Seizure Realities 39:40 Training for Fraud Work 42:27 Courses and Mentorship 47:34 Build a Podcast Career 50:39 Handling Criticism Online

Melina Palmer 6 year anniversary of Fraudish!!!

Oct 6, 2026 42 min

Six-Year Anniversary Episode: Behavioral Science, Status Quo Bias, and How Culture Fuels (or Prevents) Fraud Kelly marks the six-year anniversary of Great Women in Fraud/Fraudish with guest Melina Palmer, host of The Brainy Business podcast and an applied behavioral economics instructor who co-created Texas A&M’s certificate program. In a speed round, Palmer names Bernie Madoff (and possibly Ponzi) as interesting fraud interviews and discusses how “who steals more” depends on whether you mean dollars or frequency. They connect behavioral science to fraud through communication, AI’s mixed value in drafting and research, and problems with low-quality AI content and “pitch slapping” on LinkedIn. Palmer explains bike shedding (productive procrastination) and shares examples of status quo bias and change failure, including Tropicana’s 2009 packaging redesign leading to a 20% sales drop and $50M loss, plus New Coke and current Coca-Cola labeling issues. They discuss tribalism, social proof, whistleblowing, expense-report loopholes, per diems, calibration, inequity aversion (capuchin monkeys rejecting cucumbers when others get grapes), and how tone at the top and perceived unfairness can drive employee rationalization and fraud; Palmer recommends Eric Ries’ Incorruptible. Connect with Melina: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melinapalmer/ https://thebrainybusiness.com/ https://thebrainybusiness.com/learn-with-us/ Fairness study with monkeys! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=meiU6TxysCg https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Incorruptible/Eric-Ries/9798893311860 00:00 Anniversary Kickoff 01:06 Speed Round Fraudsters 03:21 Behavioral Science Background 05:28 Teaching And Podcasting 06:23 Speaking Under Pressure 09:32 AI Hype And Reality 14:35 Bike Shedding Explained 17:20 Status Quo Bias Brands 22:37 Tribalism And Expense Loopholes 28:42 Fairness And Inequity Aversion 32:34 Books For Fraudish Fans 34:59 Culture Trust And Tone

Jon David Huffman- Law, Fraud, and Justice

Sep 22, 2026 40 min

Kelly interviews Georgia attorney Jon David Huffman about fraud cases and victim experience. Huffman says embezzlement in positions of trust is more often committed by women in his experience, discusses the difficulty of finding good lawyers, and notes investigators could be stronger referral sources though rules limit referral fees. Jon explains his career path was influenced by a mentor and a decade-long family dispute rooted in a fraudulent M&A deal, leading him to a practice where he found about 80% of cases involve fraud. He describes using Georgia’s private warrant process when police decline clear-cut fraud, contrasts rural vs. metro prosecution challenges, and shares trial moments where cross-examination exposes cons. He’s writing “The Real Cost of Fraud” to counter victim self-blame, recounts being conned twice, and recommends resources like American Greed and fraud-related books. Connect with Jon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jondavidhuffman/ 00:25 Fraudster Dinner Picks 01:26 Who Embezzles More 02:44 Origin Story of Fraud Lawyer 04:52 Bad Lawyers and Referrals 07:10 Private Warrants When Cops Won’t 10:11 Selling Fraud Cases to Prosecutors 12:41 Victim Emotions and Grief 15:33 Why Trials Are Thrilling 18:08 Why Fraud Cases Don’t Settle 21:23 Brazenness and Range Rovers 24:55 Writing The Real Cost of Fraud 26:52 Books and Red Flags 30:00 Even Lawyers Get Conned 31:31 Law Firm Embezzlement Story 33:54 Fraud Docs and Reading List 36:34 Final Advice and Wrap Up

Sean Mueller Closing ACFE Global Interview

Sep 15, 2026 51 min

From Hedge Fund Fraud to Redemption: Sean's Story at ACFE Global In this Fraudish episode, the host interviews Sean, a former hedge fund manager who spoke at the 37th annual ACFE Global conference closing. Sean describes growing up in a working-class Denver home, dropping out of college, becoming a stockbroker, and launching a short-term trading hedge fund at 32. After early success, a losing month threatened his identity, leading him to conceal losses, escalate deception, and contemplate suicide when the SEC investigated; he instead cooperated, accepted responsibility, and later served 13.75 years of a 40-year state-prison sentence, plus six months in a halfway house, earning time off through good behavior and an associate’s degree. He shares prison lessons on judgment, authenticity, and trust, then reintegration through completing a bachelor’s degree and speaking, including a podcast that led ACFE’s John Gill to invite him to speak. The conversation also touches on fraudster dinner choices (Nixon), gender and theft, recommended books and podcasts, leadership lessons from prison softball, and a humorous aside about Mercedes vs. Range Rovers. 00:40 Dinner With a Fraudster 01:54 Who Steals More 03:42 From Denver to Hedge Fund 05:29 First Loss and Cover Up 07:01 SEC Call and Ledge 08:12 Cooperating and Identity 09:47 Family Ego and Balance 13:58 Prison Reality Check 18:44 Trust Among Manipulators 20:31 Time Served and Halfway House 23:28 Speaking Path to ACFE 25:30 Mercedes Not Range Rover 27:09 Podcast Influences 28:32 Money Talk and Private Jets 29:50 Finance Shows That Miss 33:25 Wall Street Roots and Validation 35:08 Writing the Redemption Book 37:48 Integrity Culture Reading List 39:35 Did Employees Know 41:08 How Investors Trusted Him 45:18 Next 15 Years and Leadership Connect with Sean: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanmueller5280/ https://proactiveethics.com/

Unraveling Fraud: The Legal Battle with Neal Levin

Sep 8, 2026 50 min

Psychology of Belief with Neal aka Fraud Guy Kellly interviews fraud attorney Neal, head of Global Fraud Investigations and Asset Recovery at the law firm Rimón, about his 30+ year career representing receivers, trustees, banks, insurers, investors, and victims of large-scale Ponzi and other financial crimes. In a wide-ranging discussion, Neal says men commit more fraud, explains why “clean” bankruptcy files are uncommon, and shares examples of debtors hiding assets (including collector cars and offshore trusts) and how trustees lack resources to pursue fraud. He talks about his first major fraud work enforcing a $1.5M State Farm judgment and describes fraudster psychology as consistent with antisocial personality traits and narcissistic tendencies, arguing fraud is often about power, not money. They also discuss ethics risks for “fraud warriors,” victim belief and sunk cost, synthetic identity fraud growth, and lawyers going bad. Connect with Neal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fraudattorney/ Do you know what Rimon means? 00:46 Ponzi Dinner Pick 01:45 Who Steals More 03:26 Inside Rimón Firm 06:42 Bankruptcy Fraud Tales 12:32 Trustee Life Reality 15:26 First Fraud Case 17:58 Fraud Warrior Ethics 20:17 Theranos and Dirty Tactics 23:17 Power Lawyers and Lies 24:51 Fraudster Psychology Profile 27:31 Power Over Money 28:59 Madoff And Affinity Fraud 29:57 Fraud Warrior Temptations 31:12 Accountability Versus Justice 33:00 Why Smart Victims Fall 35:54 Fraud Getting Worse 38:25 Belief Beats Rationality 40:28 Pop Culture Gets Fraud Wrong 43:30 Lawyers Going Bad 46:35 System Fails Self Policing

