Economist Podcasts It could happen to you: introducing “Scam Inc”
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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.
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Kansas Bank Collapse
- A Kansas bank collapsed after the CEO invested in a crypto scam.
- He needed more money to recover the funds, highlighting the scam's predatory nature.
Scam Inc. Scope
- Scam Inc. investigates a multi-billion dollar industry, rivaling the drug trade.
- Each episode reveals another layer, exploring scams and their global reach.
Psychology of Scams
- Scammers exploit human psychology, preying on vulnerabilities and loneliness.
- Su Lin Wong initially believed she was immune but now recognizes her own susceptibility.