IAFCI Presents... The Protectors

Live from Nashville: Inside the 2026 IAFCI Annual Training Conference

In this special episode of The Protectors Podcast, we step into the heart of the 2026 conference and hear directly from the people who make the IAFCI community what it is. Members and attendees from around the world share what brought them to Nashville, what keeps them coming back, and what makes the Annual Training Conference such an important opportunity to learn, collaborate, build relationships, and reconnect with colleagues from across the profession. Join us for a snapshot of the people, conversations, and energy that make the IAFCI Annual Training Conference something special. ________________________________ IAFCI CONTACT INFO: IAFCI Website: https://iafci.org/ Phone: 916-939-5000 Advertising Opportunities and Guest Appearance: IAFCIProtectorspodcast@gmail.com

Under Pressure: Stress, Scams, and the Science Behind Staying in Control with Dr. Buzz Mingin

On this episode of The Protectors Podcast, Mike and Mark welcome Dr. Buzz Mingin for a fascinating conversation about stress - what it does to the body and brain, how it affects our judgment, and why scammers and fraudsters deliberately use pressure and urgency to manipulate their victims. Dr. Buzz breaks down the physical and psychological effects of stress, including the role of hormones and the body’s natural fight-or-flight response. He also shares practical techniques for slowing things down, regaining control, and making clearer decisions -especially when faced with a suspicious phone call, message, financial request, or potential scam. This informative and engaging discussion offers valuable tools for managing everyday stress while also helping listeners recognize when fear, confusion, or urgency may be used against them. The Protectors Podcast - Recognize the Pressure. React. Resist the Scam. GUEST CONTACT INFO: Dr. Buzz Mingin: https://drbuzzmingin.com/about-dr-buzz Dr. Buzz Mingin LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-buzz-mingin/ National Employment 360, Inc: https://nationalemployment360.us/ Integrated Functional Health: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCw5Atj89ijRNBa4oAn-yNFIG_Ik4o0oh Show Notes: BRACE. B Breathe R Record everything. Write down exactly what you're being told. A Audit it. Read your notes back out loud. C Call your Bunker Buddy. E Evaluate the situation together before taking any action. ________________________________ BRAIN. B Breathe R Record everything. A Analyze by reading it back out loud. I Involve your Bunker Buddy. N Now decide. ________________________________ IAFCI CONTACT INFO: IAFCI Website: https://iafci.org/ Phone: 916-939-5000 Advertising Opportunities and Guest Appearance: IAFCIProtectorspodcast@gmail.com

Experience from the Courtroom: Paul Greenwood on Confronting Fraud and Elder Abuse

On this episode of The Protectors Podcast, Mike and Mark welcome retired prosecutor and nationally recognized elder abuse expert Paul Greenwood. Drawing on decades of courtroom experience, Paul shares practical advice for law enforcement, prosecutors, and families confronting fraud, scams, and abuse. From helping victims who refuse to believe they are being deceived, to building stronger cases and taking lawful action against suspected offenders, Paul explains what to say, what to look for, and what to do next. He also reminds us that vulnerability has no age limit and that the damage caused by these crimes can extend far beyond financial loss. When someone you care about cannot see the danger, knowing how to respond could make all the difference. The Protectors Podcast - Protecting Your Heart, Your Dignity, and Your Future. GUEST CONTACT INFO: Paul Greenwood LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-greenwood-14841a5/ Operation Shamrock: https://www.operationshamrock.org/ National Elder Fraud Coordination Center: https://www.fightelderfraud.org/ S: Stop C: Check A: Ask M: Mention ________________________________ IAFCI CONTACT INFO: IAFCI Website: https://iafci.org/ Phone: 916-939-5000 Advertising Opportunities and Guest Appearance: IAFCIProtectorspodcast@gmail.com

When the Scam Turns to Gold: Tallie Stubbs and Ben Soldat on Gold Bar Fraud

Gold bar scams are becoming more common than many people realize, and they can target victims of any age. In this episode of The Protectors Podcast, Mike and Mark speak with Tallie Stubbs, an anti-money laundering compliance officer with APMEX, Inc., and Ben Soldat of Grand Rapids Coins in Rockford, Michigan. Tallie shares her insights from the compliance and investigative sides, including how these scams unfold, what warning signs to watch for, and how awareness and patience can help people recognize the danger before they become victims. Ben also offers a valuable perspective from inside the coin and precious metals business, including how he helped prevent a victim from losing hundreds of thousands of dollars. It is a timely conversation about prevention, awareness, and the warning signs that can help protect people before the money is gone. GUEST CONTACT INFO: Tallie's Contact Info: Tallie.Stubbs@apmex.com Tallie Stubbs LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/talliestubbs/ AMPEX, Inc.: https://www.apmex.com Grand Rapids Coins (GR Coins): https://grandrapidscoins.com/ ________________________________ IAFCI CONTACT INFO: IAFCI Website: https://iafci.org/ Phone: 916-939-5000 Advertising Opportunities and Guest Appearance: IAFCIProtectorspodcast@gmail.com

