Course Description

This 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. 


Learning Objectives

Upon completing the course, the participant will be able to:

  1. Identify warning signs of affinity fraud and how fraudsters exploit community trust
  2. Analyze why certain communities become vulnerable to investment scams
  3. Apply basic due diligence steps to verify investment opportunities and protect clients

Instructors

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 comedian and a natural storyteller, bringing a unique perspective to complex fraud cases, helping to make intricate financial crimes accessible and educational for professional audiences.

Course curriculum

    1. Instructions for Self Study

    2. Course Overview

    1. The Idyllic Community

      FREE PREVIEW

    2. Review Question

    1. The Ice-Cream Fraud

    2. Review Question

    1. The Apology

    2. Review Question

    1. Final Exam: An Amish Fraud Story

About this course

  • $75.00
  • 9 lessons
  • 1 hour of video content

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