The Dark Side of Finance

Darryl Lyons
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The Dark Side of Finance

Welcome to The Dark Side of Finance, where we uncover the hidden world of financial crime. In each episode, we expose the schemes, scams, and deceptive tactics that lurk in the shadows of the financial industry. Join your host Darryl Lyons as he shines a light on these dark corners to help you protect you and your loved ones.

Episodes

  1. Horror Investments: A Financial Advisor’s Shocking Misuse of Trust

    3 DAYS AGO

    Horror Investments: A Financial Advisor’s Shocking Misuse of Trust

    In this week’s episode of The Dark Side of Finance, Darryl Lyons dives into the murky world of independent film investments and the devastating consequences of financial misconduct within the industry. Centered on the story of Helen Grace Caldwell, a former Citigroup advisor turned horror film producer, this episode unravels how Caldwell exploited her position to manipulate elderly clients into funding low-budget, niche movies. Darryl explores how Caldwell’s unchecked access to client accounts enabled her to misappropriate millions of dollars. Through vivid storytelling and expert insights, Darryl uncovers the systemic gaps that allowed Caldwell to operate for nearly a decade before her eventual downfall. Key show highlights include: The intersection of banking and investment advisory roles - and the systemic risks they can create. How Caldwell misused client trust to fund bizarre and graphic horror films. The critical warning signs of financial exploitation, particularly among vulnerable seniors. Lessons on safeguarding your loved ones from manipulative advisors. Join Darryl as he paints a vivid picture of how an advisor’s outside business activities can lead to financial devastation. With actionable tips to protect yourself and your family, this episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to stay vigilant in today’s financial landscape. As always, keep your head on a swivel as we explore The Dark Side of Finance. Resources: Inside an indie: Making a film from scratch without a Hollywood budget - CNET Citi VP accused of exploiting older clients | Injustice Watch https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndil/media/1333171/dl?inline HELEN GRACE CALDWELL - BrokerCheck

    24 min
  2. The $50,000 Scam: How Even Experts Can Be Fooled

    NOV 29

    The $50,000 Scam: How Even Experts Can Be Fooled

    In this week’s eye-opening episode of The Dark Side of Finance, Darryl Lyons unpacks the harrowing story of Charlotte Cowles, a successful financial journalist whose expertise couldn’t shield her from becoming the victim of a sophisticated scam. Charlotte, known for her insightful personal finance columns, fell prey to a group of con artists who manipulated her trust, used fear tactics, and ultimately stole $50,000 of her savings. Darryl explores how scammers exploited Charlotte’s vulnerability with a chillingly calculated methodology, including fake calls from Amazon, the Federal Trade Commission, and even the CIA. Through deceitful claims of fraud investigations and threats to her family's safety, the con artists meticulously blocked Charlotte’s access to outside advice, leading her to unwittingly hand over her hard-earned money. Key show highlights include: • How scammers convincingly impersonated legitimate organizations like Amazon and the FTC. • The psychological manipulation tactics used to isolate victims and gain their trust. • A breakdown of the red flags Charlotte missed and how to spot them in similar situations. • Why even financial experts can fall for well-crafted scams—and how to protect yourself and your loved ones. Join Darryl as he examines the dark psychology behind modern scams and shares valuable lessons to safeguard your finances in an increasingly deceptive world. Don’t miss this episode if you want to stay informed and vigilant. As always, keep your head on a swivel as we navigate the dark side of finance together. Resource: How I Fell for an Amazon Scam Call and Handed Over $50,000

    21 min
  3. Crypto Deception: The Rise and Fall of Sam Bankman-Fried

    NOV 15

    Crypto Deception: The Rise and Fall of Sam Bankman-Fried

    In today’s episode of The Dark Side of Finance, Darryl Lyons dives into the fascinating and shocking story of Sam Bankman-Fried, the crypto wunderkind whose fall from grace has rocked the financial world. Once hailed as a visionary in the world of cryptocurrency, Sam went from rubbing shoulders with celebrities like Tom Brady to serving time in prison for one of the largest embezzlement scandals in recent history. This episode uncovers how Bankman-Fried, founder of Alameda Research and FTX, embezzled billions of dollars from unsuspecting investors under the guise of innovation and philanthropy. From cozying up to politicians and manipulating the public's trust, to creating a culture of secrecy and deception within his firms, this real-life tale of crypto fraud highlights the dangers of unchecked influence and financial mismanagement. Key show highlights include: The rise and fall of Sam Bankman-Fried and his $8 billion crypto embezzlement. How Sam used his charm, celebrity endorsements, and altruistic claims to manipulate investors and the media. The inner workings of FTX and Alameda, including how he diverted funds and concealed his actions. Why this case is a cautionary tale for anyone entrusting their money to influential figures. Join Darryl as he explores the dark side of crypto, where promises of revolutionary wealth gave way to one of the most significant financial crimes of the modern era. Don't miss this episode if you're interested in learning how to spot fraudsters in an ever-evolving financial landscape. And as always, remember to keep your head on a swivel as we navigate the dark side of finance together.