Don’t Click That Link: Inside the World of Modern Text Fraud

Text scams are everywhere - and they’re getting more personal, more believable, and more creative. In this episode of The Protectors Podcast, Executive Producer Doug Taylor interviews Mike and Mark as they examine real scam texts they’ve received personally. From fake wedding invitations and “wrong number” messages to property-buying offers, insurance pitches, and suspicious links, they break down how scammers try to start a conversation and how easily these messages can pull someone in. The team reviews each message, discusses the warning signs, and even rates how likely someone might be to click, respond, or fall for the setup. It’s a practical, eye-opening conversation about how scammers use curiosity, urgency, and familiarity to get your attention - and what you can do to protect yourself before one innocent-looking text turns into something much worse. The Protectors Podcast - Protecting What's Yours ________________________________ IAFCI CONTACT INFO: IAFCI Website: https://iafci.org/ Phone: 916-939-5000 Advertising Opportunities and Guest Appearance: IAFCIProtectorspodcast@gmail.com

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The Power of Speaking Up – John Solomon on Fraud, Corruption, and Accountability

This week on The Protectors Podcast, Mike and Mark sit down with nationally known investigative reporter John Solomon - who also happens to be Mark’s brother - for a timely conversation about the growing state of fraud, corruption, and abuse in our country. John has spent his career exposing wrongdoing, following the facts, and shining a light on systems that too often go unchecked. In this episode, he explains why fraud is not just a government or law enforcement problem - it is something that affects every taxpayer, every community, and every citizen. Whether it is government waste, benefit fraud, corruption, or suspicious activity hiding in plain sight, John reminds us that everyday people can play an important role in protecting their communities. This is an important episode for anyone who cares about accountability, integrity, and protecting what belongs to the American people. The Protectors Podcast - Empowering People, Exposing Fraud. GUEST CONTACT INFO: Just The News Podcast: https://justthenews.com/podcasts Just The News LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/just-the-news/posts/?feedView=all ________________________________ IAFCI CONTACT INFO: IAFCI Website: https://iafci.org/ Phone: 916-939-5000 Advertising Opportunities and Guest Appearance: IAFCIProtectorspodcast@gmail.com

The Wichita Task Force: Taking Down Organized Retail Theft

Today on The Protectors Podcast, we come to you from the 2025 IAFCI Conference in Oklahoma, where Mark sits down solo for a fast-moving conversation with members of the Wichita Task Force. These law enforcement officers specialize in retail theft investigations, but their focus goes far beyond small-time shoplifting - they’re targeting organized, professional retail theft crews operating on a much larger scale. The task force shares how they work with retailers, track patterns, build cases, and coordinate strategies to identify and arrest the criminals behind these operations. It’s a sharp, fun conversation with a team that clearly knows how to work together - and how to get results. The Protectors Podcast - Where Awareness Turns Into Action. ________________________________ IAFCI CONTACT INFO: IAFCI Website: https://iafci.org/ Phone: 916-939-5000 Advertising Opportunities and Guest Appearance: IAFCIProtectorspodcast@gmail.com

A Hidden Crime in Plain Sight: Susan Sommerville on Fraud, Trust, and Warning Signs

This week on The Protectors Podcast, Mike and Mark sit down with Susan Sommerville, an Enrolled Agent whose work led her into a heartbreaking case of financial exploitation. Sue’s story is a powerful reminder that fraud doesn’t always start with a suspicious email or a bad investment — sometimes it begins with loneliness, trust, and the hope of finding love again. On this episode, we look at how romance scams devastate victims, how professionals can spot the warning signs, and why protecting yourself and others often starts with simply paying attention. The Protectors Podcast - Helping You Spot the Red Flags GUEST CONTACT INFO: Sue Sommerville LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sue-sommerville-2ab1549b/ ________________________________ IAFCI CONTACT INFO: IAFCI Website: https://iafci.org/ Phone: 916-939-5000 Advertising Opportunities and Guest Appearance: IAFCIProtectorspodcast@gmail.com

