Regulatory Insights and Consumer Tips
Formerly called the Scamalot Fraudcast. New name, but just as dedicated to helping Utahns stay safe from fraud and scams.
Panicking and Losing Big: How Cybercriminals Bypass Our Logic and Inside Crypto-Driven Fraud
Host Will McFarland interviews cybercrime intelligence expert Gary Warner, co-founder of Intelligence for Good, about how cybercriminals exploit psychology and cryptocurrency to perpetrate massive fraud schemes.
31 Aug 2026TRANSCRIPT
Reckoning and Recovery: Alpha Influence Sentencing and Restitution (Part 3)
Host Will McFarland interviews Liz Blaylock, Chief of Enforcement of the Utah Division of Securities, about Jeremiah Joseph Evans' sentencing and the recovery efforts for victims of the Alpha Influence Ponzi scheme.
17 Aug 2026TRANSCRIPT
Unraveling the Alpha Influence Ponzi Scheme (Part 2)
Senior Enforcement Investigator Cidne Orchard reveals how forensic accounting exposed the Alpha Influence Ponzi scheme, offering crucial red flags for investors.
3 Aug 2026TRANSCRIPT
Muscles, Money, and a Mirage: The Fall of Jeremiah "The Bull" Evans and Alpha Influence (Part 1)
The Utah Fraudcast explores how Jeremiah "The Bull" Evans built a $21 million Ponzi scheme using a hyper-masculine persona, revealing the tactics behind his downfall and the impact on over 530 victims.
20 Jul 2026TRANSCRIPT
The Silent Threat: The Hidden Hazards of Natural Gas and How to Evacuate Safely
Pipeline Lead Safety Engineer for the Utah Division of Public Utilities explains the science behind natural gas leaks and how homeowners can evacuate safely during this interview.
6 Jul 2026TRANSCRIPT
Defending Your Deed: Preventing Property Fraud in Utah
Salt Lake County Recorder Rashelle Hobbs joins host Will McFarland to explain how Utahns can prevent property fraud by utilizing the free Property Watch alert service.
16 Feb 2026TRANSCRIPT
Don't Pay to Stay Out of Jail: How to Spot Law Enforcement Impersonation Scams
In this episode of the Scamalot Fraudcast, we sit down with Salt Lake County Sheriff Rosie Rivera to discuss government imposter scams. Sheriff Rivera explains how fraudsters impersonate deputies to exploit fear, why you should never try to "outsmart" a scammer on the phone, and the one thing law enforcement will never ask you to do.
Please note that the Department of Commerce, along with its divisions and offices, refrains from commenting on ongoing and current investigations. Statements are issued only after action is taken against a business or individual. This podcast is hosted by Patrick Fitzgibbon and produced by Katie Scheuch.
Links Mentioned in the Episode:
dcp.utah.gov (http://dcp.utah.gov)
https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you
https://www.saltlakecounty.gov/sheriff/
2 Feb 2026TRANSCRIPT
Closing the Loophole on the Illicit Massage Industry in Utah: How a New Law Protects Consumers, Legitimate Businesses, and Targets Human Trafficking
Jeff Shumway discusses Utah's HB278 with Patrick Fitzgibbon, which closes loopholes in massage therapy regulations to combat human trafficking and protect consumers in this interview.
19 Jan 2026TRANSCRIPT
Unmasking "Junk Fees" and Restoring Price Transparency
Have you ever booked a trip, bought concert tickets, or rented an apartment, only to find the final price was significantly higher than advertised? In this episode, we discuss the pervasive issue of "junk fees," those vague, hidden line items, such as "service charges" or "resort fees," that appear only at the checkout screen.
We examine how deceptive pricing tactics influence consumer psychology, identify the industries where these fees are most prevalent, and discuss new legislative efforts in Utah aimed at leveling the playing field for honest businesses and protecting consumers.
Please note that the Department of Commerce, along with its divisions and offices, refrains from commenting on ongoing and current investigations. Statements are issued only after action is taken against a business or individual. This podcast is hosted by Patrick Fitzgibbon and produced by Katie Scheuch.
Links Mentioned in the Episode:
Utah Division of Consumer Protection: dcp.utah.gov
Utah Department of Commerce: commerce.utah.gov, scams.utah.gov
Junk Fees presentation: https://le.utah.gov/interim/2025/pdf/00002808.pdf
HB 29:https://le.utah.gov/Session/2026/bills/static/HB0029.html
5 Jan 2026TRANSCRIPT
Resolutions and Red Flags: Staying Scam-Free in 2026
As we kick off 2026, many of us are setting resolutions to find new jobs or improve our financial health. However, scammers are ready to exploit these goals. This episode explores how to safely stick to your resolutions by identifying red flags in employment and investment opportunities, as well as how Artificial Intelligence is transforming the fraud landscape. Please note that the Department of Commerce, along with its divisions and offices, refrains from commenting on ongoing and current investigations. Statements are issued only after action is taken against a business or individual. This podcast is hosted by Patrick Fitzgibbon and produced by Katie Scheuch.