    16 min
  4. Faith and Fraud: The Case of "The Investment Preacher"

    NOV 1

    Faith and Fraud: The Case of "The Investment Preacher"

    In this week’s episode of The Dark Side of Finance, Darryl Lyons tackles a fresh and deeply personal case, shedding light on a financial scandal that’s still unfolding. This episode dives into the case of David Anthony Wright, a former pastor-turned-financial advisor, who defrauded clients under the guise of faith. Known as "The Investment Preacher," Wright orchestrated a $2 million fraud by selling fraudulent promissory notes to clients while misleading them with promises of safety, religious rhetoric, and misused biblical references. The twist? Wright himself may have been conned, leading to an even more convoluted outcome. Key show highlights include: The shocking case of David Anthony Wright, "The Investment Preacher," and his $2 million fraud. How Wright misused scripture and faith to gain trust and mislead his clients. A warning about the dangers of wolves in sheep's clothing within the financial services industry. The importance of scrutinizing financial advisors who incorporate faith into their practices and the role of trust in the capitalist system. Join Darryl as he unpacks this ongoing story of deception, faith, and financial misconduct, and offers insights on how to protect yourself from similar schemes. If you find this episode valuable, share it with others. Keep your head on a swivel as we navigate the dark side of finance together. Resources: Faith-based advisor and minister defrauds clients in Tennessee, SEC charges - Investment News Faith Based Investing Explained - YouTube

    17 min
  5. The Rise and Fall of Dawn Bennett

    OCT 18

    The Rise and Fall of Dawn Bennett

    In this week’s episode of The Dark Side of Finance, Darryl Lyons unpacks the shocking case of Dawn Bennett, once a top financial advisor with a dazzling reputation, now serving a 20-year prison sentence for orchestrating one of the most bizarre financial frauds in recent history. From her rise to fame as one of the country's leading female advisors to her fall involving a Ponzi scheme and occult rituals, this story is one you won’t believe. Key show highlights include: ●       The unique story of Dawn Bennett, one of the most renowned female financial advisors. ●       An explanation of how she ran a Ponzi scheme, stealing millions from clients. ●       A deep dive into the investigation that led to her arrest and the shocking discoveries made by the FBI. ●       The aftermath for her victims, many of whom lost their life savings and may never recover financially. Join us as we explore this story of deception, greed, and the insane lengths some will go to maintain image and power. If you find this episode insightful, be sure to share it with those you care about. Keep your head on a swivel, and let’s navigate this dark side together. Resource: When A Financial Advisor Turned to Hoodoo Spells (Forbes)

    16 min
  6. The Queen of Mobile Homes: The Chimene Van Gundy Story

    OCT 4

    The Queen of Mobile Homes: The Chimene Van Gundy Story

    In this week’s episode of The Dark Side of Finance, CEO and co-founder of PAX Financial Group, Darryl Lyons, tells the astonishing story of Chimene Van Gundy, a woman who rose from extreme poverty and foster care to amass a multi-million-dollar fortune flipping mobile homes. However, her success story takes a dark turn as she becomes embroiled in a financial scandal that left hundreds of investors in financial ruin. Key show highlights include: The incredible rags-to-riches story of Chimene Van Gundy, who built a $2 million fortune flipping mobile homes. An exploration of the lucrative but ethically murky mobile home industry and the financial strategies Chimene used to grow her empire. The unraveling of her scheme, leading to an $18.5 million fraud case that devastated 600 investors across the country. Insights into how deceptive practices and misrepresentations tricked investors into believing in a secure and profitable venture. Tips on how to avoid falling prey to high-return investment scams that target everyday people. Tune into this week’s episode to uncover the dramatic rise and fall of Chimene Van Gundy and gain the knowledge necessary to protect your financial future. Keep your head on a swivel, and let’s navigate this dark side together. If you enjoyed the episode, share it with a family member or a friend! References: Investors allege San Antonio-area woman — the ‘Queen of Mobile Homes’ — is running a Ponzi scheme (expressnews.com)  SEC Sues New Braunfels’ “Queen Of Mobile Homes” for Fraud (therealdeal.com)  Prefabricated Facts: SEC Charges "Queen of Mobile Homes," Others for Years-Long Scheme | Insights | Holland & Knight (hklaw.com)  Chimene Van Gundy, Outstanding Real Estate Solutions, Inc., Michael Trofimoff, Santos Kidd, and Maria Tosta (sec.gov)  PressReader.com - Digital Newspaper & Magazine Subscriptions

