• 🎙️Episode 28: Fraud, Family & False Success: The Brandon Simms Story
    Apr 2 2026
    EPISODE DESCRIPTION

    What happens when healthcare turns into a hustle? In this episode of Black Coffee, Crime, and Crochet, we’re breaking down the $12 million Medicaid fraud scheme led by Brandon Sims and members of his own family. This case goes beyond fraud. It raises questions about trust, image, and the systems meant to protect vulnerable communities. Reports suggest Sims also presented himself as a successful entrepreneur, adding another layer to a story that already feels too calculated to be coincidence.

    We’re unpacking:
    • How the scheme worked
    • The role of family in the operation
    • The real impact of Medicaid fraud
    • And how image can be used to build credibility in scams
    Plus, this week’s iced coffee is The Paper Trail Latte; and yes, the full recipe is below
    When does a hustle become harm?

    Main Topics Covered:
    • Overview of the $12 million Medicaid fraud scheme
    • How Medicaid fraud operations typically work
    • The involvement of multiple family members
    • The role of perceived success and public image
    • The broader impact on patients and healthcare systems
    Iced Coffee of the Week: The Paper Trail Latte
    Flavor vibe: smooth, rich, layered… but a little sneaky

    Ingredients (24 oz)
    • 2 tsp Nescafé Blonde (or mocha for a deeper flavor)
    • 3 oz hot water
    • 1 oz vanilla syrup (use your Mexican vanilla 👀)
    • 1 tbsp sweetened condensed milk
    • 1 tbsp dulce de leche sauce (plus extra for lining the cup)
    • Ice (ALWAYS last, we stand on that)
    • Oat milk (fill to top)
    Optional Cold Foam
    • 2 oz half & half
    • Splash of vanilla syrup
    Instructions
    1. Dissolve instant coffee in hot water
    2. Stir in vanilla syrup + condensed milk
    3. Line your cup with dulce de leche
    4. Fill cup with ice
    5. Pour coffee mixture over ice
    6. Top with oat milk
    7. Add cold foam and drizzle more dulce de leche on top
    Sip or Spill Question
    If someone builds an image of success while committing fraud behind the scenes… Is that just part of the scam, or does it cross into something deeper?

    SUPPORT THE SHOW
    Follow the podcast, leave a rating and review, and share this episode with someone who thinks online romance fraud could never happen to them.

    Instagram, FB & TikTok: @blackcoffeecrimecrochet
    Patreon: JOIN HERE
    Facebook Discussion Group: Black Coffee, Crime & Crochet
    YouTube: WATCH HERE

    SOURCES
    • U.S. Department of Justice press releases
    • Local Houston news coverage
    • Court documents and indictments
    • Public records related to Medicaid fraud investigations
    DISCLAIMER
    This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. All information is based on publicly available sources. Allegations discussed are based on reported findings and legal proceedings. Listeners are encouraged to conduct their own research.

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    35 mins
  • 🎙️Episode 27 ENCORE: Swipe, Seduce, Scam: The Daylon Pierce Story
    Feb 22 2026
    Hey BC3 Crew, no new episode last week so we're bringing back one of the most requested stories. This is the twisted tale of Daylon Pierce, a romance scammer who left a trail of heartbreak and bounced checks across the country. If you missed it the first time, here’s your chance to catch up.

    An don't worry, a brand new episode is coming this Tuesday as we continue the Love, Lies, and Laundering series. You do not want to miss what’s next.

    Daylon Pierce wasn’t your average online dater. He posed as a wealthy stockbroker looking for love… and ended up scamming multiple women out of hundreds of thousands of dollars.In this episode, Jasmine unpacks the charming deception, the heartbreak, and the massive financial fraud behind Pierce’s “romance investments.”

