Easy Prey

Easy Prey

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Easy Prey episodes

  • How Fraudsters Choose Targets

    It's easy to think of fraud prevention as a technical problem with a software solution. But according to Brian Davis, effective fraud defense is just as much about people, trust, and communication as it is about tools and data. With over a decade of experience, Brian has built fraud teams from scratch, shaped company-wide strategy, and helped growing startups shift from reactive to proactive risk management.

    Brian is the Head of Fraud at Dodgeball, where he's helping bring their orchestration platform to market, and the founder of House of Fraud, an invite-only community where top fraud professionals collaborate and share intel. He's seen firsthand how fraudsters adapt quickly, and how internal misalignment or a lack of education can leave companies vulnerable. His layered approach focuses on understanding how business systems are abused and using that knowledge to design smarter defenses.

    In this episode, Brian shares his journey into the fraud space, explains why internal politics often matter more than policy, and offers a real-world breakdown of how fraud teams can gain traction and build trust. Whether you're running a digital subscription business, a fintech platform, or an e-commerce store, this conversation will help you think more clearly about why you're a target and what you can do to make your organization harder to hit.

    Show Notes:
    • [00:50] Brian is the head of fraud at Dodgeball Fraud Orchestration Platform.
    • [01:15] We learn how Brian noticed something was off about 10 years ago when he was working for an accounting client.
    • [02:01] He loved accounting, but as he got his master's degree, he started focusing on entrepreneurship and fraud.
    • [02:45] He worked in accounting for a year and then became the first fraud hire of an e-commerce company.
    • [03:30] Then he built out teams to help businesses combat fraud.
    • [04:07] He's now on the vendor side of fraud prevention, and he does consulting and runs The Fraud Space community.
    • [05:18] Brian likes the dynamic aspect of always having to solve a problem. Micro patterns pop up that can be connected to bigger patterns.
    • [06:47] Most people are willing to help the fraud department, because it gets them what they want.
    • [09:20] Issues that arise when doing a really good job in the fraud department and justifying the expense.
    • [11:05] When coming into a new company, the areas where Brian starts looking for fraud.
    • [12:04] The first step is to understand how the company makes decisions. He then begins with a surface map. How does a user interact with your site for an outcome?
    • [16:29] Where the larger threats are coming from.
    • [18:49] Understanding the fraudster's criminal journey and where they choose to attack.
    • [25:25] Founders who have previously been hurt by fraud asked more questions.
    • [28:20] Behaviors that might actually attract fraud.
    • [30:58] How referral programs can attract fraud.
    • [40:29] There are many similarities between the different types of fraud and the tools used across multiple industries.
    • [41:23] Has Brian ever been the victim of a scam?
    • [42:28] A fraud story purchasing sporting tickets through marketplace.
    • [49:12] The pitfalls of passwords and password hygiene.

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

    Links and Resources:
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    • Dodgeball
    • Brian Davis - LinkedIn
    • This Week in The House of Fraud Podcast
    • The House of Fraud
    52 min
  • Hidden Dangers of AI in Cybersecurity

    Everyone's talking about AI these days, especially in cybersecurity. Sure, artificial intelligence can boost your defenses, but cybercriminals have noticed too. Now they're crafting phishing emails so believable it's scary and finding clever paths around spam filters while zeroing in on vulnerabilities you didn't even realize were there.

    Today, Aviad Hasnis joins the show. He's the CTO of Cynet Security and spent years running cybersecurity missions for the Israeli Defense Forces. Aviad's here to help us figure out what the changing threat landscape really means, whether you're leading a corporate giant or just trying to keep your small business safe.

    From passwords getting scooped up to VPN setups from a decade ago that no one updated, Aviad's seen just about everything go wrong. He also explains why copy-pasting AI-generated code might open you up to attacks you never saw coming. He's big on education, common sense, and making sure you're using multiple security layers. These days even one slip-up can give attackers exactly what they're looking for. Aviad also walks us through supply chain vulnerabilities and why they should keep you up at night.

    Whether you're the CISO of a Fortune 500 company or you're running a small team with Bob, the go-to tech person juggling 18 other tasks, this episode is packed with practical insights to help you avoid the next big cybersecurity headache. While AI might be reshaping the cybersecurity landscape, staying secure still comes down to thoughtful planning, human judgment, and making sure someone you trust has your back.

