When you're wearing rose coloured glasses, all the red flags are just flags.
Tracy Hall is an author, keynote speaker and senior marketing executive. Over the last 25 years, Tracy has had extensive exposure to start-ups, large corporations and global tech brands including Virgin Mobile, eBay, GoDaddy, Block and Afterpay. She volunteers as a teen mentor for The Raise Foundation and is a Board Director for the Men’s Mental Health Charity - Mongrels Men.
In 2019, Tracy became known as Hamish McLaren’s famous ‘last victim’ thanks to her role in The Australian’s hit podcast, Who the Hell is Hamish? Today, Tracy is an advocate for financial wellness writing and speaking publicly about intimate fraud, scams, financial empowerment, victim mindsets, resilience, rebuilding and our need to rethink how we trust.
Talking Points
Scams & Fraud - The $3.1B Industry We Need to Be Talking About
Fraud and scams are no longer a fringe issue; in 2023 Australians lost $3.1B. In this compelling keynote, Tracy Hall draws from her deeply personal journey of being the final victim of Hamish McLaren, one of Australia’s most notorious conmen. The story was first exposed through the hit podcast by The Australian WHO THE HELL IS HAMISH and Tracy has since gone on to write a memoir about her experiences.Scams & Fraud - The $3.1B Industry We Need to Be Talking About
Through raw storytelling and insightful analysis, Tracy sheds light on the devastating impact of fraud, the stigma of victim-blaming, and how the rapid advancement of AI is reshaping the landscape of scams—for both corporations and criminals. This keynote is not just a cautionary tale; it is a call to action for individuals, communities, and organisations to build financial and digital resilience, educate themselves on scams and fraud, recognise vulnerabilities, and foster vigilance in an increasingly deceptive world.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
This COULD happen to me: By sharing her lived experience, Tracy shares a story that drives home the reality that falling victim to scams isn't reserved for the naive or vulnerable—it can happen to anyone. This fascinating story will foster a sense of awareness and vigilance, motivating listeners to take proactive measures to protect themselves and their loved ones against scams and fraud. Assess your own vulnerabilities and learn which ones make you susceptible to scams.
The Role of AI in Scams: An exploration of how artificial intelligence is being weaponised by criminals and leveraged by corporations, and what this means for everyone.
Scam types, tactics and red flags: We delve into the various scam types, from investment to deceptive romance scams. Learn how scammers manipulate trust and exploit emotions and vulnerabilities.
Psychological Understanding: Delve into the psyche of a scammer and learn how to identify potential threats, whether you’re inviting someone into your personal life or safeguarding your financial assets.
Strategic Defense: From compliance training to phishing education, having this subject and story top of mind, organisations can encourage and expect more vigilance from their teams when it comes to protecting their company and themselves against scams and fraud.
Empathy and Compassion: Whether it is you or someone you know, compassion and empathy are key to dealing with the emotional and financial fallout of a scam or fraud. By arming your teams with an understanding of the emotional and financial impact of such betrayals, you will cultivate a culture of support and resilience, enabling your team to navigate challenges with grace and empathy.
A Survivor’s Perspective: Lessons learned from surviving a financial and emotional ordeal, and how to turn adversity into advocacy.
WHO IT'S FOR
- Corporate Executives, Managers & HR Teams
- Head of People and Culture Professionals
- Professionals in financial services, cybersecurity, and technology
- Fraud, Risk, Compliance Teams
- Financial Advisors
- Superannuation Funds
- Data & Compliance Teams
- Legal and Regulatory Executives
Ladies, We Need to Talk About... Money
“I gave away my financial security, future and empowerment way too easily. I should have given him the laundry not my finances.”Ladies, We Need to Talk About... Money
Tracy Hall's life went from fact to fiction overnight when the man she had been dating for almost 2 years turned out to be one of Australia’s most notorious con men - Hamish McLaren.
Also known as Hamish Watson. Also known as Hamish Maxwell. He stole her life savings ($317,000) along with her ability to trust.
Tracy's story, while shocking, highlights the common vulnerability & risks women face when it comes to financial empowerment and security. Her experience serves as a powerful reminder that anyone, regardless of their accomplishments or intelligence, can fall victim to financial scams, coercive manipulation or be financially vulnerable - especially in the context of intimate relationships. The presentation encourages open conversations about money, breaking down the taboo and fostering a culture of shared knowledge and support among women. Ultimately, it aims to empower women to achieve financial security and build a future free from financial dependence and vulnerability.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Be Aware of All Your Vulnerabilities - You don’t have to lose your life savings to a con man to be financially vulnerable. We are human and will all be vulnerable from time to time - a major illness, having a baby, taking a career break, divorce, natural disaster or death. Being fully empowered and ‘on top’ of your money and financial situation will put you in a strong position should you face any type of life adversity.
Financial Literacy & Education is Key - Women often face barriers to building wealth and financial security, including limited access to financial education and decision-making power which can leave them vulnerable during life changes or unexpected challenges.
