Smashing Security How to scam someone in seven days
21 snips
Jan 8, 2026 
In this episode, Lesley Carhart, a digital forensics expert known as Hacks for Pancakes, sheds light on the troubling state of entry-level cybersecurity jobs and the pitfalls of applicant tracking systems. Danny Jenkins, CEO of ThreatLocker, discusses the rise of ransomware and misconfigurations as chronic vulnerabilities. The duo explores the bizarre intersection of astrology and romance scams, dissects fraud manuals, and reveals the psychological tactics used by scammers to manipulate their victims. A riveting conversation on cybersecurity and deception awaits!
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Industrialised Romance Scams
- Romance scams are industrialised with manuals, scripts, personality types and day-by-day timelines.
- The Reuters handbook shows scammers optimise personas and a seven-day funnel from greeting to fake crypto investment.
Scammers As Trafficking Victims
- Many scammers working in Southeast Asian compounds are themselves victims of trafficking and forced labour.
- Victims report confiscated passports and large gangs operating in harsh conditions under quotas and control.
Seven-Day Scam Funnel
- The handbook describes a seven-day timeline that moves from initial contact to money requests and fake investment deposits.
- It advises dropping slow prospects after three days to maximise churn and success rates.