Tag: fraud

A Netflix Swindle?

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Carl Erik Rinsch, the director of the 2013 film 47 Ronin, was indicted on March 18th, 2025, for allegedly defrauding Netflix of $11 million. The funds were intended for a sci-fi series originally titled White Horse (later renamed Conquest), which he never completed.

Federal prosecutors from the Southern District of New York have charged him with wire fraud, money laundering and multiple counts of engaging in monetary transactions with property derived from illegal activity.

The allegations state that Rinsch misused the $11 million (part of a larger $55 million investment from Netflix) on personal expenses and investments, including risky securities trades, cryptocurrency, and luxury purchases like Rolls-Royces, a Ferrari, and high-end furniture.

If convicted, he could face up to 90 years in prison if the sentences are served consecutively. Rinsch was arrested in West Hollywood and is set to face trial in New York.

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Beware of The Fraudsters!

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This story serves as a reminder to be wary of fraud and refers to a heartbreaking case first reported by The New York Times in late 2024.

An elderly man named Alfred Mancinelli, aged 79, was deceived by scammers impersonating WWE superstar Alexa Bliss. The fraudsters convinced him he was in a romantic relationship with “Lexi,” leading him to send nearly $1 million from his retirement savings and his granddaughter’s college fund over several years.

The scam began in 2018 and intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic, reducing his savings from approximately $900,000 to just $128,000 by spring 2021. Despite efforts from his son, Chris, to intervene (including transferring the last $100,000 to a safe account, which resulted in a lawsuit from Alfred) the manipulation persisted until Alfred’s death in 2023 following complications from neck surgery.

The real Alexa Bliss, whose legal name is Alexis Cabrera, has repeatedly warned fans about such impersonation scams, emphasizing she would never solicit money from anyone.

Go visit our friends at Shield and Fortify to read more on this story!

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It’s A Bear!?

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Four people in Southern California were arrested and accused of insurance fraud after they claimed their cars were trashed by a bear.

An individual dressed in a bear costume made fake attacks on cars for insurance payout, California officials say.

A spokesperson for the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office said that charges have been submitted against the four people arrested and that the cases are under review for a decision on charges.

Follow the link below for more on this story!

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