Behind Enemy Lines

ThreatMark

Behind Enemy Lines: Conversations with Fraud Fighters is a “for the people, by the people” type interview series where knowledgeable experts share insights from the front lines of stopping financial crime. Each episode features in-depth discussions with fraud fighters sharing advanced strategies, techniques, and trends for staying ahead of increasingly sophisticated threats. If you want to dive deep into what it takes to win the modern war on fraud, this show is for you.

Episodes

  1. 12/15/2025

    Inside the Cybercrime Triangle: How Fraudsters Blend Digital and Physical Attacks

    In this episode of Behind Enemy Lines: Conversations with Fraud Fighters, host Mike LaFleur sits down with Peter Taylor, specialist in fraud and cyber crime at The Fraud Guy. Together, they examine how today’s financial crime has moved far beyond lone actors and simple scams. Peter explains how organized crime, cyber criminals, and old-school fraudsters have joined forces, blending digital and physical tactics to target victims on a global scale. Peter shares stories from the front lines, describing how fraud rings use research, social engineering, and insider help to pull off sophisticated heists. He highlights the rise of synthetic identities, the evolution of ransomware, and how fraudsters now operate like professional enterprises. The conversation digs into why attack strategies have grown bolder and why prevention—stopping that very first call or email—matters more than ever. Peter closes with practical advice: fraud teams, business units, and law enforcement need to break down silos and work together. Education, technical safeguards, and collaboration across departments can turn people from a weak link into the strongest defense. Guest-at-a-glance💡 Name: Peter Taylor 💡 What they do: Specialist in fraud and cyber crime 💡 Company: The Fraud Guy 💡 Noteworthy: Known for leading complex investigations into organized fraud, cybercrime, and financial scams, with expertise spanning both digital and physical attack methods. 💡 Where to find him: https://www.linkedin.com/in/insuranceinvestigator/

    36 min

  2. 11/18/2025

    Decentralized Fraud Programs with Aaron Frye

    In this episode of Behind Enemy Lines: Conversations with Fraud Fighters, host Mike LaFleur sits down with Aaron Frye, Founder and CEO at Lucid Point Consulting. They explore why so many financial institutions end up with decentralized fraud teams—and the real risks that come with silos, gaps in communication, and inconsistent approaches across departments. Aaron shares how decentralization can open cracks that fraudsters exploit. He points out the hidden costs of duplicated vendors, the confusion it creates for both staff and customers, and how inconsistent authentication methods can lead to easy wins for criminals. Drawing from years in the field, Aaron explains how a lack of unified leadership and strategy means teams miss threats, spend more, and struggle to help customers when it matters most. The conversation offers practical advice for building stronger fraud defenses. Aaron encourages leaders to map out roles, improve collaboration, and create clear lines of responsibility—no matter the size of their organization. Guest-at-a-glance💡 Name: Aaron Frye 💡 What they do: Founder & CEO 💡 Company: Lucid Point Consulting 💡 Noteworthy: Known for helping banks and fintechs build stronger, more efficient fraud risk programs by breaking down silos and improving team collaboration. 💡 Guest Company Website: https://www.lucidpointconsulting.com/

    28 min

  3. 05/07/2025

    Bank Teller to Fraud Fighter

    In this episode of the Behind Enemy Lines podcast, host Mike LaFleur speaks with Hailey Windham, Board Member of Operation Shamrock, about advanced fraud-fighting strategies. Hailey shares her journey into fraud prevention and highlights the importance of helping others within the industry. She emphasizes that fraud fighters are eager to collaborate, regardless of competing institutions. The conversation explores the significance of internal culture in combating fraud. Hailey stresses that organizations must break down silos between departments and foster a collaborative environment. This allows for a united front in protecting members and their assets. She further discusses the importance of fraud teams partnering with other business units to have a thorough fraud protection program. Hailey also sheds light on Operation Shamrock's work in addressing pig butchering scams. The organization offers support to victims and works to identify gaps in law enforcement and banking practices. She urges fraud fighters to connect with others, seek mentorship, and build relationships within their organizations to strengthen fraud prevention efforts. Guest-at-a-Glance 💡Name: Hailey Windham 💡What they do: Board member 💡Company: Operation Shamrock 💡Noteworthy: Hailey started her career as a bank teller and is now a fraud fighter and host of the Banking on Fraudology podcast. 💡Where to find them: LinkedIn Join the 50 State Initiative!