Johnathan Walton is back! Exposing the Con: Jonathan Walton's Journey Through Fraud"

Sep 1, 2026 53 min

Hardcore Con, the Shoebox Scam, and How Fear Fuels Fraud with Johnathan Walton Kelly interviews returning guest Johnathan Walton about cons, victims, and his podcast Hardcore Con. They discuss how anyone can be scammed, especially those who believe it can’t happen to them, and how multiple “red flags” compound; Kelly also describes adopting a family “code word” to thwart scams. Walton breaks down the “shoebox” case in which a financial journalist was manipulated by spoofed calls and fake FTC/CIA agents into withdrawing $50,000 and handing it to a stranger, explaining how scammers use fear, emotion, and sunk cost fallacy. They touch on jury-duty and tech-support scams, Walton’s efforts to help victims build compelling cases for police, and his series Cocaine Air. Walton previews Hardcore Con episodes on Brittany Murphy, arguing a con artist husband isolated her and withheld medical care, and teases an upcoming episode about an Amazon-related blackmail scheme. Previous link to Johnathan's first appearance: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2pOZAQ9W8rRfURhyfQVJd8 https://www.buzzsprout.com/1261361/episodes/17653295-even-fraud-has-a-silver-lining-with-johnathan-walton 01:37 No Victim Shaming 04:03 Safe Word 05:04 Hardcore Con Tease 05:46 Red Flags Checklist 06:44 Shoebox Scam Breakdown 08:24 Fear And Sunk Cost 12:55 Jury Duty Scam 15:42 Helping Victims Report 16:52 Cocaine Air Update 23:59 Beak Wetting Explained 25:07 Gender And Motives 27:59 Power Over Money 28:19 Breadcrumb Setup Trap 30:30 Fraud Crumbs Tactics 32:00 Desperation And TJ 32:48 Honeypots And Raids 34:18 What To Watch Now 35:41 Sharper And Silent Scams 37:25 Corporate Gossip And Frank 40:34 Hardcore Con Brittany Murphy 44:13 Legal Fraud And Nonprofits 47:08 Amazon Blackmail Episode 49:06 Handyman Escort Underworld 51:45 Books That Stop Cons 53:13 Final Thanks And Wrap

Kathy Chambers-From Cybersecurity to Storytelling

Aug 25, 2026 41 min

Fraudish welcomes guest Kathy Chambers, connected through LinkedIn, to discuss storytelling as a driver of change and effective marketing in cyber and fraud. Kathy shares her path from radio/TV degrees and 10+ years as a TV news producer to University of Florida media director, then pivoting during COVID to ITProTV, where she hosted 250+ audit episodes and later the Certified Ethical Hacker series, falling in love with cybersecurity’s “drama” and later its protective mission. She describes producing a cybersecurity show, quickly booking major industry names, and networking through conferences like Wireless Hacking Fest. They discuss how stories—not statistics—stick in presentations, fraud, and cyber marketing, criticizing generic “AI-powered” messaging and advocating people-centered narratives, even via scenarios when privacy blocks details. Kathy explains building client trust, her focus on helping small-to-medium businesses. Shout out to her podcast Authentically Cyber. Connect with Kathy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathychambersmedia/ https://kathychambersmedia.com/ Authentically Cyber Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyVUHRwg9INfOUJVlYLpm-zzKvtcD9NP7 Show times! 00:00 Meet Kathy Chambers 00:53 Fraudster Dinner Question 02:01 From News to Cyber 05:32 Hosting Ethical Hacker 07:12 Launching Cyber Show 09:28 Networking at Conferences 11:03 AI Deepfake Fears 13:45 Why Audit Matters 16:01 Storytelling Beats Stats 17:39 Cyber Marketing Stories 19:26 Remembering Tom Cronkite 20:37 Why Stories Stick 21:15 Rebranding a New Business 22:30 Pink Collar Crime Series Idea 24:08 Making Victims Relatable 26:13 Getting Companies to Share 30:25 Tractors Not Ferraris 32:12 Leaders as the Story 35:12 Marketing Cuts Pet Peeve 36:32 Ideal Client Avatar 39:44 TikTok and LinkedIn Magic 40:28 Closing Thanks and Mattering

Fraud, Mentoring, and AI: Serena Morones on Transforming Forensic Accounting

Aug 18, 2026 42 min

Serena Morones on Forensic Accounting, Mentoring, and Using AI to Find Fraud Faster Podcast host Kelly interviews Serena Morones of Morones Analytics about fraud, forensic accounting, and her career path. In a speed round, Morones says she’d most like to have a meal with Robert Jesenick, the CEO behind Oregon’s largest Ponzi scheme (Aequitas), to understand how rationalization and the “slippery slope” begin. They discuss gender patterns in fraud: women more often in classic embezzlement/bookkeeper cases, men more often in complex multi-entity schemes and investment fraud with larger dollar amounts. Morones recounts shifting from plans for law school to forensic accounting after seeing litigation-support work at Pricewaterhouse, emphasizing creativity, communication, and courage. She describes monthly group mentoring sessions and her focus on credibility and truth-telling among expert witnesses. Morones also shares her sports photography hobby and explains how AI is improving investigations by speeding document analysis and visualization, with a staff member dedicated to tool development. She notes she most enjoys investment fraud cases, recommends “Mr. Bates vs the Post Office” and “The Big Short,” and encourages young professionals to pursue the field for justice while staying committed to truth in court. 00:00 Welcome Serena Morones 00:45 Meal With a Fraudster 04:14 Men vs Women Theft 08:29 Building Morones Analytics 13:24 Creativity in Forensics 17:33 Mentoring the Next Gen 20:59 Sports Photography Outlet 22:39 AI in Forensic Accounting 32:47 Favorite Case Types 34:54 Fraud in Pop Culture 38:07 Gerry Spence Truth Lesson 40:13 Career Advice and Wrap Connect with Serena: https://www.linkedin.com/in/serenamorones/ https://moronesanalytics.com/team/serena-morones/

Marguerite Lorenz, Luck or Control? Why Estate Planning Matters Before Crisis Strikes

Aug 11, 2026 1 hr 3 min

Returning guest Marguerite Lorenz is here to talk about all things trust and estate related. She has a new book, Luck or Control, The Life-Improving Power of Estate Planning,” reflecting on how a rushed, outdated will during the host’s husband’s terminal cancer diagnosis made planning urgent and life-easing. Lorenz argues estate planning is not about wealth or only death, but about documenting preferences for incapacity, healthcare, and distribution to avoid confusion, family conflict, fraud risks, and costly probate (noting a $46,000 minimum in California for a $1 million estate). They discuss choosing qualified estate-planning attorneys, updating plans, naming multiple healthcare agents, tracking fiduciary actions, avoiding “early inheritance” ambiguity, and real cases involving elder financial abuse, safe deposit boxes, life estates, pet trusts, no-contest clauses, and special needs/public benefits concerns, directing listeners to planforthis.com for a free toolkit.and you need to go and get it! https://planforthis.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/californiatrustee/ Previous episode with Marguerite: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-21-marguerite-c-lorenz-ctfa-clpf-master-trustee/id1530413097?i=1000510372491 0:58 Why Estate Plans Matter 03:14 Cost Versus Probate 06:17 Free Toolkit And Hiring Help 07:28 Fiduciary Duty Explained 08:37 Family Caregiving Gray Areas 12:43 Document Everything As Trustee 15:31 The Black Box Problem 17:52 Choose Your Three People 20:35 Agency And End Of Life Choices 24:42 Mabel Casino Cautionary Tale 27:23 Preventing Inheritance Fights 29:46 No Contest Clauses And Spite 32:17 Leaving Love Not Destruction 33:26 Fairness Between Children 34:02 Fairness Can Flip 34:37 Needs Based Trusts 35:39 Love Not Punishment 37:46 Planning for Incapacity 41:04 Life Estates and Marriage Myths 43:51 Pet Trust Pitfalls 46:53 Sign the Documents 48:44 Wills and POA Basics 50:28 Stop Clever Workarounds 52:05 Safe Deposit Box Chaos 55:35 Special...

