Hacking Humans
Scamming just isn't what it used to be.
Nov 28, 2024
Maria Varmazis, host of N2K's T-Minus Space Daily podcast, dives into the alarming rise of sextortion on popular social media platforms, emphasizing its impact on vulnerable teens. Joe and Dave share listener stories about gift card scams and phishing tactics, revealing clever and deceptive methods used by scammers. They discuss the changing landscape of ransomware, noting companies are less inclined to pay ransoms and new reporting requirements. The conversation highlights the necessity of proactive measures to protect personal information in a rapidly evolving fraud environment.
47:37
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Quick takeaways
- Gift card scams exploit vulnerabilities in retail security, showcasing the urgent need for better protective measures against theft and misuse.
- Sextortion targeting minors on social media is a rising crisis, highlighting the responsibility of platforms to enhance user safety amidst escalating threats.
Deep dives
The Rise of Gift Card Scams
Gift card scams are a prevalent issue, highlighting vulnerabilities in how gift cards are secured and monitored. Scammers are found to shoplift gift cards, scratch off protective layers to access serial numbers, and then track these cards online to identify when they are activated. Once the balance is available, they can either sell the card for cash or exchange it for other gift cards at a reduced value. This manipulation underscores the need for enhanced security measures at retail locations to prevent such theft.
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