    22 min
  7. Powerball to Pitfall: The High Price of Trust

    SEP 20

    Powerball to Pitfall: The High Price of Trust

    Join Darry Lyons as he tells the heartbreaking story of Paul and Sue Rosenau, winners of the $180 million Powerball in 2008. What started as a life-changing win for a humble, small-town couple quickly spiraled into a tale of financial deceit, predatory practices, and devastating consequences. Key show highlights include: *The incredible story of Paul and Sue Rosenau’s $180 million Powerball win. *An explanation how their financial advisor knowingly mismanaged their assets, leading to significant financial losses. * Details of the legal battles the Rosenaus fought to reclaim their lost money. *A look into the tragic consequences of greed, culminating in the financial advisor’s eventual discharge and ruin. Tune into this week’s episode as we explore the dangers of trusting the wrong professionals and the severe consequences of unchecked greed. Keep your head on a swivel, and let’s navigate this dark side together. If you found this episode insightful, be sure to share with a family member or loved one. Resources: A Couple Won the Powerball. Investing It Turned Into Tragedy (msn.com)  Minnesota lottery winner wins judgment over his charitable foundation’s money (startribune.com)  A Couple Won the Powerball. Investing It Turned Into Tragedy. - WSJ  Principal Ordered to Pay $7.3M to Medical Research Foundation | ThinkAdvisor

    22 min
  8. Love and Lies: The Pig Butchering Scheme

    SEP 6

    Love and Lies: The Pig Butchering Scheme

    In this week’s episode of The Dark Side of Finance, CEO and co-founder of PAX Financial Group, Darryl Lyons, explores a chilling "pig butchering" scam that tragically ensnared a 75-year-old retiree. Through gripping narratives and detailed analyses, he reveals the psychological manipulations and deceptive tactics used by today's financial criminals to build trust and manipulate their victims into devastating losses. Key show highlights include:  *A detailed examination of the "pig butchering" scheme, where scammers build trust and manipulate victims into investing large sums of money. *The heartbreaking story of a 75-year-old retiree who fell victim to a financial scam, thus losing his life savings in the process. *An explanation of the psychological tricks and emotional manipulations scammers use to gain their victims' trust and exploit their vulnerabilities. * Practical tips and strategies to safeguard your finances and protect your loved ones from becoming victims of financial crimes. Tune into this week’s episode and join us on this journey to uncover the truth behind financial crimes and arm yourself with the knowledge to stay safe. Keep your head on a swivel, and let's navigate this dark side together. If you enjoyed the episode, be sure to share with a family member or a friend! Resources:  ‘She Hooked Me’: How an Online Scam Cost a Senior Citizen His Life’s Savings - WSJ

    20 min

  9. AUG 23

    Welcome to The Dark Side of Finance

    Welcome to The Dark Side of Finance, where we uncover the hidden world of financial crime, revealing the deception and schemes used to prey upon unsuspecting individuals. Hosted by Darryl Lyons, CEO and co-founder of PAX Financial Group and a seasoned expert in the financial industry, this podcast explores the intricate and often insidious methods used by financial criminals to manipulate and deceive.  Key show highlights include: *An explanation of the mission behind The Dark Side of Finance podcast. *Personal stories and insight from Darryl Lyons that reveal the origin of his interest with financial crime. *A historical look at the origin of the Ponzi scheme, tracing it back to Charles Ponzi and drawing parallels to modern-day schemes. *The value of having practical tips and advice on how to identify potential financial scams. *Emphasis on the importance of protecting vulnerable groups, such as the elderly and those who may be more trusting or less financially literate. In the world of finance, staying informed and alert is your best defense against fin-crime. Keep your head on a swivel, and let's navigate this dark side together. Tune into this week’s podcast and be sure to share with a friend! Resources: https://biblehub.com/esv/proverbs/4.htm  https://www.spring.org.uk/2022/07/grifters-con-artists-7.php  https://home.barclays/insights/2024/04/barclays-urges-action-as-investment-scams-rise-by-29-per-cent---/

    15 min
  • 9 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Dark Side of Finance, where we uncover the hidden world of financial crime. In each episode, we expose the schemes, scams, and deceptive tactics that lurk in the shadows of the financial industry. Join your host Darryl Lyons as he shines a light on these dark corners to help you protect you and your loved ones.

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