    Show Notes:
    • [01:08] Aviad has been Cynet's Chief Technology Officer for the past five years. Prior to that, he worked in cyber security for the Israeli Army.
    • [02:18] He was always fascinated with computers and technology. When Iran had a technology problem, he realized that cybersecurity was what he wanted to do for the rest of his life.
    • [03:19] Aviad shares a story about his friend's mother being exposed to a scam. She received a phone call from someone pretending to be a police officer. She even installed different executables on her laptop. She didn't realize she was being victimized until she transferred over five grand.
    • [06:07] Social engineering is one of the most dominant ways to gain access.
    • [08:39] The security implications of using AI.
    • [09:30] It's important to have guardrails with how you use AI.
    • [10:28] If you're just copying and pasting code you may copy something that could be vulnerable to exploits.
    • [11:16] People need to be aware of the types of risk and educate themselves.
    • [12:49] Conversations at the C-suite level for implementing AI.
    • [13:43] The challenge is to harness AI the right way without replacing people.
    • [15:18] It's important to use critical thinking when creating with AI.
    • [16:04] AI is helping security by allowing people to consult and get information. You can also introduce vulnerabilities into your application if you just copy and paste from chat GPT without knowing the context.
    • [17:05] The bad guys can also use AI.
    • [17:56] AI has improved the quality of phishing scams.
    • [21:36] Where organizations are missing out when it comes to sniffing out threats. This includes VPNs and SaaS or cloud.
    • [22:52] Employees could be using their home computers to connect to the company VPN and then their kids might download some malware or trojan. Companies need to use two-factor authentication when it comes to VPNs.
    • [24:11] Email phishing can be another way to steal credentials.
    • [27:54] The most effective approach is security layers.
    • [30:40] Another security measure is creating profiles where we know where you're logging in from.
    • [33:35] Is this doom and gloom for small businesses?
    • [34:48] The best solution for small businesses would be to find a company with an all-in-one solution.
    • [37:11] The importance of being proactive, so you can act quickly if you see something suspicious.
    • [38:24] How the move to the cloud affects security.
    • [39:08] Shifting to the cloud is safer.
    • [44:20] New threats on the horizon include threat actors utilizing AI. They love to get control of remote applications.

    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
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    • Easy Prey on Instagram
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    • Easy Prey on YouTube
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    • Cynet Security
    • Aviad Hasnis - LinkedIn
    • Aviad Hasnis - Cynet Security
    49 min
  • Author Scams Exposed

    Writers pour their hearts into their work, but unfortunately, that passion can make them prime targets for scams. From fake agents and vanity publishers to slick marketing schemes and social media impersonators, the tactics have only gotten more sophisticated over time. In this episode, we dig into the murky world of publishing scams and how they work and who they target. Along with why even experienced authors can get caught off guard.

    Today's guest is Victoria Strauss. Victoria is the author of nine fantasy and historical novels for adults and teens, and she's also the co-founder of Writer Beware, a watchdog group sponsored by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Association. Drawing from decades of experience, Victoria shares red flags to watch out for, practical steps authors can take to protect themselves, and eye-opening stories of deception that highlight just how easy it is to get pulled in.

    This conversation is about awareness and empowerment. Whether you're just getting started or you're a seasoned author, you'll learn how to do your due diligence, where to turn for trustworthy resources, and how to avoid becoming an easy target in a complex industry. With tools like Writer Beware, Victoria equips authors to stay vigilant, protect their creative work, and steer clear of costly traps.

    Show Notes:
    • [01:00] Victoria shares her background including publishing nine novels. She's a member of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Association, which is the sponsor of Writer Beware.
    • [01:49] Writer Beware was formed with Victoria and a colleague when they became interested in writer scams.
    • [03:36] When it first began, the most common scams for fee-charging literary agents and scam editing referrals.
    • [04:25] Most current scams are digital and focus on self-publishers.
    • [05:11] We learn what a vanity publisher is.
    • [06:22] How self-publishers do everything a writer does and everything a publisher does.
    • [10:34] One marker for a scam can be solicitation and out-of-the-blue emails.
    • [12:42] A lot of people offer services like cover design when they don't really have the experience or expertise. Research anyone you're going to hire and their experience.
    • [15:50] Look for what to cover in a contract, such as keeping your copyright. Watch out for scam registration services.
    • [17:36] A DM scam where the scammer impersonates a writer and offers a marketing service recommendation.
    • [22:21] Be aware and understand what the risks are and what to look for.
    • [23:52] Evaluating opportunities.
    • [26:16] Use a credit card and report any problems.
    • [27:51] The newest scams are usually on social media.
    • [28:40] A crazy story about a literary agent who is charging upfront fees and even accepted fees for a conference and then faked her own death.
    • [30:39] A cautionary tale of how a publishing marketing company from the Philippines scammed authors out of millions of dollars.