    35 min

  4. 04/30/2025

    Trends in Fraud Regulation with Chris Oakley

    In this episode of Behind Enemy Lines, Michael LaFleur sits down with Chris Oakley, Director of Fraud Intelligence at ThreatMark, to explore the shifting world of fraud regulation. With decades of experience spanning banking and fintech, Chris unpacks how fraud prevention strategies must evolve beyond compliance. They dig into the unintended consequences of well-meaning regulations—how fraudsters exploit loopholes and why banks often miss the mark by treating regulation as a checkbox. Chris shares lessons from global markets like the UK, Singapore, and Australia, where collaborative, intelligence-led models are showing real progress. The episode also sheds light on what ThreatMark is building: a secure, data-driven ecosystem that lets banks share fraud intelligence without compromising privacy. Chris argues that fraud is no longer just a risk issue—it’s a customer experience challenge. His advice? Stop accepting “good enough.” To really protect people, banks must rethink their roles and work together to stay ahead. Guest-at-a-Glance 💡 Name: Chris Oakley 💡What they do: Director of Fraud Intelligence 💡Company: ThreatMark 💡Noteworthy: Former fraud leader at Virgin Money, HSBC, and Form3 💡 Where to find them: LinkedIn

    38 min

  5. 04/16/2025

    Using a Red Team to Fight Fraud with Jason Bartolacci

    Fraud is evolving, and financial institutions need to keep up. In this episode of Behind Enemy Lines, host Michael LaFleur sits down with Jason Bartolacci, Co-Founder of Red Team 27, to break down how fraudsters exploit vulnerabilities in banking systems—and how red teaming can help stop them. Jason shares his journey from law enforcement to financial fraud prevention and explains how his team mimics real-world attacks to uncover weak spots in bank security. The conversation covers the biggest threats facing banks today, from social engineering scams to check fraud and account takeovers. Jason explains why the human element remains the weakest link and how fraudsters manipulate customer service reps, branch employees, and even bank security measures to gain unauthorized access. Jason also offers insights into AI-driven fraud, the future of financial crime, and what institutions can do to stay ahead. He emphasizes the importance of proactive fraud intelligence, internal collaboration, and industry-wide information sharing. Guest-at-a-Glance 💡 Name: Jason Bartolacci 💡What they do: Co-Founder  💡Company: Red Team 27 💡Noteworthy: Expert in navigating complex M&A transactions and building strong client relationships 💡 Where to find them: LinkedIn

    35 min

  6. 04/02/2025

    Fake Document Fraud with Jan Indra

    On this episode of Behind Enemy Lines, host Mike LaFleur interviews Jan Indra of Resistant AI, exploring the surprisingly large world of fake document fraud. Jan's background as an investigative reporter and data journalist gives him a unique perspective on this criminal activity. He explains how easily accessible these fake documents are, often sold openly online through "template farms." Jan describes two main types of these online operations. Some resemble typical e-commerce sites, offering a menu of fake documents. Others use document generators, allowing users to input personal details and create customized fakes. This "batch generation" capability is particularly alarming, enabling large-scale fraud. Jan discusses the use of open-source intelligence (OSINT) to combat this threat, along with advanced technology like AI. He emphasizes that human expertise remains crucial, even with increasing automation. Jan also highlights how fake documents fuel various financial crimes. He urges businesses to adopt robust verification processes to avoid becoming victims of increasingly sophisticated fraudsters. Guest-at-a-Glance 💡 Name: Jan Indra 💡What they do: Threat Intelligence Liaison 💡Company: Resistant AI 💡Noteworthy: Investigative reporter and data journalist fighting fraud with OSINT and AI. 💡 Where to find them: LinkedIn

