Matthew Cox | Inside True Crime Podcast Matthew Cox | Inside True Crime Podcast

FBI Most Wanted Con Woman Behind $80 Million Bank Fraud | Portia Louder

Aug 12, 2026 · 1h 43m

Summary

Portia Lauder details her descent into real estate fraud during the 2000s housing boom, using "splash cash" schemes to inflate property values and secure loans. Her complex web of deceit unraveled when an FBI investigation linked her to another suspect, leading to her indictment and that of her husband. After a mental breakdown and failed plea negotiations, Lauder reflects on the devastating personal and legal consequences of her actions.

Topics discussed

Sponsors and introduction to real estate investing Early deals, hard money loans, and equity fraud schemes Ad break: Aura identity protection The $5 million house deal and Washington Mutual fraud Farming scams, splash cash, and the weight of debt Federal investigation begins and FBI raid on home Explaining appraisal fraud and conspiracy with lenders Legal battles, changing attorneys, and indictment Mental breakdown, jail time, and pre-trial stress Sentencing: 84 months in prison and $11M restitution Husband's support and entering federal prison Life in prison, RDAP program, and transfer to Dublin Isolation, finding meaning, and teaching classes Release from prison and re-entry into society Reflections on fraud, identity theft, and CPNs Restitution details and psychological analysis of fraud Ad break: Ghost Bed mattresses Impact on family and overcoming denial Writing a memoir, addiction, and final thoughts
Listen ad-free on Castria