    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
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    • Easy Prey on YouTube
    • Easy Prey on Pinterest
    • Victoria Strauss
    • Books by Victoria Strauss
    • Writer Beware
    • Writer Beware Blog
    • [email protected]
    • Writer Beware - Facebook
    • Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Association
    • Self-Publishing 101 - SFWA
    • Authors Guild
    36 min
  • Tricked by Followers and Badges

    What if your social media success was built on deception, and it was working? In today's episode, we hear from someone who knows exactly how that happens. Tim O'Hearn is a former software engineer and the author of Framed: A Villain's Perspective on Social Media, a book that pulls back the curtain on how follower factories, automation, and persuasive technologies have shaped the online world we now take for granted. Tim doesn't just theorize, he built these systems himself.

    Tim walks us through how his small side gig growing Instagram accounts evolved into a lucrative business, one that constantly navigated the blurry line between innovation and breaking platform rules. He opens up about the clever strategies he used to avoid detection and psychological hooks that made these methods so effective, as we explore the deeper consequences of social media's addictive nature.

    We'll also explore the hidden risks businesses and individuals face when they obsess over metrics and follower counts instead of genuine connections, and why most people don't even realize they're caught up in this trap. Whether you're running a business, casually browsing, or just trying to figure out the complicated world of online attention, this conversation will give you a rare peek behind the curtain. And as you'll find out, stepping away from it all might not be as straightforward as you'd think.

    Show Notes:
    • [01:12] Tim recently published Framed: A Villain's Perspective on Social Media, a book that shares his journey from breaking the rules on social media to getting millions of followers for his clients.
    • [02:15] We learn a little bit more about the beginnings of spamming the Internet and increasing online presence, including MySpace and Instagram, which evolved into getting more followers.
    • [04:14] This created social proof and the possibility of higher conversion rates.
    • [05:09] Increasing followers using botnets or fake followers. Organic growth and interacting with accounts that might follow or like.
    • [08:35] Tim's business was Shark Social, where he bent the rules to get followers for clients.
    • [09:53] The technical side of his operation. Proxies were used to mask their tracks.
    • [12:30] Social media services have taken efforts to stop things like follower growth services.
    • [14:54] Risks for businesses using social media growth platform services. It's against TOS, and your account can get banned.
    • [18:36] Systems Tim built to target consumers using social media. The goal was to get users to spend more time on the app.
    • [20:50] Thresholds for annoying users. It was shocking how many people allowed push notifications and other annoying things.
    • [22:54] How social media affects Tim.
    • [26:11] We learn how he feels about the influencer culture and promoting his book on TikTok.
    • [27:14] Advice for business owners, including these services, may not get you more business. Pause before doing too much.
    • [28:48] Individuals should focus on conversions.

    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
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    • whatismyipaddress.com
    • Easy Prey on Instagram
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    • Tim O'Hearn
    • Tim O'Hearn - LinkedIn
    • Tim O'Hearn - Beehiiv
    • Framed: A Villain's Perspective on Social Media
    • Spam Kings
    33 min
  • Only 10 Seconds to Expose a Scam

    What if you could stop a scam in real-time before the damage is done? In this episode, I'm joined by Nick Stapleton, an investigative journalist and the face behind Scam Interceptors, the BAFTA award-winning BBC series that exposes online fraud and steps in to protect victims as scams unfold.

    Nick brings a decade of undercover documentary experience to his current mission: fighting digital deception and empowering everyday people to stay safe. He shares jaw-dropping stories from the front lines, including the near miss that almost caught him off guard, and breaks down the complex operations behind everything from romance scams to global scam compounds.

    As the author of How to Beat Scammers, Nick also gives practical advice on how to recognize red flags and build your own defense against a rising tide of fraud.

    Show Notes:
    • [01:06] Nick presents a show called scam interceptors for the BBC. He also does scam advice on a chat show called Morning Live. He also wrote a self-help book about How To Beat Scammers.
    • [01:59] We learn how Nick got into the space. He began in investigative journalism and hidden camera work and now 5 years later Scam Interceptors is his full-time job.
    • [06:17] He came very close to becoming a victim of a scam, because a lot of scammers try to get him.
    • [14:30] About 300,000 accounts a day get hacked on Meta.
    • [15:10] There are things you can enable on Meta to help protect your account.
    • [16:43] In the UK scammers rarely go to prison.
    • [17:18] When he first started the series the scale of some of the scam operations out there really shocked him.
    • [18:43] There can be 200 people working in a scam call center.
    • [20:52] A lot of the people who run pig butchering scams are indentured slaves.
    • [24:12] They would even hire models to have video conversations with potential scam victims.
    • [25:22] Why local governments don't break up these scam centers.
    • [26:38] It's difficult to motivate the authorities when the victims aren't from that country.
    • [29:21] APP refunds in the UK. In most cases we need to be aware and protect ourselves.
    • [30:52] Assume everything out of the blue is fake. Come from a position of skepticism.
    • [35:04] When investigations go wrong filming the show and they lose people to scams.
    • [39:10] When the show first began, sometimes the people they were trying to stop from being scammed thought they were the scammer.

    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
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    • Easy Prey on YouTube
    • Easy Prey on Pinterest
    • Nick Stapleton
    • Scam Interceptors
    • Nick Stapleton - Instagram
    • Nick Stapleton - LinkedIn
    • Nick Stapleton - Facebook
    • How to Beat Scammers: The Complete Guide to Keeping Yourself Safe from Fraud
    • Morning Live
    • Scam Clinic Podcast
    46 min
  • Gambling, Lies, and Millions Stolen from Celebrities

    What happens when the drive to succeed masks deep emotional wounds and addiction? In this episode, Jonathan Schwartz shares a powerful and painfully honest account of how his life unraveled.

    Once one of Hollywood's most trusted financial advisors, Jonathan worked with icons like Beyoncé, Mariah Carey, and Gwyneth Paltrow. On the surface, he had it all. But underneath the success was a secret struggle with gambling and drug addiction that led him to steal millions from the very clients who trusted him most.

    His fall from grace was dramatic and public, ending in a prison sentence and the loss of everything he had built. But that wasn't the end of his story. Today, Jonathan is sober and rebuilding his life with purpose. As Program Director at Altus Rehab, he now helps others find their own way out of addiction and shame. His story is raw, real, and full of hard-earned wisdom for anyone who has ever felt like they couldn't ask for help.

    Show Notes:
    • [01:30] Jonathan is a different person from who he was. He grew up in Upstate New York and his father left when he was four. His mom had a lot of stress and took it out on him which created childhood trauma.
    • [03:34] Accounting was the subject that he was good at.
    • [05:02] Eventually, his cousin gave him a job working in Los Angeles for celebrities.
    • [06:33] In 2004, he became a partner in GSO business management. He got a break when Linkin Park was looking for someone in business management. Their success opened up the floodgates.
    • [08:37] He began getting more and more A-list clients.
    • [09:04] In 2010, he became addicted to gambling.
    • [10:01] This eventually led to embezzlement from his celebrity clients. He placed the bet with this bookie everyday for 6 years.
    • [13:48] He ended up embezzling about 7 million dollars.
    • [14:12] When he stopped gambling he had suicidal ideation.
    • [17:05] He always intended to pay the money back.
    • [19:37] Jonathan shares a time when the bank wanted to call Alanis.
    • [21:03] There was a point when his partners started to notice something wasn't right.
    • [22:04] In 2015 he was fired by Alanis, but he continued to give his attention to his A-list clients.
    • [24:42] He didn't want to expose anyone to the fact that he was committing crime. He never told a soul.
    • [25:07] The dark secret was eating him inside, and he also had to deal with his unresolved trauma.
    • [27:12] How Jonathan had to come clean with his wife, because he was scheduled for a lie detector test.
    • [28:48] After failing the test, he was facing 23 years in prison. He negotiated a four to six year plea agreement.
    • [31:14] He ended up being released early because of COVID.
    • [32:11] He struggled to get a job and ended up going back to school, and now he's a marriage and family therapist with an emphasis on addiction and trauma.
    • [34:00] In prison he had the opportunity to reflect on his bad decisions and read a lot of books.
    • [36:33] He's proud to be sober and a nerd. His trauma is resolved, and he gets to help people in treatment not make the same mistakes that he made.
    • [41:34] Celebrities today need to understand not to trust their business manager so quickly and to make sure that they're proactive in their financial affairs and that they're asking for source documents.
    • [42:11] Audit your business manager with some level of frequency.
    • [48:43] Don't go out and spend all your money. Treat your first dollars as your last dollars.
    • [50:56] Jonathan has a book coming out in about 12 months.

