The WORST SCAM of Hurricane Helene: Insiders Tell All

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 23 ม.ค. 2025

ความคิดเห็น • 115

  • @susand2026
    @susand2026 2 วันที่ผ่านมา +21

    Thank you for all your hard work in investigating this situation. You have brought so much to light. My heart breaks for the community members, team members, and donors who have been deceived and exploited. And I know this must be taking a toll on you and your family.

  • @franciehartsog1347
    @franciehartsog1347 วันที่ผ่านมา +5

    From a team of ladies who are working 24/7 for survivors, we thank you! God Bless!

    • @ryanfindstruth
      @ryanfindstruth  วันที่ผ่านมา +2

      Thank you so much for your support - God bless!

    • @pinupdoll97
      @pinupdoll97 11 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา +1

      From one lady working 24/7 for survivors to another, thank you for being a positive part of the process of healing in our little mountain communities ❤ my wounded warrior husband, my kids, and myself have lead and delivered supplies to tornado and hurricane victims all over the USA over the years and it’s odd to be on the receiving end of the situation with the terrible devastation in our own community. It’s people like you ladies and all of the amazing volunteers who are helping for the right reasons that make this all just a bit less terrible. The kindness and love has been rising above all of the destruction and sadness.

    • @franciehartsog1347
      @franciehartsog1347 11 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา

      @@pinupdoll97 you have inspired me from the beginning. 90% of the time you would not need help. Every flood I have worked the mountain people always takes care of ourselves. We don’t need outside help. But this was different. I have been begging for help from the government and that was a waste of time. So yes, we take care of each other and we always will. God Bless!

    • @franciehartsog1347
      @franciehartsog1347 11 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา

      @ thank you my sister. 😉❤️🙏

  • @Offroadviking
    @Offroadviking 2 วันที่ผ่านมา +18

    Excellent work, this really needed to be done. Glad to see you shine the light on this whole ordeal. 👍

  • @Lulu-222
    @Lulu-222 วันที่ผ่านมา +19

    Thank you for following up on this because it bothered me not knowing the truth. What bothers me more is how some volunteers used an event that devastated so many communities for their own profit. I thought it was odd when Travis didn’t do a video after James was arrested to provide any explanation or additional information.

    • @ryanfindstruth
      @ryanfindstruth  วันที่ผ่านมา +10

      @@Lulu-222 I doubt he wanted to call attention to it because some of his videos on Sierra 55 got hundreds of thousands of views and brought in a LOT of ad revenue, which means he'd have to admit he profited significantly from the whole thing. A decent person would admit they were wrong and donate those profits to a reputable local charity to help Hurricane Helene victims.
      He's probably hoping it would just all go away and no one would notice.

    • @VoiceTotheEndsOfTheEarth
      @VoiceTotheEndsOfTheEarth วันที่ผ่านมา +5

      @@ryanfindstruth yes, John Ward of Appalachian Channel immediately informed his channel audience of a lady he was working with had him fooled and was scamming people. He has integrity. When Travis refused to admit Lacey was a fraud, I became suspect, but had assumed Sierra 55 was legit because of the news article and all their high tech equipment. I'm glad I donated only a little money to the GoFundMe. I really feel sorry for the family who desperately wanted to find their loved one. Good work on your part Ryan.

    • @sherricook7089
      @sherricook7089 วันที่ผ่านมา

      ​@@VoiceTotheEndsOfTheEarthno all that was donations..it is so sad

    • @ryanfindstruth
      @ryanfindstruth  วันที่ผ่านมา +2

      @@VoiceTotheEndsOfTheEarth Thank you! And I agree I believe both John Ward and Olivia (Chronicles of Olivia) are trying their best.

    • @franciehartsog1347
      @franciehartsog1347 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

      @@Lulu-222 the truth always keep up!

