CRIME, POLICE + COURTS

FBI Confidential: How to avoid falling victim to fraud

Jul 12, 2018, 8:35 AM

“If it seems too good to be true, it probably is,” Michael Pickett warns in an interview with FBI Confidential host, Debbie Dujanovic.

Pickett, a Supervisory Special Agent with the FBI, appeared on FBI Confidential to discuss white-collar crime. During the interview, they zero-in on fraud and Pickett gives his advice to help you avoid falling victim.

Affinity fraud is a type of fraud that Utahns are extremely susceptible to, according to Pickett. He defines it as a type of fraud that uses “the bonds of trust that are created through their community, religion or through an ethnic group. They take advantage of that trust.”

Here is Pickett’s advice to avoid becoming a victim of fraud:

“Whenever you are looking to invest you have to do your own due diligence.” 

A common mistake victims make is replacing due diligence with trust.

“Never judge a person’s integrity by how they sound.”

Instead, judge them by their actions.

“A lot of times it is the fraudster coming looking for you.” 

Beware of someone coming to you about potential investments, said Picket.

And finally, Pickett brings it back to the golden rule when it comes to fraud:

“If it’s too good to be true, it probably is.”

Pickett explains the rule with age-old advice: if you are promised a high reward, there will be a high risk involved.

For more deep dives into the FBI subscribe to FBI Confidential wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes are dropped every Thursday.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Crime, Police + Courts

Students walk into West High School in Salt Lake City on Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2022....

Michael Houck, KSL TV

Teenager shot in parking lot at West High School, police search for suspect

A fight involving a group of teenagers resulted in one being shot and sent to the hospital Thursday afternoon.

4 hours ago

utah gun owner clark aposhian gets his bump stock back...

Adam Small

Utahn retrieves bump stock after over five years of court battles

A Utah man got his bump stock back on Wednesday years after the ATF classified the stock replacements as machine guns.

2 days ago

White Rim Trail in Canyonlands National Park...

Mariah Maynes

Two charged with stealing from Canyonlands’ Cave Spring Cowboy Camp

Two people from Colorado face federal charges after they were accused of stealing from Cave Spring Cowboy Camp within Canyonlands.

3 days ago

Kent Cody Barlow is charged with two counts of murder after a crash killed two boys in Eagle Mounta...

Emily Ashcraft

Man charged in Eagle Mountain crash will face trial in April for murder of 2 boys

A judge has scheduled a jury trial for Kent Cody Barlow to begin April 14, 2025, after there have been multiple delays.

3 days ago

FILE - Sandy police vehicle is pictured on Sunday March 8, 2020....

Jacob Freeman, KSL TV

Man makes threats against Sandy Police Department after arrest, police say

A man is in custody after Sandy Police Department arrested him for allegedly making a threat of terrorism on a piece of paper.

6 days ago

Two SLCPD officers were injured while attempting to stop a bar fight....

Kennedy Camarena

Two SLCPD officers injured while attempting to stop a bar fight

Salt Lake City Police Department said around 30 to 40 people were involved in a bar fight that caused the injuries of two officers.

6 days ago

Sponsored Articles

A surprise gift, wrapped and ready to bring holiday cheer! Whether for Christmas, a birthday, or an...

Western Nut

10 Holiday Gift Ideas to cover everyone on your list

This guide is for you if you need holiday gift ideas that will make a lasting impression. 

Stressed young woman checking bills, taxes, bank account balance and calculating expenses in the li...

The Law Offices of Jordan F. Wilcox

Why you should speak to a Utah lawyer about longstanding IRS tax issues

Hiring a lawyer to navigate longstanding IRS tax issues can make a significant difference in achieving a favorable resolution.

4 construction workers fixing roof against clouds blue sky, install shingles at the top of the hous...

Chipman Roofing

Weather the storms by maintaining your roof

By taking the time to assess your roof's condition and make repairs as needed, you maintain the longevity of your home's stability.

Tax Harassment...

The Law Offices of Jordan F. Wilcox

Feeling intimidated by the IRS? 6 Essential facts you should know.

If you are receiving threatening letters and wage garnishments from the IRS, hiring an attorney can help ensure your rights are protected.

Photo courtesy of Nightmare on 13th...

Nightmare on 13th

Here’s why Nightmare on 13th is the best haunted house in Utah

Fall brings Halloween, and Halloween brings Haunted Houses. There’s no better Haunted House than Nightmare on 13th – here’s why!

USA, Utah, Bear Lake. The deep blue of Utah's Bear Lake contrasts with autumn foliage....

Bear Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau

Experience Bear Lake’s all-year activities

We break down Bear Lake's four-season recreational offerings so the whole family can enjoy their time there any time of the year.

FBI Confidential: How to avoid falling victim to fraud