In this week’s episode of The Dark Side of Finance, Darryl Lyons takes us on a deep dive into one of the most infamous insider trading scandals in Wall Street history - the rise and fall of Ivan Boesky. Known as "Ivan the Terrible," Boesky's story is a riveting tale of ambition, greed, and the consequences of financial misconduct that rocked the 1980s financial world.

Darryl unpacks how Boesky leveraged insider information to amass a fortune, only to face a dramatic downfall orchestrated by federal prosecutors, including Rudy Giuliani. Along the way, listeners will gain insights into the broader implications of insider trading on trust in the financial system and the regulations that aim to maintain a level playing field.

Key show highlights include:

• The history of insider trading and why it poses such a significant threat to economic trust.
• How Ivan Boesky's merger arbitrage strategy turned illicit insider information into millions.
• The cultural impact of Boesky's actions, from inspiring Wall Street’s Gordon Gekko to becoming a cautionary tale in financial ethics.
• Practical lessons on identifying and protecting against modern financial misconduct.

Join Darryl as he paints a vivid portrait of an era defined by excess, examining how the lessons of Boesky's case still resonate today. With actionable advice for safeguarding your financial future, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to stay vigilant in an ever-evolving financial landscape. Remember, trust is the lifeblood of our economic system - keep your head on a swivel as we explore The Dark Side of Finance.

In this week’s episode of The Dark Side of Finance, Darryl Lyons dives into the murky world of independent film investments and the devastating consequences of financial misconduct within the industry. Centered on the story of Helen Grace Caldwell, a former Citigroup advisor turned horror film producer, this episode unravels how Caldwell exploited her position to manipulate elderly clients into funding low-budget, niche movies.

Darryl explores how Caldwell’s unchecked access to client accounts enabled her to misappropriate millions of dollars. Through vivid storytelling and expert insights, Darryl uncovers the systemic gaps that allowed Caldwell to operate for nearly a decade before her eventual downfall.

Key show highlights include:

• The intersection of banking and investment advisory roles - and the systemic risks they can create.
• How Caldwell misused client trust to fund bizarre and graphic horror films.
• The critical warning signs of financial exploitation, particularly among vulnerable seniors.
• Lessons on safeguarding your loved ones from manipulative advisors.

Join Darryl as he paints a vivid picture of how an advisor’s outside business activities can lead to financial devastation. With actionable tips to protect yourself and your family, this episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to stay vigilant in today’s financial landscape. As always, keep your head on a swivel as we explore The Dark Side of Finance.

Resources:

Inside an indie: Making a film from scratch without a Hollywood budget - CNET

Citi VP accused of exploiting older clients | Injustice Watch

https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndil/media/1333171/dl?inline

HELEN GRACE CALDWELL - BrokerCheck

In this week’s eye-opening episode of The Dark Side of Finance, Darryl Lyons unpacks the harrowing story of Charlotte Cowles, a successful financial journalist whose expertise couldn’t shield her from becoming the victim of a sophisticated scam. Charlotte, known for her insightful personal finance columns, fell prey to a group of con artists who manipulated her trust, used fear tactics, and ultimately stole $50,000 of her savings.

Darryl explores how scammers exploited Charlotte’s vulnerability with a chillingly calculated methodology, including fake calls from Amazon, the Federal Trade Commission, and even the CIA. Through deceitful claims of fraud investigations and threats to her family's safety, the con artists meticulously blocked Charlotte’s access to outside advice, leading her to unwittingly hand over her hard-earned money.

Key show highlights include:

• How scammers convincingly impersonated legitimate organizations like Amazon and the FTC.

• The psychological manipulation tactics used to isolate victims and gain their trust.

• A breakdown of the red flags Charlotte missed and how to spot them in similar situations.

• Why even financial experts can fall for well-crafted scams—and how to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Join Darryl as he examines the dark psychology behind modern scams and shares valuable lessons to safeguard your finances in an increasingly deceptive world. Don’t miss this episode if you want to stay informed and vigilant. As always, keep your head on a swivel as we navigate the dark side of finance together.

Resource:

How I Fell for an Amazon Scam Call and Handed Over $50,000