The Perfect Scam

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.

Sisters Help Bring Down a Magazine Telemarketing Scam

Sisters Penny and Nancy’s quest to end magazine subscriptions and years of harassing phone calls leads them to help bring down a 20-year conspiracy that robbed victims nationwide of millions of dollars. 

Archive: Hacker Uses Skills to Take Down a Phone Scam Operation

In the UK an IT professional who goes by the alias Jim Browning is battling cyber scams by reverse engineering his way into scammers computers. 

Archive: Credit Card Con Queen Targets Wealthy Older Adults

After gaining credit card information from the wealthy seniors she targets, Lisa Reid goes on lavish shopping sprees at high-end retailers, leaving her victims with bills of hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Bonus: Toll Road Scams Are Trending

Drivers across the country are receiving fraudulent text messages claiming they have unpaid tolls. Bob talks with Eva Velasquez from the Identity Theft Resource Center about this trending scam.

Criminals Steal $200K From Volunteer Fire Department

When the Volunteer Fire Department in Rockville, Maryland, is targeted by a scammer while they are in the process of purchasing two new ambulances, the community comes together to their rescue.

How Scammers Could Sell Your Land (Without You Knowing)

When Daniel returns home for a visit, he is shocked to discover that a house is being built on his property. How could something like this happen, when the land was never for sale?

Ohio Woman Comes Face-to-Face With Her Scammers

A call from the “Social Security Administration” leaves Lori rattled and rushing to convert her savings into gold bars. But this virtual crime becomes very real when money mules show up at her door.

Family Left Homeless After Rental Scam

Before a big move with his family, Phillip flies to Denver to tour the perfect rental house. A few days after he moves in, other people begin arriving at his door claiming they have also rented the house.

Puppy Scam Robs Couple of Their Life Savings

When the house gets a little too quiet for empty nesters Michael and Kelli, they turn to the internet in search of a puppy. Instead, the couple are targeted by criminals who steal their life savings.

Golfer Steals Thousands From Charitable Causes

When fellow golfer Rob offers Lindsay the chance to give back to some charitable causes that are close to her heart, she jumps at the opportunity. But is this fundraiser the real thing?

Archive Episode: Rookie FBI Agent Turns Tables on International Scammers, Part 2

In Part 2, rookie FBI agent Mike and 80-year-old Alan, who has lost $600,000 to scammers, hatch a plan to lure the crooks to the U.S. and bring them to justice.

Archive Episode: Rookie FBI Agent Turns Tables on International Scammers, Part 1

International scammers are notably hard to prosecute, but when rookie FBI agent Mike meets 80-year-old Alan, who lost $600,000 to scammers, they hatch a plan to lure the crooks to the U.S. for arrest.

A Mexican Drug Cartel Runs Time-Share Scam, Part 2

James is becoming suspicious of the real estate deal to sell his time-share, but he couldn’t have imagined that he’d be involved in a dangerous scam run by members of a notorious Mexican drug cartel.

A Mexican Drug Cartel Runs Time-Share Scam, Part 1

James receives an offer to sell an unwanted time-share, but unexpected fees pile up and delay the sale. Little does he know that a dangerous Mexican drug cartel is behind it all.

Criminals Cash In on Couple's Credit Card Points

Jody and her family love to travel and save up their credit card reward points for family vacations. When the points start disappearing, they learn how thieves are turning their hard-earned points into cash.

Scammers Defraud Small-Biz Owner in Arrest Warrant Scam 

During the pandemic, government loans are a lifeline for many small businesses, including Victor’s. But Victor doesn’t realize his loan information is easily accessible to scammers, who use it to their advantage.

Utility Bill Scam Targets Grieving Family

After receiving a notice from the "power company,” Lorraine transfers her late father’s account to her name, but she soon realizes that impostors have stolen her deposit and her information.

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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.