  • @lisahartmann554
    @lisahartmann554 วันที่ผ่านมา +15

    My husband and I were called to help on November 4th which was one of the first days they were there. The second day alarm bells were going off, but we thought maybe we just didn’t understand how SAR teams worked.
    I think we made it 4 days. There was no organization or rhyme or reason for places they wanted to search. We also found out that SAR teams are not supposed to dig, and he had my husband operating an excavator all over the place. We decided to not go back out and just kind of hoped that we were wrong.
    I wish we had been. My heart goes out to the families he screwed over

  • @therealrockinrobin6520
    @therealrockinrobin6520 วันที่ผ่านมา +12

    Thank you Ryan. Great Work. Prayers for all our Neighbors
    and their Families. Appalachian Strong.

  • @noneya3274
    @noneya3274 2 วันที่ผ่านมา +12

    Thanks for sharing this looking forward to Part 2!! Great job!

  • @franciehartsog1347
    @franciehartsog1347 วันที่ผ่านมา +5

    This makes me ill. Working with some great people and it has been exhausting. I followed them on TH-cam and shared. Ty for finding the truth. God Bless. 🙏

  • @TruthfulInfoIsPowerful
    @TruthfulInfoIsPowerful 2 วันที่ผ่านมา +16

    Thankyou for going above and beyond to protect the weak and the vulnerable. God bless you!

  • @fayewilson1892
    @fayewilson1892 2 วันที่ผ่านมา +23

    I feel sad for these 3 men..got suckered in by this guy James..😢I pray that this experience just makes them all stronger 🙏❤

  • @finleywyatt
    @finleywyatt 2 วันที่ผ่านมา +17

    One by one they all fall down. Great work. You and the girls made quick work of these fakes. This video make me smile.

  • @michellehamil1687
    @michellehamil1687 วันที่ผ่านมา +8

    So frustrating seeing this. He did nothing but lie to my sister and Nephews. Keli just wants to find her husband. They deserve that but do not need pieces of crap like this scamming them. Just makes me sick

  • @janeenbreyman212
    @janeenbreyman212 วันที่ผ่านมา +5

    I’ve watched the previous videos and saw the interview when the team were in the Air B&B. I was impressed by their uniforms, camo shirts and tactical pants and the green and black uniform. I thought they were “special”. I was surprised to find that anyone can order them online.

  • @penster49
    @penster49 วันที่ผ่านมา +2

    I highly commend all of you for coming forward with the truth. I the long run it will pay off!

  • @priscillaross-fox9407
    @priscillaross-fox9407 2 วันที่ผ่านมา +10

    Thank you for making these videos.

  • @rsmobley4685
    @rsmobley4685 2 วันที่ผ่านมา +19

    That's crazy! I watched those videos and thought something felt off. Noticed the dog didnt listen well. What about the upside down car they said had bear tracks and the window was dug out and there was blood everywhere?

    • @ryanfindstruth
      @ryanfindstruth  2 วันที่ผ่านมา +17

      @@rsmobley4685 we cover that, angela Taylor's interview will be tomorrow and she tells so much more about all of that.

    • @gbosearcher-3686
      @gbosearcher-3686 2 วันที่ผ่านมา +9

      @@ryanfindstruth I definitely will be looking for that. I have family members that live in Haywood, Buncombe and Jackson county. I saw another person's video who exposed someone else. I felt bad for him, because he believed what he was being told and used his own money.

  • @blueeyeswebster4789
    @blueeyeswebster4789 2 วันที่ผ่านมา +17

    That's so shameful he's trying to take people he's a criminal

  • @lisatesneary332
    @lisatesneary332 12 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา +1

    Thank you all for truth& giving of yourselves. God will bless you all in time. Thanks you again , local . Blessings& protection. Amen 🙏🏻 ❤

  • @brittaneescott6769
    @brittaneescott6769 2 วันที่ผ่านมา +14

    This is mind-blowing to me. I was fooled and made to look crazy for defending James. Thank you for bringing this to light. I am sorry for not believing in you

    • @ryanfindstruth
      @ryanfindstruth  2 วันที่ผ่านมา +12

      Share far and wide because unfortunately truth doesn't get as many clicks and views as lies and sensationalism.

