Is a bakery the key to finding the mastermind? Ezra and Heidi plan a stakeout.
Is a bakery the key to finding the mastermind? Ezra and Heidi plan a stakeout.
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SCAM HUNTERS is presented by Thoropass.
Does your infosec compliance process sometimes feel like a mystery? You need Thoropass—the all in one infosec compliance delivery platform with seamless audits, airtight security, and peace of mind. No more shady spreadsheets. No more risky shortcuts. Thoropass helps you lock in compliance and slash audit times, ensuring that you keep your business safe from all the digital villains out there.
Don't be a victim of non-compliance. Thoropass is for any size company, big or small. Don't let the thought of non-compliance give you a bad day. Visit Thoropass.com to learn more.
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SCAM HUNTERS is a Caspian Studios Production.
Starring Greg Kinnear as Ezra Volatagio and Erin Moriarty as Heidi Waldroup
With Jon Gabrus as Trevor
Karthik Rajashekar as Ernesto Jr.
Adam Lustick as Father De Silva
And Obaid Durrani as Manny
Created by Ian Faison
Directed by Laura Murphy
Written by Ian Faison
Executive Produced by Greg Kinnear, Erin Moriarty, Ian Faison and Laura Murphy
Co-Executive Producer: Dane Eckerle
Supervising Producer: Jon Libbey
Produced by Erin Stenhouse and Taylor Brim
Supervising Creative Producer: Landon Pontius
In-Studio Producer: Mark Wolf Roberts
Dialogue Editing, Sound Design and Mixing by Scott Goodrich
Design by Tyler Litwin
Production Support by Bradley Glanzrock and Jon Libbey
Co-Produced by Bradley Glanzrock
Video Editing by Scott Levine
Marketing Support from Dino Pasalic, Kyle Rusca, and Colin Stamps
Operational Support by Ben Maida, Elliot Ledley and Colin Stamps
Script Consultants are Aaron Dun, Kumud Kalia and Chris Gerben
Special thanks to Kumud Kalia, Mark Settle, Paul Chapman, Sam Lancaster and Kaylee Edmondson
Audio Support from Studio Awesome
Thank you to the team at Thoropass.
Theme Song for SCAM HUNTERS is SCAM BOY by Guapdad 4000
Additional Support From Caspian Studios. Thank you to:
Jess Avellino
Nick Canepa
Meredith Gooderham
Bill Kornfeld
Alexa Minter
Melanie Scroggins
Zoe Zuidema
Heidi: [00:00:00] The auditor, Mr. Jamie. What did he look like?
Trevor: Mr. Jamie? Yeah, short guy, mustache, brown hair.
Heidi: In a man bun?
Trevor: Yeah, dude had a glorious man bun.
Heidi: Hmm, sunglasses?
Trevor: Okay, now that you're saying that, he usually wears sunglasses.
Heidi: Tattoos?
Trevor: Yup, sailboat and a tree. I asked him if he liked sailing, he said no. Probably likes trees.
Heidi: Thank you, Trevor.
Trevor: Not a problem, Heidi.
Heidi: Oh, and Trevor, Did Mr. Jamie ever mention someone named Manny?
Trevor: Nope. Don't know a Manny.
Heidi: You never know. You might be talking to one right now.
Trevor: But your name is Heidi.
Heidi: Yep, but not everything is always as it seems. Ezra, Manny is our guy?
Ezra: This is our guy.
Heidi: Manny, aka fake Mr. Jamie. This is crazy. I've known for so long that there was something shady about this whole thing, but to not actually know who is behind it feels I don't know, it feels satisfying, but also [00:01:00] maybe a little disappointing.
Ezra: What did you want, a car chase?
Heidi: I mean, that would have been a little cooler.
Ezra: Well, it's not over yet. What do we know about Manny?
Heidi: Well, he has long hair, a mustache, average height, wears sunglasses, has a tattoo. We know that he is impersonating an auditor named Jamie Garcia. He inspected the thrift shop a few times.
Ezra: He brings pastries.
Heidi: Yeah, possibly scronuts, which means he may have read my article. You never know who is reading. They say the way to a man's heart is through his stomach. A few pastries can get you access to company IT systems.
Ezra: Manny's also going around selling fake credit card processing devices to notaries. And our guy Brad bought one.
Heidi: There could be more Brads out there.
Ezra: Exactly. Brad was duped. Trevor and Patricia have no idea Manny is smart. Unless they're all lying.
Heidi: I don't think Trevor is smart enough to lie about… much. So Manny, [00:02:00] disguised as an inspector, goes into the thrift shop. Pokes around their IT systems, then metaphorically leaves empty handed. Why?
