Behind the Scams

Behind the Scams

Welcome to Behind the Scams, now streaming from its new home at www.BehindTheScams.org — and proudly part of the SOS Media Network, the digital outreach division of Stamp Out Scams Inc., a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to fighting fraud and empowering victims through education, media, and technology. The SOS Media Network includes ScamTV, Behind the Scams, and a growing lineup of multimedia platforms — all working to make scam prevention modern, relatable, and accessible for everyone. Hosted by Nick Henley, a former U.S. Treasury Department Special Agent, Certified Fraud Specialist, Certified Fraud Examiner, Certified Cryptocurrency Investigator, and licensed California Private Investigator, Behind the Scams pulls listeners deep inside the world of deception — from billion-dollar financial conspiracies to the everyday scams that target people across America. With over 25 years of experience investigating financial crimes, cyber fraud, narcotics trafficking, and money laundering, Nick brings a rare insider’s perspective to how scams really work — and how to stop them. Co-hosted by Sue Henley, the show blends investigative storytelling, real cases, and expert insights to reveal not just how fraud happens, but why people fall for it.

Episodes

March 23, 2026 27 mins
I’m living lavish… laundering it up.” Those weren’t just lyrics in a self-produced music video; they were a digital confession. In this deep-dive episode of Behind the Scams, hosts Marcus and Alexis deconstruct the chilling rise and fall of Naabanyin Aniagyei-Cobbold, a 30-year-old architect of a multi-million dollar “emotional hijacking” machine. Operating out of East Hartford, Connecti...

