The Utah Fraudcast

The Utah Department of Commerce
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Government

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.

  1. 3d ago

    Unraveling the Alpha Influence Ponzi Scheme (Part 2)

    How do you dismantle a $21 million empire built on bravado and bad checks? In part two of this series, we go behind the scenes of the federal investigation into Jeremiah "The Bull" Evans. Cidne Orchard, Senior Enforcement Investigator with the Utah Division of Securities, joins us to reveal how forensic accounting and a complex paper trail exposed the Alpha Influence Ponzi scheme. We discuss the "done-for-you" Amazon pitch that led to a 96-month prison sentence and identify the red flags you need to know to protect your own investments. 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 Will McFarland and produced by Katie Scheuch. Links Mentioned in the Episode: Utah Department of Commerce: www.commerce.utah.gov. Utah Division of Securities: https://commerce.utah.gov/securities/ Broker Check: https://brokercheck.finra.org/ Investment Adviser Public Disclosure website: https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/ Upcoming in this series: Join us for part three as we wrap up this case and sit down with Liz Blaylock, Chief of Enforcement of the Utah Division of Securities, to discuss Jeremiah's 96-month prison sentence and what happens next for the "Bull".

  2. Aug 3

    Muscles, Money, and a Mirage: The Fall of Jeremiah "The Bull" Evans and Alpha Influence (Part 1)

    On this episode of the Utah Fraudcast, we explore the rise and fall of Jeremiah "The Bull" Evans and his "Alpha Influence" empire. Evans used a hyper-masculine social media persona to lure over 530 victims into a $21 million Ponzi scheme. Promising impossible 7% to 10% monthly returns on automated Amazon drop-shipping stores, Evans instead used the initial buy-ins to fund a lavish lifestyle of rented private jets, designer clothes, and luxury cars. Evans ultimately pleaded guilty to securities fraud and money laundering, resulting in an 8-year federal prison sentence and an order to pay $19.1 million in restitution. Upcoming in this Series: Part two features an interview with an investigator who worked on the case, and Part three will cover the sentencing and the challenges of recovering restitution for the victim. 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 Will McFarland and produced by Katie Scheuch. Sources for the Episode: Utah Department of Commerce: www.commerce.utah.gov. Utah Division of Securities: https://commerce.utah.gov/securities/ Deseret News article about Alpha Con: https://www.deseret.com/2022/2/22/22945829/perspective-how-a-beta-like-me-managed-to-get-kicked-out-of-alpha-con-business-conference/ Deseret News article about Alpha Influence fraud complaints: https://www.deseret.com/utah/2023/3/9/23579761/jeremiah-evans-the-bull-alphacon-business-complaints/ Jeremiah Evans pleads guilty: https://commerce.utah.gov/2025/01/23/news-release-alpha-influence-ringleader-admits-to-defrauding-investors-of-over-20m/. Sentencing press releases: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ut/alpha-influence-investment. https://commerce.utah.gov/2025/05/08/news-release-investment-scammer-sentenced-to-96-months-imprisonment-for-defrauding-alpha-influence-investors-of-over-20m/, https://commerce.utah.gov/2025/05/06/news-release-utah-county-man-sentenced-to-prison-for-affinity-fraud-scheme-that-scammed-over-5m-from-alpha-influence-investors/ Alpha Influence's Vimeo Account: https://vimeo.com/user152824328

  3. Jul 20

    The Silent Threat: The Hidden Hazards of Natural Gas and How to Evacuate Safely

    Show Notes: In this episode of the Utah Fraudcast, we sit down with a pipeline lead safety engineer for the Utah Division of Public Utilities to unpack the tragic November 2024 home explosion in South Jordan. He explains how an underground leak from an aging plastic gas main migrated into the home, silently "scrubbing" away the familiar rotten egg odor of natural gas along the way. We dive into the science of gas-to-air flammability and discuss actionable steps homeowners can take to protect their families. Tune in to learn why standard smoke and carbon monoxide alarms aren't enough, how certified methane detectors placed near your ceiling provide a vital early warning, and the essential safety protocols you must follow, like evacuating the house before dialing 911, if you ever suspect a natural gas leak. 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 Will McFarland and produced by Katie Scheuch. 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 Will McFarland and produced by Katie Scheuch. Links Mentioned in the Episode: NTSB Investigation into the 2024 South Jordan Home Explosion: https://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/Pages/PLD25FR001.aspx What to know about natural gas alarms:https://www.ntsb.gov/advocacy/safety-alerts/Pages/SA-098.aspx Utah Division of Public Utilities: dpu.utah.gov Utah Department of Commerce: commerce.utah.gov, scams.utah.gov

  4. Jul 6

    Defending Your Deed: Preventing Property Fraud in Utah

    Show Notes: In this episode of the Utah Fraudcast, we are joined by Salt Lake County Recorder Rashelle Hobbs to discuss the essential role her office plays in protecting homeowners from property fraud. From predatory mail scams charging unnecessary fees to audacious real estate heists and deceptive title changes within a family's "circle of trust," property fraud is a very real and evolving threat. Hobbs explains how Utah residents can stay proactive by signing up for Property Watch, a free alert service that notifies subscribers via text or email whenever a document, such as a new lien, refinance, or deed transfer, is officially recorded on their property. Whether you are a prospective buyer or managing a family estate, tune in to learn why it is crucial to "trust, but verify" your property records and how to utilize the free public resources available at your local recorder's office. 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 Will McFarland and produced by Katie Scheuch. Links Mentioned in the Episode: Salt Lake County Recorder: https://www.saltlakecounty.gov/recorder/residents/property-watch/ Utah Department of Commerce: commerce.utah.gov, scams.utah.gov

  5. Feb 16

    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 https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you https://www.saltlakecounty.gov/sheriff/

  6. Feb 2

    Closing the Loophole on the Illicit Massage Industry in Utah: How a New Law Protects Consumers, Legitimate Businesses, and Targets Human Trafficking

    In this episode, the Scamalot Fraudcast explores a major new crackdown on human trafficking and illicit industries in Utah. Host Patrick Fitzgibbon speaks with Jeff Shumway from the Office of Professional Licensure Review to discuss HB278, the "Massage Therapy Amendments". They explain how this new law addresses a regulatory "blind spot" to protect consumers, support legitimate business owners, and empower law enforcement to shut down illicit operations. 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 Professional Licensing: dopl.utah.gov Utah Office of Professional Licensure Review: oplr.utah.gov Utah Department of Commerce: commerce.utah.gov, scams.utah.gov

  7. Jan 19

    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

  8. Jan 5

    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

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About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    The Utah Department of Commerce
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    15
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025
  • Show Website
    The Utah Fraudcast

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