The Paycheck Protection Program was a lifeline for millions of small businesses and a testament to the government's ability to act swiftly in times of crisis. But with rapid relief came inevitable cracks that opportunistic fraudsters exploited for personal gain. Easy Money, Hard Time dives into the most shocking cases of PPP loan fraud, exposing the audacity, greed, and recklessness of those who saw an economic disaster as a chance to cash in. From staged suicides to murder-for-hire schemes, this book uncovers the real stories behind the headlines, showing how fraudsters were caught, punished, and, in some cases, redeemed.