Episode Transcript
[00:00:00] Speaker A: Hey, scam sleuths.
Welcome back to behind the Scams. I'm Miles, your friendly intro guy.
Personally, I've seen enough cons to make a Vegas dealer blush.
Today we're diving into a romance scam so audacious, it makes most soap opera plots look realistic.
A grieving widow of country music legend George Jones.
$12 million.
And a guy with more fake names than a witness protection program.
Meet Kirk Leipzig. Or as he preferred to be called, Kirk west, because apparently even his identity needed a stage name. This career criminal didn't just slide into Nancy Jones's DMs. Oh, no. He went full method actor.
While Nancy was trying to honor her late husband's legacy and navigate his massive estate, our boy Kirk swooped in like a financial vulture in a three piece suit.
He positioned himself as the answer to all her problems.
Estate advisor, museum manager, trusted companion.
The only problem.
He was actually the biggest problem she'd ever encounter.
Over 12 years, and I cannot stress this enough, 12 years, this man systematically drained 400,000 in cash and 11.6 million in cryptocurrency from Nancy's accounts.
But here's where it gets deliciously dramatic.
His downfall came when Nancy discovered he was not only stealing her money, but also cheating on her with another woman and planning to flee to the Philippines.
Talk about commitment issues. Am I right?
[00:01:45] Speaker B: Hello, and welcome back to another episode of behind the Scene Scams. I'm your host, Nick, and as always, I'm joined by my wife and co host, Sue.
[00:01:57] Speaker C: Hi, everyone. And Nick, I have to say, today's case is absolutely wild.
When you first told me about this Kirk west situation, I could hardly believe it.
[00:02:09] Speaker B: Sue. Before we dive into the details of his case, I think it's important for our listeners to understand the just how prevalent these types of romance scams have become.
According to the Federal Trade Commission, romance scams resulted in over $1.3 billion in losses in 2022 alone. And that's just the reported cases.
[00:02:33] Speaker C: $1.3 billion. That's staggering, Nick. And you said that's just the reported cases. I imagine many people are too embarrassed to come forward, so the real number is probably much higher.
[00:02:46] Speaker B: Exactly right, Sue. Experts estimate that only about 15 to 25% of romance scam victims actually report the crime. The shame factor is huge. People feel like they should have known better, or they're worried about what family and friends will think. But here's what's really concerning. These scans are becoming more sophisticated, and every year, and the average loss per victim keeps climbing and what makes these.
[00:03:15] Speaker C: Scams even more devastating is that they're not just financial crimes. They're deeply personal betrayals. The victims aren't just losing money. They're losing what they thought was love and companionship.
You know what really strikes me about cases like this, Nick? Is how they don't just affect the direct victim. When someone like Nancy loses 12 million million to a scammer, that impacts her ability to support charities, family members. The George Jones Museum, it has this ripple effect through the whole community.
[00:03:46] Speaker B: That's such an important point that often gets overlooked. Sue, these crimes don't happen in a vacuum. George Jones's legacy was meant to benefit not just Nancy, but the entire country music community. Fans, historians, charitable causes they supported.
When Kirk Leipzig stole that money, he wasn't just stealing from Nancy. He was stealing from everyone who should have benefited from George Jones's cultural and financial legacy.
Sue, this one really gets under my skin. We're talking about a man who systematically targeted and defrauded Nancy Jones, the widow of country music legend George Jones, stealing from $400,000 in cash and over $11 million in cryptocurrency over a 12 year relationship.
[00:04:37] Speaker C: 12 years? Oh, my goodness. That's not just a quick con. That's a whole life he built around deceiving this woman. And Nancy Jones, I mean, she'd already been through so much. Losing her husband.
[00:04:49] Speaker B: Exactly. George Jones died in 2013, and Nancy was vulnerable, grieving, trying to figure out how to manage this massive estate and legacy.
That's when predators like Kirk west, whose real name, by the way, is Kirk Leipzig, they smell that vulnerability from a mile away.
[00:05:09] Speaker C: Wait, so he was using a fake name from the start?