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

    Links and Resources:
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    • Jonathan Schwartz - Instagram
    • Jonathan Schwartz - Altus Rehab
    • Jonathan Schwartz - LinkedIn
    • Altus Rehab
    • Gamblers Anonymous
    53 min
  • Human Side of Fraud: Empathy, Education, & Evolution

    People used to think fraud was something that happened in the shadows, rare, distant, and mostly affecting big companies. But after talking to PJ Rohall, it's clear that fraud is evolving fast, and it's showing up in places most of us don't even think to look.

    In this episode, I sit down with PJ Rohall, Head of Fraud Strategy and Education at SEON and co-founder of About Fraud. PJ's work is all about staying ahead of scammers and helping businesses and individuals understand how fraud actually works. From synthetic identities and AI-powered scams to account takeovers and refund fraud, he breaks it all down in a way that's both eye-opening and surprisingly accessible.

    We talk about how fraudsters think, what makes people vulnerable, and why collaboration is one of the best defenses we have. PJ shares practical tips, real-world examples, and some of the patterns he's seeing that everyone should be aware of. Whether you run a business or just want to better protect yourself online, this conversation might change the way you think about trust, technology, and the digital world we live in.

    Show Notes:
    • [00:52] PJ Rohal is a co-founder of About Fraud and Fraud Fight Club, which is our in conference, in-person experience. He started that back in 2017, but his fraud prevention journey started back in 2011.
    • [02:45] He began studying finance and business. He had some mental health issues and was open to trying something different when he saw a job for a fraud analyst.
    • [06:22] His experience transferred really well into the entrepreneurial journey.
    • [11:13] It's in the best interest of everyone to collaborate and share tips and tricks when trying to prevent fraud.
    • [13:05] Everybody is open or vulnerable to being a victim of a scam. There shouldn't be a stigma around it.
    • [14:51] It's powerful to see even tech savvy people being victims of scams.
    • [17:20] How a contextually relevant scam could actually get you.
    • [21:16] It's PJ's dream to get outside of his bubble and help educate the community the best he can.
    • [23:43] Two-factor authentication codes have changed, because they give warnings and instructions for the consumer now.
    • [28:45] People with platforms could get the word out about the risk of scams.
    • [34:30] Getting fighting scams to the front and center is a challenge.
    • [36:57] Handling calls from people who've lost large amounts of money in a scam. Having a psychologist or people who understand human behavior would really help with this journey.
    • [40:39] Banks and financial institutions are starting to think differently about handling these issues.
    • [41:05] There's also a lot of technology on the market that's designed for scams.

    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
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    • Easy Prey on Instagram
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    • Easy Prey on YouTube
    • Easy Prey on Pinterest
    • PJ Rohall - LinkedIn
    • SEON
    • About Fraud
    • Fraud Fight Club
    • [email protected]
    47 min
  • Identity Is The New Security Perimeter

    Sometimes it feels like every new technology we adopt comes with a new risk we didn't see coming. From AI and data breaches to phishing scams and ransomware, it's clear we live in a time when cybersecurity isn't just a tech issue, it's a human issue.

    In this episode, I talk with Jeff Reich, Executive Director of the Identity Defined Security Alliance. Jeff has been in the cybersecurity world since the early days, with decades of experience helping organizations protect what matters most. His passion for identity security and risk management runs deep, and he brings a thoughtful perspective on how the industry has changed and what we need to do to keep up.

    We explore why identity is the real perimeter in today's digital world, how businesses and individuals can be proactive rather than reactive, and what it really takes to build a security-first mindset. Jeff also shares why communication is just as important as tech when it comes to staying secure. Whether you're a cybersecurity professional or just someone trying to stay safe online, this conversation will leave you thinking differently about the role identity plays in your digital life.

    Show Notes:
    • [00:54] Jeff Reich is the Executive Director of the Identity-Defined Security Alliance, a nonprofit focused on raising the level of awareness of identity and identity security.
    • [01:52] Jeff began studying physics and astrophysics in school. He even taught in a planetarium. He also went into law enforcement.
    • [03:10] He went into security and was planning on working at EDS, but he ended up at ARCO. He then moved to Dell computers and a financial services company. He started the security program at Rackspace and was also a research director at the University of Texas, San Antonio.
    • [03:49] He is now enjoying the nonprofit space.
    • [04:43] Not becoming a victim of a scam comes down to situational awareness. If you're receiving something from someone you don't know, assume it's hostile.
    • [06:33] Jeff tells the story about when he was working at a hosting company, and he noticed clusters of servers turning from green to red and then back to green.
    • [07:42] It turned out scammers were taking over customers' websites. It ended up being ransomware.
    • [16:03] Be very aware of fake invoices and spoofed emails and scam phone calls.
    • [20:18] They recently had identity management day 2025. They had a lot of presentations on what existential identity might mean to a certain individual or corporation.
    • [21:57] People can protect themselves by using different email accounts.
    • [24:34] Tips on protecting yourself when someone is impersonating you.
    • [27:21] The future of identity should have big advances going forward that will involve AI.
    • [31:40] Improved authenticator apps and DNA-based identity are in our futures.
    • [36:22] Hackers are stealing credentials and logging into companies not breaking in.
    • [39:01] Our identity needs to be protected more than an account number.
    • [40:01] Clean house and get separate accounts for important things like banking.

    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
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    • Easy Prey on YouTube
    • Easy Prey on Pinterest
    • Jeff Reich - Identity Defined Security Alliance
    • Identity Defined Security Alliance
    • Jeff Reich - LinkedIn
    • [email protected]
    42 min
  • Your Car Is Spying On You What It's Collecting and Who It's Telling

    I used to think of my car as just a tool to get from point A to point B. But after this conversation, I can't help but see it as something else entirely, a powerful data collection device that knows far more about me than I realized. From where I go and who I text to how I drive and even what's on my phone, today's vehicles are gathering a staggering amount of personal information.

    In this episode, I talk with Andrea Amico, the founder of Privacy4Cars. Andrea is one of the leading voices in automotive data privacy and someone who's spent years uncovering the hidden ways cars collect, store, and share our information. He breaks down how connected cars work, what's actually being tracked, and why it matters not just for your privacy, but for your safety and finances too.

    We get into everything from rental car risks and data left behind when you sell a car, to how automakers and third parties might be profiting off your data without your knowledge. If you've ever paired your phone with a vehicle or assumed your texts disappear when you disconnect, this episode is going to change the way you think about driving and how to take back control.

    Show Notes:
    • [01:28] Andrea started Privacy4Cars because cars collect a lot of data. There were zero protections for privacy and security. He's dedicated to turning your car into a more private space and giving you more choice, understanding, and control.
    • [02:25] We talk about when cars started collecting data. OnStar started about 25 years ago. Things really began to evolve when Bluetooth and navigation became common.
    • [03:12] Things really exploded with modern telematics which is like putting a cell phone inside your car that calls home all the time. The average car collects around 25 GB of data per day.
    • [04:08] We talk about the type of data that is collected by cars from GPS to having your phone collected and the car even knowing your weight.
    • [05:26] The sensors in your car know exactly how you drive.
    • [06:46] Informed consumers are better off. These data collecting policies are usually hidden in the car manufacturers privacy policies.
    • [08:46] You can find your car's privacy policy at Vehicle Privacy Report.
    • [10:21] The goal is to make the car manufacturer's behavior visible to consumers, because that's the way to drive better company behavior.
    • [11:26] When you rent a car and when you sell a car, your car is like a giant unencrypted hard drive that contains your data.
    • [12:06] We should wipe the data in our cars the same way we wipe the data in our phones when we replace them.
    • [13:05] You can find a tool to help remove data from your car at Privacy4Cars.
    • [14:21] We talk about what rental cars get from your connected phone.
    • [17:24] Found data can be used in targeted spear phishing attacks.
    • [19:18] Most cars since 2017 have a SIM card. If a prior owner consented to data collection, that data is still being collected when you take over the car.
    • [22:15] Ford estimated that they would make $2,000 per car per year from data services.
    • [24:17] It's common for cars to even have a camera that looks at you. In a few years it might be common for vehicles to monitor for things like intoxication.
    • [26:56] Organizations creating standards like the Future of Privacy Forum.
    • [29:09] Cars have an EDR electronic data recorder. It's like a black box for when an accident happens.
    • [34:05] Delete data when you buy, rent, or sell a car. Opt out if you can.
    • [36:33] Think about your car just like your computers and your phone.
    • [37:15] Andrea shares a story about how an ex-spouse was able to duplicate her key. The dealer wanted $1,000 to reset her car.
    • [40:23] Parting advice includes looking up your car's VIN at Vehicle Privacy Report.

