GUEST INFORMATION:

• Name: John Christensen
• Title/Credentials: CEO and Managing Member of Story One
• Background: Licensed attorney with 20+ years in financial services, experienced in uncovering financial fraud including a Ponzi scheme
• Connect with guest: Story One Family Office

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

[00:01:47] – Personal Impact of Elder Fraud

• Both hosts’ mothers were targeted by sophisticated scams within months of each other
• Key quote: “These weren’t minor phishing emails. These were coordinated high pressure psychological operations designed to create fear, urgency, and isolation.”

[00:04:50] – The Professional Nature of Fraud Operations

• Scammers operate from office buildings with coordinated efforts, not random individuals
• Key quote: “There’s literally office buildings full of these people in various countries around the world, and this is what they do.”

[00:06:48] – John’s Mother’s Experience

• Started with fake HP printer support, escalated to bank account access and death threats
• Key quote: “They told her if she didn’t do it, that they were gonna murder her.”

[00:13:06] – Kenny’s Mother’s Experience

• Four-day ordeal beginning with fake Microsoft email, involving remote computer access
• Key quote: “These guys are professional athletes. They are absolute professionals. This is what they train for.”

[00:20:46] – The Invisible Burglar Analogy

• Frank Abagnale’s insight on modern fraud vs. traditional crime
• Key quote: “These burglars are invisible, and there’s a multitude of them.”

[00:23:05] – The Professional Athlete Analogy

• Comparing fraud attempts to facing a 100 mph fastball
• Key quote: “The only way to really get out of this… step outta the box. Go back, pause.”

[00:24:21] – Financial Protection Strategies

• Creating speed bumps and limiting accessible cash amounts
• Key quote: “The larger the amount of cash you have access to, the larger the risk.”

[00:27:58] – Proactive Legal Measures

• Implementing durable powers of attorney and account safeguards earlier
• Key quote: “What I’m advocating is governance and good stewardship.”

[00:33:07] – AI and Future Fraud Evolution

• Discussion of deepfake technology and $25 million Zoom scam
• Key quote: “Can security keep up with technology? The laws that we have now, they’ve not kept pace with the internet.”

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

• Frank Abagnale: Former fraudster turned FBI consultant, subject of “Catch Me If You Can”
• TeamViewer and Screen Connect: Software applications used by scammers for remote computer access
• Credit bureaus for freezing credit: Experian, Equifax, TransUnion
• MIT report on AI and fraud intersection (referenced in 2024)

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

1. 1. 1. Elder fraud is a coordinated, professional operation conducted by sophisticated criminals operating internationally
      2. The best defense is to pause, disconnect, and call a trusted person when facing any unsolicited contact requesting money or personal information
      3. Families should implement financial safeguards proactively, including limiting accessible cash and requiring multiple approvals for large transactions
      4. There is no shame in being targeted—reporting helps protect others and prevents future crimes
      5. Technology is evolving faster than security measures, requiring a “zero trust” approach to unsolicited communications

CALL TO ACTION:

If this episode helped you understand the reality of elder fraud, please share it with your family and friends. Subscribe to the Story Lens Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube to never miss an episode. Remember: if something feels wrong, stop, disconnect, and call someone you trust.