The Ponzi Playbook
The Ponzi Playbook is a podcast that delves into the dark side of finance, exposing the inner workings of notorious Ponzi schemes. Hosts Neal McTighe and Javier Leiva explore the twisted minds of the fraudsters behind these schemes, taking listeners on a journey through the seedy world of financial fraud.
Episodes
25: The Gucci Goddess
Meet Janet Yamanaka Mello—better known as the "Gucci Goddess." She wasn’t your typical fraudster. Dripping in designer labels, driving luxury cars, and amassing an absurd collection of real estate, she managed to siphon off over $100 million from the U.S. Army’s youth programs. How did a civilian employee turn a government grant program into her personal ATM? And why did nobody notice for six year
23: My Wife, The Ponzi Schemer
This is an Interview with a man convicted of a Ponzi scheme. It originally aired on the PRETEND podcast.
Bill Livolsi says he was just trying to help his wife, Linda, the ringleader of a multi-million dollar investment scam.
In this episode, Bill opens up about how he got roped into the scheme, ignored every red flag, and ultimately landed in prison. He describes fake hedge funds, imaginary em
22. The Ponzi Defense: Elliot Abrams on White-Collar Legal Tactics
What happens after the feds kick in your door?
In this special bonus episode of The Ponzi Playbook, we sit down with white-collar defense attorney Elliot Sol Abrams—partner at Cheshire Parker Schneider Abrams—for a raw, behind-the-scenes look at what it’s really like to defend clients facing federal fraud charges.
You’ll hear:
What goes down in the hours and days after an FBI raid
How money—or
21: The AI Hitmaker: Michael Smith’s $10 Million Stream Scheme
What if you could create thousands of songs using AI… and make millions off them without a single fan? That’s exactly what prosecutors say Michael Smith did.
In this episode of The Ponzi Playbook, Javier and Neal are joined by criminal defense attorney Elliot Abrams to unpack a case that’s not your typical Ponzi scheme—but definitely fraud-adjacent. We're talking about AI-generated music, armies
20: The Ponzi Priestess
When the FBI raided financial advisor Dawn Bennett’s luxury penthouse in 2017, they expected to find evidence of fraud. What they didn’t expect? Freezers packed with mason jars—each containing a severed cow tongue, labeled with the initials of SEC attorneys investigating her.
Bennett, once a well-respected investment advisor, promised her clients 15% annual returns. Instead, she drained millions f
19: Burkhalter’s $372M Drive Planning Scheme
A guaranteed 10% return in just 90 days—sounds too good to be true, right? Well, it was. In this episode, we investigate Todd Burkhalter and Drive Planning, a Georgia-based financial firm that promised real estate-backed investments but instead ran a massive $372 million Ponzi scheme.
Hosts Javier and Neal expose how Burkhalter and his team lured in over 2,000 investors, convinced them to hand ove
The White Collar Support Group
Hey everyone, it's Javier. Neal and I are working hard on season two of the Ponzi Playbook. In the meantime, I want to share an episode that I think you'll enjoy from my other podcast PRETEND.
It’s hard to imagine former executives, investment fraudsters, and insider traders gathering for weekly support meetings.
When I first heard about a support group for white-collar criminals, I was skeptic
18: Confessions of a Ponzi Schemer: The Timepiece Gentleman (Anthony Farrar)
This episode offers an unprecedented look into the life of the 'Timepiece Gentleman' Ponzi schemer, Anthony Farrar, whose love for luxury watches spiraled into a deceitful web of lies, culminating in a rare and candid confession.
If you want to hear more wild Ponzi stories, subscribe to The Ponzi Playbook hosted by me, Javier Leiva, and my buddy Neal McTighe.