Ezra: Oh, Manny, you came and you gave without taking. And they sent you away.
Heidi: Shadows of a man face through the window, crying in the night.
Ezra: Night bleeds into morning, just another day. I didn't think you'd get that one.
Heidi: My grandparents liked Barry Manilow.
Ezra: Burned.
Heidi: Maybe Manny was just gathering intel.
Ezra: Possibly. It's a smart approach. So my father was an insurance inspector, said that you could show up to any place of business with a shirt, tie, badge, start asking questions. People, they don't push back. Patricia and Trevor just didn't ask enough questions, you see?
Heidi: We know he has access to credit card numbers of any of Brad's clients, but he only picked the patients with no family.
Ezra: That we know [00:03:00] of.
Heidi: True, but how would he know which clients have no family unless he hacked the thrift shop and the church? He had to cross reference the names from Brad's credit card machine, right?
Ezra: Maybe he's keeping tabs on everybody. And keeping this operation low profile so nobody catches him except for you, my padawan.
Heidi: I found this whole scam before I met you, Master Jedi.
Ezra: Touché. We need to talk to him. This one feels dangerous.
Heidi: And I don't want to spook him yet. If this is bigger than just Manny, I want the whole story.
Ezra: You are not going to believe this.
Heidi: What?
Ezra: I just googled blue flag sailboat palm tree. It's, it's the flag of Guam. I think he's, I think he's Guamanian.
Heidi: Holy shit. Sunflower was founded by two Guamanians. He's connected, somehow he is connected to Sunflower, to all of this.
Narration: You are listening to SCAM HUNTERS. Starring Greg Kinnear and Erin Moriarty. Created by Ian Faison. Directed by Laura Murphy. Presented by Thoropass. A Caspian Studios Production. Hey, does your InfoSec compliance process sometimes feel like a mystery? Well then you need Thoropass, the all in one InfoSec compliance delivery platform with seamless audits, airtight security, and peace of mind. No more shady spreadsheets, no more risky shortcuts. Thoropass helps you lock in compliance and slash audit times, ensuring that you keep your business safe from all the digital villains that are out there. Don't be a victim of noncompliance. And Thoropass is for any size company, big or [00:05:00] small. Don't let the thought of non compliance give you a bad day. Visit Thoropass.com to learn more.
Heidi: How do we find Manny?
Ezra: Do we want to find Manny?
Heidi: Of course, right? Why wouldn't we?
Ezra: I'm just pointing out that this, you know, this guy could be bad news. He's scamming elderly people after they die and probably hacked a church. He's impersonating an auditor.
Heidi: Yeah, that's why I need to talk to him. I know he's not a member of the Knights of Columbus, Ezra.
Ezra: The what?
Heidi: It's a Catholic volunteer organization that—Wait. The church. What if he is a parishioner? That's how he's hacking from the inside.
Ezra: Okay, are you listening, Heidi? This is an actual criminal. I I don't know if going after him is the best way to…
Heidi: I want to!
Ezra: Okay, I do too, but maybe not with you doing it in person.
Heidi: Ezra, he is at the center of this.
Ezra: You were at the center of this too. I'll be fine. You know what they call the center of a bunch of circles?
Heidi: I don't know, some dumb Ezra [00:06:00] saying?
Ezra: A target.
Heidi: I don't know if Manny is actually as dangerous as you're thinking. Doesn't it seem weird to you that he's just out in the open, using his real appearance, walking around? If he was the mastermind, he wouldn't risk that, right? I think he's a pawn. Maybe not a pawn, a castle or a horse thing. I don't know, Chess.
Ezra: A knight.
Heidi: Yes, yes, maybe he's just a knight.
Ezra: Knights have swords. Let's just be a little careful.
Heidi: Noted. So where does someone posing as an auditor hang out?
Ezra: Well, you know he buys pastries.
Heidi: Yes, but where does he get them? We can't stake out every bakery in Miami.
Ezra: Well, maybe we don't need to. Call your old buddy Trevor.
Heidi: Ah, yes. Sweet, sweet Trevor. Good idea.
Ezra: Tell him you need to bring something baked to a—
Heidi: I bet he won't even ask why I need to know.
Trevor: What's up, Sunflower Thrift Shop?
Heidi: Trevor! Hey, it's Heidi again. I have a question. When Mr. Jamie [00:07:00] brings you those pastries, where is it from?
Trevor: Oh. Ernesto's.
Heidi: I knew you'd know. And where is that?
Trevor: Coral Way.
Heidi: I friggin love you, Trevor.
Trevor: I love you too?
