A grandmother's life takes a harrowing turn as she finds herself imprisoned in a foreign country due to an elaborate international scam. In this gripping episode, we explore the tragic story of Donna Nelson, a victim caught in a web of deceit that led to her arrest for drug trafficking in Japan. Despite her efforts to protect herself, a single misstep in her online romance with a man named Kelly results in devastating consequences.  

  Join us as we unravel the details of Donna's relationship, her journey to meet Kelly, and the shocking discovery that changed her life forever. With insights into the complexities of romance scams and the stark realities of the Japanese legal system, this episode serves as a cautionary tale about trust, vulnerability, and the importance of safeguarding oneself from potential fraud.  

  We also discuss the critical lessons learned from Donna's experience, emphasising the importance of vigilance when engaging in online relationships. Tune in for a powerful narrative that highlights the need for awareness in an increasingly digital world.

For more insights and to access our transcripts, visit us at www.scamshacksandfrauds.com.

The transcript and spoken audio are available under the Creative Commons, Share Alike, With Attributions license. For more information on this visit creativecommons.org.

In the age of online bookings, planning a trip can be as easy as a few clicks. However, with convenience comes risk, especially when it comes to travel booking scams. In our latest podcast episode, we dive deep into the alarming rise of fraud associated with popular booking platforms like booking.com. 

Join us as we share the harrowing story of Dr. Lee Jones, who, while planning her dream wedding in Vietnam, fell victim to a sophisticated scam. After booking a hotel, she received a message that seemed legitimate, asking her to verify her payment details. In a rush to secure her reservation, Lee clicked the link, resulting in a significant financial loss. Unfortunately, her experience is not unique. Reports from Action Fraud reveal hundreds of similar cases, with victims collectively losing thousands of pounds.

In a world where online scams are increasingly sophisticated, knowledge is power. Listen to our episode to equip yourself with the tools you need to navigate the travel booking landscape safely. Don't let fraudsters spoil your travel plans—be informed, be cautious, and enjoy your journey! 

For more insights and to access our transcripts, visit us at www.scamshacksandfrauds.com.

The transcript and spoken audio are available under the Creative Commons, Share Alike, With Attributions license. For more information on this visit creativecommons.org.

In this gripping episode, Cee unravels the shocking tale of a $24 million heist stemming from a SIM swap fraud that left victim Michael Turpin reeling. As we delve into the events of 2018, we discover how a 15-year-old hacker managed to reset Turpin's Gmail password and access his cryptocurrency logins, leading to an astonishing windfall.  

Tune in as we discuss the ongoing implications of this fraud, including the broader risks associated with SIM swap scams and hacks. With practical tips on enhancing your online security, this episode is essential listening for anyone looking to protect themselves from the ever-evolving landscape of scams.  

For more insights and to access our transcripts, visit us at www.scamshacksandfrauds.com.

The transcript and spoken audio are available under the Creative Commons, Share Alike, With Attributions license. For more information on this visit creativecommons.org.

Cee delves into the recent cyberattack on Australian airline Qantas, attributed to the notorious hacking group Scattered Spider.

Cee also provides practical advice on protecting personal information, emphasising the dangers of password reuse and the benefits of using private relay email services and changing your passwords for passkeys.

For more insights and to access our transcripts, visit us at www.scamshacksandfrauds.com.

The transcript and spoken audio are available under the Creative Commons, Share Alike, With Attributions license. For more information on this visit creativecommons.org.

Cee investigates the alarming rise of ghost brokers in the UK, a scam that leaves unsuspecting young drivers like 18-year-old Wayne Simpson in dire straits. After a car accident, Wayne discovers that his seemingly legitimate insurance policy is nothing but a facade, putting him at risk of severe legal consequences. Through Wayne's story, we unravel the deceptive tactics used by ghost brokers who lure vulnerable individuals with unrealistically low premiums, often leading to devastating outcomes.

Learn how to navigate the insurance landscape, verify brokers, and protect yourself from becoming the next victim of a ghost broker. Don't miss this crucial episode that could save you from financial ruin.

Resources:

Ask MID / Motor Insurer's Database (UK Insurance checker)
https://www.askmid.com

British Insurance Brokers Association
https://www.biba.org.uk

Financial Conduct Authority
https://www.fca.org.uk
Firm Checker: https://www.fca.org.uk/consumers/fca-firm-checker

Insurance Fraud Bureau
https://www.insurancefraudbureau.org
Cheatline: https://insurancefraudbureau.org/cheatline

For more insights and to access our transcripts, visit us at www.scamshacksandfrauds.com.

