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Who's behind these scammy text messages we've all been getting?
Mar 8, 2024
Zeke Fox, an investigative reporter for Bloomberg Businessweek who specializes in financial scams, takes listeners on a riveting journey into the world of scam texts. He uncovers the intricate tactics of cryptocurrency scammers, emphasizing emotional manipulation and devastating victim impact. The discussion also features insights into Sihanoukville, Cambodia—once vibrant, now a scam hotspot—and personal tales that reflect the harsh realities of human trafficking connected to these operations. Prepare to see those pesky texts in a whole new light!
01:11:52
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Quick takeaways
- Scammers employ complex tactics to manipulate victims through false promises and eventually exploit them financially.
- Cienakville in Cambodia serves as a hub for scam activities, with high-rise buildings housing thousands engaged in fraudulent schemes.
Deep dives
The Evolution of Scams and Romance to Pig Buttring Scams
Scammers have evolved over time from romance scams to more complex pig buttring scams. These scams involve manipulating victims over time, promising love or financial gain, only to eventually rob them of large sums of money. Zeke's encounter with a scammer named Vicki Ho exposed the intricate process of gaining a victim's trust through manipulative tactics and false promises, ultimately leading to financial exploitation.
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