    38 min

  7. 03/19/2025

    Fighting Back Against Fraudsters with Romano Ramanti

    In this episode of Behind Enemy Lines, host Michael LaFleur speaks with Romano Ramanti, an ethical hacker from Zürcher Kantonalbank. Romano shares his journey into cybersecurity, from working in a call center to becoming a fraud hunter. He explains how ethical hacking is less about learning to break systems and more about thinking like a hacker—understanding vulnerabilities and using that knowledge to protect institutions and customers. Romano dives into his work on threat intelligence and fraud detection, detailing how he researches cybercriminal activity in the darknet and fine-tunes fraud filters to detect anomalies. He also explores the evolving danger of deepfake technology, describing how fraudsters clone voices and manipulate victims into transferring large sums of money. His firsthand research shows how AI advancements have made these scams more convincing and harder to detect. The conversation highlights the ongoing arms race between cybersecurity professionals and cybercriminals. Romano stresses that fraud will never be completely eliminated, but financial institutions must stay proactive, continuously evolving their defenses to protect customers from emerging threats. Guest-at-a-Glance 💡 Name: Romano Ramanti  💡What they do: Ethical Hacker 💡Company: Zürcher Kantonalbank 💡Noteworthy: Leads fraud hunting and threat intelligence to combat financial cybercrime. 💡 Where to find them: LinkedIn

    35 min

  8. 03/05/2025

    Building vs. Buying Fraud Prevention with Chen Zamir

    In this episode of Behind Enemy Lines, Mike LaFleur speaks with Chen Zamir, founder of Native[risk], about fraud prevention strategies in the financial technology sector. Chen discusses his background in fraud prevention, starting at PayPal and later founding his own startup. He emphasizes that fraud prevention is a complex domain requiring deep knowledge and a strategic approach. Chen compares fraud prevention to a chess match, emphasizing the importance of predicting adversaries' moves rather than simply reacting to incidents. He highlights the challenge of incomplete data and offers advice for building fraud programs with limited information. The conversation also explores the decision of building versus buying fraud technology, with Chen advising startups to prioritize strategic goals before implementing tactical solutions. Finally, Chen offers insights on emerging fraud trends. He notes that while the fundamentals of fraud remain constant, scams, account takeover fraud, and first-party fraud pose growing threats. He stresses the need for new tools and strategies beyond traditional analytical methods to address these evolving challenges. Guest-at-a-Glance 💡 Name: Chen Zamir  💡What they do: Founder 💡Company: Native[risk] 💡Noteworthy: Fraud analyst at PayPal, founded Fraugster, now advises FinTech's on fraud prevention. 💡 Where to find them: LinkedIn

    40 min

  9. 02/20/2025

    Behind the Role: Fraud Response Officer at Mercantile Bank

    In this episode of Behind Enemy Lines, host Mike LaFleur speaks with Matt Wezeman, Fraud Response Officer at Mercantile Bank. Matt shares his journey from the Air Force to his current role, highlighting how his military background and diverse banking experience shaped his approach to combating fraud. With insights into his career pivot, Matt discusses how adaptability and a passion for problem-solving prepared him for the challenges of fraud prevention. The conversation delves into the rising sophistication of fraud, from social engineering to insider threats. Matt explains how Mercantile Bank is addressing these challenges through proactive education, cross-department collaboration, and community outreach. He emphasizes the importance of building a strong network and staying informed through continuous learning. Matt also reflects on the emotional side of fraud prevention, sharing stories of hard-won recoveries and heartbreaking losses. His commitment to protecting clients and making a positive impact shines through in this compelling discussion. Guest-at-a-Glance 💡 Name: Matt Wezeman  💡What they do: Fraud Response Officer 💡Company: Mercantile Bank 💡Noteworthy: Former Air Force member with extensive experience in banking, transitioned to fraud prevention through adaptability and leadership. 💡 Where to find them: LinkedIn

