Virtual kidnappings have evolved from crude phone scams to chilling high-tech nightmares, thanks to the rise of artificial intelligence. Imagine receiving a call that sounds exactly like your child, pleading for help—your heart races, and your rational mind fades away. In Episode 29 of "Behind the Scams," Nick and Sue delve into the terrifying world of AI-driven scams, sharing Amanda's harrowing story and revealing how scammers exploit our deepest fears. Learn how these sophisticated tactics work and discover essential strategies to protect yourself and your loved ones from becoming victims of this modern menace.

In the latest episode of Behind the Scams, hosts Nick and Sue Henley delve into the alarming world of celebrity impersonation scams, spotlighting the heartbreaking story of Margaret, a 73-year-old who lost $100,000 believing she was helping actor Kevin Costner. This episode uncovers the emotional manipulation behind these scams, the sophisticated tactics used by fraudsters, and the shocking reality of scam farms linked to human trafficking. With insights from experts and a call to action for social media platforms, this episode reveals a crisis that goes far beyond just one celebrity. Don’t miss this eye-opening discussion!

In this gripping episode of Behind the Scams, hosts Nick and Sue Henley dive into the harrowing case of Nigerian national Charles Uchenna Nwadavid, charged with orchestrating a complex romance scam that exploited victims across the U.S. for over three years. Discover how one woman unknowingly became a "money mule," transferring over $2.5 million in scam proceeds, much of it in Bitcoin. With insights into the psychological tactics used by scammers and the challenges of tracing cryptocurrency, this episode reveals the devastating impact of love, trust, and deception in the digital age. Don’t miss it!

In another exciting episode of Behind the Scams, Nick and Sue Henley unveil the shocking $15 million sweepstakes fraud orchestrated by 80-year-old Barbara Trickle. Discover how Trickle and her co-conspirators manipulated thousands of victims, primarily seniors, with deceptive prize notices that promised life-changing sums of money. Learn about the psychological tactics used to exploit trust and urgency, and find out how federal authorities took action to shut down this elaborate scheme. Don’t miss the full story and essential tips to protect yourself from similar scams—visit behindthescams.org/ for more insights!

In this explosive episode of Behind the Scams, hosts Nick and Sue Henley unravel a heartbreaking and jaw-dropping federal case involving a Houston couple who defrauded elderly victims out of millions through romance scams. Drawing from Nick’s former law enforcement experience and insights into federal indictments, this episode walks you through the scams, the tactics, and the justice system’s response. Akporugo and Sood’s indictment isn’t just another scam story—it’s a shocking revelation of how far scammers will go, and a call to action for listeners everywhere. The Love Scam Ring Playbook: Fake Love, Real Money From fake oil rig engineers...

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A Heartbreaking Tale of Love, Loss, and Deception: Lost Pet Scams When Chloe’s beloved family cat Percy went missing, the anxiety alone was almost unbearable. But what followed was even worse — a scam so cruel and calculated, it left emotional and financial scars. In this eye-opening episode of Behind the Scams, Nick and Sue uncover one of the most emotionally manipulative cons out there: The Lost Pet Scam. The Emotional Manipulation at the Heart of the Lost Pet Scam Lost pet scams are more than just financial frauds. They target people at their most vulnerable — pet owners terrified...

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Crypto Scam: Episode Overview In one of our most jaw-dropping episodes to date, Behind the Scams pulls back the curtain on a newly unsealed federal indictment that reveals a sprawling, highly organized cryptocurrency fraud operation. This is not your average crypto scam — it’s a full-blown cybercrime syndicate that used high-level social engineering, psychological manipulation, and tech-savvy laundering strategies to steal more than $245 million in digital currency from unsuspecting victims across the United States. Nick and Sue walk you through this complex case, breaking down how a cast of characters with nicknames like “King Greavys,” “Papa,” “GothFerrari,” and “The...

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Episode Description The Hook: Dreams, Pizza & Pink Cadillac Promises Monique was fresh out of the Air Force, craving purpose and community when a friend invited her to a Mary Kay “opportunity night,” a typical event in multi-level marketing. Between the free pizza, glossy brochures, and a $99 starter kit that “practically pays for itself,” success seemed inevitable. What she didn’t see were the crushing credit-card balances, mounting inventory, and psychological pressure waiting beneath the pink confetti. In this episode of Behind the Scams, hosts Nick & Sue Henley reveal how a single slice of pepperoni turned into a $75,000...

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In the United Arab Emirates, a new breed of Ponzi schemes is thriving, disguised as modern tech startups. In our latest episode, we delve into the harrowing real-life stories of victims who have lost millions to these scams. From a $85 million real estate fraud led by a flashy con artist to a fake AI crypto platform that duped investors out of $40 million, the emotional and financial toll is devastating. Join us as we uncover the dark side of startup culture and share essential tips to protect yourself from becoming the next victim.

In the glitzy world of the UAE, where luxury meets innovation, a darker reality lurks beneath the surface. Join hosts Nick and Sue in the first part of their eye-opening exposé as they unravel the sophisticated scams masquerading as startups. Discover how these deceptive ventures lure international investors with polished façades, buzzwords, and empty promises. With lax regulations and a culture that glorifies success, the UAE has become a breeding ground for fraud. Tune in to learn how to spot these scams and protect yourself from becoming the next victim in this high-stakes game of deception.