    • @brittaneescott6769
      @brittaneescott6769 2 วันที่ผ่านมา +5

      ​@@ryanfindstruth that is so true.

  • @tstuckey9436
    @tstuckey9436 วันที่ผ่านมา +3

    Thank you for the update on your investigation. These 3 men were just willing volunteers that wanted to help the community. It was not their fault that they were involved with James, it was just happenstance. I await your next video to find out more.

  • @suebee1436
    @suebee1436 15 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา +2

    When you lose someone, and you have id say prob not many personal effects left, you hold on to each one with a passion. I feel really bad about the hats....for her.

  • @gsmokeandfire
    @gsmokeandfire วันที่ผ่านมา +4

    chills before getting even 2 mins into this 😭💔

  • @robinfleming243
    @robinfleming243 วันที่ผ่านมา +6

    Great job!

  • @sandifranklin4689
    @sandifranklin4689 วันที่ผ่านมา +4

    The Lord don’t lead you to help crooks,thank you for exposing them!

  • @therealrockinrobin6520
    @therealrockinrobin6520 วันที่ผ่านมา +9

    Oh 1 more question. Were any of the items Recovered that were donated, ie The Boat - Money etc?

    • @ryanfindstruth
      @ryanfindstruth  วันที่ผ่านมา +5

      @@therealrockinrobin6520 Most of the money definitely wasn't, allegedly there was only 3,000 left in the $57k GoFundMe. I know Elizabeth recovered her raft, but I haven't heard if any of the other items were recovered by donors. I suspect a lot of people lost a lot of money and donations.

  • @suebee1436
    @suebee1436 15 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา +2

    The only thing i can take away from these ppl that are using a disaster for personal benefit, and it is, idc what anyone says, is there will be a day when they have to answer to a higher power about what they did here on earth......

  • @suebee1436
    @suebee1436 15 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา +2

    Youre a good kid. A true follower of the Lord. God bless you and you will be ok.....

  • @cho7707
    @cho7707 วันที่ผ่านมา +5

    Those crooks should be ashamed of themselves. Where did they use the $43k they raised on GFM? They seriously tried to solicit for money in a storm zone? Lock them up. They're lying thieves.

  • @Becckah
    @Becckah วันที่ผ่านมา +8

    Very sad 😢

  • @honestamerican9511
    @honestamerican9511 2 วันที่ผ่านมา +17

    What was that girls name with the donation $$$$ who vanished? Could she be in Texas (address) where REM/Travis is? Remember also that Travis got all shook up when defending Lacey Montgomery, a supposed volunteer SAR worker noting "Hits" and spending Donated $$$ for personal expenses. Thank You Ryan, Great work!

    • @noneya3274
      @noneya3274 2 วันที่ผ่านมา +8

      Lol Travis showed his true colors in that video!! Totally emotionally unstable!! I noticed he started a second channel Mindset..money money money

    • @TinyLuvsBostons
      @TinyLuvsBostons 2 วันที่ผ่านมา +5

      @@noneya3274 I had a notification from Travis from 5 days ago that I finally tried to access earlier today. Seems maybe it was deleted. It would have been a response to one of my comments on one of his videos ( simply trying to warn him about Lacey Montgomery). THEN Ryan’s video showed up. What a sad mess with Travis & James. Nolan, the young man being interviewed here always seemed Top notch and I’m thankful for his forthrightness

    • @TinyLuvsBostons
      @TinyLuvsBostons 2 วันที่ผ่านมา +2

      Well, I can’t actually find Travis’s new channel. I’m very curious about his legitimacy

    • @noneya3274
      @noneya3274 2 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

      @TinyLuvsBostons I saw it on a community post, I believe. Maybe a week ago or less. The Mindset but I can't search it. There is a link in the post on his channel. Its only 4 or 5 videos. Very different!! Lol

    • @ryanfindstruth
      @ryanfindstruth  2 วันที่ผ่านมา +6

      I saw that - he started the new channel around the time James got arrested.