Gossip and Deceit-Becca Platsky, CPA Scorned, on Corporate Crime

Aug 4, 2026 51 min

Corporate Gossip’s Becca Platsky on CEO Myths, Enron Obsessions, and Why Humility Is Fraud Protection Kelly Paxton hosts Becca Platsky of the Corporate Gossip Podcast (a CPA-run “business podcast for Bravo lovers”) to discuss how the show deep-dives one company per week with heavy research, financial analysis, and human-interest gossip, including episodes on Enron and the Forbes 30 Under 30 pipeline of fraudsters. They argue CEOs are often made “dumber” by constant validation and isolation, and that executive assistants may best understand what happens behind the scenes. The conversation covers wealth bias in the justice system, support letters for white-collar defendants, and the Charlie Javice/JPMorgan case as an avoidable due-diligence failure tied to elite blind spots. Platsky emphasizes community as a source of optimism, names favorite media/podcasts, and stresses that humility—recognizing anyone can commit or fall for fraud under pressure and opportunity—is key protection. 01:52 What Corporate Gossip Is 04:11 Why CEOs Get Dumber 06:41 Executive Assistants Know 09:13 Billionaire Pedestals 10:36 Scott Galloway Debate 12:18 Favorite Business Voices 13:35 Optimism Versus Skepticism 17:00 New York And Thrillerfest 19:51 Dream Fraudster Interviews 22:00 Who Steals More 23:50 Madoff Staff And Disney 24:25 Letters To The Judge 27:08 Charlie Javice Case 29:43 FAFSA Fraud Blindspots 32:18 Range Rover Red Flags 33:17 Forbes Lists and Grifts 34:59 WeWork Key Man Risk 36:58 Podcast Inspirations 38:45 Stanford Power Plays 40:49 Scammer Red Flags Books 42:41 Humility Against Fraud 45:54 Everyone Has a Price 48:04 Women in Fraud History Resources Mentioned Nobody's FoolCorporate Gossip podcastPatreon community for Corporate GossipConnect with Becca https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccaplatsky/ https://www.corporategossippod.com/

What is Ethical AI use in Fraud Examination? with Mark Nigrini

Jul 28, 2026 57 min

This week on Fraudish, Kelly speaks with Mark Nigrini to discuss AI’s use in fraud examination. Do you think Sam Bankman-Fried’s Anthropic investment to AI’s growing relevance? We discuss. Nigrini shares AI applications like detecting inconsistent invoices (think Rita Crundwell), finding fraud “fingerprints” in dollar amounts, analyzing contradictions in hearings, and raising ethical concerns. Connect with Mark: linkedin.com/in/mark-nigrini-7409918 Get his book, Forensic Analytics: https://nigrini.com/

Melissa Jones OSINT Millenial

Jul 7, 2026 35 min

Guest: Melissa Jones, SIU Investigator at Crum & Forster ("OSINT Millennial") Host Kelly Paxton sits down with Melissa Jones — insurance fraud investigator, OSINT trainer, and self-described "OSINT Millennial" — for a wide-ranging conversation about building a career in Special Investigations, the art of digital digging, and why connection (both online and on the ball hockey rink) drives everything Melissa does. Episode Highlights Fraudster Dinner Date Melissa kicks things off with an unexpected pick: convicted FBI spy Robert Hanssen, someone she studied in her criminal justice master's program. Kelly counters with the usual suspects (Charles Ponzi, Elizabeth Holmes) but appreciates the espionage angle. Who Steals More — Men or Women? A detour into gender and fraud data, including a striking stat Kelly cites from a colleague's fire department embezzlement research: women make up only about 3% of fire department staff but account for roughly 28% of thefts. Melissa admits her own SIU team doesn't currently track gender breakdowns — but wants to start. From Direct Bill Clerk to SIU Investigator Melissa traces her 12-year (and counting) career at Crum & Forster: a psychology degree from Ramapo College, an entry-level insurance ops job in 2014, a move into policy operations, and a leap into the Special Investigations Unit as an analyst in 2017 after spotting an internal job posting. She was promoted to investigator in 2022 and now works alongside a nationwide SIU team of 15–16 people. Why Insurers Have the Data Advantage Kelly and Melissa talk shop on how much visibility insurance companies have into patterns of behavior — from claims data to spending anomalies — and how that data gets put to work across property/casualty, auto, workers' comp, and even pet insurance claims. Building the "OSINT Millennial" Brand Melissa describes how she got into public speaking after approaching fellow investigator Joe Stevenson at a conference in Hersheypark in 2019, which led to her fi...

Is Your Attorney a Good Negotiator? If Not, Get a New One with Martin Medeiros

Jun 30, 2026 47 min

Can you even negotiate fraud? This episode on Fraudish we discuss how negotiation and fraud are more related than you would think. I am joined by Martin Medeiros about fraud, negotiation, and AI. Martin is an attorney (I know, another one!) who helps organizations build value by treating intellectual property as a strategic asset. In the episode, Martin describes his career building Fortune 500 tech negotiation teams. We discuss his data-driven negotiation approach using game theory and Bayesian updating. And of course, we discuss using LinkedIn as attorney marketing. Connect with Martin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-medeiros2/ Persuasion Lab: https://thepersuasionlab.com/ Buckley Law: https://www.buckley-law.com/martin-medeiros/

Women Steal More Due to Opportunity in Financial Roles with Michelle Tavares

Jun 23, 2026 37 min

Which fraudsters would you have dinner with? Most people would answer Bernie Madoff or Charles Ponzi. But how many of you would pick a famous fraud investigator? Our guest in this episode does! Michelle Tavares recently launched Standard and Proof Investigations, a litigation support focused on financial fraud, OSINT searches, corporate governance, and assessing the integrity of AI-produced data. Michelle discusses her career through consumer protection roles at the CFPB and the FTC, plus her long-standing focus on forensic accounting and following the flow of funds. In a speed round, she names Kate Ward, Pinkerton’s first female private investigator. Connect with Michelle: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-t-59751427/

Corporate Governance Starts Before Any Consultant Arrives with Evan Tsai

Jun 9, 2026 38 min

What does your grandmother have to do with corporate governance? More than you might think. In this episode, Kelly Paxton sits down with Evan Tsai, an auditor, compliance veteran, and newly minted founder of Phoenix Ascent, for a conversation that travels from the fraud pandemic in Taiwan, to a book theft at an auditors' conference, to why governance starts long before any consultant walks through the door. After 20 years in audit, risk, and compliance, Evan kept seeing the same movie play out: companies chasing big, shiny tools without first understanding their own processes, people, or data. That pattern and a deep respect for governance instilled by his grandparents in Taiwan is what drove him to launch Phoenix Ascent and help organizations understand where they actually stand before the regulators come knocking. Plus: Evan shares why no organization (or auditor) is truly above temptation. Connect with Evan Tsai: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evanjtsai/ Phoenix Ascent:https://www.linkedin.com/company/phoenix-ascent-advisory-llc/

