In this episode of Talk’n the Beat, Sgt. Kevin Coates and Officer Larry Reynolds are joined by FBI Supervisory Special Agent Bryan Drake for an eye opening conversation about the growing world of financial crimes and how everyday people can protect themselves.
Bryan Drake has spent more than two decades with the FBI, beginning his career with the Special Surveillance Group in 2000 and working cases involving international and domestic terrorism, health care fraud, and complex financial crimes. In this episode, he brings that experience to bear on the scams affecting local communities right now.
The discussion covers common schemes such as grandparent scams, romance scams, cryptocurrency fraud, identity theft, and the increasingly sophisticated pig butchering scams that target victims over long periods of time. The group also talks about how criminals are now using artificial intelligence to replicate the voices and images of loved ones, making scams harder to recognize and more emotionally manipulative.
Throughout the conversation, SSA Drake emphasizes that these crimes can impact anyone, regardless of age, background, or experience, and that shame should never prevent someone from asking for help. Listeners are encouraged to report suspected scams or ongoing fraud to the FBI through ic3.gov, which helps investigators track trends and prevent others from becoming victims.
This episode offers a practical and timely look at modern financial crime and the simple steps people can take to protect themselves and their families.
Send Your Questions to Sgt. Coates and Officer Reynolds!
Email us at ttb@sterlingheights.gov and your question may be used in an upcoming podcast episode.
