Today in Focus Exposed: listening in on a $35m phone scam
7 snips
Mar 6, 2025 
Simon Goodley, a Guardian business reporter, delves into the sinister world of a $35 million phone scam. He shares shocking insights from leaked calls that reveal manipulative tactics used by scammers, particularly around cryptocurrency. Personal stories from victims highlight the emotional turmoil and desperation they faced, showcasing how charming conversations can lead to devastating financial deceit. The discussion emphasizes the urgent need for awareness and better legal responses to combat the widespread impact of these fraud schemes.
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Mark's Story
- Mark, an ordinary man in his 30s, wanted to invest to save for a house.
- He saw a deepfake ad featuring Ben Fogle promoting cryptocurrency, leading him to a scam.
Building Trust
- Liliana, Mark's "financial advisor," built rapport, discussing holidays and hobbies.
- She guaranteed a minimum profit on a £5,000 Tesla shares investment, convincing Mark.
Bypassing Warnings & Escalating Fees
- Mark, following Liliana's instructions, bypassed bank warnings about potential scams.
- He invested, saw fake profits, then faced escalating fees and a high-interest loan.