Ep 21. VIP Schemers

In season 15 episode 21 of American Greed entitled "VIP Schemers", the show explores the world of luxury events and the con artists who target wealthy clients looking to live the high life.

The episode follows the stories of several individuals who used their charm and connections to gain access to exclusive events and swindle unsuspecting victims out of millions of dollars. One of these individuals is Gary Tustin, a self-proclaimed “concierge to the stars” who befriended wealthy clients and promised them access to exclusive events and experiences. Tustin would then use their credit card information to make extravagant purchases for himself and his friends. He eventually caught the attention of the FBI and was arrested for wire fraud.

Another featured guest is Carlos Keyes, a former promoter who organized high-end events for celebrities and wealthy clients. Keyes convinced his clients to invest in a new venture called “Platinum City”, which promised to create luxurious resorts and properties. However, Keyes never followed through on his promises and instead used the money for personal expenses, such as luxurious vacations and expensive cars. Keyes was eventually caught by the FBI and sentenced to prison for investment fraud.

The episode also covers the story of Tom Petters, a businessman who operated a Ponzi scheme that targeted investors and stole over $3 billion. Petters used his connections to convince investors to put money into his company, promising high returns on their investments. Instead, Petters used the money from new investors to pay off older investors, and used the rest for personal expenses such as buying a private jet and luxury homes. Petters was eventually caught and sentenced to 50 years in prison.

The show focuses on the tactics used by these con artists, and how they were able to gain the trust of wealthy clients by presenting themselves as successful and trustworthy. The guests offer insight into the psychology of fraudsters, and how they are able to manipulate their victims into trusting them.

Throughout the episode, financial experts and law enforcement officials discuss the impact of these frauds on the economy and the victims involved. The show examines the legal system's attempt to crack down on these crimes, and the challenges they face in prosecuting high-profile individuals whose schemes span across multiple states and countries.

Overall, American Greed season 15 episode 21 provides a compelling look into the world of high-end fraud and the devastating consequences it can have on the lives of its victims. The show highlights the importance of consumer protection and the need for increased awareness of financial scams and frauds.