Closing the Loophole on the Illicit Massage Industry in Utah: How a New Law Protects Consumers, Legitimate Businesses, and Targets Human Trafficking
Closing the Loophole on the Illicit Massage Industry in Utah: How a New Law Protects Consumers, Legitimate Businesses, and Targets Human Trafficking  
Podcast: Scamalot Fraudcast
Published On: Mon Feb 02 2026
Description: In this episode, the Scamalot Fraudcast explores a major new crackdown on human trafficking and illicit industries in Utah. Host Patrick Fitzgibbon speaks with Jeff Shumway from the Office of Professional Licensure Review to discuss HB278, the "Massage Therapy Amendments". They explain how this new law addresses a regulatory "blind spot" to protect consumers, support legitimate business owners, and empower law enforcement to shut down illicit operations. Please note that the Department of Commerce, along with its divisions and offices, refrains from commenting on ongoing and current investigations. Statements are issued only after action is taken against a business or individual. This podcast is hosted by Patrick Fitzgibbon and produced by Katie Scheuch. Links Mentioned in the Episode: Utah Division of Professional Licensing: dopl.utah.gov Utah Office of Professional Licensure Review: oplr.utah.gov Utah Department of Commerce: commerce.utah.gov, scams.utah.gov