    Plus: iced coffee vibes, a crochet update, and a conversation about why judging scam victims misses the point. We’re sipping Sweet Talker Lattes and stitching our way through the twisted tale of Daylon Pierce, an Arizona-based romance scammer who used dating apps to charm, manipulate, and con multiple women out of hundreds of thousands of dollars.I’m breaking down:
    • How Daylon Pierce built his fake financial empire on lies and love-bombing
    • The women who trusted him and what they lost
    • How he was caught and sentenced
    This episode is part true crime deep-dive, part love life PSA; so grab your iced coffee, your latest WIP, and settle in. Drink of the Episode: Sweet Talker Latte (caramel, cinnamon, vanilla)

    SUPPORT THE SHOW
    Follow the podcast, leave a rating and review, and share this episode with someone who thinks online romance fraud could never happen to them.

    Instagram, FB & TikTok: @blackcoffeecrimecrochet
    Patreon: JOIN HERE
    Facebook Discussion Group: Black Coffee, Crime & Crochet
    YouTube: WATCH HERE
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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • 🎙️Episode 26: Love, Lies, and Laundering Series Part 2: Badetito Obafemi and the Money Mule Network
    Feb 11 2026
    Romance scammers do not just rely on fake profiles and sweet messages. They rely on infrastructure.In this episode of Black Coffee, Crime & Crochet, we continue the Love, Lies, and Laundering Series with the case of Badetito Obafemi, a Georgia man who acted as a money mule in a multi state romance fraud scheme.From 2016 to 2018, victims in Missouri, Minnesota, and New Jersey believed they were sending money to men they loved. Instead, more than $300,000 was routed through bank accounts tied to Obafemi and his businesses. He did not write the love letters, but he made sure the money moved.This episode breaks down how the scam worked, how smaller operators fit inside larger international fraud networks, and why money mules are critical to keeping romance scams alive.We examine the investigation, indictment, guilty plea, and sentencing, and discuss what this case reveals about the business side of emotional exploitation.This is Week 2 of the Love, Lies, and Laundering Series.In this episode, we examine the role of Badetito Obafemi in a romance fraud ring that targeted vulnerable victims across multiple states.Victims were contacted through social media and dating platforms and convinced they were in legitimate romantic relationships. Over time, they were manipulated into sending large sums of money to help with fabricated emergencies, overseas business ventures, medical crises, and legal troubles.Rather than wiring funds directly overseas, victims were instructed to send money to U.S. based bank accounts controlled by Obafemi. Through personal and business accounts, he laundered more than $300,000 in victim funds before distributing the proceeds to co conspirators and keeping a portion for himself.In 2021, a federal grand jury indicted Obafemi on multiple fraud and money laundering charges. In 2024, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering. In 2025, he was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison and ordered to pay more than $311,000 in restitution.This episode explores how romance scams function as organized financial systems and why money mules play a crucial role in sustaining international fraud networks.IN THIS EPISODE, WE COVERHow romance scammers build trust with victimsThe role of money mules in fraud operationsShell companies and laundering tacticsThe multi state impact of the schemeFederal investigation and sentencingWhy smaller operators still cause large harmICED COFFEE OF THE EPISODEVanilla Bean Cheesecake Iced LatteThis one tastes like dessert in a glass. Sweet. Smooth. Slightly rich. Exactly the kind of drink that makes you forget you are about to hear about financial crimes.Ingredients1 cup strong cold brew or double strength coffee, fully chilled1 cup ice3/4 cup oat milk or milk of choice1 oz Torani Cheesecake Syrup1/2 oz vanilla bean syrup1 tablespoon half and half or heavy creamOptional whipped creamInstructionsFill a tall glass with ice.Pour the cold brew over the ice.Add 1 oz Torani Cheesecake Syrup.Add 1/2 oz vanilla bean syrup.Pour in the oat milk.Add the half and half for extra richness.Stir thoroughly until everything is fully combined.Top with whipped cream if you want the full bakery experience.It is sweet. It is comforting. It feels indulgent.But underneath that sweetness is a reminder that not everything that looks rich is built honestly.SUPPORT THE SHOWFollow the podcast, leave a rating and review, and share this episode with someone who thinks online romance fraud could never happen to them.Instagram, FB & TikTok: @blackcoffeecrimecrochetPatreon: JOIN HEREFacebook Discussion Group: Black Coffee, Crime & CrochetYouTube: WATCH HERESOURCESUnited States Department of Justice, U.S. Attorney’s Office, Western District of Missouri.“Georgia Man Sentenced for Role in $300,000 Romance Fraud Scheme.” Press release, April 9, 2025.United States Department of Justice, U.S. Attorney’s Office, Western District of Missouri.“Georgia Man Pleads Guilty to Role in Romance Fraud Scheme.” Press release, April 18, 2024.United States Department of Justice, U.S. Attorney’s Office, Western District of Missouri.“Georgia Man Indicted for Role in Romance Fraud Scheme.” Press release, July 27, 2021.United States District Court for the Western District of Missouri.United States v. Badetito Oluwaseun Obafemi. Case filings, indictment, plea agreement, and sentencing documents.Federal Bureau of Investigation.Public statements related to romance scams and the Money Mule Initiative.United States Department of Justice.Money Mule Initiative announcements and enforcement summaries.Federal Trade Commission.Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book, reports on romance scam losses and trends.Federal Bureau of Investigation.Internet Crime Complaint Center Annual Reports on romance fraud statistics.
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    39 mins
  • 🎙️Episode 25: Love, Lies, and Laundering Series Part 1: Nadine Jazimne Wade and the Business of Romance Fraud
    Feb 3 2026
    Romance scams are usually framed as lonely people tricked by fake lovers online. But behind those fake profiles are real systems moving real money.
    In this episode of Black Coffee, Crime & Crochet, we open the Love, Lies, and Laundering Series with the case of Nadine Jazimne Wade, a Bronx woman who laundered millions of dollars for an international romance scam ring.

