American Greed: Scams, Scoundrels and Scandals Season 6 Episode 3 Major League Fraud
- February 8, 2012
In season 6 episode 3 of American Greed: Scams, Scoundrels and Scandals, titled "Major League Fraud," viewers are taken into the world of sports fraud. The episode focuses on Marty Lentz, a former financial advisor who promised to invest money for his clients in various sports ventures, including the purchasing of minor league baseball teams.
Lentz used his smooth talking skills and alleged connections within the sports industry to persuade his clients to entrust him with their money. He promised high returns and even offered to buy back their investments at a premium, should they want to exit early. However, Lentz never had any intention of investing the money as promised. Instead, he used the funds for personal expenses and to pay off other clients who were demanding their returns.
The episode not only delves into Lentz's fraudulent activities, but also the impact it had on his victims. One client, a retired schoolteacher, lost her entire life savings to Lentz's scheme. Another couple, who had entrusted Lentz with their son's college fund, were left devastated when they found out they had been scammed.
The show also explores the various warning signs that the victims should have noticed before investing their money with Lentz. For example, he claimed to have insider information about certain sports transactions, but would never provide any proof. He also operated his business from his home, rather than a legitimate office, and became defensive when clients asked about any insurance or licensing he may have had.
In addition, the episode highlights the efforts of law enforcement to bring Lentz to justice. It took years of investigation and collaboration between different agencies before Lentz was finally sentenced to 11 years in prison for his crimes.
Overall, "Major League Fraud" is a cautionary tale about the dangers of investing with individuals who promise high returns and use false pretenses to gain the trust of their clients. It is a reminder to always do thorough research and due diligence before entrusting anyone with your hard-earned money.