What the Hack?

Paul Raffile, a cybercrime expert focused on sextortion, sheds light on the alarming rise in sextortion scams targeting teenage boys, which have doubled recently. He discusses how platforms like Instagram enable criminals through vulnerable features, leading to increased exploitation. Raffile reveals his confronting journey in Nigeria, tracking scammers and advocating for stronger legal action. With insights on the psychological toll on victims, he emphasizes the importance of open communication between parents and teens to mitigate online dangers.

Adam Levin, a serial entrepreneur and fraud prevention advocate, joins former co-host Travis Taylor to expose the holiday scam landscape. They discuss the rise of AI-generated fake websites and the importance of skepticism when shopping online. Travis emphasizes the risks of buying gift cards, recommending in-person purchases and caution with discounted offers. They share personal stories of holiday fraud and highlight the need for protective measures like two-factor authentication. The duo stresses prioritizing safety over deals in this bustling shopping season.

Jeff Williams, the Chief Information Security Officer at Sigma 360, delves into the murky world of money laundering and sanctions compliance. He explains how illicit funds often slip through everyday transactions and the challenges smaller banks face in compliance. Jeff highlights the role of AI in tracing dirty money, including mapping relationships and real-time fraud detection. With a focus on complex financial webs, he emphasizes the importance of human oversight in AI processes to avoid risks. Tune in for insights into keeping financial systems clean!

Cybersecurity expert Neil Daswani, co-author of "Big Breaches," shares his insights into the world of online fraud and AI-related risks. He delves into the origins and economics of click fraud, highlighting his role in uncovering ClickBotA at Google. The conversation covers the grave dangers of identity breaches and the evolution of identity protection services. Neil also discusses how generative AI complicates phishing schemes and the need for effective regulations to ensure AI safety. Tune in for practical advice on navigating this complex digital landscape!

In this riveting discussion, cybercrime expert Gary Warner sheds light on the dark transformation of Nigerian confraternities from idealistic campus groups into organized crime syndicates. He explains their unique rituals, including 'money blessings,' and the strategic use of trust to exploit victims. Warner also reveals the role of elite money launderers and the modern tactics scammers employ, such as Office 365 account takeovers and romance scams that prey on emotional vulnerability. Plus, he offers practical tips to protect against emerging cyber threats.

Del Denney, Director of Business Development at the Land Trust Company, dives into the alarming rise of deed fraud, illustrated by the shocking near-theft of Graceland. He discusses how scammers exploit public records to target homeowners and emphasizes the importance of land trusts in safeguarding property ownership and privacy. Del reveals how these trusts provide anonymity and legal protection, making homes harder to steal. Plus, he shares practical tips on defending against fraud, stressing that everyone with home equity is at risk.

Heather Barnhart, a digital forensics expert and Head of Faculty at the SANS Institute, dives into her experiences decoding Osama bin Laden's phones and analyzing Brian Kohberger's case. She discusses how her past harassment shaped her career focus, the evolution of digital forensics, and the challenges posed by encryption and AI. Heather uncovers criminals' tactics, such as deletion behaviors and mistakes that can lead to evidence. She also shares simple safety practices for online security and the rewarding nature of a career in forensics.

Marketing maven Seth Godin breaks down the spam-fueled chaos of the Internet. He advocates for permission marketing, demanding companies earn attention through genuine value rather than cheap tactics. Godin traces the roots of spam to the evolution of data brokers and discusses how anonymity fosters toxicity online. He emphasizes community action to reshape corporate behaviors and suggests practical tools like email masking to reclaim our digital autonomy. Get ready to rethink how you engage with the online world!

Tony Bongiovanni, a musician and band manager, shares a harrowing tale of how a scammer exploited his locked Facebook account, costing him nearly $5,000. He reveals the shocking moment he discovered an impostor account and the deceptive tactics used by scammers posing as Meta support. After unwittingly sharing personal information and making rapid crypto transactions guided by the scammers, Tony learns to appreciate the importance of caution online. His experience serves as a stark warning about the dangers of internet trust and the need for vigilance.

Tom O'Malley, a former federal prosecutor and identity-protection advocate, dives into the world of cybercrime and fraud. He reveals how victims are often presumed guilty by creditors and shares insights from his own experience with identity theft. O'Malley emphasizes practical defenses like credit freezes and alerts to protect against scams. He discusses the alarming trend of generational wealth being drained by transnational crime rings and offers simple strategies for safeguarding your finances, including using bank apps and implementing family oversight.