Anatomy of Fraud - Catching a Con in Pottawatomie County

A 28 minute documentary that exposes the intricate workings of a classic Ponzi scheme by profiling one of Oklahoma's multimillion-dollar securities fraud cases run by William "Bill" Hickman, Sr. of the Hickman Agency in Shawnee, Oklahoma. Narrated by Rex Linn. Winner of the 2006 Silver Davey/Videographer "Award of Excellence"

[@Mom_sBasement]

80% returns? I can't feel sympathy for these people.

[@MUFC1933]

Yes but Birdie would only receive 15% annually. Plus no one knows what you'd do in their shoes although it's took a while I admit for me to stop thinking ...greedy....at first. Because there but for the grace of God...

[@pennyhickman5613]

Well was very lucky

[@jacktellner646]

20th like! :3

[@BogusJesus]

How to double your money? Take it out your pocket, look at it, fold it and put it right back in your pocket.

[@PInk77W1]

I love that one.

[@MrMagnusFogg]

:-DDD !!!

[@johneiden7208]

Nice! :)

[@dogan6070]

The bank doesn't even give 3% how can a small potato guy give 80%.

[@jojo-eb1ib]

Why would a 97 year old woman be investing in anything she needs to be enjoying her money

[@SKC193]

jo jo They told you, she wanted more to leave to her grandkids.

[@Teddy31976]

I think it was the greed of her grandchildren. I would never allow my grandmother to do that!

[@tellurye]

Its REAL simple folks. Whether you are investing money, or going to Vegas; how much money should you invest? The answer is always the same; *ONLY an amount you can afford to lose* .

[@petmomful2260]

Yes, and don't put ALL of your eggs in ONE basket.

[@DHarri9977]

I was thinking the same thing when the elderly lady handed all her money over my thought was why would you put all your eggs in one basket?

[@oldbatwit5102]

@@DHarri9977 She lost her eggs?

[@DHarri9977]

@@oldbatwit5102 She lost her eggs and all her money, lol

[@danielareese9766]

That is good advice

[@flippingforreal109]

As the old saying goes: never put all your eggs in one basket.

[@nyk3334]

Nobody ever blames the one element that always exists- greed. On both parties.

[@johnnyr5698]

YOU NAILED IT. Selfish greed + stupidity= A DUMBASS. INVESTOR.

[@melflo4651]

Ricky Bachman Is it greed for both parties? The con man is greedy, but the victims want safety nets.

[@jamesdabo8181]

Thank you for saying that. Every time they put up this kind of video's they expect viewers to feel sorry for the so called victims who were victimized by the perpetrator. Its there own greed that put them in this position, to them what they had was not enough. SO BY ALL COUNT THEY DESERVE IT, THEY DESERVE WHAT THEY ARE GOING THROUGH. THE JOKE IS ON THEM. BILL HICKMAN IS A HERO.

[@jeffdayton7108]

There is a very clear difference between the criminal and the victim. Your insinuation that somehow people that hoped they might get a better return on their life savings is a criminal and as culpable as a criminal if offensive. Blame and punish criminals.

[@user-bs6ik9vv3w]

Fayyaad Magnuficentia I find it’s the first thing people mention

[@ChristianJByrd]

I remember watching this 4 years ago in my personal financial literacy class in high school.

[@JamesBond-uz2dm]

After watching this, I have a question. Why is Suzy Orman not in prison?

[@flippingforreal109]

+James Bond why do you say that?

[@JamesBond-uz2dm]

forrealgirl 42 Check out her debit card scam.

[@flippingforreal109]

what debit card scam, suze only deals in books.

[@joecummings9662]

Check her out she’s done some bad things

[@sorayarigor9173]

James Bond don’t hate on Susie Orman. She left a paper trail that makes sense...your dodo-dude here does not :(

[@altongrimes]

Why isn't the general public educated to the point that they would be immediately alert to such an outrageous investment promise?

[@willysnowman]

Bill Hickman graduated from Trump University.

[@annettecantu3826]

Trump 2020 Three seats

[@willysnowman]

@@annettecantu3826 has the #tumpvirus

[@annettecantu3826]

Yes sir. TRUMP 2020.

[@willysnowman]

@@annettecantu3826 You must really like *President Shit Stain the infectious draft dodger.* You must be an idiot.😆😝🤪

[@trishajetson8958]

They trusted him with their money because they were greedy too!

[@yohanneschane3647]

One of the most hurting insults may be to be robbed and then insult to injury to be called "stupid", including by the robbers themselves!

