The Utah Fraudcast

Don't Pay to Stay Out of Jail: How to Spot Law Enforcement Impersonation Scams

In this episode of the Scamalot Fraudcast, we sit down with Salt Lake County Sheriff Rosie Rivera to discuss government imposter scams. Sheriff Rivera explains how fraudsters impersonate deputies to exploit fear, why you should never try to "outsmart" a scammer on the phone, and the one thing law enforcement will never ask you to do. 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: dcp.utah.gov [http://dcp.utah.gov] https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you [https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you] https://www.saltlakecounty.gov/sheriff/ [https://www.saltlakecounty.gov/sheriff/]

Closing the Loophole on the Illicit Massage Industry in Utah: How a New Law Protects Consumers, Legitimate Businesses, and Targets Human Trafficking

In this episode, the Scamalot Fraudcast explores a major new crackdown on human trafficking and illicit industries in Utah. Host Patrick Fitzgibbon speaks with Jeff Shumway from the Office of Professional Licensure Review to discuss HB278, the "Massage Therapy Amendments". They explain how this new law addresses a regulatory "blind spot" to protect consumers, support legitimate business owners, and empower law enforcement to shut down illicit operations. 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 Professional Licensing: dopl.utah.gov [http://dcp.utah.gov] Utah Office of Professional Licensure Review: oplr.utah.gov [http://oplr.utah.gov] Utah Department of Commerce: commerce.utah.gov [http://commerce.utah.gov], scams.utah.gov [http://scams.utah.gov]

Unmasking "Junk Fees" and Restoring Price Transparency

Have you ever booked a trip, bought concert tickets, or rented an apartment, only to find the final price was significantly higher than advertised? In this episode, we discuss the pervasive issue of "junk fees," those vague, hidden line items, such as "service charges" or "resort fees," that appear only at the checkout screen. We examine how deceptive pricing tactics influence consumer psychology, identify the industries where these fees are most prevalent, and discuss new legislative efforts in Utah aimed at leveling the playing field for honest businesses and protecting consumers. 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 [http://dcp.utah.gov] Utah Department of Commerce: commerce.utah.gov [http://commerce.utah.gov], scams.utah.gov [http://scams.utah.gov] Junk Fees presentation: https://le.utah.gov/interim/2025/pdf/00002808.pdf [https://le.utah.gov/interim/2025/pdf/00002808.pdf] HB 29:https://le.utah.gov/Session/2026/bills/static/HB0029.html [https://le.utah.gov/Session/2026/bills/static/HB0029.html]

Resolutions and Red Flags: Staying Scam-Free in 2026

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 [http://dcp.utah.gov] Utah Division of Securities: securities.utah.gov [http://securities.utah.gov] FINRA BrokerCheck: https://brokercheck.finra.org/ [https://brokercheck.finra.org/] Utah Department of Commerce: commerce.utah.gov [http://commerce.utah.gov], scams.utah.gov [http://scams.utah.gov]

Renovation Red Flags: Construction Fraud, Job Abandonment, and Unlicensed Contractors

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 [http://commerce.utah.gov] * Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL): dopl.utah.gov [http://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 [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/ [https://dopl.utah.gov/construction-business-registry/] * Standard Residential Construction Contract: https://dopl.utah.gov/contracting/construction-contract/ [https://dopl.utah.gov/contracting/construction-contract/] * Residence Lien Recovery Fund: https://dopl.utah.gov/residence-lien-recovery-fund/ [https://dopl.utah.gov/residence-lien-recovery-fund/] * Verify a License: https://secure.utah.gov/llv/search/index.html [https://secure.utah.gov/llv/search/index.html] * Scams.utah.gov: scams.utah.gov [http://scams.utah.gov] * Division of Consumer Protection: consumerprotection.utah.gov [http://consumerprotection.utah.gov]