Behind the Scams

Behind the Scams

Welcome to Stamp Out Scams: Behind the Scams, the podcast that pulls back the curtain on the lies, tricks, and schemes used by scammers to exploit people every day. Hosted by Nick Henley and a team of podcast volunteers. Nick is the founder of Stamp Out Scams a non-profit scam prevention organization. He is a former U.S. Treasury Special Agent and spent 25 years investigating financial crimes. He is also a licensed California Private Investigator and a Certified Fraud Specialist. This podcast exposes the methods scammers use, the psychology behind their deception, and the devastating impact on victims. Each episode dives deep into real-life scam stories, expert insights, and actionable tips to help you protect yourself and your loved ones. From romance scams to cryptocurrency fraud, we explore the latest trends in scams and equip you with the knowledge to stay one step ahead. Join us and our team of podcast volunteers as we uncover the truth Behind the Scams and work together to create a scam-free future. Subscribe now and help spread the word—because the best defense against fraud is education and awareness.

Episodes

July 17, 2025 67 mins
Keanu Reeves Celebrity Impersonation Scam Welcome back to Behind the Scams, presented by Stamp Out Scams. In this episode, Nick and Sue Henley take listeners deep into a crisis affecting thousands worldwide: celebrity impersonation scams. What starts as a story about fake Keanu Reeves accounts unfolds into a much larger tale of emotional manipulation, industrial-scale scam operations, an...
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    In this gripping episode of *Behind the Scams*, hosts Nick and Sue Henley dive into the harrowing case of Nigerian national Charles Uchenna Nwadavid, charged with orchestrating a complex romance scam that exploited victims across the U.S. for over three years. Discover how one woman unknowingly became a "money mule," transferring over $2.5 million in scam proceeds, much of it in Bitcoin....
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    In another exciting episode of *Behind the Scams*, Nick and Sue Henley unveil the shocking $15 million sweepstakes fraud orchestrated by 80-year-old Barbara Trickle. Discover how Trickle and her co-conspirators manipulated thousands of victims, primarily seniors, with deceptive prize notices that promised life-changing sums of money. Learn about the psychological tactics used to exploit ...
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    In this explosive episode of Behind the Scams, hosts Nick and Sue Henley unravel a heartbreaking and jaw-dropping federal case involving a Houston couple who defrauded elderly victims out of millions through romance scams. Drawing from Nick’s former law enforcement experience and insights into federal indictments, this episode walks you through the scams, the tactics, and the justice sys...
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    A Heartbreaking Tale of Love, Loss, and Deception: Lost Pet Scams When Chloe’s beloved family cat Percy went missing, the anxiety alone was almost unbearable. But what followed was even worse — a scam so cruel and calculated, it left emotional and financial scars. In this eye-opening episode of Behind the Scams, Nick and Sue uncover one of the most emotionally manipulative cons out there...
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    Crypto Scam: Episode Overview In one of our most jaw-dropping episodes to date, Behind the Scams pulls back the curtain on a newly unsealed federal indictment that reveals a sprawling, highly organized cryptocurrency fraud operation. This is not your average crypto scam — it’s a full-blown cybercrime syndicate that used high-level social engineering, psychological manipulation, and tech-...
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    ️ Episode Description The Hook: Dreams, Pizza & Pink Cadillac Promises Monique was fresh out of the Air Force, craving purpose and community when a friend invited her to a Mary Kay “opportunity night,” a typical event in multi-level marketing. Between the free pizza, glossy brochures, and a $99 starter kit that “practically pays for itself,” success seemed inevitable. What she didn’t...
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    In the United Arab Emirates, a new breed of Ponzi schemes is thriving, disguised as modern tech startups. In our latest episode, we delve into the harrowing real-life stories of victims who have lost millions to these scams. From a $85 million real estate fraud led by a flashy con artist to a fake AI crypto platform that duped investors out of $40 million, the emotional and financial tol...
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    Introduction: Start-Up Scams In this gripping two-part exposé from the Behind the Scams podcast about on-going start-up scams, hosts Nick and Sue take listeners deep into the heart of one of the world’s most deceptive financial frontiers: the United Arab Emirates. Known for its ultramodern cities, luxury lifestyle, and business-friendly climate, the UAE—particularly Dubai and Abu Dhabi—h...