[@sammysmith5224]

I like the end of the video with all the tips on how to spot a con artist. I have never had money to invest but i still think its good to hear the tips.

[@msbardot6697]

Sammy , don't buy a car, either. Even the vacuum cleaning salesman is a con artist. Don't buy any insurances on anything because you won't get paid for the infractions you believe are covered in your policy and due to you. My insurance company stole my vehicle from me declaring I was not entitled. So, you don't need any money or make investments...even your groceries are conned and your computers, too, and the t.v. providers. They are all in it together. Read: The Gift of Fear, by David de Gavin. Hoard your money. Put it in a safe in the bank because maintenance guys aka con artists will find it and take it, too.

[@lekkki1]

Sadly, these types of con men prey on the unsophisticated. Not stupid, not greedy, just unaware. If someone offered me an 80 percent return I would throw them out of my house. If I was offered 15% I would laugh in the person's face. Those kinds of returns are so far beyond unreal it's not even funny. Only because I have a financial education and background am I able to avoid these kinds of cons. I hope his victims recoup at least some of their money.

[@paradevparadev5371]

lekkki1 15 percent interest in India bank gives on fixed deposit ..

[@CSmart-ln1qm]

Is the account insured? If so, who insures it? Have you deposited your funds in these Indian banks?

[@CSmart-ln1qm]

I'm thankful I took a number of business courses in college. These included accounting, finance, and public finance.

[@petmomful2260]

I read that the reason we call these people "con men" is because they used to call Mr. Ponze, the confidence man. He acted and dressed in a way that gave everyone confidence in him, and they invested with him.

[@johnmiller7453]

No, you're wrong, they are greedy, and stupid.

[@hedidit5698]

Why are old people will investing there money of $100,000-$500,000.? Have fun at your old ages,never mind the kids and Grand kids.

[@petmomful2260]

My mom scrimped and saved to leave us kids some money. The nursing home took it all. When she died, my inheritance was $35.00. And them my sister actually asked me if I wanted it! I guess she wanted to keep it. LOL

[@tamradawn1732]

@@petmomful2260 Sorry to hear that! Yes, I worked at a nursing home and people have no idea until it is too late what the state does. And very few can afford their care. Medicaid won't pay until u have less than 2k in my state. They sell all your possessions at an auction. It's horrible.

[@ShawnSoth]

You’re telling 90 years olds to have fun. Just being alive is fun enough for them.

[@jeanroeder5534]

QUESTION, Why didn’t the bank 🏦 raise a red flag 🚩? Could it be the amounts of deposits encouraged them to look the other way?

[@hayaglamazonluxe]

How is that not elder abuse at 7:51?

[@tobymarley1]

of coarse grandma. they are always nice to scam you out of your money

[@TheTaoofEternalWar]

a fool and his money are soon parted.

[@victorvictor8587]

That Narrator was an Actor in a Movie Called "Cliff Hanger" He Betrayed the Feds and Stoled like a Spy and a Crook .

[@shaunherbert7186]

I never trust anyone

[@suy.4086]

Shaun Elemens me either I would rather bury my money the old fashioned ways.

[@englishcapfan2396]

Do you trust yourself to keep to that?

[@rothieadunnigan2009]

A lot of important lessons and information shared in less 30 minutes. I believe more people are willing to watch the entire video because it is not very long.

[@IDance4joy2]

I like that the narrator is Rex Linn, the guy who played Frank Tripp on CSI Miami, how appropriate, lol!

[@melkennedy4195]

80% is far too much!! Who would get that? It is the biggest alarm bell! I read before that 15% is a high return, 20% is a amazing return. It is about the highest you can get!

[@avriantaavrianta1454]

If you figure out how to have a 15%, 20% ROI on an activity that you create, execute etc great. If someone else promises you a return of 15%+/- your automatic mindset should be to challenge yourself to spot the scam. Sure there are ROI's of 15% being done by others, but if you want to get in on it you should be able to explain what is it. If you can't it means you don't understand it and if it's a scam you won't see it until it's too late.

[@flyinspirals]

Mel Kennedy Generally, only a big risk taken with your money might pay at 15 or 20%, so - if it promise to pay high returns on minimal apparent risk to you, BEWARE. If they act like high returns are 'guaranteed', well... duh.

[@melkennedy4195]

correct. It is a shame but you really need to see a deal that is too good to be true as - just that!! Too good to be true. I don't know why people have not caught onto this Ponzi scheme - every since Bernard whatsisface was found out! When you are local and people really know you - it should be really quick to see a person buying so much frivolous boats and homes and cars..... he is getting a great percentage of the profits, and there cannot be THAT many profits going around. He is profiting off of YOU!