When Love Is the Hook: Experts Kate Kleinert and Cassandra Dessureau-O'Hara on Romance Fraud

Romance scams are among the most personal and devastating forms of fraud - because the criminal isn’t just after money. They’re after trust. In this episode of The Protectors Podcast, Mike and Mark sit down with two powerful voices on the front lines of this issue. Kate Kleinert shares how she went from victim to advocate after experiencing a romance scam firsthand. Cassandra Dessureau-O'Hara, a licensed therapist with years of experience working with cases like this, brings insight into the emotional manipulation, victim impact, and warning signs families should understand. This episode is about more than red flags. It’s about recovery, resilience, and what happens when victims find their voice. The Protectors Podcast - Where Trust Meets the Truth. GUEST CONTACT INFO: Cassandra Dessureau-O'Hara: https://www.mjabehavioralhealthandwellness.com/cassandra-dessureau-ohara-lpc Kate Kleinert LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-kleinert-ofs-77a3a85/ AARP: https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/ ________________________________ IAFCI CONTACT INFO: IAFCI Website: https://iafci.org/ Phone: 916-939-5000 Advertising Opportunities and Guest Appearance: IAFCIProtectorspodcast@gmail.com

Signed, Sealed, Scammed: The Rise of Vehicle Title Schemes with Rudy Meola

This week on The Protectors Podcast, Mark and Mike are joined by Rudy Meola, a leading voice in the world of auto title fraud. From sophisticated vehicle fraud schemes impacting banks and lenders to everyday consumers being misled in private sales, the risks are growing fast. Rudy breaks down how these scams work, who’s being targeted, and why they’re becoming more common. He also shares key red flags and practical tips to help protect both industry professionals and the public. If you’ve ever bought, sold, or financed a vehicle, this is one you don’t want to miss. The Protectors Podcast - Where Fraud Meets Its Match. GUEST CONTACT INFO: Rudy Meola LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rudy-meola-24432343 Meola Law: https://www.meolalaw.com/our-team/ NMVTIS: https://www.aamva.org/technology/systems/vehicle-systems/nmvtis ________________________________ IAFCI CONTACT INFO: IAFCI Website: https://iafci.org/ Phone: 916-939-5000 Advertising Opportunities and Guest Appearance: IAFCIProtectorspodcast@gmail.com

The Threat Within: Inside the Mind of Cybersecurity Expert Shawn Loveland

On today’s episode of The Protectors Podcast, Mike and Mark sit down with Shawn Loveland to uncover one of the most dangerous risks facing organizations today—insider threats. From trusted employees to “trusted bad actors,” Shawn breaks down how threats from within are costing companies billions every year and why they’re often the hardest to detect. From dark web investigations to uncovering hidden digital footprints, this episode pulls back the curtain on a threat most people never see coming. GUEST CONTACT INFO: Shawn Loveland LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawn-loveland Resecurity: https://www.resecurity.com/ ________________________________ IAFCI CONTACT INFO: IAFCI Website: https://iafci.org/ Phone: 916-939-5000 Advertising Opportunities and Guest Appearance: IAFCIProtectorspodcast@gmail.com

The AI Fraud Wave Is Here: Connor Heaton on Deepfakes, Scams, and the End of Trust as We Know It.

Artificial intelligence isn’t just changing the world, it’s changing how fraud works. In this episode of The Protectors Podcast, Mike and Mark sit down with Connor Heaton, Program Manager at CivAI, to explore how AI is already being used to power the next generation of scams, deepfakes, and highly personalized social engineering attacks. From voice cloning and video deepfakes to AI-generated phishing campaigns that eliminate traditional red flags, Connor breaks down how quickly the threat landscape is evolving - and why many of the warning signs we’ve relied on for years are disappearing. We also dive into where these tools are coming from, who is most at risk right now, and what individuals, financial institutions, and law enforcement can do to stay ahead. This isn’t a conversation about the future. It’s happening right now. And the question is no longer if AI will impact fraud, it’s how prepared are we when it does. The Protectors Podcast - Protection From the Frauds You Never See Coming. GUEST CONTACT INFO: Connor Heaton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/connorheaton/ CivAI Website: https://civai.org/ Google: "AI Misuse/Threat Reports" Links to the latest Misuse Reports: https://www.anthropic.com/news/disrupting-AI-espionage https://cdn.openai.com/pdf/df438d70-e3fe-4a6c-a403-ff632def8f79/disrupting-malicious-uses-of-ai.pdf https://cloud.google.com/blog/topics/threat-intelligence/distillation-experimentation-integration-ai-adversarial-use?e=48754805 ________________________________ IAFCI CONTACT INFO: IAFCI Website: https://iafci.org/ Phone: 916-939-5000 Advertising Opportunities and Guest Appearance: IAFCIProtectorspodcast@gmail.com