    Prosecutors say Wade used shell companies and bank accounts to move more than two million dollars taken from victims who believed they were helping someone they loved. She did not catfish the victims herself, but her role made the scheme possible by turning emotional manipulation into usable cash.

    This episode breaks down how the laundering operation worked, how the larger fraud ring functioned, and why her sentence mattered in the broader fight against romance fraud. It also examines why this case stands out and what it reveals about the infrastructure behind online romance scams.

    SHOW NOTES

    In this episode of Black Coffee, Crime & Crochet, we begin the Love, Lies, and Laundering Series with the case of Nadine Jazimne Wade. Wade was convicted for laundering millions of dollars connected to an international romance fraud operation. While victims believed they were sending money to someone they loved, prosecutors say their funds were being routed through bank accounts and shell companies controlled by Wade and her associates.

    This episode explores how romance scams depend on more than just fake profiles and emotional manipulation. It examines the financial infrastructure behind these schemes and the role played by people who never spoke to the victims but made the crimes possible.

    We break down Wade’s background, her involvement in the laundering network, how the larger fraud ring operated, and how federal investigators uncovered the scheme. We also discuss why her sentence was significant and what her case reveals about the hidden business side of romance fraud.

    This episode sets the foundation for understanding how love based scams function as organized financial systems rather than isolated acts of deception.

    IN THIS EPISODE, WE COVER

    The structure of international romance scam rings
    How money laundering supports online fraud
    Nadine Jazimne Wade’s role in moving stolen funds
    The use of shell companies and bank accounts
    Federal charges and sentencing
    Why this case stands out in romance fraud prosecutions

    ICED COFFEE OF THE EPISODE

    The False Promise Latte
    Strong coffee, vanilla syrup, caramel syrup, oat milk, ice, and a pinch of sea salt.

    Support & Connect with BC³:

    Instagram, FB & TikTok: @blackcoffeecrimecrochet
    Patreon: JOIN HERE
    Facebook Discussion Group: Black Coffee, Crime & Crochet
    YouTube: WATCH HERE

    If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Ratings and reviews help the show reach new listeners and make it easier for people to find thoughtful, well researched content like this.

