The Perfect Scam

In part 2, a call from Reuters journalist Brian Grow confirms Diana’s worst fears about what really happened to her stepfather’s remains. As Brian digs deeper into the story, the truth he uncovers about Sunset Mesa Funeral Home and the body brokering scheme is worse than anyone could have imagined. The conviction of Megan Hess brings some needed closure to families devastated by her shocking betrayal of trust.

Planning a loved one’s burial or cremation is a difficult experience under the best of circumstances. When Diana’s stepfather, Cactus, gets sick during the early stages of Alzheimer’s and sees a billboard advertising simple cremations for $695 at Sunset Mesa Funeral Home, he requests that his family cremate him and not spend a lot of money. But when Cactus dies and his cremains go missing under mysterious circumstances, it sets off a series of events that not only exacerbates the family’s grief, but also tips off a lengthy investigation by Reuters journalists that rocks a small community in western Colorado and exposes the dark, unregulated side of the body trade industry. 

In this 2023 episode, Huntington, West Virginia, is an idyllic college town on the Ohio River, but it’s also the epicenter of a massive international internet crime ring. Federal prosecutor Katie Robeson hasn’t been on the job long when she learns that a woman in Huntington is acting as money mule, transferring millions of dollars overseas. Following the money, Katie and her team uncover an elaborate network of criminals, based in Huntington, targeting people all over the country.

In this bonus episode, Bob talks with two of the nearly 150 trained volunteers who answer calls on the AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline. Dee and Mike, both scam survivors, draw upon their experiences to offer emotional support and guidance to people who have recently been targeted. The helpline is a free resource available 5 days a week. If you or a loved one has been targeted by a scam, call the AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline at 877-908-3360.   

Joe Subok, a victim who lost much after his wife’s passing, shares his harrowing experience with a tech support to romance scam. He reflects on how the emotional turmoil of grief made him vulnerable to manipulative tactics from a scammer named Daisy. Stacey Wood, a forensic expert, discusses undue influence in vulnerable relationships and highlights the psychological manipulation used by scammers. The conversation underscores the need for protective measures and societal awareness to prevent such financial exploitation.

In this engaging discussion, guest Liz Weston, a bestselling author and financial journalist, unpacks a cautionary tale of investment gone wrong. She reveals how a tech startup, promising revolutionary robotic technology, was actually a Ponzi scheme. The tale follows a woman who invests her inheritance, only to be met with excuses and deception when seeking her funds. Liz delves into the emotional complexities of trust and the importance of skepticism in financial decisions, providing valuable insights on protecting oneself from similar scams.

Diane is still mourning the death of her boyfriend when a game of Words With Friends leads to a connection. The man claims to be actor Keanu Reeves. While initially skeptical, the video chat and voice messages he sends eventually convince her of his identity. As the relationship deepens over three years, “Keanu” will borrow thousands of dollars from Diane for an ongoing legal battle with a former manager. He also asks for her help receiving funds for his charity, which unwittingly makes her a money mule. When a police detective comes knocking at her door, she realizes the man is an impostor who stole over $160,000 from her. 

John is in the market for a pickup truck when he comes across a Facebook Marketplace ad for a 2021 Dodge Ram. It needs a little TLC, but it’s a reasonable price, and he’s had luck buying used cars online before. He does his research by checking the VIN on multiple sites, consulting friends in the auto business, and even taking a mechanic friend with him to pick up the truck. So, a couple of weeks later, when he finds himself in his new truck suddenly surrounded by police cars, he is shocked to learn that the vehicle is stolen, and he is the victim of a sophisticated VIN cloning scam.

Dreama Bilby, a victim of title theft, shares her harrowing experience of discovering that criminals had attempted to steal her home through a quitclaim deed. Elizabeth Blosser, from the American Land Title Association, provides insights on how these fraudulent schemes exploit unsuspecting homeowners. They discuss the emotional impact of title piracy, the rise in deed fraud, and the importance of property alert systems. Listeners learn valuable tips to protect themselves from seller impersonation and secure their homes against these schemes.

Ryan Snover, managing partner at Aristia, dives into the deceptive world of 'pump and dump' scams. He explains how scammers exploit social media and AI technology to mislead investors like Karen, who loses significant savings through a dubious WhatsApp group. The discussion reveals the emotional and financial toll on victims. Snover also highlights the risks posed by celebrity endorsements and shares crucial tips on navigating the murky waters of investing, emphasizing the need for vigilance and knowledge in the digital age.