Personal Financial Fraud, with Kaitlin Henze

In this episode of Money Tales, our guest is Kaitlin Henze. A phone call that appeared to come from her bank’s fraud department turned into a financial nightmare for Kaitlin. She shares how sophisticated scammers exploit fear and urgency to override your judgement. Kaitlin also demonstrates how bringing these stories into the open is one of the best ways we can protect ourselves and the people we love.

Kaitlin lives just north of Milwaukee, WI, where she enjoys outdoor adventures with her pup Mia, practicing and teaching yoga, and volunteering for local nonprofits. She works for a business that teaches STEM and critical thinking skills to kids, inspiring the next generation with a love for data, graphing and lifelong learning.

In May 2023, Kaitlin’s life was turned upside down when she fell victim to an elaborate and devastating identity theft scam that stole her entire life savings in just three weeks. Now, she’s courageously sharing her story to help others recognize, recover from, and most importantly, prevent similar cybercrimes. This episode is a powerful listen—and one worth sharing—to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.

When Trust Is Weaponized

Kaitlin’s story is a stark reminder that financial threats don’t always arrive as obvious red flags. Sophisticated scams are designed to mimic authority, create urgency, and exploit our instinct to act quickly—often when we’re trying to do the “right” thing. By sharing her experience openly, she shows that anyone can be vulnerable, while giving listeners the tools to recognize warning signs, slow down in high-stress moments, and safeguard what matters most.

If you’re thinking about how to better protect yourself and the people you care about, an Aspiriant advisor can help you review safeguards, spot risks, and build resilience into your financial life.

Follow Money Tales on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube Music for more real stories that help us make smarter, safer decisions.