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What happens when a search for love leads to a six-year prison sentence in a foreign country? In this gripping episode of *Behind the Scams*, we unravel the heartbreaking journey of Donna Nelson, an Australian Indigenous community leader whose life was shattered by a sophisticated romance scam. Groomed for two years by a man she believed was her soulmate, Donna's dream turned into a nigh...
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Could your most cherished memories be weaponized against you? In our latest episode, "The High-Res Trap," Claire Montgomery uncovers a chilling digital crisis emerging in 2026. As smartphone cameras reach 8K resolution, we unknowingly provide cyber syndicates with the subpixel data needed to map our biometric identities. Discover how AI bots scrape high-definition photos for microscopic ...
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What if the number on your caller ID can no longer be trusted? Imagine a world where the voice on the other end isn’t just a scammer, but a perfectly cloned CEO or even your own grandchild. In our deep dive into the “Utility Urgency Trap,” we reveal how scammers are leveraging AI, caller ID spoofing, and Bitcoin ATMs to manipulate victims into handing over thousands of dollars. This isn’...
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In this gripping episode of *Behind the Scams*, we unravel the harrowing tale of Judith Boyven, a retired nurse who fell victim to a sophisticated scam that cost her nearly $600,000. Far from being greedy or gullible, Judith's story reveals how even the most compassionate individuals can be manipulated by cunning criminals. Discover the psychological tactics used by scammers, from credib...
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In the latest episode of Behind the Scams, we uncover the alarming rise of "pig butchering" scams, now targeting unsuspecting homeowners. As scammers evolve from crypto theft to exploiting real estate assets, they employ sophisticated psychological tactics to manipulate victims into liquidating their home equity for seemingly "guaranteed" investments. Discover the red flags every homeown...
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In Part Two of our series on romance scams, we delve into the devastating financial phase where emotional bonds are exploited for money. Victims, believing they are helping someone they love, often find themselves making irrational decisions. This episode reveals how scammers start with small, seemingly reasonable requests, escalating demands methodically. We share a compelling case of a...
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In the first installment of our two-part series, we delve into the intricate psychological architecture behind romance scams. Discover how scammers methodically identify victims, build trust, and create emotional dependency, drawing in even the most intelligent and cautious individuals. This episode reveals the deliberate tactics used to manipulate emotions and isolate victims, making th...
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In this eye-opening episode of *Behind the Scams*, Nick and Sue delve into the intricate world of crypto and investment scams, revealing how these operations function as sophisticated end-to-end systems. From the initial targeting of victims through seemingly innocuous messages to the emotional manipulation tactics used to build trust, listeners will gain a comprehensive understanding of...
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The United Kingdom is grappling with an unprecedented fraud crisis, as revealed in the shocking “State of Scams in the UK 2025 Report” by the Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA). With 76% of UK adults encountering scams last year and losses totaling a staggering £9.4 billion, the impact is profound. From shopping scams to AI-generated fraud, the threats are evolving rapidly. In Episode 41 o...
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Joe Louis, “The Brown Bomber,” was more than a heavyweight champion; he symbolized hope during America’s divided times. His victories transcended sports, offering shared pride amidst racial inequality. Despite his contributions during World War II, the government he served turned against him, leading to a tragic struggle with bureaucratic indifference. This Veterans Day, we honor Joe Lou...
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In this gripping episode of Behind the Scams, Nick and Sue Henley delve into the audacious fraud committed by David Ozer, a once-prominent television producer. With ties to major companies like Sony Pictures and Fox, Ozer seemed like a Hollywood insider who could make dreams come true. However, beneath his polished facade lay a web of deception involving forged contracts and misappropria...
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In this eye-opening episode of *Behind the Scams*, we delve into the alarming rise of fraud targeting older adults, who often find their hard-earned savings exploited by cunning criminals. Join Susan and Nick as they uncover the “Save Our Seniors” initiative, a multi-agency effort aimed at identifying and rescuing victims of elder fraud. Discover the psychology behind these scams—authori...
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    In this gripping episode of *Behind the Scams*, we unravel the staggering financial fraud of Robert Brockman, a self-made billionaire who constructed a complex web of offshore trusts to hide billions from U.S. authorities. Discover how greed and paranoia fueled his “Turducken Trust” of deception, and learn why the line between tax avoidance and evasion is perilously thin. This episode go...
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    In the latest episode of Behind the Scams, we confront a hard truth: the world really does want your wallet. Join us as we delve into the alarming tactics used by scammers and deceptive corporations, drawing insights from Danny Karon’s eye-opening book, *Your Lovable Lawyer’s Guide to Legal Wellness*. Discover the hidden dangers of fine print, the psychology behind manipulation, and hear...
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    In 2025, a staggering 70% of American adults fell victim to scams, losing an estimated $64.8 billion. This episode of *Behind the Scams* dives deep into the Global Anti-Scam Alliance’s shocking report, revealing how scams have evolved into a high-tech, emotionally manipulative threat. Discover the alarming statistics, the emotional toll on victims, and the innovative tactics scammers use...
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    Welcome back to *Behind the Scams*, where we expose the shocking truth behind the Praetorian Group International (PGI) Ponzi scheme. Led by Ramil Ventura Palafox, this audacious scam defrauded over 90,000 investors worldwide, raking in at least $200 million. From extravagant yacht parties in Dubai to luxury cars and designer handbags funded by stolen money, this story reveals the dark si...
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    In this gripping episode of *Behind the Scams*, discover the shocking betrayal that led to the theft of over $12 million from Nancy Jones, the widow of country music legend George Jones. As a career con artist, Kirk Leipzig, manipulated her grief and trust, he gained control over the George Jones estate and museum. This story not only highlights the devastating impact of romance scams bu...
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    In Part 2 of our deep dive into the Water Station Ponzi scheme, we uncover the shocking details of federal indictments against Ryan Wear and his co-conspirator, Jordan Chirico. With a staggering $275 million at stake, this episode reveals how investors were lured into a web of deception, with promises of reliable returns leading to phantom machines and inflated claims. Discover how the s...
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    What if you could invest in a simple water vending machine for $8,500 and watch the profits roll in every month? That’s the enticing promise made by Ryan Wear through his company, Water Station Management LLC. But behind this façade lies one of the boldest frauds in recent memory. In our investigation, we reveal how Wear constructed a Ponzi scheme with phantom machines and inflated reven...
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