That's already a red flag. How did he even meet Nancy?
[00:05:17] Speaker B: This is where it gets really calculated, Sue. He approached. Approached her through a property showing. Think about it. She's dealing with George's estate, probably looking at real estate investments or changes. And here comes this smooth talking guy presenting himself as someone who can help her navigate these complex financial decisions.
[00:05:37] Speaker C: That's so manipulative. So he basically positioned himself as the solution to her problems when he was actually creating new ones.
What do we know about his background? I'm guessing this wasn't his first rodeo.
[00:05:51] Speaker B: Oh, Sue, Kirk Leipzig has a decades long history of targeting vulnerable women. We're talking about a career criminal who's run real estate scams, job placement, fraud, Ponzi schemes, you name it. This guy has multiple lawsuits and criminal convictions in the past. He specifically targets wealthy, vulnerable women.
And Nancy Jones fit that profile perfectly.
[00:06:16] Speaker C: Wow. So this is literally his M.O.
that's terrifying. How many other women do you think he's done this to?
[00:06:24] Speaker B: Based on what we know from court documents and investigations, there have been multiple victims over the years.
And here's what's really disturbing. These relationships weren't just financial scams. They were often abusive relationships too.
He'd isolate these women, gain their trust, move into their homes, and then systematically drain their resources.
[00:06:47] Speaker C: Oh, no. Really? So he's not just stealing their money. He's emotionally manipulating and abusing them too.
That makes it so much worse.
How did things progress with Nancy specifically?
[00:07:02] Speaker B: Well, he followed his typical playbook.
First, he gained her trust by presenting himself as someone who understood her world, her grief, her complex financial situation.
Then he gradually inserted himself deeper into her life. Eventually, he actually moved into her home and became involved in managing George Jones's estate and even the George Jones Museum.
[00:07:28] Speaker C: He was managing George Jones's estate? That's huge. I mean, George Jones was a country music icon.
The financial implications of that estate must be enormous.
[00:07:41] Speaker B: Absolutely. George Jones was known as no Show Jones early in his career because of his unreliability. But he became one of the most respected voices in country music history.
His estate includes music royalties, memorabilia, the museum. We're talking about millions of dollars in assets. And Kirk west had positioned himself right in the middle of managing all of that.
[00:08:07] Speaker C: That access must have been like hitting the jackpot for someone like him.
So how did he actually steal the money? What was his method?
[00:08:18] Speaker B: This is where it gets really modern and sophisticated, Sue. While he was stealing cash through traditional methods, probably siphoning from accounts, unauthorized transfers, that sort of thing, the big money came from cryptocurrency investments. He convinced Nancy to invest heavily in crypto, but instead of legitimate investments, he was basically funneling that money to himself.
[00:08:43] Speaker C: Oh, my goodness. Cryptocurrency. That's so current.
And honestly, that probably made it easier for him to hide what he was doing.
I mean, crypto can be so confusing and complex for people who aren't tech savvy.
[00:08:58] Speaker B: Exactly. And remember, Nancy is from a different generation. Cryptocurrency probably seemed like this mysterious, complicated investment that she needed someone she trusted to help her navigate. Kirk positioned himself as that trusted advisor, but he was really just stealing from her in a way that would be hard to track and even harder for her to understand.
[00:09:20] Speaker C: That's so calculated and cruel.
11.6 million million in cryptocurrency. I can't even wrap my head around that amount.
How did this finally come to light. What exposed him?
[00:09:34] Speaker B: Well, sue, like most of these long term cons, the scammer eventually gets sloppy or greedy. In Kirk's case, Nancy discovered he was having an affair with another woman. But here's the kicker. He wasn't just cheating on Nancy. He was engaged to this other woman and planning to flee to the Philippines with her.
[00:09:55] Speaker C: What, so he was running multiple scams at the same time? Oh, no. That's probably when Nancy started digging deeper into their finances.
[00:10:05] Speaker B: Bingo. When she discovered the affair, she probably started looking more closely at where her money was going. And that's when the full scope of his theft became clear. We're talking about $400,000 in cash and 11.66 million in cryptocurrency gone.
