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Apple News In Conversation

How a financial-advice columnist got scammed out of $50,000

Apr 11, 2024
Financial-advice columnist Charlotte Cowles shares how she lost $50,000 to a scam, discussing scam tactics, emotional fallout, and prevention tips. Learn about threat-based scams, emotional repercussions, and strategies to avoid falling prey to fraudulent schemes.
25:47

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Scammers manipulate victims by leveraging personal information and creating a sense of urgency and fear in elaborate schemes.
  • Despite stereotypes, individuals of all ages and backgrounds are susceptible to falling for scams, with victims often experiencing shame and mental health struggles post-scam.

Deep dives

Charlotte Coles falls victim to a sophisticated scam

Charlotte Coles, a financial columnist, received a call from someone claiming to be from Amazon Customer Service, reporting unusual activity on her account. The scam escalated when she was connected to a supposed FTC liaison investigating identity theft. Over hours of convincing conversations, Charlotte eventually handed over $50,000 in cash to strangers, highlighting how scammers manipulate victims by leveraging personal information and creating a sense of urgency and fear.

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