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American GreedAmerican GreedEpisode 2Episode 3Episode 4Episode 5Episode 6About "American Greed"
Case 1: Hook, Line and Sucker  
"American Greed," a new series debuting exclusively on CNBC, explores the worlds of scams, cons and schemes. In Episode #1's first case, we examine Barry Hunt -- a successful con artist who left a coast-to-coast trail of deception, deceit and empty bank accounts. A profile of Hunt’s crime and the investors who bought his story -- Hook, Line and Sucker.
The Players
 
Barry Hunt, Fisher of Men
FISHER OF MEN
Barry Hunt
Dr. John Riedel, The Investor
THE INVESTOR
Dr. John Riedel
Lost $140,000
Elaine Nelson, The Girlfriend
THE GIRLFRIEND
Elaine Nelson
Lost her money
and her heart
Jay Brown, The Detective
THE DETECTIVE
Det. Jay Brown
Searches for Hunt
 
 
Case File  
The Deception The Crime The Hunt The Capture
SCENE 1 - His smile captivates a small New Hampshire town. He's larger-than-life. But entrepreneur Barry Hunt was more than just the owner of a fishing supply store looking for investors.
Barry Hunt: Harmless Store Owner?
 
 
 
The Deception The Crime The Hunt The Capture
SCENE 2 - It's a sure thing…easy money and Hunt's a hero -- until his dividends to investors come late, and then not at all. Panic sets in. Investigators realize the master fisherman was also a ruthless fisher of men.
"Hunt" aka Barry Firestone: Wanted!
 
 
 
The Deception The Crime The Hunt The Capture
SCENE 3 - FBI Agent Thomas Ryan is on the case. He knows the deal... Hunt ran a Ponzi scheme –- where profits are only an illusion. Ryan follows Hunt's bogus paper trail but it leads to more questions than answers.
Agent Ryan Hunts "Hunt"
 
 
 
The Deception The Crime The Capture
SCENE 4 - Hunt heads for Nevada where bright lights beckon... promising quick, easy money. Another scheme and more victims. How will he be brought to justice? The amazing story only on "American Greed!"
Captured at last?
 
 
Video Exhibits
  Hook, Line and Sucker Preview   Hook, Line and Sucker Preview

Barry Hunt is the mastermind behind a Ponzi scheme that lures some of the smartest people in Exeter, NH.		  
 
Detective Jay Brown explains how Hunt changed his identity to Jonathan Firestone.
Trial Lawyer David Berg discusses how to protect yourself from Ponzi schemes.  
 
 
Photo Slideshow
View the Slideshow Hook, Line, and Sucker | Click to View Slideshow
 
 
The series is narrated by actor Stacy Keach and produced exclusively for CNBC, America's Business Channel, by Kurtis Productions.

SHOW TIMES

Episode 17: Wed. Jan 7th  9p | 1a ET
Episode 18: Wed. Jan 14th  9p | 1a ET
Episode 19: Wed. Jan 21st  9p | 1a ET


Coming Wednesday, January 7, 2009... an all new season of American Greed!
Watch the Preview
    
 
Crime Stories
Tell us what you know!
americangreed@cnbc.com
 
Maria Bartiromo previews the series on "TODAY"
 
Investigate Case 2
 
 
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