Behind Enemy Lines

Breaking Down Real-World Scam Tactics and How to Spot Them

In this episode of Behind Enemy Lines: Conversations with Fraud Fighters, host Michael Lefleur sits down with Dr Nicola Harding, Criminologist and Founder of The Financial Crime Lab. They explore the real-world impact of scams and fraud, with a sharp focus on how human behavior shapes both the crime and the response. Nicola explains why understanding the mindset of victims matters just as much as tracking the tactics of fraudsters. She shares stories from the front lines, showing how shame and fear can stop people from seeking help. Nicola argues for a new approach that treats victims with empathy, not suspicion. She also breaks down how scammers exploit trust and routine, making even the most careful people vulnerable. Together, Michael and Nicola discuss how banks and financial institutions can improve prevention without losing the human touch. Their conversation offers practical steps for shifting blame away from victims and building defenses that reflect how people actually live and bank. Guest-at-a-glance 💡 Name: Dr Nicola Harding 💡 What they do: Criminologist and Founder 💡 Company: The Financial Crime Lab 💡 Noteworthy: Known for research on fraud victim experiences and practical advice to help banks support people targeted by financial crime. 💡 Where to find her: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-nic/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-nic/]

Trust Is Not an Internal Control: Pink Collar Crime Exposed

In this episode of Behind Enemy Lines: Conversations with Fraud Fighters, host Mike LaFleur sits down with Kelly Paxton, Certified Fraud Examiner and host of the Fraudish podcast. Together, they explore the world of pink collar crime—fraud committed by everyday people in positions of trust, often within small businesses or local organizations. Kelly explains why pink collar crime feels so personal and relatable, drawing on real cases like embezzlement in dental offices and community nonprofits. She challenges the myth that trust alone keeps businesses safe, stressing that “trust is not an internal control.” Kelly shares practical insights on how fraud starts small, how social media can reveal hidden clues, and why even well-run organizations face risk when internal controls fall short. The conversation closes on the human side of fraud prevention. Kelly reflects on her work helping victims, her passion for education, and the importance of staying connected. Her story shows that fighting fraud isn’t just about numbers—it’s about protecting people and building a safer workplace for everyone. Guest-at-a-glance 💡 Name: Kelly Paxton 💡 What they do: CFE Speaker, Author, and Host of Fraudish 💡 Company: Self-employed / Fraudish 💡 Noteworthy: Known for her expertise on pink collar crime and embezzlement, Kelly educates businesses on fraud prevention and shares real-world insights from years of financial investigations. 💡 Where to find her: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellypaxton/

Inside the Cybercrime Triangle: How Fraudsters Blend Digital and Physical Attacks

In this episode of Behind Enemy Lines: Conversations with Fraud Fighters, host Mike LaFleur sits down with Peter Taylor, specialist in fraud and cyber crime at The Fraud Guy. Together, they examine how today’s financial crime has moved far beyond lone actors and simple scams. Peter explains how organized crime, cyber criminals, and old-school fraudsters have joined forces, blending digital and physical tactics to target victims on a global scale. Peter shares stories from the front lines, describing how fraud rings use research, social engineering, and insider help to pull off sophisticated heists. He highlights the rise of synthetic identities, the evolution of ransomware, and how fraudsters now operate like professional enterprises. The conversation digs into why attack strategies have grown bolder and why prevention—stopping that very first call or email—matters more than ever. Peter closes with practical advice: fraud teams, business units, and law enforcement need to break down silos and work together. Education, technical safeguards, and collaboration across departments can turn people from a weak link into the strongest defense. GUEST-AT-A-GLANCE 💡 Name: Peter Taylor 💡 What they do: Specialist in fraud and cyber crime 💡 Company: The Fraud Guy 💡 Noteworthy: Known for leading complex investigations into organized fraud, cybercrime, and financial scams, with expertise spanning both digital and physical attack methods. 💡 Where to find him: https://www.linkedin.com/in/insuranceinvestigator/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/insuranceinvestigator/?originalSubdomain=uk]

Decentralized Fraud Programs with Aaron Frye

In this episode of Behind Enemy Lines: Conversations with Fraud Fighters, host Mike LaFleur sits down with Aaron Frye, Founder and CEO at Lucid Point Consulting. They explore why so many financial institutions end up with decentralized fraud teams—and the real risks that come with silos, gaps in communication, and inconsistent approaches across departments. Aaron shares how decentralization can open cracks that fraudsters exploit. He points out the hidden costs of duplicated vendors, the confusion it creates for both staff and customers, and how inconsistent authentication methods can lead to easy wins for criminals. Drawing from years in the field, Aaron explains how a lack of unified leadership and strategy means teams miss threats, spend more, and struggle to help customers when it matters most. The conversation offers practical advice for building stronger fraud defenses. Aaron encourages leaders to map out roles, improve collaboration, and create clear lines of responsibility—no matter the size of their organization. GUEST-AT-A-GLANCE 💡 Name: Aaron Frye 💡 What they do: Founder & CEO 💡 Company: Lucid Point Consulting 💡 Noteworthy: Known for helping banks and fintechs build stronger, more efficient fraud risk programs by breaking down silos and improving team collaboration. 💡 Guest Company Website: https://www.lucidpointconsulting.com/ [https://www.lucidpointconsulting.com/]

Bank Teller to Fraud Fighter

In this episode of the Behind Enemy Lines podcast, host Mike LaFleur speaks with Hailey Windham, Board Member of Operation Shamrock, about advanced fraud-fighting strategies. Hailey shares her journey into fraud prevention and highlights the importance of helping others within the industry. She emphasizes that fraud fighters are eager to collaborate, regardless of competing institutions. The conversation explores the significance of internal culture in combating fraud. Hailey stresses that organizations must break down silos between departments and foster a collaborative environment. This allows for a united front in protecting members and their assets. She further discusses the importance of fraud teams partnering with other business units to have a thorough fraud protection program. Hailey also sheds light on Operation Shamrock's work in addressing pig butchering scams. The organization offers support to victims and works to identify gaps in law enforcement and banking practices. She urges fraud fighters to connect with others, seek mentorship, and build relationships within their organizations to strengthen fraud prevention efforts. Guest-at-a-Glance 💡Name: Hailey Windham 💡What they do: Board member 💡Company: Operation Shamrock [https://operationshamrock.org/] 💡Noteworthy: Hailey started her career as a bank teller and is now a fraud fighter and host of the Banking on Fraudology podcast. 💡Where to find them: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/hailey-windham/] Join the 50 State Initiative! [https://forms.gle/5Xoaz7oFyVmNcN748]