🎙️Episode 21: New Year, Same Scams Series - Episode 1:The Credit Repair Scam That Could But Shouldn’t Have cover art

🎙️Episode 21: New Year, Same Scams Series - Episode 1:The Credit Repair Scam That Could But Shouldn’t Have

🎙️Episode 21: New Year, Same Scams Series - Episode 1:The Credit Repair Scam That Could But Shouldn’t Have

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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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