Links Mentioned in the Episode:
Utah Division of Consumer Protection: dcp.utah.gov
Utah Division of Securities: securities.utah.gov
FINRA BrokerCheck: https://brokercheck.finra.org/
Utah Department of Commerce: commerce.utah.gov, scams.utah.gov
15 Dec 2025TRANSCRIPT
Renovation Red Flags: Construction Fraud, Job Abandonment, and Unlicensed Contractors
This episode discusses construction fraud, job abandonment, unlicensed contractors, and the importance of verifying professional licenses. It also discusses common contractor scams, red flags, and how to protect yourself from them. Learn about the importance of hiring licensed contractors, the role of the Utah Division of Professional Licensing, and how to report issues. Please note that the Department of Commerce, along with its divisions and offices, refrains from commenting on ongoing and current investigations. Statements are issued only after action is taken against a business or individual.
Links Mentioned in the Episode:
Utah Department of Commerce: commerce.utah.gov (http://commerce.utah.gov)
Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL): dopl.utah.gov (http://dopl.utah.gov)
7 Steps to Hiring a Contractor Pamphlet: https://dopl.utah.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/steps-to-hiring-a-contractor.pdf
Construction Business Registry: https://dopl.utah.gov/construction-business-registry/
Standard Residential Construction Contract: https://dopl.utah.gov/contracting/construction-contract/
Residence Lien Recovery Fund: https://dopl.utah.gov/residence-lien-recovery-fund/
Verify a License: https://secure.utah.gov/llv/search/index.html
Scams.utah.gov: scams.utah.gov
Division of Consumer Protection: consumerprotection.utah.gov
8 Dec 2025TRANSCRIPT
Fear, Excitement, and Love: How Scammers Use Emotions to Betray Seniors' Trust
Join us for a discussion about senior scams, a serious issue where individuals 80 and older lose more money than any other age group. This episode dives into common scam tactics, including fear-based, excitement-based, and romance-based impostor scams. Learn to recognize red flags and get tips on protecting yourself and your loved ones. Please note that the Department of Commerce, along with its divisions and offices, refrains from commenting on ongoing and current investigations. Statements are issued only after action is taken against a business or individual. This podcast is hosted by Patrick Fitzgibbon and produced by Katie Scheuch.
Links Mentioned in the Episode:
Action plumbing press release: https://blog.commerce.utah.gov/2025/01/16/utah-department-of-commerce-brings-legal-proceedings-against-action-plumbing-heating-air-and-electric-alleging-gross-misconduct-and-exploitation-of-seniors/
Verify a license: https://secure.utah.gov/llv/search/index.html
DOPL: disciplinary newsletter: https://dopl.utah.gov/disciplinary-newsletters/
DCP file a complaint: https://db.dcp.utah.gov/complaints.html
1 Dec 2025TRANSCRIPT
Too Good to Be True: High Returns, High Risk, and the Collapse of the Rust Rare Coin Ponzi Scheme
This episode of Scamalot Fraudcast discusses the case of Gaylen Rust and Rust Rare Coin, one of the largest Ponzi schemes in Utah history. We delve into the investigation of Rust's scheme, Rust's background, and the nature of the precious metals scheme. We also explain how Ponzi schemes work and how to spot red flags in potential investment opportunities.
Since recording this episode, nearly $30 million in restitution has been distributed to the victims, with additional distributions expected as remaining disputed claims are resolved.
Please note that the Department of Commerce, along with its divisions and offices, refrains from commenting on ongoing and current investigations. Statements are issued only after action is taken against a business or individual.
Our guest this week is Elizabeth Blaylock, Chief Enforcement Manager at the Utah Division of Securities. This podcast is hosted by Patrick Fitzgibbon and produced by Katie Scheuch.
Links mentioned in this episode:
Verify a license: securities.utah.gov/licenses/verify-a-license/
Scam education: scams.utah.gov
Utah Division of Securities: securities.utah.gov (http://securities.utah.gov)
Utah Department of Commerce: commerce.utah.gov
26 Nov 2025TRANSCRIPT
'Tis the Season of Scamming: Protecting Yourself from Phishing, Fake Charities, and Gift Card Fraud
This episode discusses holiday scams with Katie Hass, Director of the Division of Consumer Protection. We break down the most common holiday scams to watch out for, including phishing scams disguised as shipping notifications, online shopping scams featuring fake stores and counterfeit goods, and charity and crowdfunding scams that capitalize on the season of giving. Please note that the Department of Commerce, along with its divisions and offices, refrains from commenting on ongoing and current investigations. Statements are issued only after action is taken against a business or individual. This podcast is hosted by Patrick Fitzgibbon and produced by Katie Scheuch.