Break the Taboo - Talking about finances, sharing experiences, and supporting each other can help women feel more confident and empowered in managing their money. Fostering open conversations with honesty and vulnerability is the first step in building financial power and agency.
It’s Never Too Early - Superannuation can be the biggest single financial investment held personally for most women, and starting early, making voluntary contributions, and understanding its nuances and opportunities are critical steps toward a secure retirement - regardless of your partnership status.
Seek Professional Advice - Financial knowledge and literacy doesn’t come naturally to most of us so where possible, seek advice from a trusted professional. Build a plan. Remain disciplined and build a secure future for yourself.
Be Wary of Red Flags But Don’t Let Cynicism Overshadow Trust & Openness: While vigilance is essential, maintaining a balance between healthy skepticism and the ability to trust and connect with others is crucial for well-being and positive relationships.
WHO IT'S FOR
- Women’s Groups and Forums
- Head of People and Culture Professionals
- Leadership Executives
- Financial advisors and divorce professionals
- High School Students and their parents
Adversity University
“Losing my life savings to Hamish McLaren wasn’t the worst thing that had ever happened to me.”Adversity University
Adversity doesn’t discriminate and no one understands this better than Tracy Hall. In 2017, the man she was in love with and building a life turned out to be one of Australia’s most notorious con men - Hamish McLaren. Hamish stole her life savings ($317,000) and he also stole her ability to trust. Devastating betrayal on all levels creating shame, mental health challenges and a bucketload of self-doubt.
This was not however the worst thing that had ever happened. In her short 40 years (and before she even met Hamish) Tracy had experienced multiple personal setbacks and trauma including the death of her father through leukemia at 53, miscarriage, divorce, career setbacks, single parenting and discovering her mum had been diagnosed with breast cancer just as she became a mother herself. Tracy Hall's keynote empowers audiences to reframe their understanding of adversity and turn it into a valuable tool for growth. Drawing from her personal experiences with overcoming obstacles, Tracy shares practical strategies for navigating the challenges that inevitably arise in both personal and professional life. Through real-world examples and actionable advice, Tracy delivers a message of hope, inspiration, strength, and empowerment.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
THE AAA Approach - Often in the midst of a crisis or traumatic event it’s difficult to draw on Brené Brown’s TED Talk or the self-help book you read 3 years ago. Sometimes you’re simply in survival mode. Tracy’s AAA approach is both simple, realistic and pragmatic. And one that all audience members will find easy to remember should they need to draw on the wisdom of someone who has been in their shoes.
Do You Own The Story or Does The Story Own You - When challenges and adversities change the course of your life forever - you have a choice on how to respond. Understanding the impact of your choices on your future life is key to not only surviving but thriving despite the challenges you face.
The First Step on the Path to Healing is Acceptance - Learn how to view and rationally accept the adversities that life might throw at you as the first step in healing.
What is Agency and Why is it Important - Agency is the capacity and power of an individual to actively and independently choose - it’s your free will or determination. Agency is the difference between being a victim and having a victim mindset.
Biased to Action - Some days you are just getting through. Others, there are many things you can do to place yourself in a strong position to learn and grow from your experiences. Tracy will share the actions she took to rebuild herself after facing life’s biggest challenges.
Embracing Vulnerability - Explore the transformative power of vulnerability in personal growth and healing, and discover strategies to navigate major life events with resilience and authenticity. By accepting and leaning into vulnerability, you’ll unlock untapped self-discovery and inner strength.
Finding Purpose in Pain - Tracy shows first-hand how the traumatic events in her life have led to finding purpose to inspire, educate and uplift others.
WHO IT'S FOR
- Head of People and Culture Professionals
- Leadership Executives
- High School Students and their parents
- Women’s Forums
- Event Planners & Content Executives
Teenagers, Scams, Sextortion, AI & Relationship Red Flags
Recognising warning signs, protecting yourself & your money, critical thinking skills & resilience. Teenagers, Scams, Sextortion, AI & Relationship Red Flags
Tracy Hall’s life went from fact to fiction overnight when the man she had been dating for almost 2 years turned out to be one of Australia’s most notorious con men - Hamish McLaren.
Also known as Hamish Watson. Also known as Hamish Maxwell. He stole her life savings ($317,000) along with her ability to trust.
Come along on a journey of highs, lows, love and loss as we explore the devastating financial and emotional effects of intimate fraud, the red, green (and beige) flags as well as how to rebuild an even better life after such trauma. Tracy explores the concept of vulnerability following major life events and how to protect yourself and others during these times. Ultimately, this is a story of hope and resilience with the audience left feeling inspired, boldly curious and empowered.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Recognising Red, Green & Beige Flags - Things aren’t always as they seem, especially if someone is intentionally manipulating you. Empower yourself to protect your financial and emotional wellbeing by learning how to spot the signs of financial abuse and coercive control—a form of abuse where someone uses money to manipulate and control another person.
