Episode Description: Investment fraud red flags are often hidden in plain sight—and most people don't realize it until it's too late. This episode will help you understand what to look for before you invest so you can protect yourself with confidence. In this episode of Real Money, Real Life™, Linda Grizely sits down with James Brandolino, an expert in investment fraud prevention, to break down how investment fraud happens, the red flags investors often miss, and what you can do to protect yourself before handing over your money. James shares his firsthand experience—from working in the financial industry to committing fraud, serving time, and now helping others recognize the warning signs. This conversation brings a rare, behind-the-scenes perspective into how fraud begins, why it's often not intentional at first, and how it escalates over time. This episode is designed to help you feel more aware, more informed, and more confident asking the right questions when it comes to your money. When you know what to look for, you take away the fraudster's advantage. We Talk About: • Investment fraud red flags and how to identify warning signs early • Financial advisor misconduct, including switching and selling away • Why investment fraud often starts unintentionally and escalates over time • What due diligence actually looks like before and during an investment • How misleading illustrations and assumptions can impact decisions • Why people hesitate to question advisors—and how to move past that • What to watch for when investing in private or alternative investments About James Brandolino: Today, we're joined by James Brandolino, a leading expert in investment fraud prevention. What makes James uniquely qualified is his extraordinary journey from being an investment fraudster to a fraud prevention expert. After starting as a securities broker and later managing a hedge fund, James made the devastating decision to alter investor statements and cover trading losses with personal funds for over eight years, ultimately leading to a federal conviction and six-and-a-half years in prison. During his incarceration, he studied forensic accounting and analyzed investment fraud cases, transforming his firsthand knowledge of fraudulent tactics into a mission to protect others. Now he helps investors and organizations identify critical red flags and safeguard their assets from the very schemes he once perpetrated. Connect with James: https://www.investmentfraudsolutions.com/james-brandolino https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesbrandolino/ www.InvestigateBeforeYouInvest.com About Linda Grizely: Linda Grizely, CFP®, is a personal finance expert and financial wellness speaker who helps people build confidence and clarity with their money. She is the creator of the MeMoney™ Method, a mindset-first approach that helps people feel more in control of their financial decisions — without judgment or lecture. Linda focuses on blending the numbers and tactics (real money) with the human side of money (real life), helping individuals and organizations replace overwhelm with empowerment through practical, emotionally grounded financial education. She is the host of the podcast Real Money, Real Life™. Connect with Linda: Website: https://www.LindaGriz.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindagrizely Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelindagrizely LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linda-grizely YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LindaGrizely TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lindagrizely X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/LindaGrizely Resources/Freebies: What's Your Money Personality Quiz: https://bit.ly/MonPersQuiz What's Holding You Back from Financial Confidence Quiz: https://bit.ly/FinConfidQuiz Join Linda's Free Community: A space for real talk, fresh starts, and women who are done putting themselves last. https://bit.ly/RealMoneyRealLifeCommunity Useful Personal Finance Checklists and Flowcharts: www.lindagriz.com/resources ℹ️ Important Disclosures: Real Money, Real Life™ is hosted and produced by Linda Grizely Ventures, LLC. Linda Grizely, CFP®, is an Investment Adviser Representative of Nectarine, an SEC-registered investment adviser. Linda Grizely Ventures, LLC is separate from and unaffiliated with Nectarine. The views expressed on this podcast are those of the individuals expressing them and do not necessarily reflect the views of Linda Grizely, Linda Grizely Ventures, LLC, or Nectarine. Guests on the podcast may express opinions or discuss financial strategies that are their own and should not be considered recommendations or personalized financial advice. This podcast is provided for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only and should not be construed as personalized investment advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any securities or financial products. Listeners should consult their own financial, legal, or tax professionals regarding their specific situation. For additional disclosures, please visit: https://hellonectarine.com https://www.lindagriz.com/disclaimers