[00:10:25] Speaker C: $12 million total. That's not just life changing money. That's generational wealth. And he was planning to flee to the Philippines. That sounds like he knew exactly what he was doing and had an escape plan ready.
[00:10:40] Speaker B: Absolutely. The Philippines is a popular destination for people trying to avoid US Law enforcement.
It's got a complex extradition process, and frankly, it's easier to disappear there.
But he actually got caught trying to flee. He was arrested at the airport before he could get on that plane.
[00:10:59] Speaker C: At the airport. Oh, wow, that must have been dramatic. I'm picturing him thinking he's home free, probably already mentally spending Nancy's money on some beach in the Philippines. And then boom, handcuffs.
[00:11:14] Speaker B: That's exactly right, Sue. And think about the other woman he was engaged to. She probably had no idea she was about to flee the country with stolen money. She might have been another victim in all this, or she might have been complicit. Either way, that's a life altering moment for everyone involved. What's interesting about his arrest, sue, is how law enforcement was able to track him down. When Nancy reported the theft and investigators had to unravel 12 years of financial transactions, they had to trace cryptocurrency movements across multiple exchanges and wallets, which is incredibly complex and time consuming work.
[00:11:52] Speaker C: I can imagine. That was like trying to follow a digital paper trail through a maze. How were they able to connect all those transactions back to him?
[00:12:02] Speaker B: Great question.
The key was that crypto exchanges are required to comply with know your customer laws or kyc.
Even though crypto can seem anonymous, most legitimate exchanges require identity verification. Investigators were able to subpoena records from these exchanges and trace the flow of Nancy's money to accounts that Kirk had opened using his real identity, Kirk Leipzig.
[00:12:27] Speaker C: That's fascinating.
So even with all the complexity of cryptocurrency, there are still digital fingerprints that investigators can follow.
But, Nick, let's talk about something that I think gets overlooked in cases like this. The psychological profile of someone like Kirk Leipzig. What drives a person to systematically destroy someone's life like this?
[00:12:51] Speaker B: That's such an important point, Sue. Experts who study financial predators often point to antisocial personality traits. A lack of empathy, a sense of entitlement, and what psychologists call instrumental aggression.
These aren't crimes of passion. They're calculated, methodical attacks designed to extract maximum value from victims over extended periods.
[00:13:16] Speaker C: That's so chilling. Instrumental aggression. It makes it sound almost clinical, like they're conducting some kind of cold business transaction rather than destroying a human being's life.
Do we know if Kirk Leipzig showed any remorse when he was caught?
[00:13:34] Speaker B: From what we know about his court appearances and statements, there's been no indication of genuine remorse. In fact, people like Kirk Leipzig often see themselves as the real victims. They'll claim the relationships were genuine or that the victims were willing participants. It's a complete disconnect from reality that demonstrates how dangerous these individuals are.
[00:13:55] Speaker C: True. We don't know her story, but what happened next? When. Where does Kirk Leipzig stand legally now?
[00:14:03] Speaker B: Well, he's facing serious federal charges. When you're talking about wire fraud, money laundering, and theft of this magnitude, over $12 million, we're looking at potentially decades in federal prison. Plus, with his history of similar crimes, he's likely to get enhanced sentencing.
[00:14:21] Speaker C: Good. I mean, that sounds appropriate for someone who has made a career out of targeting vulnerable people.
But what about Nancy? Can she recover any of this money?
[00:14:32] Speaker B: That's the heartbreaking part, Sue. In cases like this, recovery is often very difficult. The cash might be partially recoverable if it's still in traceable accounts. But the cryptocurrency, that's much harder. Crypto can be moved, converted, hidden across multiple wallets and exchanges. Even if some of it is recovered, it's unlikely Nancy will get back the $12 million.
[00:14:55] Speaker C: That's so unfair. She's already lost her husband, and now she's lost a huge portion of his legacy, too. It makes me so angry. What could Nancy have done differently to protect herself?
