The Ponzi Playbook

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 podcastchoices.com/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 podcastchoices.com/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 podcastchoices.com/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 podcastchoices.com/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 podcastchoices.com/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 podcastchoices.com/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 podcastchoices.com/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 podcastchoices.com/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 podcastchoices.com/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 podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rick Siskey, known as "Big Rick" for his larger-than-life persona, led a lavish and opulent lifestyle while orchestrating one of Charlotte, North Carolina's largest Ponzi schemes. With a strategic mind reminiscent of a chess master, Siskey's ability to stay ahead and his uncanny foresight attracted high-net-worth individuals to entrust him with their investments. However, what seemed like a haven for their money was a house of cards. The IRS and FBI investigations uncovered that Siskey had diverted millions of dollars into personal accounts, indulging in luxuries like high-end wine, diamonds, and even casinos. The scheme unraveled, leaving behind a trail of devastated investors. Tragically, faced with the imminent collapse of his empire, Rick Siskey risks it all. Follow The Ponzi Playbook on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ponziplaybook Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mother Teresa is the last person you'd expect to be caught up in a Ponzi scheme. Well, not the iconic humanitarian we all know, but a certain Johanna M. Garcia from North Lauderdale who went by that moniker in her community. In 2021, The SEC filed a complaint against Garcia and her colleagues at MJ Taxes and More. Initially known for helping businesses secure the funds they needed through Merchant Cash Advances, Garcia positioned herself as a savior for hardworking individuals seeking financial assistance. She boasted annualized returns of 120% to 180% for investors willing to participate as "Purchasers" in her scheme. However, as the investigation unraveled, it became evident that Johanna Garcia, or the self-proclaimed Mother Teresa, was orchestrating an elaborate fraud scheme. Listen to the story of Johanna Garcia, a Ponzi schemer who tried to hide behind the name of an angelic figure. Follow The Ponzi Playbook on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ponziplaybook Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, we delve into the world of Eric J. Dalius, a mastermind behind the Saivian Ponzi scheme that promised incredible cash-back rewards for everyday purchases. Join us as we expose the elaborate pitch and the captivating persona of Dalius, who mesmerized investors with promises of lucrative returns. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices