The burden is on consumers to question the validity of online offers because privacy laws and standards are not yet well regulated. Consumer Reports is fighting to make changes in this arena. Today’s guest is Marta Tellado. Marta is President and CEO of Consumer Reports, the independent non-profit that works side by side with consumers to create a fair and just marketplace. She is a market driven leader with a passion for innovation, public-service, philanthropy, and helping organizations maximize and improve the world.

Show Notes:

• [0:55] - Marta shares her background and her role as CEO of Consumer Reports.

• [2:19] - We’re at a pioneering moment in the consumer market. Regulation hasn’t transitioned into the digital marketplace.

• [4:04] - When online, we assume everything we do is safe.

• [5:52] - Now with AI, consumer awareness is even more important.

• [7:41] - As technology advances, so does the potential for scams.

• [9:27] - Be aware of the red flags. 

• [11:33] - Consumer Reports has a ton of resources and information on scam protection.

• [13:17] - Everyone is a target and anyone can fall for a scam, including Marta.

• [15:51] - Marta shares the estimated amount of money lost to scams in 2022 and the increase we are seeing.

• [17:45] - Instead of connecting your peer-to-peer payment accounts to your bank account, connect them to your credit card where you have more protection.

• [20:17] - Even when we select the “unsubscribe” button, we may be flagged as someone who is interacting with the scam content and further targeted.

• [22:58] - The rules and regulations aren’t keeping up with the rapid growth and development of technology.

• [24:55] - Marta describes the ways Consumer Reports works to educate consumers.

• [26:25] - It takes a really long time to get laws and regulations in place.

• [29:01] - We can’t see or feel the things that keep us safe or harm us online. 

• [31:38] - Even if you feel that you don’t have anything that a scammer would want, be aware that any information is valuable to them.

Thanks for joining us on Easy Prey. Be sure to subscribe to our podcast on iTunes and leave a nice review. 

Links and Resources:

• Podcast Web Page

• Facebook Page

• whatismyipaddress.com

• Easy Prey on Instagram

• Easy Prey on Twitter

• Easy Prey on LinkedIn

• Easy Prey on YouTube

• Easy Prey on Pinterest

• Consumer Reports Home Page