Ep 13. Friends Without Benefits

In season 9 episode 13 of American Greed, titled "Friends Without Benefits," the show follows the story of a man named Tim Durham. He was an Indiana businessman who and in the mid-2000s, he became part of a group that purchased a failing auto-parts manufacturer. The group believed they could turn the failing company around, but soon they found themselves in a financial quagmire.

Tim used his charm and business skills to convince investors, including friends and family members, to pour millions of dollars into the now-struggling company. He convinced investors that he was the person to turn the company around, and that their investments were safe. However, Tim managed to drain the company of its assets, and instead of using the money to save the company, he used it for his own personal gain.

Tim went on a huge spending spree, buying homes and cars, and paying himself and his co-conspirators huge salaries. He even went on lavish vacations with his family and friends, all while the company was going under. Despite the obvious red flags, many of his investors continued to pour money into the failing company, believing that he would eventually be able to turn things around.

The episode takes a deep dive into how Tim was able to exploit his investors, friends, and family members for his own personal gain, and how he was finally brought to justice. The show interviews some of the investors who lost their life savings due to Tim's actions, and how they were left traumatized and struggling financially. The show also interviews law enforcement officials who were able to build a case against Tim, and how it took years to bring him to justice.

Throughout the episode, viewers get a sense of the devastation that Tim's actions caused and how greed can ultimately lead to the downfall of a person. As the episode concludes, viewers are left with a stark reminder that even those who are close to us can be the ones to take advantage of us.

Overall, "Friends Without Benefits" is a poignant episode that highlights the dangers of unchecked greed and the lengths that people will go to in order to achieve their goals. It is a cautionary tale that speaks to the importance of vetting potential business partners and seeking out professional advice when making investments.