What the Hack? Episode 227: Twas the Week Before Cyber Monday
Nov 25, 2025
Adam Levin, a serial entrepreneur and fraud prevention advocate, joins former co-host Travis Taylor to expose the holiday scam landscape. They discuss the rise of AI-generated fake websites and the importance of skepticism when shopping online. Travis emphasizes the risks of buying gift cards, recommending in-person purchases and caution with discounted offers. They share personal stories of holiday fraud and highlight the need for protective measures like two-factor authentication. The duo stresses prioritizing safety over deals in this bustling shopping season.
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Episode notes
Always Go To The Source
- Do go to the retailer's official site instead of clicking unknown links or banner ads.
- Avoid the ad that offers the best deal from a brand you've never heard of.
Search Results Are Increasingly Unreliable
- Artificially created sites and AI-assisted fakes are making search results unreliable.
- Stolen payment data from fake sites can be used months later, masking the original breach.
Ads Are No Longer A Trust Signal
- Advertising no longer reliably signals legitimacy because platforms accept ads from anyone.
- That change turns sponsored links into an avenue for scammers to appear credible.