Dates and location
Hours
Dates and location
Hours
Description
This video podcast course examines one of the most devastating examples of affinity fraud in recent history through the story of Philip Elvin Riehl's $60 million Ponzi scheme that targeted Amish and Mennonite communities in Pennsylvania. Drawing from FBI reports and court documents, participants will explore how Riehl exploited the deep-seated trust and shared faith within these insular communities over nearly a decade, affecting approximately 400 families who lost their life savings. Through detailed analysis of Riehl's "Riehl Investment Program" and the failed Trickling Springs Creamery, participants will learn to identify the warning signs of affinity fraud, understand the psychological and cultural factors that make certain communities vulnerable to such schemes, and develop strategies to protect clients and organizations from similar fraudulent activities.
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Key Takeaways
Upon completion of this course, learners will be able to:
- Identify warning signs of affinity fraud and how fraudsters exploit community trust.
- Analyze why certain communities become vulnerable to investment scams.
- Apply basic due diligence steps to verify investment opportunities and protect clients.
Who Will Benefit
The course will benefit CPAs who want practical insights into identifying red flags, understanding community vulnerabilities, and applying due diligence to protect clients from fraudulent investment schemes.
How to Access the Course
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To access the course on your computer please visit our BlackBoard site, and log-in using the same login and password used for the Registration Portal.
Please allow up to 15 minutes after registration for the course to appear on your BlackBoard page.
Registration, cancellation, withdrawal and all other CPA Ontario PD policies can be found here.
Speaker(s)
Garth Sheriff, CPA, CA, CPA (Illinois), CIA, CGMA, MAcc, is the founder of Sheriff Consulting. Sheriff Consulting provides continuing professional experience (CPE) courses in leadership, communication, and assurance. Garth has worked as an assurance professional and learning provider for over 20 years. Garth has also acted in various stage and film productions. He is a graduate in improvisation from The Second City and a member of ACTRA (the Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists).
Josh Sager is a co-host of The Fraud Complex podcast, bringing engaging storytelling and analysis to complex fraud cases. His background in performance and communication helps make intricate financial crimes accessible and memorable for professional audiences.