Scamfluencers: ENCORE – Long Island Liars
Podcast Information:
- Title: Scamfluencers
- Host/Author: Wondery
- Episode: ENCORE: Long Island Liars
- Release Date: September 30, 2024
Overview
In the ENCORE: Long Island Liars episode of Wondery's Scamfluencers, hosts Scaachi Koul and Sarah Hagi delve deep into the intricate web of deceit spun by Jason Kurland, a once-respected attorney from Long Island. This detailed narrative uncovers how Kurland exploited the dreams of lottery winners, orchestrated fraudulent investment schemes, and ultimately faced the consequences of his actions. The episode serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of misplaced trust and the seductive allure of quick wealth.
Introduction: The Fall of a Lottery Lawyer [00:00 – 01:41]
The episode opens with updates on past Scamfluencers, highlighting Jason Kurland's downfall. Kurland, initially a real estate lawyer, ventured into representing lottery winners, defrauding three individuals out of nearly $100 million. His associate, Christopher Churchill, also faced legal repercussions, pleading guilty to money laundering and receiving a five-year sentence.
Notable Quote:
- U.S. Attorney: “Jason violated his solemn duties as a lawyer.” [00:53]
The Genesis of the Scam [01:41 – 10:57]
The story traces back to November 2011, where Kurland, feeling stifled in his real estate law career, seizes an opportunity to represent lottery winners. His initial engagement with hedge fund managers claiming a $254 million lottery win sets the stage for his pivot to becoming the "lottery lawyer." Despite skepticism from peers, Kurland's reputation grows as he successfully navigates these high-stakes clients, positioning himself as a trusted advisor.
Notable Interaction:
- Jon Crowe: “If I won the lottery, I would take a very long time to claim my prize.” [02:02]
Building the Scheme: Cheddar Express and Cheddar Capital [10:57 – 19:35]
Kurland partners with Frank Smookler and Frank Russo to establish Cheddar Express and Cheddar Capital, merchant cash advance companies designed to exploit lottery winners. By leveraging his clients' newfound wealth, Kurland convinces them to invest in high-risk ventures, pocketing hefty fees without transparent disclosure. This section highlights the multi-layered deceit, where Kurland not only charges exorbitant fees but also manipulates investments for personal gain.
Notable Quote:
- Kurland's Website Pitch: “Anyone can win the lottery. All right? You don't have to be a man to win the lottery.” [11:30]
Escalation and the Introduction of Greg Altieri [19:35 – 24:25]
The scam intensifies with the introduction of Greg Altieri, a jewelry wholesaler with murky business practices. Altieri's fraudulent activities provide Kurland and his partners with an avenue to siphon more funds from their clients. As Altieri's Ponzi scheme collapses, the repercussions begin to surface, revealing the vast extent of Kurland's deception.
Notable Quote:
- Smoochler and Russo's Voicemail: “How quickly can we get the deal going?” [26:07]
The Unraveling: Betrayals and Red Flags [24:25 – 38:36]
As investments falter and defaults mount, Kurland's partners grow suspicious. Attempts to retrieve funds from the elusive Sam Russo lead to dead ends, signaling the imminent collapse of their fraudulent operations. Concurrently, Kurland seeks new avenues to recover losses, including a misguided investment in PPE during the COVID-19 pandemic. These decisions further exacerbate the financial turmoil, distancing them from any possibility of restitution.
Notable Quote:
- Greed Fueled Ambition: “He’s treating his clients like his personal money tree.” [19:35]
Climactic Confrontation and Legal Consequences [38:36 – 41:45]
The culmination of Kurland's schemes triggers federal investigations. In August 2020, agents arrest Kurland, Smookler, Russo, and Churchill on multiple charges, including wire fraud and money laundering. The trial unveils damning evidence, with victims recounting their losses and distrust. Kurland’s defense falters against the overwhelming testimonies and wiretapped conversations exposing internal contempt among his partners.
Notable Testimony:
- Nandlal Mangal: “If I had known that he was getting paid, yes, it would have made a difference.” [44:24]
Conclusion: Lessons Learned and Moral Takeaways [41:45 – End]
The episode concludes with reflections on Kurland's misguided justifications and the psychological mechanisms that enabled his prolonged deceit. The hosts emphasize the vulnerability of lottery winners and the importance of due diligence when managing sudden wealth. Kurland's case serves as a stark reminder of how ambition unchecked by ethics can lead to devastating consequences.
Final Thought:
- Sachi Cole: “The moral of the story is if you do win the lottery to continue living as you have been living, because it's the best way to survive the money.” [46:57]
Key Takeaways
-
Trust and Greed: Jason Kurland's story underscores how trust can be exploited by those driven by greed, especially when combined with the vulnerability of lottery winners.
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Complex Scams: The episode illustrates the complexity of modern scams, where multiple layers of deceit and compartmentalized operations can obscure fraudulent activities.
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Consequences of Deceit: Kurland's eventual downfall highlights that no matter how intricate a scam may be, the truth often surfaces, leading to legal repercussions and loss of reputation.
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Awareness and Vigilance: For individuals who receive sudden wealth, it's crucial to seek reputable financial advice and remain vigilant against potential exploitation.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
- U.S. Attorney: “Jason violated his solemn duties as a lawyer.” [00:53]
- Jon Crowe: “If I won the lottery, I would take a very long time to claim my prize.” [02:02]
- Kurland's Website Pitch: “Anyone can win the lottery. All right? You don't have to be a man to win the lottery.” [11:30]
- Nandlal Mangal: “If I had known that he was getting paid, yes, it would have made a difference.” [44:24]
- Sachi Cole: “The moral of the story is if you do win the lottery to continue living as you have been living, because it's the best way to survive the money.” [46:57]
Final Thoughts
Scamfluencers’ ENCORE: Long Island Liars serves as a compelling exploration of how charisma and strategic positioning can facilitate large-scale frauds. It sheds light on the behavioral aspects of both the perpetrator and the victims, offering listeners a nuanced understanding of the mechanisms behind such sophisticated scams.
For those intrigued by tales of deception and the psychology of fraud, this episode is a must-listen, providing both entertainment and valuable lessons on safeguarding oneself against similar schemes.
Credits
- Written by: Liz Galalis, Simon Van Zylenwood, Lynn Riddle, and the Scamfluencers team
- Produced by: Jen Swan, John Reed, Charlotte Miller, Lexi Peery, and others
- Executive Producers: Janine Cornelo, Stephanie Jenz, Jenny Lauer Beckman, Marshall Louie
Connect with Scamfluencers
If you have a tip for a potential Story, please email us@scamfluencerson.com. Follow Scamfluencers on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts for more episodes like this.