  • @kttnlvr2bynxylee622
    @kttnlvr2bynxylee622 2 วันที่ผ่านมา +13

    From what i understand, the president is going to be in NC Friday?

    • @focusintegrity8490
      @focusintegrity8490 วันที่ผ่านมา +2

      Western NC. I hope he does not praise Stein and definitely not Cooper.

    • @kttnlvr2bynxylee622
      @kttnlvr2bynxylee622 วันที่ผ่านมา +3

      @focusintegrity8490 I live in Tennessee, Embreeville, to be exact, I hope someone points him this way too. Everything in NC was washed this way, there are still people in need here too, I know NC got it bad but I have never in my 68 years seen the destruction that happened here, Erwin is my hometown and Ashville NC is a 45 min drive from me....this has just been horrible......

    • @pinupdoll97
      @pinupdoll97 วันที่ผ่านมา

      Yes he is!! We are hearing that many are being given long term living apartments and he’s only been in office 2 days.

    • @pinupdoll97
      @pinupdoll97 วันที่ผ่านมา

      @@kttnlvr2bynxylee622storms don’t honor state lines luv. I have friends there who have had it just as bad as all of us in western TN. I can’t imagine he would neglect to help people there as well. From the standpoint of a western NC resident and volunteer, I have seen about an even distribution of reporting from both states. I have friends in Erwin, one is a wounded warrior like my husband, and there are many awesome people there getting the word out! We are strong no matter the state and we will all rebuild our communities again❤❤❤❤

  • @Carolb66
    @Carolb66 2 วันที่ผ่านมา +17

    I gave a donarion to those people, not much but i feel cheated by these people. How dare they make money out of a disaster like this? Giving people false hope of finding there loved ones too. It was only because i watched an episode of Real estste mindset that i donated. Disgusting. Thsnk you Ryan i will be more careful in future. 😢

    • @sherricook7089
      @sherricook7089 2 วันที่ผ่านมา +7

      @@Carolb66 I am so sorry..So many follow that utuber and donate to his sensationalism..He plays the drama up..and continues to move on to other groups doing the same. People like him that make me sick he has been asked repeaditively to take it down by family and refuses🥹 hes part of this problem..Again I am so so very sorry🙏💜

    • @artstamper316
      @artstamper316 2 วันที่ผ่านมา +7

      Same here. My husband warned me about this happening, but I really thought the team was legit. After a couple more videos by Travis I decided he was on the iffy list as well, especially after he trashed Stephanie. 😢

    • @Patricia-h3c
      @Patricia-h3c วันที่ผ่านมา +4

      Has it ever been discovered what he had a warrant for..? We know he was picked up by the Marshalls but does anyone know from what original charges ?? Was it for the same type of behavior ? I looked at the transparency audit done by Travis on his first trip that was donor funded and there are some things that are not kosher to me. His explanations are vague and aren't broken down. And some of the receipts don't add up or match with what his explanations are. His idea of transparency and mine are not the same I guess. Also the original dispersed cash seemed too broken up. Another thing is right off the bat, there is a fee that's almost $500 taken off the top before any donated funds are given out. Why on earth would he continue to use with those crazy charges ? And also personal funds given by Travis and wife to account but no proof to back it. It looks like an Amazon line of credit account belonging to Travis.. I don't know. Lastly , the account ends up in the hole, in a negative balance...?? I'm notan accountant but I did my own books of a business I owned..so I am familiar. If you get a chance look at the audit he offered.

    • @pinupdoll97
      @pinupdoll97 วันที่ผ่านมา +3

      Please don’t beat yourself up about anything Carol! You gave in good spirit to help our communities in need. I am a wounded warrior wife and mom in western NC and I have no money to spare, but I do donate my time helping load , fully stock, and deliver donated campers to those who have been in need of them, as well as some Christmas drives in different areas. Every week, I write who I’m donating my time in honor of on my name tag. This week, I will dedicate my time to you. I know you can’t get your donation back k, but please know I’m volunteering here on the ground in the spirit of your generosity to our communities.❤

    • @artstamper316
      @artstamper316 22 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา +1

      @@Patricia-h3c We found from personal experience with the funds for our daughter's funeral that GFM takes a percentage off the top before funds are distributed, which is why I don't "tip" when I donate.