AI, Scams & Targeting Teenagers - Learn how AI, deepfakes and voice cloning are impacting teen scams including sextortion and impersonation scams.
Embracing Vulnerability - Vulnerability is part of the human condition and humans aren’t going to stop being human anytime soon. Recognise all the different ways you might be vulnerable and become aware of how you can protect yourself during these moments. Explore how vulnerability can play a transformative role in your personal growth and healing as you navigate major life events and face adversity.
Building & Rebuilding Trust - Trust is required for every relationship, personal or professional. Gain insight into how your brain might make you trust a little too quickly and what you can do to think critically, not cynically.
Empowerment Through Awareness - Ignorance isn’t bliss. Understand the importance of developing financial literacy, setting boundaries, and maintaining financial independence by actively protecting yourself from exploitation and manipulation. Build financial resilience and agency with more education and awareness.
Cultivating Resilience - Bad things can happen to good people and this can happen to anyone. Be inspired by Tracy Hall’s journey of finding hope, resilience, and courage after experiencing the ultimate intimate and financial betrayal.
SCHOOL OPPORTUNITIES
- Year 11 & 12 Life Education - Awareness & Education Speaker Engagement
- Scam & Fraud Workshops - Practical hands-on learning
- International Women’s Day Speaker - Engagement
- Parent Education
- School Community Business Breakfasts
- English/Writing Studies Workshops and Mentoring
- Business Entrepreneurship Studies Mentoring (Commerce, Legal Studies)
More Keynotes
Schools Programs: All of the above tailored to high school students - e.g. sextortion scams targeting teenagers, lessons in resilience, financial literacy and education for girls etcMore Keynotes
Scams & AI - how technology is being used to supercharge Scammer businesses: Tracy shows show how AI is being used to superscale scam businesses as well as fool citizens into believing what they are seeing and hearing - the deepfake impact in the scam world.
Video
Tracy Hall | Financial Wellness Advocate & Speaker on Scams & Intimate Fraud | Saxton Speakers
Not only does Tracy have a compelling story but the team came out of the session empowered to have financial conversations, understand their own financial position & take ownership. Many had ... keep reading Brown-Forman
If you need a speaker to inspire and captivate your audience, Tracy is your woman.
Tracy is a vibrant presence, who speaks from the heart and has strong, powerful messages that create positive change. She educated us on how to help others who have fallen victim to scams and how to support and check in on those who may be more vulnerable.
Tracy Hall is more than just a name she is the living and breathing term of 'resilience'. My interview with Tracy is one I will always remember. Here was a lady who had experienced the lowest of lows and yet her inner beauty, incredible advice and her unwilling kindness left a lasting positive impact for those that tuned into our show together. You will have no regrets working with this incredible human and infact the only regret you will have is not contacting Tracy in the first place.
Tracy spoke to a group of our female clients about her experience as a victim of intimate fraud. She vulnerably shared the strategies she has used to overcome the shame surrounding her loss and created an environment where those present felt empowered to share their own stories around money, relationships, and loss. She is a wonderful example of the rich life that can be created after a time of incredible adversity. Her story was both powerful and uplifting for those in attendance. I have no hesitation in recommending Tracy as a speaker to others.
Tracy Hall's event at Pilu at Freshwater was an unforgettable and deeply moving experience. Her presentation was profoundly impactful as she shared her own personal journey with raw honesty and courage. Tracy's ability to engage with her audience, answer questions with depth, and discuss her personal experiences made the event incredibly enriching. It was a privilege to gain a deeper understanding of her life and adversities and to witness Tracy's genuine connection with the people in the room. Her bravery in sharing her story is a testament to her strength and resilience, leaving us all inspired and deeply moved. We highly recommend Tracy for future events, or public speaking roles. Her ability to connect with audiences on a personal level while delivering important messages is truly commendable.
Tracy'stalk was a masterclass on how to live life - especially after such adversity.
Your story sparked a conversation with my family this morning, my mum and siblings last night, and my young colleague at work today—your influence continues to grow.
Tracy shares her story in a way that opens the human spirit and allows others to freely share their own experience.
Tracy shares her story in a way that opens the human spirit and allows others to freely share their own experience.
Tracy shares her story with both strength and vulnerability, but more importantly with a focus on scam awareness and prevention.
There are speakers and then there is Tracy Hall, someone who had the courage to share her very private story publicly to selflessly help others. The subject of scams is often dismissed because many of us think that “it won’t happen to me”! Tracy makes you sit up and listen. She is professional, intelligent, young and successful and also a victim of a scam that ripped her life apart. She tells her story in a way that highlights “it could happen to you” no matter age or background. Whether you’re a business educating your staff on their role in defence or are looking for a speaker at your next conference then I’d encourage you to reach out to Tracy. She is by far one of the most engaging and raw speakers I’ve had the pleasure of listening to.