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    When you think your property is safe, think again. Property deed fraud is a terrifying new form of identity theft that can steal your land without you ever knowing it happened. Meet Daniel, a victim who returned to find his childhood home replaced by a luxury development—built on his stolen land. Discover how sophisticated scammers exploit outdated systems and vulnerable property owners,...
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    In this gripping episode of *Behind the Scams*, discover the harrowing true story of Father Bob, an 80-something retired priest from Chicago, who fell victim to a sophisticated PayPal imposter scam. What began as a seemingly legitimate email spiraled into a devastating fraud scheme that stripped him of his life savings. Join Nick and Sue as they unravel the psychological tactics used by ...
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    In this episode of the Behind the Scams podcast, we explore the harrowing tale of Rodney Baldus, a retired truck driver from Minnesota who fell victim to the Blind Mule scam. Misled during a vulnerable time, he believed he was collecting an inheritance, only to find himself imprisoned in Mozambique for unknowingly transporting drugs. This chilling story reveals the psychological tactics ...
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    In the world of online fundraising, few stories have captivated the public like the GoFundMe scam that started as a tearjerker and turned into a viral sensation. This episode of *Behind the Scams* dives deep into how a seemingly innocent act of kindness snowballed into a massive campaign that raised over $400,000, only to reveal a shocking deception. Discover the psychological triggers t...
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    A Deep Dive Into the Mind-Bending Scam That Used a Drug Lord’s Legacy to Fuel an International Fraud Operation Behind the Brand: The Wild World of Escobar Inc. In this jaw-dropping episode of Behind the Scams, hosts Nick and Sue expose one of the most audacious scams in recent memory—an international fraud ring that used the name and likeness of the infamous drug lord Pablo Escobar to ma...
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    In a shocking revelation that intertwines love, deception, and a staggering $6 million heist, a Salt Lake City-based scam ring has been exposed. This gripping tale unravels the intricate web of romance and lies that ensnared unsuspecting victims, leading them into a world of betrayal and financial ruin. As the investigation unfolds, the true extent of the scam comes to light, revealing t...
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    In this gripping episode, we delve into the heart-wrenching world of romance scams, focusing on a shocking $250,000 wedding scheme that unfolded in Ukraine. Discover the emotional turmoil faced by victims who believed they found true love, only to be ensnared in a web of deceit. Hear firsthand accounts of betrayal, heartbreak, and the relentless pursuit of justice. As we unravel the laye...
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    In today's digital age, Millennials find themselves increasingly targeted by sophisticated scams that exploit their online habits and trust. From phishing emails to social media fraud, these scams are evolving, making it crucial for young adults to stay informed and vigilant. In this episode, we delve into the tactics scammers use to deceive unsuspecting victims and share essential tips ...
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    In a world where financial security is paramount, a new wave of deceit is sweeping across the nation, targeting our most vulnerable populations—seniors and unsuspecting investors. The "Gold Grifter Scam" has emerged as a cunning scheme that preys on the dreams of wealth and stability. But what exactly is this scam, and how can you protect yourself and your loved ones from falling victim?...
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    In the digital age, scams have evolved into sophisticated operations that can deceive even the most vigilant individuals. One of the most alarming trends is the rise of pig butchering scams, where scammers manipulate emotions and trust to steal millions from unsuspecting victims. In this eye-opening episode, we delve into the tactics used by these con artists, revealing how they exploit ...
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    In a world where love knows no age, the story of 80-year-old Glenda unfolds like a captivating novel. Drawn into a web of romance and deceit, Glenda's journey reveals the darker side of online relationships. What began as a heartfelt connection soon spiraled into a complex scam, leaving her entangled in a financial nightmare. How did this spirited octogenarian become a money mule, and wh...
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