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In this episode of Comforting Closure - Conversations with a Death Doula, Traci Arieli speaks with fraud prevention expert Doug Shadel, Managing Director of Fraud Prevention Strategies, LLC. Together, they discuss how scammers use emotion, stress, and grief to manipulate even the most careful people, and what practical steps can help protect you and your loved ones. 

Doug shares tips based on decades of experience studying fraud and interviewing individuals convicted of fraud. He explains what happens in the brain during moments of stress, why “urgency” is a scammer’s best weapon, and how to slow down and think clearly before responding. 

Key takeaways include: 
• How stress and grief can lower your defenses. 
• The emotional tactics scammers use to build trust. 
• How AI, phone, and online scams are evolving. 
• Simple steps you can take right now to reduce your risk. 
• What families and caregivers can do to help protect older adults. 

This episode helps listeners understand how emotion impacts decision-making and offers grounded, practical advice for staying safe. 

Links/Resources 

• Guest: Doug Shadel – Email: [email protected] | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doug-shadel-58260810 
• Host: Traci Arieli’s Website – https://www.comfortingclosure.com 
• Book Mentioned: Dangerous Dialers by Doug Shadel 
• AARP Fraud Watch Network – https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud 

 
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