    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
    • Andrea Amico - Privacy4Cars
    • Privacy4Cars
    • Vehicle Privacy Report
    • Andrea Amico - LinkedIn
    • Future of Privacy Forum
    • Endpoints-On-Wheels – Protecting Company And Employee Data In Cars. Ciso Mitigation Strategies For Fleets, Rentals, And Personnel-Owned Vehicles
    43 min
  • Why Everyone's A Target

    Some scams are so convincing, they're almost impossible to spot. With phishing emails that look like they're from your bank, deep fake videos that mimic real people, and AI-generated messages that feel personal, it's getting harder to know what's real and what's a trap.

    In this episode, I sit down with Gabrielle Hempel, a security operations specialist at Exabeam and a current law student at Purdue University. Gabrielle brings a sharp perspective shaped by years in cybersecurity, a master's in cybersecurity and global affairs from NYU, and hands-on experience navigating everything from vulnerability management to executive risk consulting. She even wrote her graduate thesis on critical infrastructure security.

    We talk about the new era of digital deception, why younger people are actually falling for scams more often, and how criminals are using AI and current events to build trust and bypass defenses. Gabrielle shares practical advice, personal stories, and a fresh way to think about digital safety that could help you spot the next scam before it costs you.

    Show Notes:
    • [01:09] Gabrielle has held quite a few jobs in cybersecurity. She's currently the Security Operations Strategist at Exabeam.
    • [01:40] She's involved with anything to do with the internal security operation.
    • [02:04] She majored in psychology and neuroscience. Working in Pharma and with medical devices led her to the path of cybersecurity.
    • [04:34] We learn about an incident that she was involved in. Her parents were attempting to file their taxes with TurboTax, but they were flagged as already filing. This led to a lot of shenanigans with the IRS.
    • [06:29] Most everyone has been a victim to some type of fraud or scam.
    • [07:20] Our information is out there. It's more about staying vigilant and keeping an eye on things.
    • [08:05] A lot of the current scams are blending with the cybercrime ecosystem.
    • [09:17] AI has made it easier for people to craft more convincing phishing emails.
    • [12:51] Are modern phishing emails getting through the spam filters more often?
    • [15:48] How it's not retirees being the people most frequently caught in scams.
    • [16:42] Why 20 to 29 year-olds frequently fall for scams. It could be because of their comfort with technology.
    • [21:12] Better education surrounding threats might be a good idea for young people.
    • [22:47] As scammers get more information about us, targeting will be easier.
    • [24:32] Big trends are voice cloning and deep fakes.
    • [27:51] Scams around shipping fees and tariffs are skyrocketing.
    • [29:15] Advice includes adopting zero trust with communication.
    • [33:10] If you're not expecting it. It's potentially suspect.
    • [34:45] Best practices include doing your due diligence, and if you feel like something may not be legitimate go around and check.

    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
    • Gabrielle Hempel - LinkedIn
    • Exabeam
    • @gabsmashh on X
    40 min

About Easy Prey

From the publisher's feed

Chris Parker, the founder of WhatIsMyIPAddress.com, interviews guests and tells real-life stories about topics to open your eyes to the danger and traps lurking in the real world, ranging from online scams and frauds to everyday situations where people are trying to take advantage of you—for their gain and your loss.

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