Brackets and Billions: Dr. Declan Hill on Micro-Betting and the New Gambling Economy

March Madness brings more than buzzer-beaters and busted brackets — it’s also one of the biggest sports betting moments of the year. In this episode of The Protectors Podcast, Mike and Mark welcome back Dr. Declan Hill, a leading researcher and author who has spent years studying the global sports betting industry, for a follow-up conversation about the forces shaping modern wagering. From the rise of micro-betting to the reality of frictionless gambling on our phones, Declan explains how technology and massive betting markets are changing the landscape of sports faster than most fans realize. As March Madness captures the nation’s attention, this conversation is more relevant than ever. The Protectors Podcast - Protection From the Frauds You Never See Coming. GUEST CONTACT INFO: Dr. Declan Hill LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/declanhill/ Dr. Declan Hill - Substack: https://declanhill.substack.com/?utm_source=discover_search Crime Waves Podcast: https://www.crimewavespodcast.com/home Gamblers Anonymous: https://gamblersanonymous.org/ National Problem Gambling Helpline: https://www.ncpgambling.org _______________________________ IAFCI CONTACT INFO: IAFCI Website: https://iafci.org/ Phone: 916-939-5000 Advertising Opportunities and Guest Appearance: IAFCIProtectorspodcast@gmail.com

Love, Lies, and Déjà Vu: Bernie Returns with Mental Health Expert Cassandra O’Hara

This episode of The Protectors Podcast is a tough one. Today, Mike and Mark welcome back Bernie — a past guest who bravely shared how he was targeted in a romance scam. Now he’s back… because it happened again. How does this happen twice, and why do these schemes succeed — even when we believe we’re smarter than the last attempt? Also joining us is licensed professional counselor Cassandra O’Hara, who helps break down the psychological side of romance fraud — why it’s so powerful, how manipulation works, and what Bernie — and anyone listening — can do moving forward. Because romance scams aren’t about being foolish. They’re about being human. The Protectors Podcast - Helping You Spot the Scam Before It Starts. GUEST CONTACT INFO: Cassandra Dessureau-O'Hara: https://www.mjabehavioralhealthandwellness.com/cassandra-dessureau-ohara-lpc IC3.gov: https://www.ic3.gov/ ________________________________ IAFCI CONTACT INFO: IAFCI Website: https://iafci.org/ Phone: 916-939-5000 Advertising Opportunities and Guest Appearance: IAFCIProtectorspodcast@gmail.com Companies mentioned in this episode: IAFCI University of Bridge Sacred Heart University National Board of Certified Counselors American Counseling Association Connecticut Counseling Association

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The Case That Wouldn’t Stay Closed: Kelly Gowe Returns

On this episode of The Protectors Podcast, hosts Mike and Mark welcome back Kelly Gowe, whose mother was the victim of a devastating romance scam that ended in tragedy. Since her last appearance, Kelly, working with members of the International Association of Financial Crimes Investigators, has uncovered critical details that were previously missed. Her pursuit of truth has not only advanced her mother’s case but also led her to found a foundation dedicated to preventing romance scams and supporting victims. Kelly is launching her new podcast, Girl with a Microphone, which documents her journey into what she describes as real crime in real time. This conversation is about resilience, accountability, and refusing to let the truth stay buried. GUEST CONTACT INFO: 4041 Foundation: https://4041foundation.org/ IC3.gov: https://www.ic3.gov/ ________________________________ IAFCI CONTACT INFO: IAFCI Website: https://iafci.org/ Phone: 916-939-5000 Advertising Opportunities and Guest Appearance: IAFCIProtectorspodcast@gmail.com

When the Game Is Rigged: Declan Hill Exposes Sports Betting’s Dark Side

Today on The Protectors Podcast, Mike and Mark welcome back one of their most compelling guests — Dr. Declan Hill of the University of New Haven. A world-leading expert on sports gambling, match-fixing, and organized crime in athletics, Declan joins us to break down how legal betting, corporate media, and underground networks are colliding in ways most fans never see. If you love sports, this conversation will change how you watch the game. The Protectors Podcast - Real Investigators. Real Crimes. Real Protection. GUEST CONTACT INFO: Dr. Declan Hill LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/declanhill/ Dr. Declan Hill - Substack: https://declanhill.substack.com/?utm_source=discover_search Crime Waves Podcast: https://www.crimewavespodcast.com/home Gamblers Anonymous: https://gamblersanonymous.org/ ________________________________ IAFCI CONTACT INFO: IAFCI Website: https://iafci.org/ Phone: 916-939-5000 Advertising Opportunities and Guest Appearance: IAFCIProtectorspodcast@gmail.com

