The Perfect Scam

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.

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.