The transcript and spoken audio are available under the Creative Commons, Share Alike, With Attributions license. For more information on this visit creativecommons.org.

In this enlightening episode, Cee takes us through the intricacies of a change rasing scam, breaking it down into manageable steps to help listeners recognise and avoid falling victim to this clever con. By role-playing as a scammer working against a shopkeeper, Cee demonstrates how a seemingly innocent transaction can quickly spiral into a deceptive scheme, leaving the unsuspecting victim out of pocket.     With practical advice on how to protect yourself,  this episode is a must-listen for anyone who uses or handles cash. 

For more insights and to access our transcripts, visit us at www.scamshacksandfrauds.com.

The transcript and spoken audio are available under the Creative Commons, Share Alike, With Attributions license. For more information on this visit creativecommons.org.

In this episode, we explore the rising concern of money mule fraud, a scam that has impacted thousands, particularly the youth. We share the true crime story of Ebony King, a 19-year-old who became a victim due to a family friend's betrayal, facing devastating financial consequences. 

With over 17,000 reported cases in 2023, this episode serves as a crucial guide to understanding money mule scams. Join us as we identify the warning signs of these deceitful schemes, and provide essential tips to protect your finances. Stay informed and safeguard against financial fraud with our expert advice!

For more insights and to access our transcripts, visit us at www.scamshacksandfrauds.com.

The transcript and spoken audio are available under the Creative Commons, Share Alike, With Attributions license. For more information on this visit creativecommons.org.

In this gripping episode, Cee delves into the astonishing tale of Shan (pronounced Shane) Haynes, the bank manager who became embroiled in a pig butchering scam that ultimately led to the downfall of the Heartland Tri State Bank in Elkhart, Kansas. 

As Shan fell victim to a cunning online fraudster named Bella, he unwittingly drained millions from the bank, believing he was on the brink of a lucrative cryptocurrency opportunity. With a narrative that reveals the psychological traps of scams, Cee explores the devastating impact of misplaced trust and the sunk cost fallacy. What lessons can we learn from Shan's tragic story? How can you safeguard your finances against similar threats? Tune in to find out.

You can find an audio transcript of this episode at our website. The transcript and spoken audio are available under the Creative Commons, Share Alike, With Attributions license. For more information on this visit creativecommons.org

For more insights and to access our transcripts, visit us at www.scamshacksandfrauds.com.

The transcript and spoken audio are available under the Creative Commons, Share Alike, With Attributions license. For more information on this visit creativecommons.org.

In the past few months, three Major UK retailers  - Marks and Spencer, The Co-op and Harrods have been the targets of sophisticated hacks from a hacking Collective called  Scattered Spider.  What Happened?  Who is Scattered Spider? Should you be concerned, and what can you do to protect yourself?  I’m Cee, and this is Scams, Hacks and Frauds.

You can find an audio transcript of this episode at our website.  The transcript and spoken audio are available under the Creative Commons, Share Alike, With Attributions license.  For more information on this visit creativecommons.org

For more insights and to access our transcripts, visit us at www.scamshacksandfrauds.com.

The transcript and spoken audio are available under the Creative Commons, Share Alike, With Attributions license. For more information on this visit creativecommons.org.

In this episode, Cee shares stories about a fake VIP casino that took millions from high rollers and a bank fraud scam that cost its victim $100,000 in just 10 minutes.  He also discusses why it's important to fight the urge to be embarrassed by being the victim of fraud or a scam, and discuss steps that you can take to help protect you from having your life savings stolen in a heartbeat.

Sources:

https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-crime/article/2103597/gang-running-pop-vip-rooms-cheat-gamblers-millions-busted

https://asgam.com/2017/07/20/police-bust-fake-macau-junket-operating-from-hotel-room/

https://www.macaubusiness.com/fake-vip-room-busted-2/

https://bigwinguide.com/fake-vip-room-scam-exposed-in-macau/

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12083227/NAB-customer-falls-spoof-scam-loses-100-000-scammers-impersonating-bank-staff.html

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/nov/15/tim-was-scammed-out-of-222000-he-says-the-bank-should-have-to-give-his-money-back

https://vocal.media/humans/man-loses-222-000-in-13-minutes

Editors note: Although some sources put the losses of the bank scam at $222,000 we have gone with the lowest available figure quoted in the sources we can find.

For more insights and to access our transcripts, visit us at www.scamshacksandfrauds.com.

The transcript and spoken audio are available under the Creative Commons, Share Alike, With Attributions license. For more information on this visit creativecommons.org.