

Who's behind these scammy text messages we've all been getting?
54 snips 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!
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Zeke and Vicky
- Zeke Fox received a wrong number text from "Vicky Ho" and decided to engage with the scam.
- He wanted to see how the scam worked, hoping it involved cryptocurrency.
Pig Butchering
- Pig butchering scams involve "fattening up" victims, building trust before taking their money.
- This long game can involve fake romance or small initial returns to lure larger investments.
Vicky's Pitch
- Zeke engaged with Vicky, who boasted about a luxurious lifestyle and trading.
- She eventually introduced him to "short-term node trading," a fake investment scheme.