Couple Masterminds a Reverse Mortgage Scheme
Katherine and Louis Kealoha live a lavish lifestyle in an upscale neighborhood in Honolulu. But the strange case of a stolen mailbox exposes their secrets and a terrible case of family financial fraud.
Bonus: Top 5 Things to Know About Crypto Scams
In this bonus episode, Bob chats with prosecutor Erin West, of the REACT task force, about the top five things everyone should know about cryptocurrency scams. The answers may surprise you.
Boat Captain Falls in Love With a Ghost
Keith, a Cape Cod boat captain, is surprised to find romance online with Anna. But her offer of an investment opportunity in foreign currencies pulls him into an elaborate cryptocurrency scam.
One Woman’s Story of Attempted Suicide and Survival After a Scam, Part 2
In part 2, after a devastating scam wipes out her family’s savings, Kathy attempts to take her own life. The support of family and health professionals and sharing her story help Kathy heal.
One Woman’s Story of Attempted Suicide and Survival After a Scam, Part 1
During the pandemic, an online friendship gives Kathy a needed diversion but leads to the devastating loss of her retirement funds. This is the story of one woman’s survival from the darkest of days.
Scam Victim Turns Movie Star
After a threatening call from Chinese government impostors, Jerry Hsu wires his life savings to protect himself. With the help of his filmmaker son, Jerry stars in a film about the experience.
Taylor Swift Fans Targeted in Concert Ticket Scams
Lisa is determined to find highly sought-after Taylor Swift tickets for her daughter. After a lengthy search, she buys four tickets from a local man, only to find out at the box office that they are fake.
'Garbage Into Gold’ Ponzi Scheme
Mantria Corp. draws in investors hoping to get in on the ground floor of a green energy revolution that promises huge returns. Is the “garbage to gold” scheme too good to be true?
Private Investigator Helps Take Down a Psychic Scam Operation
When a psychic steals her $28,000, Debra enlists the help of Bob Nygaard, a private investigator who specializes in psychic scams. Together, they bring psychic scammer Sylvia Mitchell to justice.
New York Psychic Drains One Woman's Bank Account
After an especially bad day, ballroom dancer Debra decides to visit a psychic. Instead of finding answers, she finds herself on a five-year quest to get back $28,000 that is stolen from her.
A Reality TV Star’s Telemarketing Scheme
Penny’s hopes of building her hobby into a business are dashed when she is targeted by a telemarketing scam run by Real Housewives star Jen Shah.
An Old Scam Is Making a Comeback: Check Washing
Learn why the old-fashioned crime of check washing is making a dramatic comeback.
DEA Impostor Steals Montana Woman’s Life Savings
After retiree Susan moves to a new home in Montana to be closer to family, a call from “Amazon” and an investigation by a man claiming to be a DEA agent put all she has, including her home, in jeopardy.
Team of Women Takes Down Serial Romance Scammer, Part 2
Linda and Missi discover that the man they both dated is a serial romance scammer
Team of Women Takes Down Serial Romance Scammer, Part 1
Linda meets her dream man on a dating site and their romance progresses quickly, but a troubling message from another woman reveals he is a serial romance scammer.
The Perfect Scam Podcast Celebrates 5 Years
This April marks five years of “The Perfect Scam” podcast! Since launching in 2018, we’ve brought you stories of fraud told by the people who lived them, stories of trauma but also of bravery and triumph. With the FTC reporting a staggering $8.8 billion in losses to scammers in 2022, we remain committed to continue bringing you the very latest information and resources to give you power over scams.
Previous Episodes
- A Texas Hospice Provider’s Deadly Scheme, Part 1
- A Texas Hospice Provider’s Deadly Scheme, Part 2
- FBI and Grandmother Bring Down Crime Ring, Part 1
- FBI and Grandmother Bring Down Crime Ring, Part 2
- Words Matter: Blame Fraud on Criminals, Not Victims
- International Crime Ring Sets Up in West Virginia College Town
- Puppy Scammers Steal Thousands
- Real Estate Company Accused of Preying on Philadelphia Homeowners, Part 1
- Real Estate Company Accused of Preying on Philadelphia Homeowners, Part 2
- Colorado Funeral Home Body Brokering Scheme, Part 1
- Colorado Funeral Home Body Brokering Scheme, Part 2
- Bonus Episode: ‘Catphishing the Catphisher’
- Recent MBA Wakes Up From Dream Work-From-Home Job
- Why Gift Cards Are Gold Mines for Scammers, Part 1
- Why Gift Cards Are Gold Mines for Scammers, Part 2
- The Virtual Kidnapping of a Gymnast
- Woman’s Inheritance Wiped Out in Crypto-Dating Scam
- The Perfect Scam Presents: A Special Report on the Texas Elder Murders: Parts 1-4
- Fake Doctor Runs Phony Medical Spa Scheme, Part 1
- Fake Doctor Runs Phony Medical Spa Scheme, Part 2
- Bonus Episode: Trending Scams to Look Out for in 2023
- Inside the World of a Scam-Busting YouTuber
- Zelle Scam Threatens Baker’s Dream Business
- Local TV Station Brings Attention to Zelle Fraud
- Crypto Criminals Part 1: A LinkedIn Connection Gone Wrong
- Crypto Criminals Part 2: Experts Explain
- Dying to Be Ill Part 1: GoFundMe Scam Targets Dart Community
- Dying to be Ill Part 2: GoFundMe Scam Targets Dart Community
- Computer Hacker Drains Couple's Life Savings
- Tom and Dianne's Savings Disappear After Seeking Help
- Star-Studded Wedding Becomes Bride’s Worst Nightmare
- Journalist Exposes Her Celebrity Fiancé
- Bonus Episode: The Ringing Won’t Stop! Why Robocalls Are Still Big Business
- Scammers Hijack Instagram Account to Steal Money From Followers
- Con Artist Steals Oregon Woman’s Property
- Lottery Victim Turns Money Mule
- Father Fails to Believe He is a Victim of a Lottery Scam
- National Guardsman Is Lured Into a Luxury Car Crime Ring
- A Luxury Car Venture Becomes a Nightmare
- Therin Miller Helps FBI Take Down His Business Partners
- Radio Host Steals Millions in Retirement Funds
- Investment Funds Finance a Lavish Lifestyle
- Scammers Target Brain Cancer Patient
- Family Fights to Disentangle Loved One From a Scam
- Bonus Episode: Scams, Magic and the Art of Deception With Alexis Conran
- 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