Ezra: You want to sit in front of a bakery all week, is that the idea?
Heidi: Well, maybe we get lucky.
Ezra: Better to be lucky than good.
Heidi: Call you when I get there.
Ezra: You sure about this?
Heidi: Yes, I'm parked outside Ernesto's. Guess what it is? It's Portuguese Guamanian fusion.
Ezra: Another connection to Guam.
Heidi: I wonder if they have a version of a scronut.
Ezra: Okay, okay, let's just focus. What's the plan if you see him?
Heidi: Walk up, tell him I know everything, get him on the record, get him to expose the mastermind.
Ezra: Just like that?
Heidi: Just like that.
Ezra: Do you feel the irony that you started your career [00:08:00] writing about pastries and now you're at a stakeout at a bakery?
Heidi: Mm hmm. It's not lost on me.
Ezra: Maybe go inside, talk to the store clerk?
Heidi: On it.
Ernesto Jr.: Oh, wow. Hi.
Heidi: Hi. Are you Ernesto?
Ernesto Jr.: Yesterday, today, but who knows what tomorrow brings. No, I'm just kidding. I don't know why I said that. Ernesto's my dad. I'm guessing you've never been here?
Heidi: Nope. First time. But my friend Manny loves this place. What's good?
Ernesto Jr.: Well, that depends. Can I read you?
Heidi: Excuse me?
Ernesto Jr.: Oh, well, I gotta read your energy before I make a recommendation. It's a big decision.
Heidi: Uh, sure. Okay. Read away.
Ernesto Jr.: Put your right hand on the day old bagels and your left hand on the lotto tickets.
Heidi: Is that necessary?
Ernesto Jr.: Just kidding. It's the only way I get anyone to buy them. You don't have to touch the bagels.
Ezra: Day olds are a good deal.[00:09:00]
Heidi: Are you done reading?
Ernesto Jr.: Oh my. What's your name?
Heidi: Heidi.
Ernesto Jr.: You're not from Miami.
Heidi: That is correct.
Ernesto Jr.: You moved to Miami because of a man.
Ezra: Wow, did you?
Heidi: No, I moved for work.
Ernesto Jr.: No, it was a man. A man you don't like anymore.
Heidi: No, no, no, no.
Ernesto Jr.: Yes it is, I can see the whole picture. Your energy is different.
Heidi: Mmm, I think that is hunger.
Ernesto Jr.: No, you are a hunter. I see a knife. You're waiting to get something. Then, you're going to leave.
Heidi: Well, I am stopping at a bakery, so you are spot on there.
Ernesto Jr.: Is it [00:10:00] revenge? You're not gonna find that.
Heidi: I thought you were helping me select a pastry. Are you not?
Ernesto Jr.: I am. I am, I am, yeah. Okay, I'm done reading. People don't often wander into Ernesto's, I want to make sure I help you. So, you like sugar and bread?
Heidi: The more the better.
Ernesto Jr.: You ever have Chamorro food?
Heidi: I don't think so.
Ernesto Jr.: It's from Guam. I've decided that you must try the Latia. It's a Chamorro dessert, but with a taste of Portugal. My dad makes me say that part.
Heidi: Great. I'll take one, and hey—
Ernesto Jr.: You know, my dad isn't even Portuguese. My mom is from Vancouver. And these recipes are from Reddit.
Heidi: Mmm. Well, it looks delicious. I also need something else.
Ernesto Jr.: Is it to take a baker's son away from this hellscape fusion prison and never come back?
Heidi: Is this a prison?
Ernesto Jr.: You gotta meet my dad. What else do you need?
Heidi: So I want to surprise my friend with a box of pastries, cause he loves this place. Comes here all the time. Actually, you must know [00:11:00] him. He's got long, wavy hair and a bun. A blue flag tattoo.
Ernesto Jr.: That's Mino. You know him?
Heidi: Yes, Mino. I call him Manny. I don't want to run into him.
Ernesto Jr.: I wouldn't want to run into him either.
Heidi: Why not?
Ernesto Jr.: Cause he works with my dad.
Heidi: Oh, okay. Um, and he comes here often?
Ernesto Jr.: Every afternoon at five. He'll be here in an hour.
Ezra: That's convenient.
Heidi: Right?
Ezra: I don't mean it in a good way.
Heidi: Right. So, I should hurry up. Like I said, you know, it's a surprise. What does he normally get?
Ernesto Jr.: I don't know if Mino likes surprises. You sure you want to get him something?
Heidi: I am sure.
Ernesto Jr.: All right. He always buys the Latia.
Heidi: Should I get him something else?