[00:15:08] Speaker B: You know, sue, it's really important not to victim blame here. Kirk Leipzig was a sophisticated, experienced predator who specifically targeted Nancy because of her vulnerability after losing George.
But there are some red flags that people should be aware of first. Anyone who approaches you during a vulnerable time after a death, divorce, job loss should be viewed with extra caution.
[00:15:36] Speaker C: That makes Sense predators probably have radar for that kind of vulnerability. What other warning signs should people watch for?
[00:15:43] Speaker B: Well, someone who moves quickly to gain trust and intimacy, like moving into your home relatively early in the relationship.
Someone who positions themselves as essential to managing your finances or estate.
And especially someone who pushes you toward complex investments that you don't fully understand.
Like cryptocurrency in Nancy's case.
[00:16:07] Speaker C: Those are great points, and I imagine having independent financial advice would help too. Like? Like, don't let one person handle everything.
[00:16:16] Speaker B: Absolutely. Independent oversight is crucial. If Nancy had maintained relationships with a separate accountant, financial advisor, or attorney who could review these cryptocurrency investments, they might have spotted the red flags.
The key is never putting all your financial eggs in one person's basket, no matter how much you trust.
[00:16:39] Speaker C: And probably checking references and backgrounds, too, right? I mean, if someone did a deep dive on Kirk Leipzig's history, they would have found all those previous lawsuits and convictions.
[00:16:50] Speaker B: Exactly. And here's the thing. He was using a fake name, Kirk west, instead of Kirk Leipzig. That's another huge red flag. Anyone handling your finances should be willing to provide their real legal name and verifiable credentials. If someone is evasive about their background or identity, that should be an immediate deal breaker.
[00:17:14] Speaker C: Nick, let's talk more specifically about cryptocurrency red flags, since that was such a huge part of this scam. What should people watch out for when someone suggests crypto investments?
[00:17:25] Speaker B: Excellent question, Sue. First, be extremely wary of. Of anyone who insists cryptocurrency is the only good investment or who creates urgency around crypto opportunities.
Legitimate financial advisors will present crypto as just one option among many, not as some magical solution.
Second, if someone offers to manage your crypto investments for you, that should be a huge red flag.
[00:17:53] Speaker C: Right? Because the whole point of cryptocurrency is that you control your own wallet and keys, isn't it? If someone else is managing it, you're essentially handing over complete control of your money.
[00:18:04] Speaker B: Exactly. The fundamental principle of cryptocurrency is be your own bank. You maintain control of your private keys and your funds. If someone is asking you to send crypto to their wallet or give them access to your accounts, that's not investing. That's just giving them your money.
Also, be suspicious of anyone who discourages you from learning about crypto yourself or who says it's too complicated for you to understand.
[00:18:31] Speaker C: That's such a good point about them discouraging you from learning. It's like they want to keep you dependent on them for information.
What about other warning signs that go beyond just the financial aspects, like behavioral red flags in the relationship itself?
[00:18:46] Speaker B: Great question, Sue. One of the biggest behavioral red flags is love bombing. When someone overwhelms you with anger, excessive affection, attention, and declarations of love very early in the relationship, they'll tell you you're soulmates after just a few conversations, or that they've never felt this way about anyone before. It's designed to create an artificial sense of intimacy and trust.
[00:19:11] Speaker C: Love bombing. That's such a perfect term for it. And I imagine they also try to isolate victims from their support networks, make them feel like no one else understands their special relationship.
[00:19:23] Speaker B: Absolutely, Sue. Isolation is a classic tactic. They might subtly criticize your friends and family, suggest that other people are jealous of your relationship, or create situations where you're spending less time with your support network.
They'll position themselves as the only person who truly understands and cares about you. In Nancy's case, Kirk probably made her feel like he was the only one who could help her navigate the complexity of George's estate.
[00:19:54] Speaker C: Oh, absolutely. I mean, if you can't verify who someone really is, how can you trust them with your life savings? This case really highlights how sophisticated these scams have become, doesn't it? The cryptocurrency angle, especially.
[00:20:08] Speaker B: Sue, this case is a perfect example of how traditional romance scams and financial fraud have evolved with technology.