What to Know About Whistleblowing from Whistleblower Royalty with Sam Buffone

Jun 2, 2026 45 min

Have you hear of the False Claims Act? This whistleblower statute recovers $2–6 billion per year for taxpayers. But most of us have never heard of it. Well, If you report fraud against the government (a "qui tam" action) and the government recovers, the whistleblower receives 15–25% of the recovery. Sam Buffone is our guest on this episode of Fraudish, he is whistleblower attorney and founder of the Buffone Law Group. Sam spent 9 years at the Department of Justice and helped recover $3 billion in civil fraud enforcement. Kelly met him at the Maryland ACFE conference after being impressed by his last-minute fill-in presentation. Sam describes his role as a translator: whistleblowers come to him feeling gaslit, with scattershot observations, and he packages their experience into something that speaks the government's language and directs investigative attention. Cases routinely take years. He works on contingency (no recovery = no fee), which is essential since whistleblowers rarely have the budget to fight corporations. Sam doesn't advertise. Whistleblower clients are scared, isolated, and often don't even know whistleblower attorneys exist as a specialty. He relies on referrals to find the right clients. Whistleblower Programs to Know Sam closed with a rundown of the major programs: False Claims Act — government/healthcare fraud (qui tam)SEC — securities fraudCFTC — commodities and crypto fraudIRS — tax fraudFinCEN — financial crimes, sanctions evasionDOJ Antitrust — illegal cartels (growing)DOJ Criminal Division — catch-all programNHTSA — auto safety/recall issuesResources & References Mentioned Going Infinite by Michael Lewis (FTX/SBF)Who Is Government? compiled by Michael Lewis (long-form essays on public servants)The Big Short (film)My Cousin Vinny — Sam's pick for most legally accurate movieMichael Clayton (film)Tyler Schultz (Theranos whistleblower)James Holzrichter (whistleblower case)Erin BrockovichConnect with Sam Buffone Buffone Law Group— whistleblower...

The Fraud Doesn't End When the Money's Gone: Aftercare & Elder Protection with De'Airra Belcher

May 12, 2026 26 min

What happens after someone gets scammed? The money's gone but the shame, the confusion, and the vulnerability to being hit again? That often sticks around. This week I'm joined by De'Airra "Dee" Belcher, founder and fraud-prevention lead of JRMT Consulting, and she is tackling the part of fraud recovery most of us aren't talking about. Dee spent a decade in banking before turning her focus to the people most often left without support after a scam: small businesses, nonprofits, and especially older adults. Her Fraud Recovery and Guidance initiative was built specifically to address what she calls the "aftercare gap" which is the dangerous silence that follows a fraud incident and leaves victims exposed to revictimization. Dee walks us through how organized fraudster playbooks actually work — the information recycling, the escalation tactics, and how our one fraud attempt does not mean its over. And we discuss how important it is to protect elders and focus on prevention because (if we’re lucky) we’ll be elders one day that are vulnerable to fraud. Links: Connect with Dee: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deairrabelcher/

Fraud is a Culture Issue? The Financial Consenquences of Turning a Blind Eye with Evie Wentink

May 5, 2026 36 min

You may think fraud is a financial issue. And you would be wrong! According to my guest, “Fraud is a culture issue with financial consequences.” And I tend to agree. Everything in an organization — good or bad — begins and ends with culture. When leaders look the other way (as illustrated by Tom Hardin's first fraudulent trade going unchallenged by his boss), a culture of permissiveness takes root. Kelly welcomes back Evie Wentink for her return appearance on Fraudish. Evie is a compliance professional with 20+ years of experience, founder of the Integrity Playbook program, and a passionate advocate for ethics and compliance in both enterprise and small business settings. 📚 Books & References Mentioned Tom Hardin — insider trader turned ethics speaker; his book is a recurring touchstone throughout the episode. Evie is co-organizing a Compliance Professionals Meetup in Morristown, NJ featuring Tom Hardin (with book signing)."London Falling" by Patrick Radden Keefe — Kelly's current read; a true story about a young British boy whose fascination with Wolf of Wall Street shapes his path."Wolf of Wall Street" — used as a cultural reference point for how organizational culture can normalize extreme behavior."Friends & Neighbors" (Apple TV/HBO Max) — Kelly recommends this Jon Hamm series about a hedge fund manager turned thief for Evie.The Better Way Podcast — hosted by Hui Chen and Zach Coseglia; their company is called Culture Data Ethics.Evie's Final Word for the Audience: "Relationships are the key to success — not only in business, but in compliance." If you're in ethics or compliance, make it your goal to meet people across your organization before they ever have to come to you with a problem. Build those relationships proactively. It will become your biggest asset! Thanks for listening to Fraudish. Please leave us a good review if you enjoyed! Connect with Evie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eviewentink/ Ethical Edge Experts: https://www.ethicaledgeexperts.com/ Eth...

Insurance Fraud, Personal Branding, and 37 Years of Solving Riddles with Kelly Riddle

Apr 14, 2026 43 min

When your last name is Riddle, solving problems kind of feels inevitable. In this episode, Kelly sits down with Kelly Riddle, founder and CEO of Kelmar Global, to unpack a 37-year career in fraud investigation — from insurance fraud and corporate theft to how the field has evolved in the digital age. They dive into what actually makes someone commit fraud, the differences between male and female embezzlers, and why no one committing fraud thinks they’re the bad guy. Kelly Riddle also shares his go-to interview techniques for getting people to confess — without ever leading with accusations. Plus: why committing insurance fraud is a terrible idea (they know more than you think), how technology has changed investigations, and the surprisingly strategic side of naming and branding a business. 🔍 In this episode: Why insurance fraud is harder to get away with than everThe psychology of fraud: rationalization, guilt, and opportunityMale vs. female embezzlers — who actually gets away with more?Interview techniques that get people talking (and confessing)How fraud investigation has evolved over nearly four decadesThe role of social media and digital footprints in modern casesWhy you should never name your business after yourselfHow strong branding shapes your reputation in an industryConnect with Kelly Riddle: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellyriddle/ Kelmar Global:https://www.kelmarglobal.com/About-Us PI Insitute: https://piinstitute.com/

The Fraud Red Flags You Should Pay Attention To with Michael Blevins

Apr 8, 2026 46 min

She knew she would get caught one day but kept stealing… Every day at work: "Is this the day?" and when FBI showed up with her boss, she knew immediately. This is Michael's choice for any fraudster to interview: Sue Sachdeva (Koss Corporation). Michael Blevins, a fraud prevention consultant based in Palm Springs, California, about his 35+ year career in mortgage banking and fraud prevention. We discuss Sue Sachdeva's shopping addiction embezzlement case, the evolution from consumer fraud to business fraud, the fraud triangle, red flags in employees, and Michael's transition to consulting after a corporate career. Connect with Michael: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelblevins7118/ Blevin Associates: https://www.blevinsassociates.com/

“Just Go Do the Thing”: Inside Forensic Accounting and Fraud Minds with Justin Burns, CPA, CFE

