AARP Hearing Center
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.
Suicide After a Scam: One Family’s Story
After learning that his life savings have been stolen by a trusted online friend, Dennis makes the devastating decision to end his life. His family shares his story in hopes of helping others.
Archive Episode: Beware of the Boardwalk Psychic Scam
In this episode of The Perfect Scam, we meet Marlene who was conned out of thousands of dollars after meeting a psychic at the Atlantic City Boardwalk.
Archive Episode: GoFundMe Scam Targets Dart Community, Part 2
In Part 2, a close-knit dart community has rallied to help a terminally ill champion player, Jeremiah Jon Smith, pay for his wedding and other expenses. Then they learn the ugly truth: He’s not ill.
Archive Episode: GoFundMe Scam Targets Dart Community, Part 1
When a close-knit dart community rallies around their world-tournament player who has cancer, Darlene helps lead the fundraising for his care and even his wedding. So why does she have doubts?
U.S. Army Financial Advisor Defrauds Soldier’s Grieving Family
U.S. Army financial counselor Caz Craffy is supposed to be advising grieving military families but is instead putting their money in risky investments that pay him high commissions.
Dentist Runs Affinity Fraud Scheme in Austin
Neill and his friends are impressed by Clinton Herzog’s investment pitch for his dental clinic chain, but soon learn that he's running a Ponzi scheme when he disappears with their money.
You May Not Be a Winner: Sweepstakes Scam Empties Woman’s Savings
When “Publishers Clearing House” calls, Kathy dreams of sharing the money with family. But months of empty promises and tens of thousands of dollars in “taxes” paid leave her no closer to the prize money.
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.
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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 18
Season 17
- Lawyer Fights to Regain Identity from Timeshare Resale Scam
- International Fraud & Money Laundering Ring Exposed, Part 1
- International Fraud and Money Laundering Ring Exposed, Part 2
- Contractor Defrauds Wisconsin Homeowners
- Veterans Targeted in Military Benefits Scam, Part 1
- Veterans Targeted in Military Benefits Scam, Part 2
- College Professor’s Retirement Stolen in Nightmare Scam
- Job Hunting? Look Out for These Scams
- From Tech Support to Crypto ATM, Scammers Steal Thousands
- Romance Scammer Impersonates Korean Celebrity
- Inside the Dark Web
- Bonus Episode: Six Scams on the Rise
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
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