

Robert McMillan
Cybersecurity reporter for The Wall Street Journal who investigates large-scale text-message scams and explained the SIM-farm and digital-wallet mechanics behind the toll-payment fraud.
Top 3 podcasts with Robert McMillan
Ranked by the Snipd community

109 snips
Oct 22, 2025 • 17min
No, Your Toll Payment Is Not Overdue
Robert McMillan, a cybersecurity reporter at The Wall Street Journal, dives deep into a staggering toll-text scam raking in over $1 billion for criminals. He sheds light on how these fake messages play on urgency to trick victims into giving away credit card details. McMillan explains the mechanics of SIM farms that send mass spam and the intricate methods scammers use to convert stolen cards into cash. He also discusses why it's so challenging for banks and telecom companies to combat these frauds, emphasizing the need for vigilance before reacting to urgent messages.

91 snips
Jun 3, 2025 • 18min
The Everyday American Who Hustled for North Korea
Robert McMillan, a cybersecurity reporter for WSJ, reveals the astonishing tale of Christina Chapman, a TikTok influencer who operated a 'laptop farm' for North Koreans. This operation enabled scammers to exploit U.S. companies, stealing millions through tech impersonation. McMillan discusses the dark intersection of remote work and scamming, emphasizing the challenges of onboarding North Korean workers and the consequences of Chapman's rise to luxury amid fraudulent activities. It's a captivating look at how technology can be manipulated in unexpected ways.

Oct 10, 2025 • 58min
North Korean "Laptop Farm" Scams Target American Companies
Robert McMillan, a Wall Street Journal cybersecurity reporter, and Joe Hooper, an FBI agent, delve into the shocking laptop-farm scam linked to North Korea. They shine a light on Christina Chapman, a woman ensnared by the scheme while seeking financial relief. The guests discuss how remote work during the pandemic enabled these scams, with North Korean operators leveraging stolen identities to infiltrate U.S. companies. They also cover the investigation's evolution, revealing the alarming scale of these operations and the real-world consequences for unsuspecting Americans.