    Sources:
    • U.S. Department of Justice, Southern District of New York – Press Release: Bronx Woman Sentenced To 63 Months In Prison For Laundering Over $2 Million For African Romance Scammers (May 28, 2025)
    • U.S. Department of Justice, Southern District of New York – Press Release: 6 Defendants Charged With Laundering Millions Of Dollars In Proceeds Derived From Romance Scams (June 2, 2021)
    • Audacy/1010 WINS News – Bronx woman guilty in $2M fake romance scheme, used 'Francisco' alias to scam elderly (2025)
    • Inner City Press – After Romance Scam Guilty Verdict in SDNY… (Trial coverage by Matthew Russell Lee, Dec 2023)
    • The Federal Newswire – Bronx woman sentenced for laundering over $2 million in romance scam (May 28, 2025)
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    45 mins
  • 🎙️Episode 24: New Year, Same Scams Series - Episode 4: Brittish Williams and the Cost of Shortcuts
    Jan 27 2026
    If you'd like to fill out the listener survey for a chance to win a $20 Amazon Gift card, or just to help me out, you can do so HEREEPISODE DESCRIPTIONBrittish Williams built a public image as a reality TV star and entrepreneur, but behind the scenes she was committing years of financial fraud involving stolen Social Security numbers, false tax filings, and pandemic loan programs.In this episode of Black Coffee, Crime & Crochet, we revisit Brittish Williams now that her story has reached a new chapter after her release from federal prison. We break down how her schemes worked, the charges she faced, and the sentence that followed.We also include background Brittish shared in her interview with Carlos King, where she talked about her upbringing, family instability, college struggles, and how a gambling addiction shaped her financial decisions.This episode closes out the New Year, Same Scams series with a case that sits at the intersection of fame, desperation, and internet hustle culture.SHOW NOTESIn this episode, we examine the rise and fall of Brittish Williams, from reality television to federal court, as the final chapter of the New Year, Same Scams series.Brittish Williams became known through Basketball Wives LA and later built a brand as a businesswoman and radio personality. While presenting a successful public image, she was also engaged in multiple fraud schemes that spanned several years.Federal investigators charged her with bank fraud, wire fraud, misuse of Social Security numbers, and making false statements to the IRS. Prosecutors said she used fake identities to open credit lines and bank accounts, lied on tax returns, submitted false medical claims, and fraudulently obtained pandemic relief funds.This episode also draws from Brittish Williams’ interview with Carlos King, where she described her upbringing, her college plans, and the moment her education derailed when her mother stopped her student loan. She also spoke openly about her gambling addiction and how it influenced her financial behavior.As the closing episode of the New Year, Same Scams series, this case brings together many of the themes explored throughout the season, including credit fraud, identity misuse, lifestyle pressure, and the normalization of financial shortcuts online.IN THIS EPISODE, WE COVERBrittish Williams’ background and early lifeHer rise through reality television and entrepreneurshipThe fraud schemes involving Social Security numbers, banks, and tax filingsPandemic loan and rent relief fraudHer sentencing and early releaseHer own explanations from the Carlos King interviewWhy this case closes out the New Year, Same Scams seriesICED COFFEE OF THE EPISODESecond Chance Iced LatteStrong coffee, brown sugar syrup, oat milk, cinnamon, and ice.SIP OR SPILLDoes serving time mean someone deserves a clean slate, or does financial crime permanently change how we see them?Support & Connect with BC³:Instagram, FB & TikTok: @blackcoffeecrimecrochetPatreon: JOIN HEREFacebook Discussion Group: Black Coffee, Crime & CrochetYouTube: WATCH HEREIf you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Ratings and reviews help the show reach new listeners and make it easier for people to find thoughtful, well researched content like this.If you know someone who is working on their credit, thinking about credit repair, or needs to hear this episode before paying someone promising fast results, share it with them. That matters more than you think.SOURCESUnited States Department of Justice, U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of Missouri.Press releases and court documents regarding the indictment, guilty plea, sentencing, and restitution order for Brittish Williams.United States District Court, Eastern District of Missouri.Criminal case filings, plea agreement, and sentencing memorandum in United States v. Brittish Williams.Federal Bureau of Investigation.Public statements and investigative summaries related to the fraud schemes involving pandemic relief funds and synthetic identity fraud.Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division.Guidance and reporting on tax fraud and misuse of Social Security numbers tied to the case.Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General.Public warnings and documentation on misuse of Social Security numbers and identity based fraud schemes.St. Louis Post Dispatch.Coverage of Brittish Williams’ indictment, guilty plea, sentencing, and appeal.Associated Press.Reporting on Brittish Williams’ fraud conviction and federal prison sentence.Forbes, Frank McKenna.Analysis articles on synthetic identity fraud and Credit Privacy Numbers.VH1 and Basketball Wives LA.Public background information on Brittish Williams’ media career.Carlos King interview with Brittish Williams.Primary source interview discussing her upbringing, education, gambling addiction, and explanations of her financial decisions.
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    55 mins
  • 🎙️Episode 23: New Year, Same Scams Series - Episode 3: The “Medicaid” CPN Ring
    Jan 22 2026
    EPISODE DESCRIPTION Credit Privacy Numbers are often sold as a shortcut to financial freedom, privacy, and a clean slate. But when CPNs move beyond credit repair scams and into government programs like Medicaid, the consequences turn federal fast. In this episode of Black Coffee, Crime & Crochet, we break down the Medicaid CPN ring and how synthetic identities were created using stolen personal information. We explain what CPNs really are, how they are marketed online, why they are illegal, and how they were used to exploit Medicaid systems and financial institutions. We walk through how these schemes operate, who they harm, and why both the sellers and users of CPNs face serious criminal charges. This episode also explores how desperation, misinformation, and social media hustle culture blur the line between empowerment and fraud. Grab your iced coffee, because this one is layered.SHOW NOTES In this episode of Black Coffee, Crime & Crochet, we take a deep dive into the world of CPNs and how they crossed over from credit repair scams into full blown Medicaid fraud. What starts as a promise of financial privacy quickly turns into identity theft, synthetic identities, and federal charges. We break down how Credit Privacy Numbers are marketed online, why they are illegal, and how they were used to exploit Medicaid systems and vulnerable populations. This episode walks through the mechanics of the Medicaid CPN ring, how stolen identities were used to create fake profiles, and how federal investigators unraveled the scheme. We also talk about the real consequences for both the people running these operations and the unsuspecting individuals whose identities were pulled into the fraud. As always, we pause for iced coffee, unpack the ethics behind so called financial shortcuts, and ask whether the internet has normalized fraud under the banner of empowerment. IN THIS EPISODE, WE COVERWhat CPNs actually are and where they came fromWhy CPNs are illegal under federal lawHow CPNs connect to synthetic identity fraudHow Medicaid data was exploited in this ringThe difference between credit repair and credit fraudWhy these schemes disproportionately impact Black and low income communitiesWhat federal charges typically follow CPN related fraudICED COFFEE OF THE EPISODE Brown Sugar Cinnamon Iced Shaken Espresso Strong coffee, brown sugar, cinnamon, oat milk, and ice. Sweet, bold, and a little shady.SIP OR SPILL: Is using a CPN really taking control of your financial future, or is it fraud wrapped in good marketing?LISTENER SURVEYYour voice matters. Take the listener survey linked below to help shape future episodes, series topics, and bonus content. The survey is anonymous and helps keep the podcast aligned with what you actually want to hear.Fill it out HERE for a chance to win the $20 Amazon Gift Card.Support & Connect with BC³:Instagram: Follow MeFB: Follow MeTikTok: Follow MePatreon: JOIN HEREFacebook Discussion Group: Black Coffee, Crime & CrochetYouTube: WATCH HEREIf you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Ratings and reviews help the show reach new listeners and make it easier for people to find thoughtful, well researched content like this.If you know someone who is working on their credit, thinking about credit repair, or needs to hear this episode before paying someone promising fast results, share it with them. That matters more than you think. SOURCES United States Department of Justice, U.S. Attorney’s Office. Press release detailing conspiracy to commit bank fraud and aggravated identity theft involving synthetic identities and CPNs tied to Medicaid recipients. United States Department of Justice. Criminal information and plea agreements related to the Medicaid synthetic identity fraud scheme involving stolen personal data. Federal Trade Commission. Consumer warnings on Credit Privacy Numbers, file segregation, and new credit identity scams. Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. Reports and analysis on synthetic identity fraud and misuse of Social Security numbers in credit systems. Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General. Public guidance on misuse of Social Security numbers and identity theft schemes. Forbes, Frank McKenna. Articles detailing the origin of CPNs and their connection to synthetic identity fraud. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Educational resources on credit repair scams and identity theft.
