This is not a story about foolishness. It’s a story about sophisticated betrayal and the courage to rebuild.

In this deeply human and confronting episode of Leading You, I’m joined by Tracy Hall, advocate, author, and survivor of intimate fraud.

Tracy’s story begins with a Crime Stoppers video. A blurry arrest. A name she didn’t recognise. And the sickening realisation that the man she had loved for 18 months was not who he said he was.

Together, we unpack how grooming really works, not through loud red flags, but through subtle, believable beige ones. From carefully crafted details to plausible stories, Tracy helps us understand how even the most intelligent, capable people can be caught in a web of deceit. She also challenges the victim-blaming narratives still dominating headlines and explains why words like “lost money” completely erase the crime.

This conversation isn’t just about financial loss. It’s about grief, shame, reclaiming your voice, and the quiet strength it takes to speak out. Tracy’s journey from devastation to advocacy is a masterclass in resilience and truth-telling and a reminder that prevention starts with compassion, not judgment.

In this episode, we cover:

• How grooming really happens and why “beige flags” are harder to spot than red ones
• The emotional and psychological toll of intimate fraud
• Why victim-blaming language causes harm and what to say instead
• How men in their 60s and teens are being increasingly targeted
• Practical steps to take if your gut says something is off
• How Tracy reclaimed her voice through Who the Hell is Hamish?, her memoir The Last Victim, and advocacy work

Actions & Insights:

• If your gut says “something’s off,” pause and talk to someone you trust
• Use direct, respectful questions if you're worried about someone you care about
• Report even if you never go public, it helps build the data that protects others
• Review how you discuss fraud within your team, at home, or in the workplace. Language matters

Episode Timestamps:

00:00 – Welcome and intro to Tracy Hall
02:10 – The morning everything changed: the Crime Stoppers video
05:20 – Shock, denial, and the first call with detectives
08:45 – The layered toll: financial, emotional, and psychological
12:30 – Grooming and the “beige flags” that add up
17:40 – Why friends’ perspectives matter—and how to use direct language safely
22:15 – Reclaiming voice: Who the Hell is Hamish?, writing The Last Victim
27:50 – Changing narratives: media framing, reporting, and advocacy
32:10 – Who’s being targeted now (yes, men in their 60s and teens)
36:00 – Practical steps if something feels wrong
39:40 – Tracy’s message for anyone feeling powerless
41:50 – Wrap-up

Resources & Support:

📘 The Last Victim by Tracy Hall
🎧 Podcast: Who the Hell is Hamish?
🛠️ Support Services:

• IDCARE (cyber & identity support)
• 1800RESPECT (coercive control, safety & counselling)
• Lifeline 13 11 14 (24/7 mental health support)

Join the Courage to Be You masterclass here. Happening on Tuesday, 23rd September

Share this episode:

• Tag @juliehyde and @tracyhall on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Use the hashtag #LeadingYouPodcast
• Rate, review & subscribe if this story moved you

Because sunlight is the antidote to shame.
And truth-telling is its own form of leadership.

Links:
Get the Clarity Compass Mini Program

Connect with Julie:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-hyde/
Instagram: @juliehydeleads
Website: https://juliehyde.com.au

Connect with Tracy:
Website: https://tracyhall.com.au/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tracyleehal