Staying Fit
AARP’s weekly podcast The Perfect ScamSM tells the stories of people who find themselves the target of a scam. Host Bob Sullivan introduces listeners to those who have experienced scams firsthand, as well as leading experts who pull back the curtain on how scammers operate.
The Perfect ScamSM is a project of the AARP Fraud Watch Network, which equips consumers like you with the knowledge to give you power over scams.
Romance Scammer Impersonates Korean Celebrity
Nancy is thrilled when the star of her favorite Korean television show reaches out through social media, and the relationship turns romantic. But when they make plans to meet, he asks for $18,500.
From Tech Support to Crypto ATM, Scammers Steal Thousands
Marlene is suffering from back pain and preparing for upcoming surgery when she receives a fraud warning on her computer. Fearing the worst, she sets off on a race against time to save her money. (196)
Job Hunting? Look Out for These Scams
A recent surge in job scams affects both job seekers and employers. Learn why this type of fraud is increasing and what to look out for while job searching.
Archive Episode: Oil Tycoon Con Artist Steals More Than Hearts, Part 2
When the police arrive at Whitney Kirkpatrick’s door, she is shocked to learn her boyfriend of nine months is not a wealthy oil executive, but a con man who’s been stealing her money.
Archive Episode: Oil Tycoon Con Artist Steals More Than Hearts, Part 1
Whitney Kirkpatrick’s boyfriend seems like a catch: a young, charming oil company executive with an office, expensive cars and friends in high places. But does his story really add up?
College Professor’s Retirement Stolen in Nightmare Scam
Linda’s life is turned upside down when a computer virus alert leads her to do things she never imagined: retiring early from her teaching career and buying gold bars to load into a stranger’s car.
Veterans Targeted in Military Benefits Scam, Part 2
In Part 2, Michael’s agreement with Voyager Financial only makes his money problems worse. He discovers that Voyager has been stealing millions on illegal deals and leaving veterans like himself in financial ruin.
Veterans Targeted in Military Benefits Scam, Part 1
When Michael, an Iraq War veteran, finds himself struggling financially, he turns to Voyager Financial Group, which offers lump sums for military disability benefits, but the deal makes his money problems even worse.
Contractor Defrauds Wisconsin Homeowners
After a fire, Royce hires Tyler Hansen to rebuild his Wisconsin home. A series of delays and excuses leave Royce with no choice but to go to law enforcement, revealing a pattern of fraud across the state.
International Fraud and Money Laundering Ring Exposed, Part 2
In Part 2, Mary Marr, the head of a fraud and money laundering ring, leads law enforcement on an international chase. Homeland Security Agent Justin Deutsch eventually brings her to justice.
International Fraud & Money Laundering Ring Exposed, Part 1
Homeland Security Agent Justin Deutsch follows tips about suspicious bank accounts in Florida, exposing the leader of an international fraud and money laundering ring that defrauded hundreds of victims.
Lawyer Fights to Regain Identity from Timeshare Resale Scam
Todd Alper, a retired lawyer, discovers his identity is being used by scammers in an elaborate timeshare resale scam. Devastated, he begins the long fight to regain his identity and a sense of control.
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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.
Season 16
- Couple and Homeless Man Conspire on Viral $400K GoFundMe Scam
- ‘National Geographic’ Photographer Paul Nicklen Warns About Social Media Impostors, Part 2
- 'National Geographic' Photographer Paul Nicklen Warns About Social Media Impostors, Part 1
- YouTube Star Kitboga Fights Fraud With Humor
- SIM Swapping: A Multimillion Dollar Scam
- Holiday Scams: What to Look Out For This Season
- Phone Scams and the Human Trafficking Connection
- A Veteran Rebuilds His Life After a Scam Takes Everything
- Criminals Deceive Search Engines With Fake Results
- AI, Voice Cloning and Scams: What You Should Know
- Psychic Mail Fraud Scheme Enabled by One of the Word's Largest Data Firms
- Dog Hospice Targeted by Fake Bank Texts
- Honolulu’s Power Couple Caught: Mortgage Scam, Part 2
- Couple Masterminds a Reverse Mortgage Scheme, Part 1
Season 15
- Women Band Together to Take Down a Serial Romance Scammer, Part 1
- Women Band Together to Take Down a Serial Romance Scammer, Part 2
- DEA Impostor Steals Montana Woman’s Life Savings
- An Old Scam Is Making a Comeback: Check Washing
- A Reality TV Star’s Telemarketing Scheme
- ‘Garbage Into Gold’ Ponzi Scheme
- Taylor Swift Fans Targeted in Concert Ticket Scams
- Scam Victim Turns Movie Star
- One Woman’s Story of Survival After a Scam, Part 1
- One Woman’s Story of Survival After a Scam, Part 2
- Bonus: Top 5 Things to Know About Crypto Scams
Season 14
- 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’
Season 13
- 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
Season 12
- Inside the World of a Scam-Busting YouTuber
- Zelle Scam Threatens Baker’s Dream Business, Part 1
- Local TV Station Brings Attention to Zelle Fraud, Part 2
- 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, Part 1
- Tom and Dianne's Savings Disappear After Seeking Help, Part 2
- Star-Studded Wedding Becomes Bride’s Worst Nightmare, Part 1
- Journalist Exposes Her Celebrity Fiancé, Part 2
- Bonus Episode: The Ringing Won’t Stop! Why Robocalls Are Still Big Business
Season 11
- Scammers Hijack Instagram Account to Steal Money From Followers
- Con Artist Steals Oregon Woman’s Property
- Lottery Victim Turns Money Mule, Part 1
- Father Fails to Believe He is a Victim of a Lottery Scam, Part 2
- National Guardsman Is Lured Into a Luxury Car Crime Ring, Part 1
- A Luxury Car Venture Becomes a Nightmare, Part 2
- Therin Miller Helps FBI Take Down His Business Partners, Part 3
- Radio Host Steals Millions in Retirement Funds, Part 1
- Investment Funds Finance a Lavish Lifestyle, Part 2
- Scammers Target Brain Cancer Patient, Part 1
- Family Fights to Disentangle Loved One From a Scam, Part 2
- Bonus Episode: Scams, Magic and the Art of Deception With Alexis Conran
More From AARP
Contractor Defrauds Wisconsin Homeowners
Promotional DescriptionAfter a fire, a family hires a seemingly reputable contractor. In reality, he has a history of fraudInternational Fraud and Money Laundering Ring Exposed, Part 2
Homeland Security pursues the leader of a fraud and money laundering ring across the globe before bringing her to justice