Bonus Episode: Trending Scams to Look Out for in 2023
This episode delves into likely fraud trends this year and the current state of fraud-fighting
Fake Doctor Runs Phony Medical Spa Scheme, Part 1
Friends Jill and Holly are impressed with Beverly Hills plastic surgeon Dr. Dan and his medical spa business. Jill invests $10,000, but Holly begins to have doubts about who Dr. Dan really is.
Fake Doctor Runs Phony Medical Spa Scheme, Part 2
In part 2, though Jill is devastated to learn that the Dr. Dan’s medical spa business is a scam and her $10,000 is gone, she and her friend Holly team up with the FBI to lay a trap to bring this con man to justice.
The Perfect Scam Presents: A Special Report on the Texas Elder Murders, Part 1
How ageism, by police and others, helped a Dallas-area impersonator and serial killer murder over two dozen women
A Special Report on the Texas Elder Murders: The Jewelry Box, Part 2
In part 2, when a woman is attacked, her description leads police to a man who’s been trespassing and posing as a maintenance worker. Could a victim’s jewelry box be the key to cracking the case?
A Special Report on the Texas Elder Murders: The Investigation, Part 3
In Part 3, the arrest of Billy Chemirmir and the identification of more victims confirm the suspicions of many family members. But will the trial bring the justice they deserve?
A Special Report on the Texas Elder Murders: The Conviction, Part 4
In Part 4, the last in the series, a new trial brings a conviction and a feeling of justice for family members, plus we discuss how ageism led to missed opportunities to prevent the tragedy.
Woman’s Inheritance Wiped Out in Crypto-Dating Scam
Niki Hutchinson joins a dating app to make connections but lands in a new type of romance scam
The Virtual Kidnapping of a Gymnast
When a mother gets a call claiming her daughter has been kidnapped, she and her ex-husband race against time
Why Gift Cards Are Gold Mines for Scammers, Part 2
We delve into whether retailers’ efforts to combat gift card fraud are successful
Why Gift Cards Are Gold Mines for Scammers, Part 1
Many people see the racks of gift cards as convenient last-minute gifts. But criminals see a tool to steal money
Recent MBA Wakes Up From Dream Work-From-Home Job
When her paychecks never show up, she begins to suspect the job is too good to be true
The Ringing Won’t Stop! Why Robocalls Are Still Big Business
Bob talks with the CEO of YouMail to learn why phone scams are still so common
Journalist Exposes Her Celebrity Fiancé
In part 2, Benita Alexander learns more deadly truths about the man she wanted to marry
Star-Studded Wedding Becomes Bride’s Worst Nightmare
In part 1, journalist Benita Alexander discovers a shocking truth about her celebrity surgeon fiance'
Tom and Dianne's Savings Disappear After Seeking Help
In part 2, after a computer hacking, a "bank fraud" investigator disappears with the couple's life savings
Computer Hacker Drains Couple's Life Savings
In part 1, a retired couple finds their life suddenly turned upside down when their computer is hacked
Community Discovers Champion Player Faked His Terminal Illness
In part 2, fellow dart players discover the ugly truth about Jeremiah Jon Smith
Dying to Be Ill Part 1: GoFundMe Scam Targets Dart Community
When a tournament player develops cancer, Darlene helps with fundraising, but begins to have doubts
Crypto Criminals Part 2: Experts Explain
Fraud experts discuss changes that are needed to protect consumers from cryptocurrency scams
Crypto Criminals Part 1: A LinkedIn Connection Gone Wrong
An investor invests and gains, but loses much more
Local TV Station Brings Attention to Zelle Fraud
In part 2 of this podcast, Lura seeks help from her community after losing funds for her business
Zelle Scam Threatens Baker’s Dream Business
In part 1 of this podcast, a call from a bank employee impersonator leads Lura to lose all of her savings
Inside the World of a Scam-Busting YouTuber
Scammer Payback shares stories and advice to help listeners avoid scams