SUBSCRIBE: https://t.co/M02YhRa5Iq
Le
17: Defrauding a U.S. President? Ferdinand Ward's Ponzi Scheme
The Swindle of the Century: How Ferdinand Ward Duped President Grant
This episode unveils the cunning plot that led to the financial ruin of
Ulysses S. Grant, Civil War hero and former President of the United
States.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
16: Matthew Beasley: You May Get Shot If You Run a $500M Ponzi
Matthew Beasley, once a respected attorney in Las Vegas, found himself at the heart of a $500 million Ponzi scheme, entangling investors with the promise of lucrative returns from slip-and-fall lawsuits. But his empire crumbled on March 3, 2022, with a shootout after the FBI showed up at his doorstep.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
15: The Cash Flow King: The Ponzi Podcaster Matthew Motil
In this episode of the Ponzi Playbook Podcast, we delve into the shocking case of Matthew Motil, the host of "The Cash Flow King" podcast, who was charged by the SEC for running an $11 million Ponzi scheme. Motil, from North Olmsted, Ohio, is accused of deceiving over 50 investors with promissory notes, falsely backed by real estate, while using their money for lavish personal expenses. We'll expl
The Red Collar Killer part 1
This week's "Ponzi Playbook" episode features a special crossover with Javier's acclaimed podcast, "PRETEND." Listeners are introduced to "The Red Collar Killer," the first of a two-part series. This engaging segment delves into the world of 'red collar' criminals, a concept coined by Frank Perri, an attorney, CPA, and certified fraud examiner. These criminals, originally involved in white-collar
14: From Soulmates to 'Scheme-mates': Brent and Jana Seaman's Ponzi Accusations
Brent and Jana Seaman, a prominent Naples couple once regulars on the gala circuit, now face serious allegations as the SEC charges Brent Seaman with conducting a multi-million-dollar Ponzi scheme. On today's episode of the Ponzi Playbook, get an in-depth look at the couple's journey from socialite status to the center of a financial controversy.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoi
13: Matthew Piercey: Ponzi Schemer Evades FBI Capture with Underwater Scooter
Ponzi Schemer Evades FBI Capture with Underwater Scooter
44-year-old Matthew Piercey, accused of orchestrating a $35 million Ponzi scheme, led FBI agents on a wild chase through the streets of Redding, California. After evading capture on the roads and highways, Piercey made a desperate bid for escape by plunging into the icy waters of Lake Shasta, using a Yamaha 350LI underwater submersible devi
12. Inside the World of Ponzi Schemes with Attorney Jordan Maglich of PonziTracker.com
Jordan Maglich, the Florida-based attorney, is a household name in the realm of Ponzi schemes. He's worked on landmark Ponzi cases and is the founder of PonziTracker.com. Join us on The Ponzi Playbook Podcast to hear about his firsthand experiences, the evolution of PonziTracker.com, and his unique perspective on the ever-evolving world of financial scams.
Note: While Maglich represents Raymond J
11. Melissa Caddick: The Foot Washes up on the Shore
The grisly discovery of a decomposed foot on a remote beach 300 miles south of Sydney has thrust missing con woman Melissa Caddick's Ponzi scheme into the spotlight. The mysterious foot discovery, along with her husband Anthony Koletti's frantic texts, ignited a media frenzy, shedding light on Caddick's murky financial schemes. Caddick had promised substantial returns to investors, amassing A$30 m
10: What a Shit Show: Ray Brewer's Cow Manure Ponzi
The Cow Manure Ponzi Scheme that Scammed Millions
Wouldn't it be great if we can create energy from cow shit? It's a win-win idea. Fewer greenhouse gases in our atmosphere and a source of renewable energy. Brilliant! Right?
The so-called 'energy from cow manure' venture orchestrated by Ray Brewer became a multimillion-dollar Ponzi scheme. From 2014 to 2019, the consummate bullshitter Ray Brewer ho
9: Chimene Van Gundy: “The Queen of Mobile Homes” Ponzi
Chimene Van Gundy, hailing from Texas, has been implicated in an alleged fraudulent scheme amounting to a staggering $18.5 million, according to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Nicknamed "The Queen of Mobile Homes," Van Gundy purportedly masterminded a Ponzi scheme that revolved around refurbishing and reselling mobile homes, leaving investors in financial ruin.