Ernesto Jr.: Yeah. Variety is the spice of life. You know what they say.
Heidi: Okay, great. I'll have three of those donut looking things too.
Ernesto Jr.: The Malasadas. It's a Portuguese donut.
Heidi: Yes, I've heard of these. And please don't tell Mino. It's a secret.
Ernesto Jr.: Your secret is safe. Just [00:12:00] be careful.
Heidi: Is there something you want to tell me?
Ernesto Jr.: About my father's business? My secrets are safe, too.
Heidi: What's your name again in case I have more questions about, you know, pastries?
Ernesto Jr.: Ernesto. Junior. You know where to find me. Good luck, Heidi.
Ezra: That guy is weird. Reading energies.
Heidi: Seriously, what is going on in that bakery? He said he's a prisoner and Manny is Mino and works with Ernesto.
Ezra: Well, maybe we get an answer in 45 minutes. Waiting is the hardest part.
Heidi: Well, not if you have snacks. I gotta do more stakeouts. Mmm, these Portuguese donuts are amazing.
Ezra: Wanna call Father De Silva? If Manny is a parishioner, he could know him.
Heidi: Not a bad idea.
Father De Silva: Father De Silva?
Heidi: Father! Hi, this is Heidi Waldroup. I had one more question for my story.
Father De Silva: Heidi! Hi! [00:13:00] I was meaning to call you. I thought of something.
Heidi: Oh yeah? What's that?
Father De Silva: Do you think it's worth getting a ring light? Or should I go with something else? Cause I don't want those rings reflecting in my glasses when I'm vlogging. Which is video blogging.
Heidi: Oh, um Yeah, I'm not sure. I think just get whatever is highest rated on Amazon.
Father De Silva: Right. Yes, good idea. And I can't decide on which mic, either. You know, the Rode mic is nice, but who can resist the Shure SM7B? You know, they say Michael Jackson recorded Thriller on one of those things.
Heidi: Yep. I mean, personal preference. Can't go wrong.
Father De Silva: Well, then I was looking at the USB mics.
Heidi: Oh, no, no, no. Don't do USB.
Father De Silva: No?
Heidi: Anyway, I just, I had a question for the story about a parishioner. His name is Manny, or Mino, if you are a, a friend, and um, he's really great and brings pastries to those who are, you know, un-pastried. You know this guy?
Father De Silva: Manny, yes, of course. He is a great volunteer. Helped build many homes after the hurricane. Yeah, you know, I should invite him on my YouTube [00:14:00] channel. You want to feature him?
Heidi: Yes, yeah, actually. I just, um, wanted to know more about his role.
Father De Silva: He is one of the Knights of Columbus.
Heidi: Are you freaking serious? That is hilarious.
Father De Silva: Is it? Why?
Heidi: Oh, shoot. There he is. Sorry, Father, gotta go.
Father De Silva: There who is?
Heidi: Jesus.
Father De Silva: Huh? The Lord works in mysterious ways. Last question. Do you use a pop filter—
Heidi: Ezra. Manny is walking into Ernesto's.
Ezra: Don't go in yet.
Heidi: I'm not. I'm waiting outside.
Ezra: Okay, just stay close to the store if something happens. You want to be in broad daylight and where there are witnesses.
Heidi: I'm not an idiot, Ezra.
Ezra: I'm not saying you are. I'm just saying safety first. Even Ernesto Jr. seems scared of Manny.
Heidi: Manny is walking out. Let's boogie. Hi, Manny.
Manny: Who's asking?
Heidi: I'm Heidi Waldroup from the Miami Underground. We need to talk.
Narration: Thank you for listening to [00:15:00] SCAM HUNTERS starring Greg Kinnear and Erin Moriarty, with John Gabrus as Trevor, Karthik Rajashekar as Ernesto Jr., Adam Lustick as Father Da Silva, and Obaid Durrani as Manny. SCAM HUNTERS is created by Ian Faison, directed by Laura Murphy, executive produced by Greg Kinnear, Erin Moriarty, Ian Faison, and Laura Murphy. A Caspian Studios production. SCAM HUNTERS is presented by Thoropass. Hey, does your InfoSec compliance process sometimes feel like a mystery? Well, then you need Thoropass. The all in one InfoSec compliance delivery platform. With seamless audits, airtight security, and peace of mind. No more shady spreadsheets, no more risky shortcuts. Thoropass helps you lock in compliance and slash audit times, ensuring that you keep your business safe from all the digital villains that are out there. Don't be a victim of non compliance, and Thoropass is for any size company, big or [00:16:00] small. Don't let the thought of non compliance give you a bad day. Visit Thoropass.com to learn more.