Scams, Magic and the Art of Deception With Alexis Conran
Bob Sullivan talks with Alexis Conran, host of the show 'The Real Hustle'
Family Fights to Disentangle Loved One From a Scam
In part 2, cancer patient Matthew fears arrest. His family steps in to save him
Scammers Target Brain Cancer Patient
In part 1, Mathew searches online for relief from a fatal illness, but finds crooks instead
Investment Funds Finance a Lavish Lifestyle
In part 2, investors learn what Dominion Investment Group has been doing with their missing money
Radio Host Steals Millions in Retirement Funds
In part 1, when the FBI questions Daryl Bank’s investment group, clients realize something is up
Therin Miller Helps FBI Take Down His Business Partners
In part 3 of this podcast, Miller becomes an FBI informant to prevent an elaborate loan fraud scheme
A Luxury-Car Venture Becomes a Nightmare
In part 2 of this podcast, Therin Miller uncovers other crimes connected to Brent Holloway
National Guardsman Is Lured Into a Luxury Car Crime Ring
In part 1 of this podcast, Therin Miller details how a search for a roommate led to a Russian crime gang
Father Fails to Believe He is a Victim of a Lottery Scam
In part 2 of this podcast, Brad learns his father is now being used as a money mule
Lottery Victim Turns Money Mule, Part 1
In part 1 of this podcast, Brad learns that his father, has sent thousands to criminals
Con Artist Steals Oregon Woman’s Property
Janet wants to donate her land to charity but soon learns the foundation for disabled veterans is a scam
Fraudsters Hijack Instagram Account to Steal Money From Followers
Impostors hack Tim's social media account and use it to con his friends
Previous Episodes
- The Perfect Scam Celebrates 100 Episodes
- Con Man Targets Widow in Online Dating Scam
- Fraud Victim Helps Catch Romance Scammers
- Fans Targeted for Thousands at a Get-Rich-Quick Seminar
- One Daughter’s Fight Against Charity Fraud
- Oil Tycoon Con Artist Steals More Than Hearts
- Fraud Victim Learns the Truth About Her Boyfriend
- Pet Scammers Falsely Sell Puppies Online
- Historic Miami Neighborhood Targeted in Real Estate Scam
- Retiree Enlists Help to Get Stolen Property Back
- Scammers Posing as U.S. Government Target Virginia Woman
- Undercover Hacker
- Mother Goes Missing in Gift Card Scam
- How a Dream Vacation House Evaporated
- Crooks Threaten Mother's Safety in Virtual-Kidnapping Scam
- Rookie FBI Agent Turns Tables on International Scammers
- Federal Officials Lure Scammers to the U.S.
- Housekeeper Turned Caregiver Steals Homes
- How One Man Fought Back Against His Abusive Caregiver
- Whirlwind Romance Wipes Out Widow’s Wealth
- How a Widow Overcame a Devestating Romance Scam
- Virtual Kidnappers Con Woman Into Traveling to Mexico
- 'The Original Internet Godfather' on How to Stay Safe from Scammers
- The Heiress of Ireland: Serial Con Artist Poses as Royalty, Part 1
- The Heiress of Ireland: Serial Con Artist Poses as Royalty, Part 2
- Changing of the Guard: Guardianship Abuse
- Pet Scams Are Big Business
- The Credit Card Con Queen
- An Email Could Cost You Your Home: Mortgage Closing Scams
- Addicted to Love, Pt. 1
- Addicted to Love, Pt 2
- A Cruel Con: Life Insurance Scams
- Autocomplete with Frank Abagnale
- Honolulu Power Couple Caught: Mortgage Scam, Part 1
- Honolulu Power Couple Caught: Mortgage Scam, Part 2
- The Money Doctor — Radio Host Ponzi Scheme
- The Money Doctor — Radio Host Ponzi Scheme, Part 2
- Scammer Relentlessly Targets Equifax Victim
- Serial Con Artist Impersonates Psychiatrist, Part. 1
- Serial Con Artist Impersonates Psychiatrist, Part. 2
- Scammer Targets Friends in Real Estate Ponzi Scheme, Pt 1
- Scammer Targets Friends in Real Estate Ponzi Scheme, Part 2
- Bonus - You’ve Got More Mail, With Frank Abagnale
- Grandmother Entangled in Money Mule Scam, Part 1
- Grandmother Entangled in Money Mule Scam, Part 2
- Phishing Scam Targets Shark Tank’s Barbara Corcoran
