Case 1: Hook, Line and Sucker

"American Greed," a new series debuting exclusively on CNBC, explores the worlds of scams, cons and schemes. In Episode #1's first case, we examine Barry Hunt -- a successful con artist who left a coast-to-coast trail of deception, deceit and empty bank accounts. A profile of Hunt’s crime and the investors who bought his story -- Hook, Line and Sucker.

FISHER OF MEN

Barry Hunt

THE INVESTOR

Dr. John Riedel
Lost $140,000

THE GIRLFRIEND

Elaine Nelson
Lost her money
and her heart

THE DETECTIVE

Det. Jay Brown
Searches for Hunt

SCENE 1 - His smile captivates a small New Hampshire town. He's larger-than-life. But entrepreneur Barry Hunt was more than just the owner of a fishing supply store looking for investors.

SCENE 2 - It's a sure thing…easy money and Hunt's a hero -- until his dividends to investors come late, and then not at all. Panic sets in. Investigators realize the master fisherman was also a ruthless fisher of men.

SCENE 3 - FBI Agent Thomas Ryan is on the case. He knows the deal... Hunt ran a Ponzi scheme –- where profits are only an illusion. Ryan follows Hunt's bogus paper trail but it leads to more questions than answers.

SCENE 4 - Hunt heads for Nevada where bright lights beckon... promising quick, easy money. Another scheme and more victims. How will he be brought to justice? The amazing story only on "American Greed!"