Scam Goddess Podcast Summary

Episode: Fraud Friday: The Bootleg Bourbon Heist w/ Frankie Quiñones
Release Date: April 4, 2025
Hosts: Laci Mosley (Scam Goddess)
Guest: Frankie Quiñones

Introduction

In this engaging episode of Scam Goddess, host Laci Mosley welcomes comedian Frankie Quiñones to delve into the world of fraud, focusing on a notorious bourbon heist. The episode blends humor with insightful discussions on various scams, drawing from both personal anecdotes and historical events.

Guest Background

Frankie Quiñones is a multifaceted comedian known for his roles alongside Mario Lopez in Lifetime’s Feliz Navidad and his HBO Max special, Super Homies. He also hosts The Frankie Quiñones Show on iHeartMedia's Big Money Player Network and is set to premiere his Hulu show, This Full. Frankie brings his comedic expertise to the podcast, providing both laughs and thoughtful commentary on fraud-related topics.

Personal Experiences with Scams

[05:00] Frankie Quiñones:
Frankie shares his personal encounters with credit card fraud, recounting how, while working at a hardware store on minimum wage, his debit card was compromised three times, leading to unauthorized purchases at Macy's. He remarks, “They were taking all the money I had in there in one purchase, like Macy's somewhere I never been to.”

[07:31] Laci Mosley:
Laci discusses her own experience with deceptive debit card systems at high-end restaurants, highlighting how such schemes can erode trust. She humorously advises listeners, “Feel around on those gas station things, or if you're in a shady area, go inside and pay because it’s not worth.”

Main Discussion: The Bootleg Bourbon Heist

The core of the episode revolves around the infamous Bootleg Bourbon Heist at Buffalo Trace Distillery.

[23:29] Laci Mosley:
Laci introduces the heist, where 18 barrels and nearly 300 bottles of Pappy Van Winkle bourbon were stolen from Buffalo Trace Distillery in 2013. Despite immediate detection, authorities took nearly two years to apprehend the culprit.

[28:10] Frankie Quiñones:
Frankie humorously questions the logistics, “How does nobody not notice him with a big ass barrel? Just where is he loading it up and, like, just driving?”

[30:25] Laci Mosley:
Detailing the investigation, Laci explains how the thief, Gilbert Toby Kurtzinger, a senior employee, was eventually caught after deputies found photos of stolen bourbon on his phone. She critiques the authorities' handling of the case, saying, “How did they put the liquor on the table like it was drugs?”

[35:00] Frankie Quiñones:
Frankie sarcastically comments on the minimal charges, “Only a white person would get, no offense to all my white homies out there, but 15-year sentence and then get knocked down to a month.”

[50:58] Laci Mosley:
Laci exposes the leniency in sentencing, stating, “He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 15 years in prison... but was released after serving just a month on shock probation.”

Insights:

• Internal Security Failures: The theft highlighted significant lapses in Buffalo Trace's inventory control and security measures.
• Impact on the Market: Paradoxically, the publicity from the heist led to a boom in sales for Buffalo Trace, illustrating how notoriety can influence consumer behavior.
• Legal Loopholes: The lenient sentencing raised questions about the justice system's handling of fraud-related crimes, especially within specific communities.

Discussion on Cryptocurrency Scams

[18:47] Laci Mosley:
Laci shifts focus to the rising trend of cryptocurrency scams, emphasizing the lack of regulation in the market. She warns listeners about Ponzi schemes and fraudulent investment platforms, advising, “Do your research and don’t do your research.”

[19:43] Frankie Quiñones:
Frankie reinforces the warning, “Just because you like the show, you're like, oh, they have a coin of it. Let me buy it up.”

Key Points:

• Anonymity Risks: The pseudonymous creation of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin has paved the way for scammers to exploit unsuspecting investors.
• Detection Tips: Laci advises checking for spelling errors in crypto offerings and verifying the legitimacy of trading platforms through official channels like the SEC.

Scammer of the Week: Fake High-End Whiskey

[35:00] Laci Mosley:
In the segment “Scammer of the Week,” Laci highlights the rise of counterfeit high-end whiskey in local liquor stores. She explains how the pandemic-induced supply shortages have made premium bourbons lucrative targets for fraudsters.

[55:37] Frankie Quiñones:
Frankie jokes about the deception, “That ain't pappy,” reflecting the ease with which scammers sell fake bourbon.

Examples Discussed:

• Insider Edition Producer Scam: A bourbon sold by Acker in Manhattan was found to be a cheaper blend in a bottle purported to be a rare 1878 single malt.
• Global Impact: Instances include Swiss hotels selling counterfeit Scotch to unaware tourists, demonstrating the international scope of such frauds.

Prevention Tips:

• Verification: Buffalo Trace’s new security tags on bottles allow consumers to verify authenticity via an app, indicating if a bottle has been opened or tampered with.
• Consumer Awareness: Laci emphasizes the importance of being cautious and knowledgeable, stating, “If you have enough money to spend a stack on alcohol... you're dumb enough to spend your money on that.”

Insights and Conclusions

• Interplay Between Crime and Popularity: The Bootleg Bourbon Heist inadvertently boosted Buffalo Trace’s sales, illustrating how notoriety can sometimes benefit brands.
• Systemic Issues in Law Enforcement: The episode critiques the effectiveness and motivation of law enforcement in handling fraud cases, pointing out the leniency in sentencing and lack of adequate response.
• Evolving Fraud Tactics: Scammers continuously adapt, exploiting new markets like cryptocurrency and high-end spirits, necessitating ongoing vigilance and education for consumers.
• Community Impact: Fraud not only affects individual victims but also undermines trust in institutions and brands, as seen with the Buffalo Trace case.

Notable Quotes:

• Laci Mosley [05:00]: “They were taking all the money I had in there in one purchase, like Macy's somewhere I never been to.”
• Frankie Quiñones [28:10]: “How does nobody not notice him with a big ass barrel? Just where is he loading it up and, like, just driving?”
• Laci Mosley [35:00]: “Only a white person would get, no offense to all my white homies out there, but 15-year sentence and then get knocked down to a month.”
• Laci Mosley [18:47]: “Do your research and don’t do your research.”

Conclusion

This episode of Scam Goddess artfully blends humor with critical analysis of fraud-related issues, from personal anecdotes to high-profile heists and emerging scams in cryptocurrency and premium spirits. With Frankie Quiñones’ comedic touch, listeners are both entertained and educated on the complexities of fraud, reinforcing the podcast’s commitment to uncovering the lighter side of deception while providing valuable insights.

Stay Scheming!
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