Mar 24, 2026 42 min

What does it actually take to build a career catching fraudsters? In this episode, Kelly sits down with Justin Burns, CPA, CFE and founder of Space Coast Forensics, to talk about his journey into forensic accounting — and why success in this field (and honestly, any field) comes down to one simple mindset: just go do the thing. From cold-emailing his way onto podcasts to building his own practice, Justin shares how taking initiative — even before feeling “ready” — shaped his career. They also dig into the psychology of fraud, including which fraudsters Justin would most want to interview, why the first time someone steals matters more than anything else, and the truth about gender differences in embezzlement. Plus: what forensic accountants actually do day-to-day, how to break into the field, and why the community is more supportive than you’d expect. 🔍 In this episode: Why asking about the first theft reveals everythingThe truth about gender differences in embezzlementHow Justin found forensic accounting (and knew it was the right fit)What forensic accountants actually do: fraud investigations, litigation support, and moreThe power of cold emails, networking, and taking initiativeStarting your own practice: exciting, terrifying… and worth itWhy most people never take the leap — and how to be the exceptionThe surprisingly supportive world of forensic accounting💡 Key Takeaway Most people wait until they feel ready. The ones who succeed? They start before that. 👤 About Justin Burns Justin Burns, CPA, CFE, is the founder of Space Coast Forensics, where he specializes in fraud investigations, litigation support, and economic damages. He’s also the host of the Data Sleuth Podcast, where he explores real-world fraud cases and forensic accounting insights. Connect with Justin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-burns-cpa-cfe-215506155/ Space Coast Forensics 🎧 Resources & Mentions Data Sleuth PodcastCrime JunkieSwindledCriminal with Phoebe JudgeDead Money by Jacob Ke...

Tipper X Returns: Cold Emails, Insider Trading Lessons, and Turning Scars into Service with Tom Hardin

Mar 17, 2026 54 min

Tipper X is back. Tom Hardin, former Wall Street analyst, convicted insider trader, and author, returns to Fraudish to talk about what happens after the scandal. Most people in Tom’s position would disappear. Instead, he’s chosen to do the opposite: speak openly about his mistakes and turn his scars into service. Tom joins Kelly to discuss his new book and the real story behind his insider trading conviction — including the pressures of Wall Street, accountability, redemption, and what the justice system gets right (and wrong). They also dive into the mental health toll of public scandal, the gray areas of ethics in finance, and what Tom now teaches organizations about compliance, culture, and decision-making. In this episode: What actually happened in the insider trading case that made Tom “Tipper X”The personal and professional fallout after the convictionProsecutorial overreach and the complexities of white-collar justiceThe mental health side of scandal and rebuilding a lifeWhy Tom now speaks to companies about ethics and complianceAbout Tom Hardin Tom Hardin (aka Tipper X) is a former Wall Street analyst who became one of the most well-known insider trading cooperators in U.S. history. Today he is a public speaker on ethics, compliance, and decision-making in high-pressure environments — and the author of a new book about his experience and redemption. Connect with Tom: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tipperx/ 📘 Get the book: https://www.tipperx.com/book 🎧 Listen to Tom’s first Fraudish appearance: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-33-tom-hardin-aka-tipper-x/id1530413097?i=1000523021597

Following the Money: An Inside Look at IRS Criminal Investigations with Carla Blake

Mar 11, 2026 56 min

Before launching her own forensic accounting firm, Carla Blake CPA, CFE spent 15+ years with the IRS tracking down fraudsters. In this episode, she joins Kelly to break down how investigators actually follow the money—and the surprisingly simple red flags that expose embezzlement. From ghost employees to Ponzi schemes, Carla breaks down how fraud really happens, how investigators catch it, and why understanding human behavior matters just as much as understanding numbers. Spoiler: sometimes the biggest fraud control is simply not trusting the nicest person in the office with all the passwords. What You’ll Learn Why women and men commit different types of fraudThe red flags that signal embezzlement in small businessesHow forensic accountants follow the moneyWhy most fraud is discovered by accidentThe skills every future fraud fighter actually needsResources Mentioned Association of Certified Fraud ExaminersAmerican Institute of Certified Public AccountantsData Sleuth PodcastCarla Blake LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blakefiles/ Website: https://www.blakefiles.com/

Behavioral Similarities Between Fraudsters and Murderers with Julia Cowley of The Consult: Real FBI Profilers

Mar 3, 2026 56 min

Julia Cowley is a retired FBI agent/profiler, who hosts The Consult: Real FBI Profilers podcast. The one on the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum heist was fantastic! Cowley traces her path from chemistry and a forensic science master’s to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, then the FBI, where she was assigned to bank fraud and later public corruption/civil rights in Boston while serving on the Evidence Response Team, before applying to and joining the Behavioral Analysis Unit during research into high-level white-collar offenders. They found some interesting similarities between serious violent offenders and white-collar criminals. Listen to The Consult: https://www.truecrimeconsult.com/

Going Undercover to Recover Priceless Art with FBI Art Crime Senior Investigator Robert Wittman

Feb 24, 2026 37 min

Art crime isn't like other crime. They aren't just stealing from one person or organization, when they steal a masterpiece from a museum, they're stealing from all of us. A lot of former law enforcement officials write books. Not a lot of them write page turners. I found Robert Wittman after reading about him in the news and reached out cold—because his book Priceless is just that good. We're talking kept-me-up-until-2-AM good. Art crime is fascinating, but it doesn't always grab me like this one did. Robert was instrumental in the creation of the FBI’s rapid deployment Art Crime Team and spent his career going undercover to recover stolen masterpieces worth hundreds of millions of dollars. In this conversation, we get into what it's actually like to work art fraud cases, what differentiates it from other fraud, and how he turned those wild stories into a book that reads like a thriller. Connect with Robert: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-wittman-74347a16/Website: https://www.robertwittmaninc.com/aboutBooks: https://www.robertwittmaninc.com/booksMore from Robert: BBC Interview: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/w3ct5p64Podcast Appearances: https://www.podchaser.com/creators/robert-wittman-107aNDpttk/appearances

Are You a Robot? AI and Paywalls in Investigations with Rob Gardner

Feb 17, 2026 52 min

A return guest on Fraudish who is a LAWYER? Shock & awe. Rob Gardner is back, and technically he just went to law school (we'll let it slide). This time we're tackling something every investigator is bumping up against: the limitations of AI in research and the paywalls that keep getting in the way. We dig into how public records access varies wildly from state to state—and why that matters more than ever when you're trying to piece together an investigation. Rob brings the practical, boots-on-the-ground perspective on what AI can actually do for investigators versus what it promises, and where good old-fashioned legwork still wins. If you've ever hit a wall mid-investigation—literally or digitally—this conversation is for you. Connect with Rob: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-gardner-94b5831/Rob's Writing: "The Worst": https://www.managerisks.net/new-blog/2026/2/3/the-worst"Two Memos": https://www.managerisks.net/new-blog/2026/2/13/two-memosShows & Resources Mentioned: The Prosecutor (2025): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt32499731/Dept. Q Series: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dept._QThe Lincoln Lawyer: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Lincoln_Lawyer_(TV_series)YouTube clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xT7pB72jwn4

Pro Bono Forensics: Access to Forensics and Fraud Investigation Shouldn't Be a Luxury with Austin Parris