  • @alikawhite6903
    @alikawhite6903 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา

    I watched the video several days ago that you guys showed a clip from here. I was thinking about ‘James’ as I watched, “this guy has issues, I don’t know what it is about him, but he seems off…he’s strange”, & yes something is really off about him. I am also a Christian & I know for a fact that He is doing something to try to set James straight. On another track/ I just cannot fathom how people can have the intention of profiting off of disaster situations, or scamming, or stealing from disaster situations, it blows my mind 😮😮😮😮😮

  • @suebee1436
    @suebee1436 14 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา +2

    Hopefully some from community will see this and go from there. God be with those men...all of them james deceived.

  • @pinupdoll97
    @pinupdoll97 12 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา +1

    It sounds like you might want to ask Don Shipley to verify his service and if he was in fact picked up by Seal team 5. I’m a wounded warrior wife and I have some friends who have been involved with the teams. It wouldn’t take much to verify that if you want it looked into

  • @sandifranklin4689
    @sandifranklin4689 วันที่ผ่านมา +5

    I think there is a lot more to this story

  • @janeenbreyman212
    @janeenbreyman212 วันที่ผ่านมา +5

    Ryan, please take Nolan aside, off camera and be a father figure for him. Pray with him and let him know this is not his fault.

  • @suebee1436
    @suebee1436 15 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา +1

    This whole thing makes me sick. Cant say i wasnt sucked in. I was. I was desperate for the ppl.

  • @pattyelvsaas7017
    @pattyelvsaas7017 2 วันที่ผ่านมา +7

    Very upsetting 😮

  • @stillwaters1566
    @stillwaters1566 2 วันที่ผ่านมา +7

    Ryan, which one was James? Pics? Thank you

    • @ryanfindstruth
      @ryanfindstruth  2 วันที่ผ่านมา +5

      chunky guy wearing shades in the interview in the intro

  • @miscnunyabiz
    @miscnunyabiz วันที่ผ่านมา +4

    Ugh. I believed Travis was doing good. So disappointing to find out otherwise.

  • @debbyrymer9298
    @debbyrymer9298 14 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา +1

    I am just curious should this young man be talking to the DA or such instead of giving all this information out to everyone I have watched all of these and it really hurts to see if these people we’re not legit, but I never sent money because I was always apprehensive about the situations. I hope it all turns out to be good, and God blesses this young man if he has done right.

  • @GraceCook-g1l
    @GraceCook-g1l 2 วันที่ผ่านมา +5

    Who is Louis? Travis mentioned him several times.

    • @ryanfindstruth
      @ryanfindstruth  2 วันที่ผ่านมา +5

      I've heard he was with a church early on - guy on the right in the GoFundMe picture. I never had a chance to interview him, yet.

    • @Becckah
      @Becckah วันที่ผ่านมา +2

      @@ryanfindstruthwho can we trust? It’s so hard to know.

    • @ryanfindstruth
      @ryanfindstruth  วันที่ผ่านมา +9

      @@Becckah Well for one thing if the TH-camr promoting someone talks and acts like a car salesman that should be the first obvious clue. But more importantly, LOCAL businesses and organizations. I just covered Fenders Farm's recovery..Next week I'm interviewing a local campground's recovery efforts. I interviewed Stephanie in Burnsville, again, a LOCAL helping her neighbors rebuild their homes.
      Most of these scammers who do stuff like this are not locals.

    • @Becckah
      @Becckah วันที่ผ่านมา +3

      Thank you for reporting the truth & your advice. It’s sad for the victims.

    • @focusintegrity8490
      @focusintegrity8490 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

      Or they build YT videos on old videos saying nothing is being done.

  • @jodymcgrady8654
    @jodymcgrady8654 2 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา

    Where is the money, Travis and James?
    😈💩🤡's!!

