What the Hack with Adam Levin Episode 194: Karen Johnson’s Scam Project Is a Teachable Moment for AI
Apr 1, 2025
Karen Johnson, a former catfish scammer turned scam avoidance coach, shares her riveting transformation story. She dives into her experiences of being both a deceiver and a victim, shedding light on the emotional manipulation involved in online scams. The conversation takes a twist as they discuss how AI complicates the scam landscape, including sophisticated tactics like fake parking tickets. Listeners also gain insight into essential tips for protecting against QR code fraud and empowering vulnerable populations, particularly seniors, against online threats.
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Karen's Catfishing Story
- Karen Johnson, a former catfish scammer, recounts her criminal past.
- She created fake profiles to trick people, particularly a vulnerable divorced woman, out of money.
Transformation in Prison
- Karen's transformation began in prison after befriending an older woman who had been scammed and subsequently imprisoned for murder.
- This experience made her realize the impact of her actions and her focus shifted to helping vulnerable seniors.
Tech Support Scam Advice
- Beware of unsolicited tech support calls; legitimate companies don't operate that way.
- If you receive such a call, verify by calling the company directly using a known number.