Crypto gives scammers new tools to steal money in ways that are harder to trace and harder for victims to understand.
We're seeing this pattern more and more, especially targeting older adults who might not be as familiar with digital currencies.
[00:20:33] Speaker C: Right, and the amounts are getting bigger, too. $12 million is just staggering. Are we seeing more cases like this?
[00:20:42] Speaker B: Unfortunately, yes. Elder fraud is one of the fastest growing categories of financial crime. The FBI estimates that older Americans lose billions of dollars annually to these schemes. And with the rise of cryptocurrency and online financial platforms, the potential losses per victim have increased dramatically.
[00:21:03] Speaker C: That's terrifying. And I imagine a lot of cases don't get reported because victims are embarrassed or they don't even realize they've been scammed until it's too late.
[00:21:12] Speaker B: You're absolutely right, Sue. There's a lot of shame and self blame that keeps victims quiet. They think, how could I have been so stupid? But the reality is these are professional criminals who've spent years perfecting their techniques. They know exactly how to exploit trust, grief, loneliness and confusion about complex fight financial instrument.
[00:21:36] Speaker C: It's really not about intelligence at all, is it? It's about human psychology and emotional manipulation.
What can families do to help protect elderly relatives?
[00:21:46] Speaker B: Great question. Open communication is key. Regular check ins about finances, new relationships, major financial decisions. It's also important to help elderly family members set up systems like requiring multiple, multiple signatures for large transactions. Or having trusted family members as backup contacts with financial institutions.
[00:22:09] Speaker C: Those are practical steps. And I suppose being aware of major life changes that might make someone more vulnerable. Like Nancy losing her husband and then suddenly having to navigate this complex estate alone.
[00:22:21] Speaker B: Exactly. Times of transition, death of a spouse, retirement, health issues, moving to a new area. These are when people are most vulnerable. It's also when scammers are most likely to target them. Having extra support and oversight during these periods can make all the difference.
[00:22:40] Speaker C: This whole case is just so sad when you think about it. Nancy lost her husband, then she lost the person she thought she could trust to help her through it, and then she lost millions of dollars that represented George's life. Life, work and legacy.
[00:22:55] Speaker B: That's the real tragedy here, Sue. George Jones worked his entire career to build that legacy. Not just the music, but the financial security for his wife. And Kirk Leipzig stole not just money, but years of Nancy's life, her sense of security, and probably her ability to trust people in the future.
[00:23:16] Speaker C: The emotional damage probably lasts longer than the financial damage. At least there's some justice happening with his arrest. But you're right. She'll probably never fully recover from this betrayal.
[00:23:28] Speaker B: And that's what makes people like Kirk Leipzig so dangerous. They don't just steal money, they steal trust, peace of mind, the ability to form new relationships. It's a form of emotional and financial terrorism that can destroy someone's entire relationship. Remaining quality of life.
[00:23:46] Speaker C: That's such a good way to put it. Financial terrorism. It really is an assault on someone's entire sense of security.
I hope Nancy has good support around her now to help her rebuild both financially and emotionally.
[00:24:02] Speaker B: I hope so too. And I hope her story helps other people recognize these red flags before they become victims themselves.
The most important thing people can take from this case is that if something feels too good to be true or if someone is pushing you towards financial decisions you don't fully understand, slow down and get independent advice.
[00:24:25] Speaker C: Absolutely. Trust your instincts, verify everything, and don't let anyone isolate you from your support network.
Are there any resources you'd recommend for people who think they might be in a similar situation?
[00:24:38] Speaker B: Definitely. The FBI's Internet Crime Complaint center is a great place to report suspected fraud. The FTC has excellent resources about romance. Scams and cryptocurrency fraud and local adult protective services can help if you're concerned about an elderly family member or friend.
[00:24:57] Speaker C: Nick, let's talk about what family members can do if they suspect someone they love is being targeted. This. This can be such a delicate situation because if you come on too strong, you might push the person further into the scammer's arms.