Feb 3, 2026 44 min

What happens when someone needs a forensic accountant but can't afford one? This week Kelly speaks with Austin Parris, forensic manager at IAG Forensics and Valuation, to talk about something that doesn't get nearly enough attention in our industry: access. Not everyone who needs forensic work can pay for it, but that doesn't mean they don't deserve it. Austin shares his career journey and his work with the Atlanta Volunteer Lawyer Foundation, where forensic accounting meets real community impact. We dig into why pro bono work matters, how it can actually make you a better investigator, and the networking opportunities that come from showing up for causes bigger than your billable hours. If you've ever wondered how to use your fraud skills for good or you're looking for meaningful ways to give back while building your career, this one's for you! Connect with Austin: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aparrisforensic/IAG Forensics: https://www.iagforensics.com/austin-parris/Resources Mentioned: Atlanta Volunteer Lawyer Foundation: https://avlf.org/Digital Assets at Duke: https://www.digitalassetsatduke.org/In the Red Clay Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-red-clay/id1519901948

AI Tools for Fraud Fighters: IT Risk Expert JR Kunkle on Gemini & Cybersecurity Trends

Jan 27, 2026 41 min

What if AI could make you a better fraud investigator? This week I sit down with JR Kunkle, an IT professional with over three decades of experience in IT risk and project management. JR isn't just talking theory—he's actually using AI tools like Claude and Gemini in his daily work, and he shares his hands-on approach to leveraging these tools for professional writing and analysis. We dig into the cybersecurity trends that should be keeping fraud professionals up at night, why organizational transparency remains such a persistent challenge, and what's really going wrong in the accounting and audit sectors. Whether you're curious about integrating AI into your investigative toolkit or you want to understand the IT risks that enable fraud in the first place, JR brings practical insights from someone who's been in the trenches for 30+ years. Connect with JR: 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/jrkunkle/

From Cybercrime Prosecutor to Cyber Yenta with Brian Levine

Jan 20, 2026 53 min

Does technology make fraud easier to commit OR easier to catch? Brian Levine has some strong opinions, and trust me, you'll want to hear them. In this episode, I sit down with Brian, an attorney, former DOJ cybercrime prosecutor, entrepreneur, and #CyberYenta for one of the most entertaining conversations I've had on this show. We dive into his fascinating career journey from commercial litigation to his work fighting cybercrime at the Department of Justice, and what inspired him to build Former Gov, a directory connecting former government employees. Brian brings the perfect combination of deep expertise and genuine humor (yes, he kept me laughing the entire recording). Connect with Brian on Linkedin Shows & Resources Mentioned: Inside Airport Lost and Found To Catch a SmugglerEar Hustlehttps://www.earhustlesq.com/AIUC-1Am I My Father’s Trapper Keeper Keeper

From Big 4 to Family-Owned Fraud Business with Liz Briggson, CPA of Encoursa

Jan 14, 2026 42 min

What does it look like going from a massive international company to working with your husband on a family-owned business? Liz Briggson, CPA joins Fraudish to discuss her career in the fraud world as a CPA and shares a lot about the differences between working for a big org and starting your own thing. No matter which side you are on, you will learn something! Encoursa is a platform that provides insightful and engaging professional education for CPAs, accountants, and finance leaders all over the world. Connect with Liz: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizbriggsoncpa/ Check out Encoursa: https://encoursa.com/ Contemporary Auditing Book: https://www.abebooks.com/Contemporary-Auditing-Knapp-Michael-C-Cengage/32308578597/bd https://www.cfo.com/news/doing-time/680742/ Leslie Fays: https://aaronhall.com/lessons-from-leslie-fays-bankruptcy-financial-controls-adaptability-and-leadership/ https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/district-courts/FSupp/918/749/1448157/ All the Cool Girls Get Fired book: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/All-the-Cool-Girls-Get-Fired/Laura-Brown/9781668067451

Why Do Fraud Victims Not Pursue Justice? with Natalie Lewis

Dec 9, 2025 43 min

Why do so many fraud victims choose to quietly move on rather than pursue criminal charges? In this episode, I explore this frustrating reality with Natalie Lewis, CPA and Certified Fraud Examiner, as we unpack why victims often choose the path of least resistance — and what this means for fraud prevention on a larger scale. Natalie brings her forensic accounting expertise to our conversation, sharing what it's really like to work massive fraud cases with mountains of discovery and impossibly tight deadlines. We discuss how to stay sane when you're drowning in data, why prioritization and teamwork become your lifeline, and how data analytics can save the day — especially when company turnover threatens to derail an investigation. If you've ever wondered why we don't see more fraud cases in court or how forensic accountants piece together complex financial crimes, this episode pulls back the curtain on the messy reality of fraud investigation and victim psychology. Links: Connect with Natalie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalie-lewis-cpa-cff-cfe-a1700514/A Primer on Integrating Open Source Intelligence in Fraud Investigations: https://www.jsheld.com/insights/articles/a-primer-on-integrating-open-source-intelligence-in-fraud-investigations-a-forensic-accountants-perspectiveFidelity Investigations - A Comprehensive Guide: https://www.jsheld.com/insights/articles/fidelity-investigations-a-comprehensive-guide-to-successful-claims-outcomes

The Best Embezzlers Are the Ones We Don't Know About with Eli Rosenblatt

Dec 2, 2025 48 min

Who makes the better embezzler: men or women? According to this week's guest, it's impossible to know because the truly great embezzlers never get caught. I'm excited to welcome my longtime friend and colleague Eli Rosenblatt to Fraudish. Eli takes us through his wonderfully "squiggly" career path in fraud investigation, reminding us that there's no single route to success in this field—and that's what makes it exciting. Whether you're just starting out or contemplating a career pivot, Eli's journey proves there are countless ways to make your mark in fraud detection. We dive deep into Fraud in Pop Culture cause we are both nerds about it. Eli shares his favorite fictional fraud fighters and we geek out over the shows that get it right and wrong. If you've ever wondered about the crimes we never catch or felt stuck in your fraud career trajectory, this episode will open your eyes to possibilities you haven't considered. Connect with Eli: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elirosenblatt/ Eli's website: https://elirosenblatt.com/ Mentions: The Bridge: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Bridge_(2013_TV_series)Great Detectives Archive: https://www.greatdetectives.net/detectives/Leverage: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leverage_(American_TV_series)Pat Novak, for Hire: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pat_Novak,_for_HireYours Truly, Johnny Dollar: https://archive.org/details/OTRR_YoursTrulyJohnnyDollar_SinglesThe Big Sleep: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Big_Sleep_(1946_film)Blade Runner: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blade_RunnerStumptown: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stumptown_(TV_series)Sugar: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sugar_(2024_TV_series)Against the Rules Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/against-the-rules-the-big-short-companion/id1455379351

Unethical Companies, Unhappy Employees with Dr. Bettina Palazzo

Nov 25, 2025 53 min

You can't have good business in a rotten society — and when your company is unethical, your employees feel it. Ethics is like a muscle: ignore it, and it atrophies. I'm thrilled to welcome Dr. Bettina Palazzo to discuss the real cost of business ethics (or the lack thereof). Fun fact: This marks a Fraudish first—I've now had both halves of a power couple on the show! Bettina met her husband, previous guest Dr. Guido Palazzo, at an ethics conference. Talk about finding your person in unexpected places, proof that you should definitely attend more events. Bettina and I dive deep into the shifting landscape of corporate compliance and how leadership sets the tone for everything that happens in your organization. We explore why younger generations are fundamentally changing workplace expectations and refusing to settle for "that's just how business works" mentality. Bettina brings fresh perspectives on making ethics practical, not preachy, so if you're tired of compliance being treated like a box-ticking exercise rather than a competitive advantage, this episode is for you. Connect with Bettina: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bettina-palazzo/Blog: https://bettinapalazzo.com/palazzo-blog/Compliance Cappuccino Club: https://bettinapalazzo.com/en/compliance-cappuccino-club-english/

