Matthew Cox | Inside True Crime Podcast HOW I SCAMMED THE MOB & AMERICA | BEST PONZI SCHEME
Aug 11, 2025
Barry Minkow, the former CEO of ZZZZ Best, shares his wild journey from Wall Street wunderkind to notorious fraudster. He discusses his rise to fame using a carpet cleaning facade for a massive Ponzi scheme. Barry reflects on the complex psychology behind his deceptive schemes and the pressures leading to his downfall. He also delves into his transformation post-prison, becoming a fraud investigator and advocate for ethical practices. Expect humor, surprising insights, and compelling lessons on accountability and redemption.
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Poverty Fueled Early Ambition
- Barry Minkow grew up poor and worked many jobs to avoid that life.
- That scarcity drove him to start Z-Best as a teenager.
Seed Loan Launched Z‑Best
- A gym mentor lent Barry $1,600 and charged $200 weekly interest so he could buy carpet equipment.
- That loan officially launched Z-Best when he was 16.
First Thefts Felt Harmless
- Barry stole money orders to meet payroll and justified paying them back later.
- The success of that theft reinforced repeat white‑collar crimes.