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    52 mins
  • 🎙️Episode 22: New Year, Same Scams Series - Episode 2:The Credit Repair Operation That Rewrote the Rules
    Jan 13 2026
    HEY BC3 CREW! Last week I uploaded the listener survey last week but hadn't considered BOTS. I guess that means I made it lol. But if you tried filling it out last week and saw that it wasn't accepting responses, that's because I had to figure out how to weed them out. Hopefully, it's figured out now so PLEASE fill it out for me and be entered into the gift card giveaway! You can fill it out HEREOkay now back to business!Banks and lenders rely on accurate information from credit bureaus to decide who gets approved and who gets denied. But what happens when the people feeding information into that system decide to lie for profit? In this episode of Black Coffee, Crime, and Crochet, Jasmine continues the New Year, Same Scams series by breaking down the operation run by Edwin Jacquet and Denise Hudson. Working through two companies, Highway Furniture and New York Funding Group, they became official data furnishers with credit bureaus and used that access to add fake positive tradelines, erase real negative accounts, and artificially inflate thousands of credit scores. The scheme allowed customers to qualify for tens of millions of dollars in loans, mortgages, credit cards, and financing they never should have received.When the debts went bad, lenders were left with more than nine million dollars in losses, and the conspirators ended up in federal prison. This episode explains how the scheme worked, how they gained access to the credit system, why the fraud went undetected for so long, and what it means for anyone tempted to pay for shortcuts to a better credit score. In today’s episode, Jasmine takes listeners inside the credit system itself. Instead of disputing accounts from the outside, this case focuses on what happens when fraudsters sit in the same position as legitimate lenders and abuse that power to manipulate credit reports for money.Iced Coffee of the Week Clean Slate Caramel Cold Brew Ingredients:1 to 2 tablespoons caramel sauceIce6 ounces strong cold brew or chilled coffee4 ounces milk or non dairy milk1 to 2 teaspoons vanilla syrupInstructions:Add the caramel sauce to the bottom of your cup.Add a handful of ice.Pour in the cold brew.Add the milk.Stir until the caramel dissolves into the drink.Taste and adjust sweetness with vanilla syrup if needed.Optional: Drizzle more caramel around the inside of the cup before adding ice for a layered look.This episode covers the multi year credit fraud scheme created by Edwin Jacquet and Denise Hudson through their companies, Highway Furniture and New York Funding Group. By becoming official data furnishers, they gained the ability to report account information directly to credit bureaus. Once inside the system, they created fake tradelines showing perfect payment history for customers who had never opened those accounts.They also used dispute tools to remove or alter legitimate negative information. The result was a sudden jump in clients’ credit scores, allowing them to obtain millions in loans and credit they would not have qualified for otherwise. The scheme operated at scale, affecting thousands of credit files and leading to more than nine million dollars in confirmed financial losses when the fraudulent debts defaulted. Investigators later described the scheme as one of the largest credit repair fraud cases ever prosecuted. What You Will Hear In This EpisodeHow the conspirators became official data furnishersHow fake tradelines were built and inserted into consumer credit filesHow real negative debts were deleted or overwrittenHow customers used the inflated scores to obtain mortgages, auto loans, and credit cardsHow the scheme grew to tens of millions in fraudulent approvalsThe consequences for everyone involvedSip or Spill Question If you could wipe your credit clean overnight, knowing someone was lying to the bureaus to make it happen, would you still press the button?Support & Connect with BC³:Instagram: Follow MeFB: Follow MeTikTok: Follow MePatreon: JOIN HEREFacebook Discussion Group: Black Coffee, Crime & CrochetYouTube: WATCH HEREIf you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Ratings and reviews help the show reach new listeners and make it easier for people to find thoughtful, well researched content like this.If you know someone who is working on their credit, thinking about credit repair, or needs to hear this episode before paying someone promising fast results, share it with them. That matters more than you think. SOURCES United States Attorney’s Office, Southern District of New York. Press release announcing the indictment of Edwin Jacquet, Peter Romeo, Edwin J. Mansour Jr., and Denise Hudson for operating a fraudulent credit repair scheme through Highway Furniture and New York Funding Group. July 25, 2011.United States Attorney’s Office, Southern District of New York. “Leader Of Fraudulent Credit Repair Scheme Pleads Guilty In Manhattan Federal Court,...