[@tigersteele9552]

WHY DID THE AGENCIES...NOT LOOK INTO HIS COMPANY..BECAUSE OF THE OUTRAGEOUS COMMERCIALS HE AIRED?? THAT WOULD HAVE BEEN THE START.....OF...SAVING ALOT OF PEOPLE...ALOT OF PAIN AND SUFFERING!!!!!

[@kennasebastian444]

The guy narrating this is the actor who plays a policeman in the tv show CSI Miami

[@OkeyDokeGangster]

The guy narrating this is killing me........oh is that how a Ponzi scheme works lol

[@MiaQuacko]

yes essentially you give money and then that money goes away! hehe he should make a video on how babies are made lol

[@tellurye]

Well he is talking like that in case folks watching this documentary are as dumb as the idiots who fell for this scheme LOL, so he is talking to us like a child.

[@diabolikmitchell2960]

Scared Straight for dimwitted adults.

[@birdyelke775]

People was rob due to greediness. why would you handling your hard working interest to a complete strangers and then start crying about loosing it all?

[@flippingforreal109]

People who get cond are done by people who they are fimilar with ie, friends, family, employers, employee. someone who has serviced them in some way in the past or present. what people need to do no matter who is speaking is do your research. Also if you have a lot of money just keep it and stop trying to be greedy and make more, that is how lots of elderly people lost their nest egg.

[@MrJuly1990ish]

+forrealgirl 42 "People who get cond are done by people who they are fimilar with" I would like to add (Unfortunately) the damn church too.

[@bigdm9349]

HAHAHA I had to watch this for a class. I know a prince in Nigeria that can make you a millionaire, no lie, just gotta act now!

[@HypnosisASMR]

Oklahoma's idea of luxury, a new mobile home! for 90K!

[@SammyRoan]

I was thinking the same thing myself. He pulled in a Double Wide with a Mercedes in front.

[@MiaQuacko]

a $100 pabst blue ribbon beer cooler :)

[@ddsdd47]

A true red blooded hillbilly.

[@RUTHLESSMENTALIST369]

in case they needed to get away fast - they had a plan in the beginning and lost the plan when they got into buying more things.

[@twelvewingproductions7508]

We are talking about the 90's. In that time period the most expensive supercars were only $100,000 and a home in silicon valley was $300,000. Now, luxury motor homes and hypercars are in the millions of dollars.

[@josephinewhite6224]

This kind of information should be promoted frequently so people will have the opportunity to see it. Even if you don't intend to personally invest, you can advise someone who may be thinking about it.

[@msbardot6697]

I just got off the phone with my lawyer who was giving me a case of a "hard lesson" learned. Royal Buick of Tucson sold me a great XT5 Cadillac, 2017. On the day I went to make a vehicle purchase, the dealer had four days to get their advertised SR Cadillac cleaned up and in good running order. But, what I found was a vehicle that was just that morning getting spruced up. When I got into the vehicle to test drive, I immediately remarked about the nauseous smell in the vehicle and the salesperson said it must be the newly washed carpet. Newly what! You had four days to get it ready. When the upper electronic gismo [don't know what it was] device needed to be readjusted, I decided I didn't need to buy a vehicle already on its way out. I asked to see something else, but like the SR Cadillac to which I was rapidly obliged. However, the XT5 was nothing like the SR Cadillac and when I said so, the salesperson said that it was the same just a thousand more. This is a long story about getting duped, just like the victims in this video, its not always about investments. It can be a house, a car and a swamp, right? I have zero experience in buying a vehicle and so I let myself be frazzled and dazzled manipulated and conned -- it was late and I was tired, we all were -- and I brought home a vehicle I am afraid to drive mainly because it did not have all the safety features that the SR Cadillac had. ZERO safety features. Bottomline: according to my lawyer, I should have been looking at any cars salesman the very same way the victims in this Catch a Con were instructed. This is the way of the ages -- integrity is out and stealing is in. For those, myself included, who are too trusting, you and I need to get help in emotional and mental self-defense. Why? Because as it has also happened to me. The con artist has no rules and only seeks pleasure in being rewarded. In a conversation with you your con artist does not hear your concerns because they are only interested in what your sacrifices will bring them. On another matter, only a couple of years ago, I shook hands with a "friend" in a courtroom under the witness of a judge and I believing they were being honest and genuine all would be well; but as I learned, all things went wrong. This was [he is older now] a 65 year old Psychologist counseling military kids on a major military fort for military families. Imagine the insane corrupt counselling this warped Psychologist is teaching them. So, we see that a generation of con artist are in the making and there is no stopping it. Here is another story: my maintenance guy was able to make a copy of the deadbolt keys to my house. He learned my schedule and soon learned that he had the freedom to enter my home while I was gone. He and his band of little monkeys must have used cell phones, of course, to keep a sharp eye out for my return to my home. But, one day I said, "It sure feels like someone had been in this house." Like any community citizen, I trusted this maintenance man just like you do. He entered my home on several occasions and stole all my gold and a $15K diamond ring. I had all the locks on all the doors changed. I wish I could have seen the surprise and anguish displayed at my door when they could not enter any more. Unfortunately, this is when the stalking started. My vehicle brakes were tampered with and as a result I ran head first into a tree when I could not stop the vehicle. All my friends blamed the wind and the birds and the cats and kids as I complained about the debris and smeared bird poop against my house and rocks moving on their own at night. One advice, which I hope I can live by as well --- that is, believe what you hear your stalking victim says, believe them, and be supportive because what they tell you is probably true. Currently, things are peaceful--the wind stopped blowing and the birds stopped flying over my house. The rocks have been able to stay-put and the screens remain untouched-----so far, so good. Read: The Gift of Fear by David de Gavin

[@OleHolm-sq7yj]

Greed strikes again. If it sounds too good to be true, it`s allways is.

[@garyczosnykowski705]

Interesting video, thanks for posting.

[@bepowerification]

if anyone guarantees you more than 10% be careful because its most likely a fraud (or illegal and you could lose all your money because of participating in illegal business). they should teach that in schools since ponzi 1920...

[@mrgadget1485]

I wouldn't give one cent to a guy who's name is Hickman

[@bigal7561]

Wow. That guy does a great job as the host Outstanding

[@peterbradshaw8018]

Investments 90% per annum DWL not even the greatest hedge fund managers could make those returns DWL

[@sharonrobinson4718]

I honestly don't know how people do this and think that they won't get caught, it baffles me.

[@srrings]

i do feel sorry for all these folks......but how do you hand over $160,000

[@Sydnysun11]

srrings you don’t!

[@denisesimpson591]

Somehow, I don't feel sorry for the "victims," except for Birdie.

[@V2k2010]

Horrible to do to people....there should be a way to make sure that this can never happen again

[@RUTHLESSMENTALIST369]

They bought that tailor to keep and low profile and in case they needed to get away fast - its not much to leave behind. They had a plan in the beginning and lost the plan when they got into buying more things.

[@rrrado1]

Come on people... 80%? Really? Madoff offered 10%....

[@jonbyron38]

Poor ol gramma. At her age and now can trust noone🙁

[@ellenorbjornsdottir1166]

if still alive, I hope she is still well

[@phoenix11994466]

*_Greed was the motivating force of both parties, therefore, how can one have any sympathy for either. I am reminded of that old saying; "A fool and their money are easily parted."_*

[@chipmunktubetop]

Hickman's red hair at his age is a red flag.

[@grandpa5508]

Never mix business with friends or family...

[@OscarHernandez-yr3zv]

that's why I never trust No one not even my shadow.....✌

[@2006glg]

How did I know it would be some retiring pilot/ engineer who would see through the scam and put a stop to it.

[@Sirphil-dj9dh]

Does anyone have an update on Bill Hickman and his family? Is he still in prison? Have any of them died? Any type of update would be appreciated. Thanks

[@OakhillSailor]

They bought a Mercedes and a double wide trailer. WOOOW.... tell tell sign.

[@dawngordon6750]

Im so sorry this happen to u all

[@twelvewingproductions7508]

Some of the math isn't making sense here. An $8M total spread among 160 investors gives us an average of $50,000 loss per individual. Of that, the one case that numbers were given from earned $46,000 in payments on a $100,000 investment. In looking at the goods they had, I can't conceive of this not netting at LEAST $2M in total. So basically the real swindle looks like it was perpetrated by the lawyers and auction houses.

[@olafriedel2182]

So why aren`t all the bankers responsible for the 2008 scheme not in prison? It is easy to send a guy in prison for stealing 8 million, but if you steal billions and billions of taxpayers dollars you will send home with a million dollar bonus.

[@paradevparadev5371]

In India 20 percent returns is nothing .. that can be given easily as banks give 13 percent interest if u put fixed deposit .. if he would have invested in India he could have returned all the investors and could keep for himself also .. saving the principle ..

[@theworldreportbydr.rothschild]

Never give all your money to only one person.

[@johnmiller7453]

80%! Totally awesome dude. Sign me up cause I believe. It could happen for sure.