  • @maureenrozen3052
    @maureenrozen3052 15 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา +1

    Where is your discernment?

  • @GraceCook-g1l
    @GraceCook-g1l 2 วันที่ผ่านมา +8

    Sierra 55 is the team I've been watching through Real Estate Mindset. Is Travis legit or is he part of it? Glad I didn't donate to him. This is the 2nd time I've seen someone get taken by a scammer. So sad that people like this have to show up at times like this.

    • @ryanfindstruth
      @ryanfindstruth  2 วันที่ผ่านมา +13

      I'm not going to say Travis is part of the scams but for some reason he shows up alongside many of the groups who end up being scammers - so far that's Lacey and Sierra 55.

    • @mgmassey174
      @mgmassey174 วันที่ผ่านมา

      Real Estate Mindset are after the land.

    • @wendymcgee6192
      @wendymcgee6192 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

      I am so surprised by this and I hope Travis isn't part of it.

    • @ryanfindstruth
      @ryanfindstruth  วันที่ผ่านมา +6

      @wendymcgee6192 Definitely check in tomorrow night when Keli Cloyd's interview gets published, she shares a great deal of insights on this topic.

    • @KaileyB616
      @KaileyB616 วันที่ผ่านมา

      It seems to me like Travis might just be an easy target for them because he's too trusting/gullible. He needs to take a deep breath and slow down a little bit, so he has time to thoroughly vet people first

  • @jodymcgrady8654
    @jodymcgrady8654 4 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา

    😔😌😔

  • @hollier9485
    @hollier9485 4 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา +1

    The real estate mind channel seems to be attracted to grifters.

  • @maureenrozen3052
    @maureenrozen3052 15 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา +1

    Thanks Ryan! What is this guys history? He is using the Lord’s name to try to look good. He is a wolf in Sheep’s clothing. I don’t buy his story. Be aware people!

  • @NatsxRoad
    @NatsxRoad 2 วันที่ผ่านมา +5

    Nolan Quinton received two Zelle transfers and two Chase transfers totaling $10100 from Real Estate Mindset. $500 chase transfer Nov. 13th - $500 Chase transfer on Nov. 14th - $5000 Zelle transfer on Nov. 14/2024 and $4100 Zelle transfer on Nov. 15/2024. All transfers from Real Estate Mindset say they are for Sierra 55.
    Me thinks Nolan is not an innocent bystander here.....

    • @ryanfindstruth
      @ryanfindstruth  2 วันที่ผ่านมา +10

      Nolan has told me these were from before the final GoFundMe was created and that the funds were spent on things he felt were reasonable for the team. I'm not going to say whether they were or not because I don't have proof but talking to Nolan face to face I suspect he was trying to do what he felt was right at the time.

  • @KKSgranny
    @KKSgranny วันที่ผ่านมา +9

    1 Peter 3:14-17 KJV
    14 But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;
    15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
    16 Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.
    17 For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing

    • @ryanfindstruth
      @ryanfindstruth  วันที่ผ่านมา +6

      @@KKSgranny I need that last line framed and on my wall. I love it.

    • @gabrielwatson7721
      @gabrielwatson7721 วันที่ผ่านมา +4

      Amen!

    • @mary-ue4ir
      @mary-ue4ir วันที่ผ่านมา +3

      That is an amazing scripture @KKSgranny. It perfectly answers a question I've had for weeks. Thank you, and God Bless you!

  • @artistknownaslisa2850
    @artistknownaslisa2850 2 วันที่ผ่านมา +7

    Is Lacey Montgomery included in this group?
    Thanks for the update. Your investigation into this is appreciated. 🤍

    • @ryanfindstruth
      @ryanfindstruth  2 วันที่ผ่านมา +11

      I don't believe she's connected but she's similar to this type of scam and probably many others that go on in disaster areas.

    • @artistknownaslisa2850
      @artistknownaslisa2850 วันที่ผ่านมา +3

      @ryanfindstruth Thank you.