The Perfect Scam

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.

In this 2021 episode, Rochelle scores a great deal on a house in northern Virginia, only to have her dream home transformed a few months later into Pet Scam Central. Day after day, strangers show up on her doorstep, claiming they’ve arrived to pick up a puppy they paid for. Some have driven over six or twelve hours with their family. Unfortunately, Rochelle must break the news that she has no puppies to sell, and the hopeful would-be owners leave heartbroken, confused and out hundreds of dollars. Even worse, over the course of a year, Rochelle finds herself accused of being the con artist. Desperate, she turns to a local news station for help in putting an end to the scam.  

In part 2, as 72-year-old Steve Steele is released from jail, not only can he hardly stand or walk, but he is worried about how he will recover the property stolen by Elizabeth, the caregiver who worked for him. That’s where Steve’s attorney, Brent Smith, comes in, waging what becomes a nearly two-year battle.

In this 2021 episode, after 72-year-old Steve Steele’s life partner passes away, his housekeeper, Elizabeth, offers to work as his caregiver. Over time, Elizabeth takes over Steve’s finances, even persuading him to deed her his homes. It all comes to a head one Christmas Eve, when Elizabeth accuses Steve, who can hardly stand or walk, of assault, and the police cart him off to jail for months. When the public defender’s investigator meets Steve, though, she quickly senses this is elder abuse. The judge agrees and releases Steve, but now he faces an even bigger battle: How does he get his homes back? And will Elizabeth be held accountable for her crimes?

In this intense discussion, homeowner David Heron shares his family's devastating experience with Mark Diamond's reverse mortgage scam. Robin Hood, a dedicated community organizer, talks about the urgent need for support for impacted families. Juliet Sorensen, part of the legal team fighting for justice, highlights the emotional toll of financial exploitation on vulnerable homeowners. Together, they expose the manipulative tactics of scammers and advocate for greater awareness to protect families from losing their legacies.

Douglas is enjoying a second career as an artist, selling his paintings online and in gallery shows. People occasionally ask about non-fungible tokens (NFTs) of his work. Still, he never gives it too much thought until a woman on LinkedIn approaches him with what seems like the opportunity of a lifetime. Her company can convert his artwork to an NFT for free and sell it for him. He signs a contract and sets up a cryptocurrency account, and within a few months, he gets the good news that the image has sold. After paying large sums in fees and taxes, Douglas learns it is all an elaborate crypto scam.

Chloe Patera recounts her harrowing experience of losing her mother's cat, Percy, and being deceived by scammers impersonating the Tampa Bay Humane Society. Regan Blessinger, the Humane Society's marketing manager, sheds light on the rising epidemic of pet-related fraud. They discuss the emotional toll on families in distress and the manipulative tactics used by scammers to exploit desperation. The conversation emphasizes the importance of public awareness to prevent such scams and protect vulnerable pet owners.

In this gripping discussion, Lindsay Wilkinson, an FBI agent who played a key role in apprehending conman Kota Youngblood, and Matt Harding, the Assistant U.S. Attorney pushing for a tough sentence, unveil the layers of deception surrounding a fraudulent scheme that targeted hockey league parents. They delve into how Youngblood exploited fear to manipulate trusting community members, leaving emotional scars and shattered trust. Accounts of resilient victims, a father's desperate journey for truth, and the intricate dance of justice highlight the profound impact of his deceit.

In this gripping discussion, Rebecca Kumar, a dedicated hockey mom, shares her harrowing experience of being targeted by the con artist Kota Youngblood, who spun elaborate tales to manipulate families in the Central Texas hockey community. Justin Noble, an FBI agent, sheds light on the investigation that followed, revealing the impact of Youngblood's scams on unsuspecting victims. From dubious investment schemes in rare coins to the emotional scars left by his deceit, the dialogue highlights the thin line between charm and manipulation in a world fraught with trust and betrayal.

In this bonus episode, Bob sits down with Josh Margolin, writer and director of the action and comedy film, Thelma, to discuss Josh’s real-life inspiration – his 104-year-old grandmother, Thelma, and her frightening experience as a scam victim. Josh took the experience to heart, especially because the criminal pretended to be him. Thelma is winner of the 2025 AARP Movies for Grownups Award for the Best Intergenerational Movie.