[@DrNo-uq7xx]

if a deal is too good to be true, WATCH OUT!

[@PInk77W1]

Greed + stupidity = zero money

[@MUFC1933]

Sending love to Birdie. God Bless xxx

[@1lolofred]

Stupidity were taken over by "GREED"..Sweet talk always sounds great..

[@essxi9048]

It was a mistake not to charge Barry for this piano scam.

[@Trebliw8]

lol isn't the host one of the villains from Cliff Hanger?

[@idc3449]

This was good, but I kept hoping Horatio Caine would make a cameo.

[@reneearce1667]

very good advice

[@bridgittjones9074]

Bull crap... Sarah should have went to jail too...

[@SaturnStarOfDavid]

80% return for me, 20% return for you guess who? Not you...

[@tullochgorum6323]

Extraordinary that the regulation regime would allow anyone to operate in this way. They were making improbable claims, and weren't even pretending to give their investors proof of the investment products they were claiming to be buying for them. Plus their lifestyle was visible and highly suspicious. The regulator missed a series red flags. At least the sentence matched the crime, but that's little comfort to the victims.

[@walidbahhur8132]

Shocking! People actually being greedy?

[@Sills71]

the only way fraud works is to transfer the money to cash and then leave the country... and that is very difficult and is far from a sure thing... in today's world it is near impossible to get away with a fraud. So why bother?

[@JennyvonHenkelmannLecter]

What should I know the host from?

[@TheToastedGamer]

Is this one of the guys from CSI Miami?

[@MUFC1933]

Jesus ...was it worth it Hickman's?

[@DUNAWAYMUSICLLC]

What if they con with smile, friendship and lying to old people.

[@christinestill5002]

Gees my family is from Tulsa but we've been in the mid-west since the early 70's . Ponzi Scheme I think they call that! ?

[@mjpitche]

I hate to say it, but these people got what they deserved for being stupid, or greedy, enough to believe they could get 80% returns in any investment. The lesson is to invest with a reputable company like etrade, or a broker like Schwab or Vanguard. Invest in mutual fund if you don't know what you are doing. Never hand money to some idiot you don't know.

[@kevinbaird7277]

When will people realise that their is no such thing as easy money, never has been, 2% is better then -100%, plus the factor of loss of trust in a small community, some of these victims have been killed inside, the outside lives but the inside is dead, for this crime alone this man should be punished in perpetuity.

[@erin19030]

Everyone blames the con man, but its greedy people who invest who have the greedy hearts.

[@TheNelsonmonteiro]

Sorry, but people that invest in this ponzy schemes are partly to blame. Just the idea of those outrageous returns are a red flag.

[@cloughie1981]

it was in the town of shawneeee

[@wildandbarefoot]

TAX FREE! What scumbag don't want to pay taxes? To use publicly provided facilities for Nothing. Greed and selfishness is the key.

[@g41133]

Please don't invest all your savings or retirement away!

[@1lolofred]

GREED WILL ALWAYS DO YOU IN !!!!

[@3vimages471]

I didn't know Hickman was a Jewish name.

[@SalafiJustice]

is he Jewish? If so many of these con men are Jewish.

[@ellenorbjornsdottir1166]

It's not. Most con-men are gentiles.

[@glamma77]

Only he didn’t go the rest of his life! He’s out now!

[@jainck4]

Well, it's true. If it's too good to be true--it probably is--there is no such thing as a free lunch. Unfortunately.

[@jamesanonymous2343]

80% and these fools actually believed it. Taking candy from a baby,,,,game over !

[@Davidka1978Xoroshiy]

So sad. Too bad the old lady did not get her money back.

[@sergiospolvere3686]

There are lots of con I wound’t be surprised if a percentage of them have high standing in business laws ,politics government ,religions high standing across community to the point I will not be surprised if one might rise as a leader and a president of a nation let us hope we can protect ourselves from them

[@catherinetsitlakidis2941]

Trust????????? 80% return??????????

[@kopynd1]

is this what they call the American dream

[@Joiedevivredesilives]

How about catching king con in the WH

[@Andromeda-hq1nt]

Bill would have gotten away with 1 million if he had just stopped and started actually doing right by investor's people that can get 150000 people to put in 100000 or More into a business is a really smart individual that can build an honest business and it thrive

[@Pkia-tm7gw]

Good 'ole Bill ! That's my boy! God bless America!

[@2006glg]

A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. Greed is an equal opportunity joker.

[@markrpope3]

The women accomplices always get off with no jail time

[@johnrose1642]

i feel like the investors got greedy! they should have just kept their money and be humble!