Increasing Fraud Detection without More Friction with Tamás Kádár

Nov 18, 2025 39 min

For Fraud Awareness Week, I sit down with Tamás Kádár, CEO of SEON, for an in-depth look at how fraud detection has evolved into the systems we see today. We dig specifically into the topic of FRICTION and it’s role in the fraud world. Whether you're running a business, working in fraud prevention, or just curious about how companies stay one step ahead of fraudsters, this conversation delivers for you. Plus, Tamás shares some surprising perspectives on where fraud prevention is headed next! Connect with Tamas: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomkadar/ SEON.io

The Face of Fraud Fighting with President of the ACFE John Gill

Nov 11, 2025 47 min

The Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) is the world’s largest anti-fraud organization providing anti-fraud training and education. With over 30 years in the anti-fraud trenches, John Gill, President of the ACFE, talks us through his unlikely start as a legal writer to becoming a key fraud-fighting leader. His journey proves there's no single path into this field (good news for fraud career changers!). John shares stories from his interviews with notorious fraudsters that had me taking notes on psychological red flags. We dive into why developing killer interview skills might be the most underrated weapon in your fraud-fighting arsenal. Whether you're a seasoned CFE or considering your first steps into fraud examination, John's advice on building rapport, establishing trust, and continual learning applies. This conversation reminded me why fighting fraud matters in ways that transcend the financial impact – and why the field continues to attract passionate professionals dedicated to protecting organizations and the public. Connect with John: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-gill-cfe/ACFE: https://www.acfe.com/

The Counterintuitive Power of Vulnerability in Fraud with Craig Stanland

Nov 4, 2025 53 min

Fraudish, a favorite reformed fraudster is back! Craig Stanland returns to Fraudish to share his continued journey of reinvention. And let me tell you, this conversation goes places I never expected! Craig opens up about how stoicism became his unlikely lifeline after incarceration, offering practical wisdom for anyone facing life's tough moments (fraud-related or otherwise). We dive into the counterintuitive power of vulnerability, something most fraud professionals aren't exactly trained to embrace, and how it's transformed his approach to public speaking and connecting with others who've made devastating mistakes. Whether you're a fraud professional seeking deeper understanding of what drives and reforms fraudsters, or simply someone fascinated by stories of reinvention, this conversation offers both emotional depth and practical wisdom from someone who's lived through the consequences of crossing ethical lines. Connect with Craig: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigstanland Website: https://craigstanland.com/Book: "Blank Canvas: How I Reinvented My Life After Prison"Previous Episode: Episode 57 - Craig Stanland

Lessons from a Professional Peacemaker with Doug Noll

Oct 21, 2025 58 min

Litigator turned a peacemaker? Well Doug Noll is no usual lawyer, and you won't want to miss his Despite Kelly’s aversion to lawyers, she has invited Doug Noll on to discuss why he isn’t a typical lawyer anymore and how he got involved in the fraud world. Doug Noll is a former trial lawyer turned mediator who is known for his work in alternative dispute resolution and emotional competency. Doug shares his journey from starting as a litigation attorney to becoming a peacemaker. We cover: How the prison population isn’t that different from the wider populations and his work with the Prisoner Peace ProjectHow to really use boundaries in your life Why most lawyers are lousy negotiators and how to be a better one yourself Why emotional intelligence gets better as we age How AI will change the legal professionThe way this lawyer blew me away with his emotional intelligence! Never thought I’d say that - so make sure to listen through. Learn more about Doug: https://dougnoll.com/ Connect with Doug: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dougnoll/ Follow Doug: https://www.instagram.com/douglasenoll/

Beyond Checkbox Compliance and Ethics Training with Evie Wentink

Oct 14, 2025 45 min

Toxic leadership + unhappy employees = ethics disasters waiting to happen! Sound familiar? This week, I'm thrilled to chat with Evie Wentink from Ethical Edge Experts who's revolutionizing compliance programs by putting people first. She shares why those mind-numbing checkbox approaches fail and how integrating employee wellbeing into ethics actually prevents misconduct. If you're looking to transform compliance from a dreaded requirement into a competitive advantage, this conversation delivers practical strategies you can implement immediately. Connect with Evie: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eviewentink/ Website: https://www.ethicaledgeexperts.com/ Book: https://www.amazon.com/LETS-TALK-ABOUT-ETHICS-Wentink/dp/B0DXCK3N4P

From Patriot Act to Online-Banking: How Banking and AML Changed with Becki LaPorte

Oct 7, 2025 33 min

Fraudish fans, I've brought an Anti-Money Laundering (AML) powerhouse Becki LaPorte to share the fraud lessons and career pivots that keep you coming back. Becki breaks down her fascinating evolution from therapist to Anti-Money Laundering specialist, revealing how her psychology background became her secret weapon in understanding financial crime patterns. For those of you navigating career transitions in fraud prevention, her journey through banking, securities, and technology offers a masterclass in building transferable skills that keep you relevant as compliance demands evolve. This episode delivers tangible professional development for anyone serious about advancing their fraud-fighting toolkit! Connect with Becki: https://www.linkedin.com/in/becki-laporte-cfcs-fis-a543b95/

200 Episodes of Fraudish & We're Still Kicking: Death Investigation Special with Dean Beers

Sep 30, 2025 56 min

Fraudish fans, we made it to 200 episodes! To celebrate, I'm diving into the ultimate fraud – death fraud – with death investigator Dean Beers. And yes, "death investigator" is absolutely as fascinating a job as it sounds! Dean's been poking around suspicious deaths since 1987 (before some of you were born!) and shares some jaw-dropping stories that would make even your favorite true crime podcast blush. From "Oops, they're not actually dead" insurance scams to cases where the evidence tells a completely different story than the witnesses, Dean's seen it all. The best part? He breaks down how evidence-based impartiality is the secret sauce to cracking these cases wide open. This episode is perfect for my fellow investigation nerds, whether you're working in the private sector or government. Here's to 200 more episodes of Fraudish conversations! Connect with Dean: https://www.linkedin.com/in/forensicinvestigators/ Investigative Courses registration link and discount code: www.InvestigativeCourses.com Code: fraudish15 associates@InvestigativeCourses.com Truth Verifications: www.TruthVerifications.com (we offer a 10% discount or a 10% referral fee back to them, just tell us they heard on the podcast). Books: their three books are at www.PrivateInvestigations.org (direct from us is a 20% discount from Amazon retail, and also includes taxes and shipping). http://www.deathcasereview.com/ http://www.deathcasereview.com/truth-verifications.html

Why Good People Do Bad Things with Guido Palazzo

Sep 23, 2025 37 min

This episode with Prof. Guido Palazzo blew my mind about how normal people turn into corporate criminals. Turns out it's less about bad apples and more about toxic orchards! We dish about all your favorite corporate disasters: Theranos, Wells Fargo, and France Telecom. Guido explains how fear and impossible targets are basically Fraud Fertilizer™. My favorite part? Learning that having a career "Plan B" is your best defense against being pressured into sketchy accounting, and that reading novels builds more ethical muscles than those cheesy HR training videos. Next time your boss talks about "getting creative with the numbers," remember this conversation and maybe update that resume... just saying! LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guidopalazzo-/ Website: https://guidopalazzo.com/ Get his book: https://guidopalazzo.com/book-project/

From White Shoe Lawyer to White Collar Inmate and Back with Jeff Grant Esq.