[00:25:12] Speaker B: That's exactly right, Sue. The approach has to be very careful and supportive. Start by expressing concern from a place of love, not judgment. Instead of saying, you're being scammed, try something like, I care about you, and I'm worried about some things I've noticed.
Ask gentle questions about their new relationship, how they met, what they know about their background, whether they've met in person.
[00:25:38] Speaker C: And I imagine it's important to focus on the specific behaviors and red flags rather than attacking the person's judgment or intelligence. Because if someone is being emotionally manipulated, they're probably already feeling vulnerable and confused.
[00:25:54] Speaker B: Exactly.
You might offer to help them do some research together, not as a way to prove they're wrong, but as a way to help them feel more confident about their decisions.
Sometimes just the act of looking up someone's background or verifying their claims can reveal inconsistencies that the victim starts to notice for themselves.
[00:26:14] Speaker C: Those are really helpful resources. And if someone is listening to this, thinking, oh, no, this sounds like what's happening to me, or someone I know.
It's never too late to ask for help, right?
[00:26:26] Speaker B: Never too late, Sue. Even if money has already been lost, reporting it can help law enforcement catch the perpetrator and potentially help other victims. And sometimes assets can be recovered, especially if the scammer hasn't had time to completely hide or spend the money.
[00:26:44] Speaker C: That's encouraging. And I think there's something to be said for speaking up just to protect other people to, too. If Kirk Leipzig had been stopped earlier, Nancy might never have become a victim.
[00:26:55] Speaker B: Exactly. These predators count on silence. The count on shame and embarrassment keeping their victims quiet. The more we talk about these cases, the harder it becomes for scammers to operate. Education and awareness are our best weapons against this kind of crime.
[00:27:12] Speaker C: Which is exactly why we do this podcast.
Every story we tell, every red flag we highlight might save someone from going through what Nancy Jones went through. This case really shows how personal and devastating these crimes can be.
[00:27:27] Speaker B: It really does. And for anyone listening, please share this episode with people who might be at risk. Elderly relatives, friends going through major life transitions, anyone who's dealing with complex financial decisions.
Knowledge really is power when it comes to preventing these crimes.
[00:27:45] Speaker C: Definitely share this. And remember, if something doesn't feel right, it probably isn't Trust those instincts. Kirk Leipzig was counting on Nancy to ignore her doubts and trust him instead of her own judgment.
[00:27:59] Speaker B: That's such an important point, Sue. Scammers are experts at making us doubt our own instincts. And they'll have explanations for everything reasons why we should trust them over our own concerns. But if your gut is telling you something's wrong, listen to it.
[00:28:18] Speaker C: Absolutely. And don't be afraid to slow things down. Ask questions, get second opinions. Any legitimate person will understand and support you getting independent advice about major financial decisions.
[00:28:33] Speaker B: Perfect way to put it if someone gets angry or pushy. When you want to get independent advice, that's probably the biggest red flag of all. Legitimate advisors want you to be fully informed and comfortable with your decisions.
[00:28:49] Speaker C: Such good advice. Mick this has been a really important episode. Heavy topic, but I think our listeners needed to hear Nancy's story and understand how these sophisticated scams work.
[00:29:02] Speaker B: I agree, Sue. Cases like this are hard to discuss, but they're so important for protecting people. If even one person hears this and recognizes similar warning signs in their own situation, then sharing Nancy's story will have been worth it.
[00:29:18] Speaker C: Absolutely. And hopefully Kirk Leipzig gets the full punishment he deserves for what he put Nancy and his other victims through. 12 years of lies and manipulation, plus $12 million in theft. That should mean serious prison time.
[00:29:34] Speaker B: Ansu this case also highlights something important about federal sentencing for financial crimes. Under federal guidelines, sentences are often calculated based on the amount stolen. With over $12 million involved, Kirk Leipzig could be looking at decades in prison.
The federal system also has limited parole options, so he'd likely serve at least 85% of whatever sentence he receives.
[00:30:01] Speaker C: That's significant.
So we're potentially talking about him spending most of the rest of his life in prison. Given his history of targeting multiple victims over decades, that seems appropriate. But Nick, what about restitution? Is there any realistic chance Nancy could recover even a portion of what was stolen?
