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 years? In this episode, Javier and Neal break down how Mello pulled off one of the most brazen frauds against the U.S. military. From creating fake vendors and ghost accounts to laundering millions into mansions, sports cars, and $11 million worth of luxury jewelry, this story takes “flashy fraud” to a whole new level. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 employees, and a key investor who also happened to be a self-proclaimed witch and lottery winner. But here’s the twist: Linda isn’t just any con artist. She’s the sister of the woman who tried to steal Elvis Presley’s Graceland—something we covered in a previous episode of PRETEND. Yeah, this story just got a whole lot weirder. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 the lack of it—affects your legal defense What a “win” actually looks like for a defense attorney Plus, we unpack a notable case—Chamberlain v. United States—that helped limit the government’s power to seize assets not directly tied to alleged crimes and explore the psychology behind Ponzi schemes, sociopathy, and second chances. Guest: Elliot Sol Abrams is a partner at Cheshire Parker Schneider Abrams in Raleigh, NC. He defends individuals in high-stakes white-collar cases, asset forfeiture disputes, and professional discipline matters. 👉 Follow The Ponzi Playbook on LinkedIn for updates and deeper dives into white-collar crime. Connect with Neal McTighe and Javier Leiva to keep the conversation going. 👍 Like, rate, and leave a comment wherever you listen—your feedback helps others find the show! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 of bots streaming tracks nonstop, and royalty checks that rival Mariah Carey’s Christmas classic. About Elliot Abrams: Elliot Abrams is a white-collar defense attorney and partner at Cheshire Parker Schneider Abrams. He represents clients in criminal cases, asset forfeiture, and professional licensing matters, as well as civil rights, NCAA, and government ethics investigations. https://www.linkedin.com/in/esabrams Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 from retirees and funneled the cash into her lavish lifestyle—funding high-end fashion, $100K in cosmetic treatments, and nearly $1 million in payments to Hindu priests she believed could perform rituals to keep investigators at bay. In this episode, we unravel the bizarre world of Dawn Bennett’s Ponzi scheme—where financial fraud meets mysticism. From luxury sportswear investments that never paid off to occult rituals designed to silence her enemies, this case proves that some con artists will try anything to keep the scam alive. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 over their life savings, and then used their cash to fuel an extravagant lifestyle—complete with private jets, luxury vacations, and a $3.1M yacht named Live More. We break down the tactics he used, the warning signs investors ignored, and how the SEC finally unraveled the scheme. Plus, we dig into exclusive testimony from Drive Planning’s executives—including some incredibly shady responses (or lack thereof) during questioning. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 skeptical. It sounded like an SNL sketch: former hedge fund managers, insider traders, and embezzlers sitting in a circle, sharing their woes. However, Jeff Grant, the founder of the White Collar Support Group, doesn’t see it that way. After serving time for his crimes, Grant emerged with a mission—to help others like him rebuild their lives, one meeting at a time. “I was lost,” he admits. After his release from prison, Grant realized there was no blueprint for people like him to re-enter society. That’s why he founded the White Collar Support Group, a space for those prosecuted for financial crimes to navigate life after prison. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 explore how he used his podcast and social media to lure investors, promising low-risk, high-return investments, and the impact on those who lost nearly their retirement savings. Join us as we dissect this cautionary tale of investment fraud and the ongoing efforts by authorities to bring justice to the victims. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 crime, resort to violence to hide their fraudulent activities. PRETEND's "The Red Collar Killer" offers an intriguing look into this unique criminal behavior. For those captivated by this episode, part 2 will be available on "PRETEND," on your podcast platforms of choice. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2vaCjR7UvlN9aTIzW6kNCo?si=7452a3292b1d4ec4 Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pretend-a-true-crime-podcast-about-con-artists/id1245307962 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 device. Despite the treacherous temperatures and his mere street clothes, Piercey remained submerged for an astonishing 25 minutes before finally emerging, only to be apprehended by waiting law enforcement. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 James, all opinions and insights shared are exclusively his own. Follow Jordan Maglich on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmaglich/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 million primarily from family and friends over eight years. However, mounting delays and difficulties in accessing funds prompted the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) to freeze her assets, exposing her financial front as an elaborate Ponzi scheme. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 hoodwinked investors, promising green energy riches, tax incentives, and 66% of net profits in his elaborate web of deception. This bizarre saga involves fake anaerobic digesters, forged contracts, and a trail of misappropriated funds. Join us as we crawl out of Ray Brewer's cow manure Ponzi scheme, where investors' dreams turned into a nightmarish 'Shit Show.' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Playbook on X (formerly known as Twitter): https://twitter.com/ponziplaybook Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 legitimate offerings, surviving solely on unwitting investors' contributions. Join us as we dissect this unfolding saga and delve deep into the contentious debate surrounding whether cryptocurrencies inherently harbor the characteristics of a Ponzi scheme. Follow us on Twitter...errr X: https://linktr.ee/ponziplaybook Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices