Case Studies
Real investigations. Real results. Names changed to protect client privacy.
The Gravel Monkey Takedown
What started as a $637 "restocking fee" dispute revealed a sophisticated multi-state fraud operation using shell companies, fake identities, and deliberately confusing corporate structures to evade accountability.
The client ordered landscaping equipment from what appeared to be a legitimate online retailer. After the product arrived damaged, the company refused refunds and instead charged a fraudulent "restocking fee" for items never returned.
Key Findings
- Traced shell company network across Wyoming, Delaware, Florida, New Jersey, and Arizona
- Identified real operators behind fake "manager" personas using LinkedIn and corporate filings
- Documented 16+ technical signatures connecting multiple fraudulent storefronts
- Uncovered pattern of BBB complaints, state AG actions, and consumer fraud reports
- Mapped payment processing relationships and fulfillment infrastructure
- Filed comprehensive complaints with 5 state Attorneys General
The Vanishing Contractor
A homeowner paid $12,000 for a kitchen renovation. The contractor completed demolition, then disappeared—leaving the kitchen gutted and unusable. The "company" turned out to be unlicensed, uninsured, and operating under a fake business name.
The client had no contract, paid in cash, and the contractor's phone was disconnected. Traditional recovery seemed impossible.
Key Findings
- Located contractor's real identity through vehicle registration and social media
- Discovered three prior victims with similar complaints through court records
- Documented unlicensed contracting violations worth significant fines
- Identified real property owned by contractor available for judgment liens
- Coordinated with other victims for joint small claims action
- Settlement reached after contractor received demand letter with evidence package
The Crypto "Mentor"
A victim lost $45,000 to a cryptocurrency "trading mentor" who promised guaranteed returns through a proprietary algorithm. The operation used fake testimonials, fabricated trading records, and high-pressure tactics to extract increasingly large "investments."
The scammer operated through Telegram and a professional-looking website, claiming to be based in Singapore with offices in London.
Key Findings
- Website registered to individual in Eastern Europe, not Singapore
- Fake testimonials traced to stock photo databases and AI-generated profiles
- Trading records fabricated—platform was never connected to real exchanges
- Identified 47 other victims through Telegram groups and complaint forums
- Compiled evidence package for FBI IC3 and SEC referral
- Assisted victim group in coordinating class action inquiry
Church vs. County: RLUIPA Federal Case
A small religious organization faced aggressive code enforcement actions targeting their use of transportable structures for ministry on remote rural property. The county's demands were physically impossible to meet, and enforcement appeared selectively targeted.
The organization needed comprehensive research support to prepare a federal civil rights case under RLUIPA (Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act).
Key Findings
- Documented pattern of selective enforcement through public records requests
- Researched comparable RLUIPA cases establishing substantial burden standards
- Prepared comprehensive federal complaint, preliminary injunction motion, and memoranda
- Identified covert surveillance activities by code enforcement officer
- Documented physically impossible compliance demands (no road access, no utilities)
- Case proceeding to settlement negotiations with strong litigation position
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