Sep 16, 2025 45 min

Buckle up, Fraudish! Jeff Grant gives "career pivot" a whole new meaning in this episode: from lawyer to opioid addict to federal inmate to ordained minister to practicing attorney again. Talk about a LinkedIn profile that raises eyebrows! Jeff and his wife Lynn created the White Collar Support Group (therapy for people who've traded corner offices for prison cells) and now he's fighting for a Federal Expungement Initiative. As someone who investigates fraud for a living, I was fascinated by the "after the handcuffs" perspective we don’t discuss too often. Don't miss the White Collar Conference 2025 on October 11th (virtual) featuring CNN's Jeffrey Toobin and Joe Bankman, father of crypto's fallen wunderkind SBF. Florida friends – catch Jeff live on October 9th at Church of Bethesda-by-the-Sea in Palm Beach (RSVP: rsvp@bbts.org). Links: White Collar Support Group: http://prisonist.orgConference: http://whitecollarconference.comLaw Practice: http://GrantLaw.comExpungement Initiative: http://federalexpungement.orgNew Yorker profile: https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2021/08/30/life-after-white-collar-crimeJeff's Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeff_Grant_(attorney)

When Positive Psychology Meets Fraud Prevention with Robin Johnson

Sep 10, 2025 48 min

I'm back with a conversation that connects dots I never saw coming! Robin Johnson brings the ultimate career combo - fraud prevention expert AND positive psychology guru. We dive into why that perfectly nice Karen from accounting suddenly "borrows" $250K, how toxic workplace culture practically invites fraud, and my favorite revelation: positive psychology might prevent fraud better than another policy manual (sorry, corporate writers!). Robin's journey from MBA to Safe Checks fraud specialist to positive psychology master's degree holder gives her unique insight into the human side of fraud. If you've wondered why your fancy controls still don't stop determined fraudsters, this episode has your answer: better humans, healthier workplaces! Connect with Robin: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinlitsterjohnson/Website: https://www.robinlearningsystems.com/Mentioned in this episode: Safe Checks: https://www.safechecks.com/Book: Positive Leadership by Kim Cameron: https://www.amazon.com/Positive-Leadership-Strategies-Extraordinary-Performance/dp/1609945662/Rocky Flats National Wildlife Refuge: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rocky_Flats_National_Wildlife_RefugeTED Talk: "Forget the pecking order at work" by Margaret Heffernan: https://www.ted.com/talks/margaret_heffernan_forget_the_pecking_order_at_work

Networking Across Borders: Yin Johnson’s Global PI Career

Aug 26, 2025 40 min

"My location holds no boundaries!" - Yin Johnson, whose 37-year investigative career spans continents and countless fraud cases. In this episode, we explore how Yin built her global investigation practice and leverages her extensive network to solve complex cases. Yin shares her journey from sports instructor to renowned international investigator, offering insights on financial and intellectual property fraud across different cultures. We discuss how technology has transformed her work and the power of building strong investigative connections worldwide. Kelly want’s her rolodex! Connect: LinkedIn: Yin JohnsonBooks: Reprobates | Killer SmileLinkedIn: Kelly Paxton

An Ethical Rabbi Walks into a Bar? with Rabbi Yonason Goldson

Aug 19, 2025 32 min

After 30 years in Jewish education, Rabbi Yonason Goldson became an ethics expert and speaker. As I discovered, it's not as big a leap as you might think! In this episode, we explore whether today's world is actually less ethical or if we just see more wrongdoing due to social media and the 24 hours news cycle. We also dive into how AI is reshaping our ethical landscape and what ancient wisdom can teach us about modern dilemmas. Yonason brings unique perspectives as a prolific content creator and host of the podcast 'Grappling with the Gray.' If you've ever had questions about navigating ethical gray areas in your professional life, this conversation delivers practical insights you can apply immediately! Connect with Yonason Goldson: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yonason-goldson/TED Talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/yonason_goldson_how_i_became_my_own_worst_nightmarePodcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/45dZ36DR6SxpFGGJSaXPuiConnect with Kelly: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellypaxton/

Even Fraud Has a Silver Lining with Johnathan Walton

Aug 12, 2025 1 hr 4 min

"I'm grateful she scammed me... at the end of the day I'm better for it" Can fraud actually lead to positive outcomes? That's the provocative question at the heart of this week's episode, where I sit down with Johnathan Walton – a man who turned his own devastating scam experience into a mission that's helped countless victims reclaim their power. Johnathan shares the shocking story of how he was manipulated by a con artist posing as an Irish heiress, and the unexpected silver lining that transformed him into one of today's leading experts on scams and the psychology behind them. We also dive into Johnathan's latest project – the riveting podcast "Cocaine Air" – which chronicles the incredible true story of TJ Dominguez, a former cocaine smuggler who flew $2 billion worth of drugs for Colombia's most notorious cartels. CONNECT WITH JONATHAN Official Website: johnathanwalton.comLinkedIn: Johnathan WaltonBook: Anatomy of a Con ArtistPodcast: Queen of the Con: The Irish HeiressNew Podcast: Cocaine AirTV Series: Queen of Con: The True Story of the Irish HeiresCONNECT WITH KELLY Website: kellypaxton.comLinkedIn: Kelly Paxton, CFE, PI

There’s Always a Victim: True Crime Road Trip with Lou Schachter

Aug 5, 2025 51 min

I'm back with renewed Fraudish energy! In this captivating return episode, I welcome Lou Schachter, the investigative mind behind True Crime Road Trip and recent New York Times featured writer. Lou shares his remarkable journey recovering stolen paintings and documenting historical crimes from his home base in Palm Springs. Don't miss his incredible story of connecting the dots that led to the recovery of two paintings stolen 40 years ago from the Harwood Museum in Taos, New Mexico, a case that garnered national attention in 2025 when the FBI returned the artwork to its rightful home. He also opens up about how his grandfather's unsolved murder sparked his fascination with historical crimes, including his upcoming project "Lust for Power.” Lou Schachter is a storyteller exploring the intersection of true crime mysteries and travel. His blog features short, real-life stories about curious crimes and odd criminals in intriguing places, with a particular focus on the Desert Southwest. Lou's investigative work recently made headlines when he identified two stolen paintings that had been missing for decades, connecting them to the infamous Alter couple who had previously stolen a $100+ million Willem de Kooning painting. Lou and his husband have lived in New York, Los Angeles, and now Palm Springs. He's traveled to 70 countries and is the author of two business books. Before pursuing true crime writing, Lou had a successful career in various fields, bringing a unique perspective to his investigations RESOURCES & LINKS Lou Schachter's Medium BlogTrue Crime Road TripThe New York Times: Art Recovery Article (July 2025)The New York Times: de Kooning Mystery Article (2017)The Thief Collector DocumentaryLust for PowerCONNECT WITH LOU Follow Lou on Medium: @louschachterTrue Crime Road Trip publication: medium.com/true-crime-road-tripCONNECT WITH KELLY Website: kellypaxton.comTwitter: @pdxcfeLinkedIn: Kelly Paxton, CFE, PIFRAUDISH PODCAST Fraudish is a podcast helping those work...

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Podcast details

Created by: Kelly Paxton
Status: Active
Latest episode: Nov 10, 2026
Episodes: 242
Release period: Weekly
Avg. episode length: 42 min
Explicit: No
Language: English

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