    32 min

  10. 02/05/2025

    Exploring Romance Scams and the Future of Fraud with Becky Holmes

    In this episode of Behind Enemy Lines, host Mike LaFleur sits down with Becky Holmes, keynote speaker and author of Keanu Reeves Is Not in Love with You. Becky shares her unconventional journey into the fight against fraud, sparked by her lockdown pastime of wasting romance scammers’ time on Twitter. Her candid reflections reveal the harsh realities of romance fraud, where victims lose not only their money but also their sense of trust, self-worth, and future aspirations. Becky and Mike explore the psychological and emotional tactics fraudsters use to manipulate their victims, from fabricated love stories to creating false urgency. Through real-life cases, such as the tragic "Brad Pitt" scam and Francesca’s devastating financial losses, Becky highlights how fraudsters exploit human vulnerabilities. She also discusses the systemic shortcomings in fraud detection and prevention, including the failure of banks to recognize suspicious transactions. Looking ahead, Becky touches on her new book about the future of fraud and its intersection with AI. She examines how technology can both aid fraudsters and bolster prevention efforts. Becky’s insightful commentary underscores the need for collective vigilance and collaboration to combat the ever-evolving landscape of fraud. Tune in to learn how to protect yourself and others from these insidious crimes. Guest-at-a-Glance 💡 Name: Becky Holmes 💡 What they do: Keynote Speaker and Author of Keanu Reeves Is Not in Love with You 💡 Noteworthy: Started fighting fraud through humor on Twitter during lockdown. 💡 Where to find them: LinkedIn

    39 min

  11. 01/15/2025

    Battling Account Takeovers and ID Theft with John Fick, Head of Fraud at Northwest Bank

    In this episode of Behind Enemy Lines, host Mike LaFleur sits down with John Fick, Corporate Vice President and Head of Fraud at Northwest Bank, to dive deep into the ever-evolving world of account takeovers. John breaks down how fraudsters exploit stolen credentials, social engineering, and hybrid attacks to infiltrate online banking systems and drain accounts. He explains why account takeover has become so prevalent, with nearly $13 billion in losses across North America alone. John highlights the growing sophistication of fraud, driven by advancements in technology like AI, and how financial institutions must adopt machine learning and biometrics to stay ahead. He also discusses the challenges banks face balancing fraud prevention with a seamless customer experience. As the conversation unfolds, John emphasizes the need for collaboration, education, and vigilance to combat financial crime. His advice is clear: anyone can become a target, so proactive monitoring and protection are key. Guest-at-a-Glance 💡 Name: John Fick 💡What he does: Corporate Vice President and Head of Fraud 💡Company: Northwest Bank 💡Noteworthy: With 20+ years in financial crime prevention, John specializes in building fraud departments and combating account takeovers. 💡 Where to find them: LinkedIn

    35 min

  12. 12/18/2024

    Diving into Phishing 2.0 with Lukáš Jakubíček

    In this episode, host Michael LaFleur sits down with Lukáš Jakubíček, Lead Principal Solution Consultant at ThreatMark, to explore the ever-evolving world of phishing and fraud. Lukáš explains the fundamentals of phishing, highlighting its psychological underpinnings, such as urgency and fear, that fraudsters exploit to steal sensitive information. He contrasts phishing with newer scams like Authorized Push Payment (APP) fraud, which relies on social engineering to coerce victims into granting access to their accounts. Lukáš delves into the infrastructure behind modern fraud, from phishing kits that streamline attacks to the sophisticated setup required for large-scale APP fraud operations. He also introduces emerging threats, such as phishing-as-a-service platforms and the use of AI tools like ChatGPT to enhance phishing tactics. These advancements lower barriers for fraudsters, making attacks more accessible and effective. The conversation concludes with insights into defensive strategies, emphasizing the role of behavioral biometrics. Lukáš explains how analyzing user behavior, such as typing patterns and mouse movements, can help identify fraudulent activity in real time. By staying vigilant and adaptive, organizations can better protect themselves against increasingly sophisticated threats. Guest-at-a-Glance 💡 Name: Lukáš Jakubíček 💡What they do: Lead Principal Solution Consultant 💡Company: ThreatMark 💡Noteworthy: Lukáš has nearly 20 years of IT experience, combining investigative and technical expertise. At ThreatMark, he specializes in combating advanced fraud through innovative solutions. 💡 Where to find them: LinkedIn

    33 min
  • 12 Episodes

About

Behind Enemy Lines: Conversations with Fraud Fighters is a “for the people, by the people” type interview series where knowledgeable experts share insights from the front lines of stopping financial crime. Each episode features in-depth discussions with fraud fighters sharing advanced strategies, techniques, and trends for staying ahead of increasingly sophisticated threats. If you want to dive deep into what it takes to win the modern war on fraud, this show is for you.

Information

  • Creator
    ThreatMark
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    12
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Behind Enemy Lines
  • Show Website
    Behind Enemy Lines