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    38 mins
  • 🎙️Episode 21: New Year, Same Scams Series - Episode 1:The Credit Repair Scam That Could But Shouldn’t Have
    Jan 6 2026
    If you'd like to fill out the listener survey for a chance to win a $20 Amazon Gift card, or just to help me out, you can do so HEREEvery January, people promise themselves a fresh start, especially when it comes to money and credit. But for thousands of consumers, the promise of fast credit repair turned into years of financial damage and federal prison sentences. In this episode of Black Coffee, Crime, and Crochet, Jasmine kicks off the New Year, Same Scams series with a deep dive into one of the longest running credit repair fraud operations in the United States, led by Kevin Edward Hargrave and his wife Latrese Hargrave. For more than fifteen years, the Hargraves ran a revolving door of credit repair businesses, charged illegal upfront fees, filed false identity theft disputes, ignored federal court orders, and continued scamming consumers even after being permanently banned from the industry. What started as a so called credit repair service eventually became a federal conspiracy involving wire fraud, tax fraud, and millions of dollars in losses. This episode breaks down how the scheme worked, why it targeted financially vulnerable communities, and how ignoring the fine print can cost more than money. It can cost your freedom.In today’s episode, Jasmine launches a brand new podcast series, New Year, Same Scams, by unpacking the true story behind one of the most persistent credit repair fraud operations ever prosecuted.Iced Coffee of the WeekVanilla almond milk cold brew with white chocolate and a splash of caramel. Smooth, dependable, and exactly how credit repair should be. Slow, boring, and legal.Case OverviewThis episode focuses on Kevin Edward Hargrave and Latrese Hargrave, a married couple who jointly operated multiple credit repair businesses that falsely promised consumers fast and guaranteed credit score improvements. Despite being warned, sued, fined, and permanently banned from the credit repair industry by the federal government, the Hargraves continued operating under new business names and front companies for years.Sip or Spill QuestionIf the credit system was not built for you, is it wrong to look for shortcuts?Where does survival end and fraud begin, especially when fast fixes feel like the only option? Support & Connect with BC³:Instagram, FB & TikTok: @blackcoffeecrimecrochetPatreon: JOIN HEREFacebook Discussion Group: Black Coffee, Crime & CrochetYouTube: WATCH HEREIf you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Ratings and reviews help the show reach new listeners and make it easier for people to find thoughtful, well researched content like this.If you know someone who is working on their credit, thinking about credit repair, or needs to hear this episode before paying someone promising fast results, share it with them. That matters more than you think.SOURCESKevin Edward Hargrave and Latrese HargraveDepartment of Justice, Middle District of FloridaGeorgia man sentenced to five years in prison for tax fraud and operation of bogus credit repair businessesPress release dated February 2, 2024 United States v. Kevin Edward HargraveCriminal Information and Plea AgreementCase No. 3:22 cr 113, Middle District of Florida Federal Trade Commission v. Latrese and Kevin Enterprises Inc.United States District Court, Middle District of FloridaCase No. 3:08 cv 1001FTC Complaint and Permanent Injunction Federal Trade CommissionCourt halts credit repair scammers in response to FTC contempt chargesPress release dated June 7, 2012 Civil Contempt OrderFederal Trade Commission v. Latrese and Kevin Enterprises Inc.Judgment ordering 6.4 million dollars in consumer redressIssued November 19, 2012 Florida Times UnionAfter years of complaints Jacksonville credit repair firm boss draws five year prison termCoverage of sentencing and case background Get Out of Debt GuySteve RhodeAnalysis of Hargrave credit repair contempt case and FTC enforcement history Better Business BureauWSA Optimization Firm Inc business profile and consumer complaints Court records and sentencing memorandaUnited States District Court, Middle District of Florida
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    48 mins