Follow The Ponzi Play
8: A High Flying Ponzi: Planes, Drugs, and International Fugitives
Trust company owner Debra Lynn Mercer-Erwin is convicted on drug trafficking charges and found guilty in a $240 million Ponzi scheme.
Follow us on Twitter...errr X:
https://linktr.ee/ponziplaybook
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
7: The $340M DeFi Crypto Ponzi Scheme
Forsage.io Founders Indicted: Exploring Cryptocurrencies as Potential Ponzi Schemes
In this episode we unravel the Forsage.io scandal, revealing its founders' shocking indictment by the DOJ in February 2023. Originally flagged by the SEC in August 2022, Forsage.io, a DeFi crypto company, orchestrated transactions exceeding $340 million over two years, yet investigations unveiled its lack of legit
6: Rick Siskey: From Chess Master to Ponzi Puppeteer
Rick Siskey, known as "Big Rick" for his larger-than-life persona, led a lavish and opulent lifestyle while orchestrating one of Charlotte, North Carolina's largest Ponzi schemes. With a strategic mind reminiscent of a chess master, Siskey's ability to stay ahead and his uncanny foresight attracted high-net-worth individuals to entrust him with their investments. However, what seemed like a haven
5: Doc Gallagher: Texas, God, and Affinity Fraud = Three Life Sentences
Retired Christians Fall Prey to 'Money Doctor's' $32 Million Ponzi Scheme.
William Neil Gallagher, also known as "Doc" Gallagher, orchestrated a massive Ponzi scheme targeting retired Christians. Operating under the guise of a licensed investment adviser, Gallagher exploited the trust of up to 190 senior-citizen investors, ranging from ages 62 to 91. With losses estimated between $19.3 million and
4. Johanna Garcia: Mother Teresa Ran a Ponzi Scheme?
Mother Teresa is the last person you'd expect to be caught up in a Ponzi scheme. Well, not the iconic humanitarian we all know, but a certain Johanna M. Garcia from North Lauderdale who went by that moniker in her community.
In 2021, The SEC filed a complaint against Garcia and her colleagues at MJ Taxes and More.
Initially known for helping businesses secure the funds they needed through Merchant
3. Fred Sharp: When a Fraudster’s Life Imitates Art
In this episode of "The Ponzi Playbook," we deviate from the world of Ponzi schemes and explore the captivating life of Frederick L. Sharp—a story where life imitates art.
Follow us on social:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ponziplaybook
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ponzi-playbook/
Substack: https://ponziplaybook.substack.com/publish?utm_source=user-menu
Learn more about your ad c
2. Eric J. Dalius & The Saivian Ponzi Scheme
In this episode, we delve into the world of Eric J. Dalius, a mastermind behind the Saivian Ponzi scheme that promised incredible cash-back rewards for everyday purchases. Join us as we expose the elaborate pitch and the captivating persona of Dalius, who mesmerized investors with promises of lucrative returns.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
1. George Santos & The Harbor City Capital Ponzi Scheme
We peel back the layers of the Harbor City Capital Ponzi scheme, exposing the deceptive tactics orchestrated by Jonathan Paul Maroney and shedding light on the involvement of George Santos. In this episode, we delve deep into the intricate workings of the scheme, where enticing promises of remarkable returns through internet advertising conceal a web of deceit.
Learn more about your ad choices. Vi
The Ponzi Playbook Trailer
Welcome to The Ponzi Playbook, the podcast that exposes the dark underbelly of the financial world. Join hosts Neal McTighe and Javier Leiva as they take you on a journey through the seedy world of financial fraud, exploring the twisted minds of the people behind some of the most audacious Ponzi schemes in history.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Recommended
0xResearch
10000 MINUTES
1000 Things You Should Know
1000x
1001 Classic Short Stories & Tales
1001raah | هزار و یک راه
1001 Sherlock Holmes Stories & The Best of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
1001 Songs That Make You Want To Die
100 Famous Dogs
#100MasterCoaches with Mel Leow, MCC
100% Mixtape Podcast
100 With The Hunter's
