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TBD | Down the Text-Scam Rabbit Hole

20 snips
Aug 17, 2025
In this discussion, Alex Sammon, a features writer for Slate, shares his firsthand experience investigating text message job scams. He reveals the alarming tactics scammers use to exploit emotions, leading victims into financial traps. The conversation dives into a baffling job task tied to deceptive interfaces and unravels the illusion of easy earnings through cryptocurrency schemes. Listeners gain insights into the psychological manipulation behind these scams and the urgent need for awareness and vigilance against such fraudulent practices.
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ANECDOTE

Replying To A Scam Text As Reporting

  • Alex Sammon replied "yes" to a suspicious job-text to investigate the scam for reporting purposes.
  • That single reply started a weeks-long WhatsApp relationship with a recruiter named "Kathy."
INSIGHT

Task Scams Are Growing Rapidly

  • Task scams are low-effort but highly effective, promising easy remote work for substantial pay.
  • The FTC reported explosive growth in task-scam thefts and admits it likely sees only a small fraction of total activity.
INSIGHT

Perfect Storm Of Tech, Money, And Weak Enforcement

  • Technology, economics, and weak enforcement combine to make these scams easier and more lucrative.
  • Alex highlights regulatory hollowing and crypto as enablers of large-scale fraud.
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