Ep 76. Talk Radio Takedown

In season 7, episode 76 of American Greed, viewers follow the story of a man named Martin Rudolf, who duped his talk radio listeners out of millions of dollars. Rudolf, a smooth-talking investment advisor, promised his radio listeners the opportunity to invest in companies that would provide them with high returns. However, these promising companies were simply a ruse to scam people out of their hard-earned money.

Rudolf's story begins in 2005 when he started hosting a radio show called "The Financial Advocate." During his show, he built a loyal following by offering advice on investments and answering listeners' financial questions. Many of his listeners trusted him and saw him as an expert in financial matters. Little did they know that Rudolf had a fraudulent past and was only interested in taking their money.

To carry out his scheme, Rudolf teamed up with two other men: Gary Armitage and James Blythe. Armitage was a former lawyer who lost his license for stealing client funds while Blythe was a radio producer. Together, the three of them built a network of shell companies and created fake investment opportunities to pitch to Rudolf's listeners. They promised high returns, but in reality, they were pocketing the money themselves.

As more and more people invested in their schemes, Rudolf, Armitage, and Blythe became bolder. They used the money they stole to fund their lavish lifestyles, buying expensive cars and properties. Meanwhile, their victims were left with nothing, losing their life savings and retirement funds.

Eventually, the law caught up with Rudolf, and he was indicted in 2015. After pleading guilty to wire fraud and money laundering, he was sentenced to ten years in prison. Armitage and Blythe were also sentenced to prison for their involvement in the scheme.

This episode of American Greed is a cautionary tale about how easy it is to fall prey to investment fraud. Rudolf used his credibility as a talk radio host to prey on vulnerable people looking to secure their financial futures. His victims trusted him, but in reality, he was only interested in lining his own pockets. American Greed is a must-watch for anyone looking to protect their finances and avoid becoming another victim of investment fraud.