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PRIVACY NOTICE: Learn more about why we collect this information and how we use it.Featured Episodes
FinSinners Part 1: The Basics of Money Laundering and FinCEN's Hidden World
How do global FinSinners—from cartels to corrupt actors—use the financial system to wash trillions? Former CIA spy and Treasury agent John Cassara joins Sarah Frano and Matt Sager to expose how they exploit FinCEN rules, move billions, and why real estate pros must understand new reporting rules.
Dead Man Deeds: Haunting Real Estate Scams
Join Sarah and Matt in this spine-chilling Halloween special where they dive into the eerie world of real estate fraud where even the deceased aren't safe from scammers. From cyber criminals in hoodies to fraudsters trolling obituaries, this episode uncovers the dark and twisted tales of how properties are stolen using the identities of the dead.
Inside the Squatting Scam
Our hosts pull back the curtain on one of real estate’s most frustrating and misunderstood problems, squatting. From squatters sneaking into a brand-new model home to scammers using fake leases to “rent” homes they don’t own, we dig into how these schemes work, the laws (and loopholes) around squatters’ rights.
Fraud & Order: FBI Edition Part 2
Former FBI Special Agent Keith Givens returns to First on Fraud to expose the players behind real estate fraud. From state actors to fraud corporations to inside conspirators, Keith pulls back the mask on who is behind the fraud industry. Plus, Keith shares his expert guidance on what to do if you or your client is a victim of fraud.
Fraud & Order: FBI Edition Part 1
Our experts sit down with former FBI Special Agent Keith Givens to dissect the FBI’s latest report exposing the unprecedented surge in real estate fraud. Get an insider’s view of the data, expert tips, and learn why the Financial Fraud Kill Chain can be your best chance for recovering a customer’s stolen funds.
Locked In: The Truth About Title Monitoring Services
What works, what's hype, and what to tell your clients? In this episode, we cut through the noise to answer the big questions about title monitoring services. Are they worth paying for? Get expert insights to help you advise your clients, protect your own property, and stay sharp in this dynamic fraud world.
Unreal Deals: AI, Deepfakes and Real Estate Fraud
This extended episode is based on our highly requested live webinar in April, where experts unpacked the growing threat of deepfakes, how it can impact your closings, and what we need to know to stay ahead.
Spotting Fake IDs: Protecting Your Real Estate Transactions
In this episode, Sarah Frano and Matt Sager discuss seller impersonation fraud and how easy it is to get fake IDs. They emphasize the importance of ID verification in real estate deals and share tips to help you spot a fake ID and protect your next property transaction from fraud.
Sellmates: The Case of the Prisoner and the Power of Attorney
In this episode, fraud experts Sarah Frano and Matt Sager delve into the story of a prisoner who was released to discover his home was now occupied by a new family. The episode highlights the vulnerability of prison populations to fraud and emphasizes the importance of verifying powers of attorney.
Your Hosts
Sarah Frano
VP, Director of Underwriting – Fraud Risk
First American Title
Sarah Frano serves as the chair of First American Enterprise Fraud Council and is an active member of various American Land Title Association fraud prevention committees. She is passionate about fraud detection, prevention and helping protect customers from scams.
Matt Sager
VP, Senior Operations Counsel
First American Title
Matt Sager provides legal guidance for First American teams across the United States. He also performs as the liaison assisting local and federal authorities who have reached out for assistance regarding fraud scenarios.