Links Mentioned in the Episode:
Charity Navigator: https://www.charitynavigator.org
Give.org: https://give.org/
Legal actions search: https://db.dcp.utah.gov/actions/index.html
Utah Division of Consumer Protection: dcp.utah.gov
Utah Department of Commerce: commerce.utah.gov, scams.utah.gov
17 Nov 2025
The Rise of Artificial Intelligence: Scams, Voice Bots, and Protecting Your Data
This episode explores the evolving world of artificial intelligence and how malicious actors exploit it to deceive. It discusses the unsettling reality of AI scams, including deepfake videos, voice impersonations, and AI-generated phishing emails. Learn to identify red flags and protect yourself from these increasingly sophisticated threats. Please note that the Department of Commerce, along with its divisions and offices, refrains from commenting on ongoing and current investigations. Statements are issued only after action is taken against a business or individual. This podcast is hosted by Patrick Fitzgibbon and produced by Katie Scheuch.
Links Mentioned in the Episode:
Utah Department of Commerce: commerce.utah.gov (http://commerce.utah.gov)
Scams.utah.gov: scams.utah.gov
Utah Division of Consumer Protection (DCP): dcp.utah.gov
Utah Consumer Privacy Act: https://dcp.utah.gov/ucpa/
10 Nov 2025
Cryptocurrency: Understanding Digital Assets and Avoiding Scams
Show Notes:
This episode explores the world of cryptocurrency scams with Robert Cummings, Director of the Division of Securities. We break down the basics of digital money, including how it's acquired, stored, and used, its inherent risks, such as its volatile value, why someone might choose to own cryptocurrency, how cryptocurrency is exploited for scams, common types of crypto scams, and why scammers favor using cryptocurrency. We also discuss the most common mistakes people make that lead to losing their crypto. Please note that the Department of Commerce, along with its divisions and offices, refrains from commenting on ongoing and current investigations. Statements are issued only after action is taken against a business or individual. This podcast is hosted by Patrick Fitzgibbon and produced by Katie Scheuch.
Links Mentioned in the Episode:
Division of Securities: securities.utah.gov
File a complaint: https://securities.utah.gov/enforcement/file-a-complaint/
Verify a license: https://securities.utah.gov/licenses/verify-a-license/
FINRA broker check: https://brokercheck.finra.org/
scams.utah.gov (http://scams.utah.gov)
3 Nov 2025
Top 10 Frauds and Scams in Utah
Join us for a deep dive into Utah's most commonly reported scams and fraud for 2024. We'll explore crucial takeaways from the Federal Trade Commission's Consumer Sentinel Network, a free and public resource that tracks consumer reports about marketplace problems, including fraud and identity theft. Learn about the top scams affecting Utahns, the age groups most impacted, and how to protect yourself and your loved ones. Please note that the Department of Commerce, along with its divisions and offices, refrains from commenting on ongoing and current investigations. Statements are issued only after action is taken against a business or individual. This podcast is hosted by Patrick Fitzgibbon and produced by Katie Scheuch.
Links Mentioned in the Episode:
FTC Tableau: https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/federal.trade.commission/viz/TheBigViewAllSentinelReports/TopReports
DCP Complaints: https://db.dcp.utah.gov/complaints.html
Utah Lemon Law: https://dcp.utah.gov/education/car-purchases-and-repairs/
Business Opportunities: https://dcp.utah.gov/for-businesses/opportunities/
Report Identity Theft: https://www.identitytheft.gov/
Scams: https://scams.utah.gov/
SharkTank endorsements: https://abc.com/news/920582c3-2083-45bc-81c9-95e33c5a76e9/category/706923
Inside a recent episode
Panicking and Losing Big: How Cybercriminals Bypass Our Logic and Inside Crypto-Driven Fraud
Published 14 Sept 2026 · Transcript excerpt
[…] We're gonna send you a verification code to make sure we're talking to the right person. No, that's not your bank. Their verification code is not coming from them. The verification code is saying, is it OK if we wire all your money to China? And if you give them the verification code, they're going to use it to do that transaction. Scammers tend to create a false sense of urgency. It's never going to be some calm way that they take your money. It's going to be like your your son or daughter is in jail and makes bail money. Your utilities company is about to turn off your water. You owe this much at the bank. […]
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