Scheme Michael McLaughlin

One of the most difficult things about starting a business is getting clients. You need to work hard to get customers to say “yes”. But what if you didn’t have to get customers to say “yes”? What if you just sent them a bill? “Don’t be ridiculous,” you’re probably thinking, “companies aren’t going to pay you just because you send them a bill." But hold that thought, as I’ve got a story to tell.

David Brooks had taken a small company on the verge of bankruptcy and turned it into one of the world’s largest manufacturers of bulletproof vests. Those vests were used by U.S. soldiers, so Brooks was hailed as an American hero. But, problems with the company’s accounting for inventory was just the tip of the iceberg.

Take-Two Interactive was forced to restate its financials 3 times in a span of just 5 years. Each time you thought it was over, Take-Two ended up in the news again. And the company’s founder was right in the middle of it.

The story of Cobalt involves a former associate of the Wolf of Wall Street, and a Ponzi scheme run by a convicted fraudster. Then, Donald Trump got involved.

Interpublic was forced to restate its financials back to 1997. Had the company committed ANOTHER fraud, right after the first one?

Nevin Shapiro was living the high life, and people assumed his high-roller lifestyle was funded by his business, Capitol Investments. But Shapiro’s business hadn’t conducted operations in years...