Economist Podcasts
It could happen to you: introducing “Scam Inc”
Feb 7, 2025
Su Lin Wong, the Southeast Asia correspondent for the Economist and creator of 'Scam Inc', dives into the alarming world of transnational organized crime and its ties to online scams. She reveals the Thai government's actions against scams from Myanmar that have global repercussions. Wong links a bank collapse in Kansas to these fraudulent operations, discussing the psychological triggers that make people vulnerable. The conversation also warns about the dangers of emerging technologies like AI, which scammers are exploiting in increasingly sophisticated ways.
24:25
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Quick takeaways
- The podcast reveals that online scams are intricately linked to systemic issues, exemplified by a bank collapse driven by organized crime.
- It emphasizes the psychological manipulation tactics used by scammers, particularly targeting vulnerable individuals through social media to exploit their loneliness.
Deep dives
The Complexity of Online Scams
The podcast delves into the staggering scale of online scams, highlighting their complexity and sophistication. A significant example discussed is a bank collapse in rural Kansas, intricately linked to widespread scamming operations that evoke comparisons to the global drug trade. Investigators reveal the mindset of scammers, who exploit various vulnerabilities, showcasing a diverse range of scam techniques. The episode uncovers the alarming reality that many individuals can fall victim to these scams, emphasizing the psychological manipulation involved.
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