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

This episode discusses construction fraud, job abandonment, unlicensed contractors, and the importance of verifying professional licenses. It also discusses common contractor scams, red flags, and how to protect yourself from them. Learn about the importance of hiring licensed contractors, the role of the Utah Division of Professional Licensing, and how to report issues. 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.

Links Mentioned in the Episode:

• Utah Department of Commerce: commerce.utah.gov

• Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL): dopl.utah.gov

• 7 Steps to Hiring a Contractor Pamphlet: https://dopl.utah.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/steps-to-hiring-a-contractor.pdf

• Construction Business Registry: https://dopl.utah.gov/construction-business-registry/

• Standard Residential Construction Contract: https://dopl.utah.gov/contracting/construction-contract/

• Residence Lien Recovery Fund: https://dopl.utah.gov/residence-lien-recovery-fund/

• Verify a License: https://secure.utah.gov/llv/search/index.html

• Scams.utah.gov: scams.utah.gov

• Division of Consumer Protection: consumerprotection.utah.gov

Join us for a discussion about senior scams, a serious issue where individuals 80 and older lose more money than any other age group. This episode dives into common scam tactics, including fear-based, excitement-based, and romance-based impostor scams. Learn to recognize red flags and get tips on protecting yourself and your loved ones. 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:

• Action plumbing press release: https://blog.commerce.utah.gov/2025/01/16/utah-department-of-commerce-brings-legal-proceedings-against-action-plumbing-heating-air-and-electric-alleging-gross-misconduct-and-exploitation-of-seniors/

• Verify a license: https://secure.utah.gov/llv/search/index.html

• DOPL: disciplinary newsletter: https://dopl.utah.gov/disciplinary-newsletters/

• DCP file a complaint: https://db.dcp.utah.gov/complaints.html

This episode of Scamalot Fraudcast discusses the case of Gaylen Rust and Rust Rare Coin, one of the largest Ponzi schemes in Utah history. We delve into the investigation of Rust's scheme, Rust's background, and the nature of the precious metals scheme. We also explain how Ponzi schemes work and how to spot red flags in potential investment opportunities.

Since recording this episode, nearly $30 million in restitution has been distributed to the victims, with additional distributions expected as remaining disputed claims are resolved.

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.

Our guest this week is Elizabeth Blaylock, Chief Enforcement Manager at the Utah Division of Securities. This podcast is hosted by Patrick Fitzgibbon and produced by Katie Scheuch.

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Verify a license: securities.utah.gov/licenses/verify-a-license/

• Scam education: scams.utah.gov

• Utah Division of Securities: securities.utah.gov

Utah Department of Commerce: commerce.utah.gov

This episode discusses holiday scams with Katie Hass, Director of the Division of Consumer Protection. We break down the most common holiday scams to watch out for, including phishing scams disguised as shipping notifications, online shopping scams featuring fake stores and counterfeit goods, and charity and crowdfunding scams that capitalize on the season of giving. 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:

Charity Navigator: https://www.charitynavigator.org

Give.org: https://give.org/

Legal actions search: https://db.dcp.utah.gov/actions/index.html

Utah Division of Consumer Protection: dcp.utah.gov

Utah Department of Commerce: commerce.utah.gov, scams.utah.gov

This episode explores the evolving world of artificial intelligence and how malicious actors exploit it to deceive. It discusses the unsettling reality of AI scams, including deepfake videos, voice impersonations, and AI-generated phishing emails. Learn to identify red flags and protect yourself from these increasingly sophisticated threats. 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 Department of Commerce: commerce.utah.gov

• Scams.utah.gov: scams.utah.gov

• Utah Division of Consumer Protection (DCP): dcp.utah.gov

Utah Consumer Privacy Act: https://dcp.utah.gov/ucpa/

Show Notes:

This episode explores the world of cryptocurrency scams with Robert Cummings, Director of the Division of Securities. We break down the basics of digital money, including how it's acquired, stored, and used, its inherent risks, such as its volatile value, why someone might choose to own cryptocurrency, how cryptocurrency is exploited for scams, common types of crypto scams, and why scammers favor using cryptocurrency. We also discuss the most common mistakes people make that lead to losing their crypto. 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:

Division of Securities: securities.utah.gov

File a complaint: https://securities.utah.gov/enforcement/file-a-complaint/

Verify a license: https://securities.utah.gov/licenses/verify-a-license/

FINRA broker check: https://brokercheck.finra.org/

scams.utah.gov

Join us for a deep dive into Utah's most commonly reported scams and fraud for 2024. We'll explore crucial takeaways from the Federal Trade Commission's Consumer Sentinel Network, a free and public resource that tracks consumer reports about marketplace problems, including fraud and identity theft. Learn about the top scams affecting Utahns, the age groups most impacted, and how to protect yourself and your loved ones. 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:

• FTC Tableau: https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/federal.trade.commission/viz/TheBigViewAllSentinelReports/TopReports

• DCP Complaints: https://db.dcp.utah.gov/complaints.html

• Utah Lemon Law: https://dcp.utah.gov/education/car-purchases-and-repairs/

• Business Opportunities: https://dcp.utah.gov/for-businesses/opportunities/

• Report Identity Theft: https://www.identitytheft.gov/

• Scams: https://scams.utah.gov/

• SharkTank endorsements: https://abc.com/news/920582c3-2083-45bc-81c9-95e33c5a76e9/category/706923