- Scammers Fabricate Drug Cartel to Steal Family’s Life Savings
- Scammers Set Up Fake Coronavirus Test Site
- Felony Lane Gang Steals Purses & Identities
- Scammers Persuade Grandfather to Send Ransom by Mail
- Hollywood Lured into Scam, Part 1
- Hollywood Lured into Scam, Part 2
- Rachel Tobac Hacks The Perfect Scam
- Con-Artist Targets Faith Based Dating App, Pt 1
- Con-Artist Targets Faith Based Dating App, Pt 2
- Holiday Special: The 1920s Santa Claus Scam
- The $2 Million Romance Scam
- The $16,500 Grandparent Scam
- Million Dollar Movie Ponzi Scheme, Part 1
- Million Dollar Movie Ponzi Scheme, Part 2
- Beware the Boardwalk Psychic
- The $25 Million Tech-Support Scam
- Stolen Homes: Mortgage-Relief Scams
- You’ve Got Mail, with Frank Abagnale 2
- Terror Over the Phone: Virtual Kidnappings, Part 1
- Terror Over the Phone: Virtual Kidnappings, Part 2
- The Lottery Scam That Almost Turned Deadly, Part 1
- The Lottery Scam That Almost Turned Deadly, Part 2
- Robocall King Meets The FCC, Part 1
- Robocall King Meets The FCC, Part 2
- Stolen Valor, Stolen Hearts: Military Romance Scam
- They Stole My Savings in Minutes: Social Security Scam
- The Hidden World of Psychic Scams, Part 1
- The Hidden World of Psychic Scams, Part 2
- Kentucky Fights Back Against Scammers
- FBI Agent Brings Lottery Scam Kingpin to Justice
- Threats From Home: The Chinese Consulate Scam
- True or False With Frank Abagnale
- Prince Charming Behind Bars: Part 1
- Prince Charming Behind Bars: Part 2
- Dr. Rotten: Can Medicare Fraud Give You Cancer? Part 1
- Dr. Rotten: Can Medicare Fraud Give You Cancer? Part 2
- Dr. Rotten: Can Medicare Fraud Give You Cancer? Part 3
- Darren Berg: A Ponzi Scheme Mastermind Escapes: Part 1
- Darren Berg: A Ponzi Scheme Mastermind Escapes: Part 2
- The FBI's Most Wanted Veterans Charity Scammer, Part 1
- The FBI's Most Wanted Veterans Charity Scammer, Part 2
- The FBI's Most Wanted Veterans Charity Scammer, Part 3
- Sweetheart Swindler Part 1
- Sweetheart Swindler Part 2
- Scammers Drained the Life out of Our Mother: Part 1
- Scammers Drained the Life out of Our Mother: Part 2
- French Psychic Scams the World: Part 1
- French Psychic Scams the World: Part 2
- MSNBC’s Richard Lui Fights for His Dad
- Brooke Astor: Famous Socialite Robbed
- The Godfather of the Dark Web
- A Hiker’s Trail of Lies: Part 1
- A Hiker’s Trail of Lies: Part 2
- Inside the IRS Phone Scam Bust
- Love Online Leads to International Lockup
- You’ve Got Mail, With Frank Abagnale
- Grandparent Scam
- Martha’s Jury Duty Scam
- Alex Goldman’s Call Center Scam
- Grace’s Gold and Silver Scam
- Tracy’s Romance Scam
- Married and Betrayed
- Beth’s Russian Hack
- George & Sandra’s Accident Scam
- Ann’s Credit Card Re-Scam
- Elaine’s Gemstone Jerk
- A Scammer Tells All
- Frank’s Favorite Scams & Tips From Fraud Watch Network
- BONUS EPISODE — Nominate Us and Take the ‘Perfect Scam’ Quiz!
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About the Fraud Watch Network
Whether you have been personally affected by scams or fraud or are interested in learning more, the AARP Fraud Watch Network advocates on your behalf and equips you with the knowledge you need to feel more informed and confidently spot and avoid scams.
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Bob Sullivan is an independent journalist and the author of five books, including New York Times Best Sellers, Gotcha Capitalism and Stop Getting Ripped Off! He spent nearly two decades working at MSNBC.com and NBC News, where he created and wrote the popular Red Tape Chronicles blog, covering cybercrime, privacy, and other consumer issues. He has won a Peabody Award, a Society of Professional Journalists Public Service Award, and a Consumer Federation of America Consumer Media Service Award. He was the host of Breach, a podcast about history's biggest hacks, and So, Bob? a podcast about the unintended consequences of technology. He now writes The Red Tape Chronicles column at RedTape.Substack.com and can be reached at BobSullivan.net