[00:30:22] Speaker B: That's the unfortunately complex part of these cases, Sue. Even if Kirk Leipzig is ordered to pay full restitution, which he almost certainly will be, actually collecting that money is a different challenge entirely. Prosecutors will work to seize any assets they can find. Bank accounts, property investments. But with cryptocurrency, if he converted the funds through privacy coins or moved them to wallets in non cooperative jurisdictions, recovery becomes extremely difficult. We'll definitely keep following his case and update listeners if there are any significant developments. Justice for Nancy and accountability for Kirk Leipzig. That's what we're hoping to see.
That's all for today's episode of behind the Scams. Thanks for listening. Bye for now.
[00:31:12] Speaker C: And remember, stay safe, stay informed, stay alert, and we'll catch you next time. Bye for now.
Oops. I'm sorry, Nick. But before we wrap up, Nick, I think it would be valuable to talk about some specific scenarios our listeners might encounter. Let's say someone is in early stages of what could be a romance scam. What are the very first steps they should take to protect themselves?
[00:31:38] Speaker B: No problem, Sue.
I will just put down this ice cold beer I just opened to celebrate another successful and enlightening episode of behind the Scams. But great question and one we should definitely address before we sign off.
The very first step is documentation.
Keep records of all your communications. Save messages, emails, phone phone call logs, screenshot their social media profiles before they potentially disappear.
Next, do a reverse image search on their photos to see if they're stolen from someone else's social media.
Then verify their identity independently. Ask for a video call, request to meet in person if they claim to be local, and most importantly, never send money or personal financial information.
[00:32:27] Speaker C: A reverse image search is such a good tip. I bet a lot of people don't think to do that. And what about if someone has already sent money but is starting to have doubts? Is there a point where it's too late to get help?
[00:32:41] Speaker B: You know, to me it is absolutely surprising on how many romance scams and other frauds could have been avoided with a simple image search. It's fast and it's free. Although AI generated photos are throwing a wrench into the equation. But. But a simple image search is always recommended. I strongly recommend it for everyone you meet online. It's just a good precautionary measure.
[00:33:05] Speaker C: Nick, you're also a licensed private investigator. Would you recommend PI services to someone who is starting to get serious with someone and needs to verify their information?
[00:33:16] Speaker B: Well, I know you know how I'm going to answer that question. How many times have we been watching Dateline or 4:48 Hours and I screamed out if she or he had only done a background check or hired a PI, this would have never happened. PI background services are a private investigator's bread and butter. So they are pretty routine and really not that expensive.
Definitely worth the investment.
[00:33:40] Speaker C: I highly agree Nick. Since we are both in agreement, this would be a great time to really close out this episode.
[00:33:47] Speaker B: I agree to thanks again for listening to behind the Scams and stay safe out there and stay scam free. Bye for now.
[00:33:57] Speaker A: So, what have we learned from Kirk Leipzig's masterclass in terrible life choices?
First, never trust a man whose idea of portfolio diversification involves your cryptocurrency and his escape plan to Southeast Asia.
Second, when someone moves into your house faster than a college freshman moves back home for free laundry, maybe pump the brakes.
And third, if your financial advisor's backup plan involves an airport dash, that's what we call a red flag the size of Texas. The beautiful irony, this criminal mastermind got arrested at the airport before his great escape. I'm imagining himself standing there with his boarding pass to the Philippines, probably thinking he's the next DB Cooper, when suddenly, surprise. Handcuffs.
Nancy Jones deserved so much better than this predatory con artist who turned her grief into his profit margin.
But thanks to some solid detective work, Kirk Leipzig traded his dreams of tropical beaches for a federal prison cell.
And honestly, after stealing from a country music legend's widow, that's exactly the kind of justice George Jones would have written a song about.
Remember, folks, if something sounds too good to be true, it usually comes with a side of cryptocurrency, theft, and abandonment issues.
Stay smart, stay skeptical, and we'll catch you next time on behind the Scams.