Pause, Reflect, Protect: AARP's Kathy Stokes on Stopping Fraud In It's Tracks

This week on The Protectors Podcast, Mike and Mark are joined by Kathy Stokes, AARP’s national fraud prevention authority, for a powerful look at the National Elder Fraud Coordination Center (NEFCC) — a groundbreaking program uniting law enforcement agencies nationwide to track, connect, and prosecute complex elder fraud cases. Kathy reveals how coordinated intelligence is leading to real arrests and real prison time - and shares AARP’s scam defense methods designed to keep Americans protected. Tune in — because if this information doesn’t protect you, it may protect someone you love. The Protectors Podcast - Protection For You and Those You Love. GUEST CONTACT INFO: Kathy Stokes LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathy-stokes/ National Elder Fraud Coordination Center: https://www.fightelderfraud.org/ Federal Trade Commission: https://www.ftc.gov/ Show Notes: Pause, Reflect, Protect: Remember These Steps! ________________________________ IAFCI CONTACT INFO: IAFCI Website: https://iafci.org/ Phone: 916-939-5000 Advertising Opportunities and Guest Appearance: IAFCIProtectorspodcast@gmail.com

Looking Back, Moving Forward : A Protectors Recap of 2025

In this special New Year’s Eve episode of The Protectors Podcast, the team comes together for a year-in-review conversation reflecting on the cases, conversations, and insights that defined the past year. Hosts Mark and Mike are joined by Executive Producer Doug Taylor and Editor-in-Chief Chris Warner to revisit standout moments with expert guests who helped shed light on today’s most complex financial crimes. The discussion highlights key themes, lessons learned, and how the show continues to evolve. The episode also looks ahead to the coming year, teasing new perspectives, deeper investigations, and powerful voices listeners can expect next. It’s a thoughtful close to the year — and a compelling setup for what’s ahead. The Protectors Podcast — Educating and Protecting, All Year Long. _______________________________ IAFCI CONTACT INFO: IAFCI Website: https://iafci.org/ Phone: 916-939-5000 Advertising Opportunities and Guest Appearance: IAFCIProtectorspodcast@gmail.com

Healthcare Fraud: The Crime No One Sees Coming — with Det. Mark DiBone

In this episode of The Protectors Podcast, Mike and Mark sit down with Detective Mark DiBone from the Maricopa County Police Department in Arizona to talk about a type of crime we haven’t spent much time on before — healthcare fraud. Mark walks them through a real case involving stolen identity, insurance fraud, and fraudulent medical billing that added up to nearly half a million dollars. It’s a complex web of deception that impacts hospitals, insurers, and most importantly, innocent victims. These crimes happen every day, quietly piling up hundreds of millions of dollars in fraudulent debt nationwide. Tune in — this is an eye-opening episode you won’t want to miss. The Protectors Podcast — Inside the Investigations That Protect Us All. GUEST CONTACT INFO: Mark DiBone LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mdibone/ Federal Trade Commission: https://www.ftc.gov/ Identity Theft - What to Do Next: Inform the three major Credit Bureaus Contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) File a Police Report ________________________________ IAFCI CONTACT INFO: IAFCI Website: https://iafci.org/ Phone: 916-939-5000 Advertising Opportunities and Guest Appearance: IAFCIProtectorspodcast@gmail.com

When Money Breaks the Case: Live on Stage with U.S. Marshal Kaitlyn Kent

Recorded live on stage in front of a packed audience at the 2025 IAFCI Conference in Oklahoma City, today’s episode of The Protectors Podcast features U.S. Marshals Service veteran Kaitlyn Kent. Kaitlyn breaks down how following the money helps close violent cases and how the IAFCI’s network gives investigators the edge. Her perspective comes straight from the front lines of the Marshals Service, where financial leads can make or break a case. This is the kind of insight most people never get to hear. The Protectors Podcast - Powered by Partnerships That Close Cases. ________________________________ IAFCI CONTACT INFO: IAFCI Website: https://iafci.org/ Phone: 916-939-5000 Advertising Opportunities and Guest Appearance: IAFCIProtectorspodcast@gmail.com