Scams, Hacks and Frauds: Protecting your family from Internet Scams, Con Artists and Cybercrime

Tell us your story here! This week on Scams, Hacks, and Frauds, we unravel the web of deceit spun by Marianne Smith, a seemingly ordinary woman who became a master con artist. s we delve deeper into Marianne's life, we discover her connection with Jonathan, a television producer who unknowingly became embroiled in her schemes. Their friendship led to a series of shocking revelations, includin...

Tell us your story here! This week on Scams, Hacks, and Frauds, we dive into the alarming rise of QR code scams that are turning a once-innovative technology into a tool for fraud. Remember when QR codes were heralded as the future of convenience? Unfortunately, they have now become a gateway for scammers to exploit unsuspecting victims. Join us as we recount the cautionary tale of Sue from Thorna...

Tell us your story here! This week on Scams, Hacks, and Frauds, we uncover the heart-wrenching reality of romance scams, where love can lead to devastating financial loss. Join us as we share the true story of Alison Peters, a British grandmother who fell victim to a fraudulent relationship, losing a staggering £120,000 to a man she believed was her soulmate.  Alison's journey begins amidst p...

Tell us your story here! In this week's episode of Scams, Hacks, and Frauds, we explore the nuanced relationship between encryption backdoors and the activities of hackers and scammers. With the rise of end-to-end encryption, user privacy is at the forefront of technology discussions. However, governments are increasingly pushing for access to encrypted data, raising concerns about whether th...

Tell us your story here! Dive into the risks of online ID verification and how scammers exploit this process. We share real examples and expert hacks to keep your personal information safe from fraud and hacks. In this episode of Scams, Hacks, and Frauds, we explore the new internet age verification laws and their implications for online safety and potential scams. With the UK's Online Safety...

Tell us your story here! This week on Scams, Hacks, and Frauds, we delve into the chilling world of cyber espionage, where unsuspecting companies become pawns in a dangerous game orchestrated by North Korean operatives. Join us as we unravel the harrowing tale of Christina Chapman, a woman who found herself entangled in an illegal operation that exploited her desperation to care for her ailing mot...

Tell us your story here! This week on Scams, Hacks, and Frauds, we take a pause from our true crime stories and instead take a deep dive into the true crime world of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to separate fact from fiction in the realm of online security. Are VPNs truly essential in protecting yourself from hacks and fraud, or are they just another marketing gimmick? Join us as we explore the...

Tell us your story here! A grandmother's life takes a harrowing turn as she finds herself imprisoned in a foreign country due to an elaborate international scam. In this gripping episode, we explore the tragic story of Donna Nelson , a victim caught in a web of deceit that led to her arrest for drug trafficking in Japan. Despite her efforts to protect herself, a single misstep in her online r...

Tell us your story here! In the age of online bookings, planning a trip can be as easy as a few clicks. However, with convenience comes risk, especially when it comes to travel booking scams. In our latest podcast episode, we dive deep into the alarming rise of fraud associated with popular booking platforms like booking.com.  Join us as we share the harrowing story of Dr. Lee Jones, who, while pl...

Tell us your story here! In this gripping episode, Cee unravels the shocking tale of a $24 million heist stemming from a SIM swap fraud that left victim Michael Turpin reeling. As we delve into the events of 2018, we discover how a 15-year-old hacker managed to reset Turpin's Gmail password and access his cryptocurrency logins, leading to an astonishing windfall.   Tune in as we discuss the o...

Tell us your story here! Cee delves into the recent cyberattack on Australian airline Qantas, attributed to the notorious hacking group Scattered Spider. Cee also provides practical advice on protecting personal information, emphasising the dangers of password reuse and the benefits of using private relay email services and changing your passwords for passkeys. We publish new content every other M...

Tell us your story here! Cee investigates the alarming rise of ghost brokers in the UK, a scam that leaves unsuspecting young drivers like 18-year-old Wayne Simpson in dire straits. After a car accident, Wayne discovers that his seemingly legitimate insurance policy is nothing but a facade, putting him at risk of severe legal consequences. Through Wayne's story, we unravel the deceptive tacti...

Tell us your story here! In this enlightening episode, Cee takes us through the intricacies of a change rasing scam, breaking it down into manageable steps to help listeners recognise and avoid falling victim to this clever con. By role-playing as a scammer working against a shopkeeper, Cee demonstrates how a seemingly innocent transaction can quickly spiral into a deceptive scheme, leaving the un...

Tell us your story here! In this episode, we explore the rising concern of money mule fraud, a scam that has impacted thousands, particularly the youth. We share the true crime story of Ebony King, a 19-year-old who became a victim due to a family friend's betrayal, facing devastating financial consequences.  With over 17,000 reported cases in 2023, this episode serves as a crucial guide to u...

Tell us your story here! In this gripping episode, Cee delves into the astonishing tale of Shan (pronounced Shane) Haynes, the bank manager who became embroiled in a pig butchering scam that ultimately led to the downfall of the Heartland Tri State Bank in Elkhart, Kansas.  As Shan fell victim to a cunning online fraudster named Bella, he unwittingly drained millions from the bank, believing he wa...

Tell us your story here! In the past few months, three Major UK retailers  - Marks and Spencer, The Co-op and Harrods have been the targets of sophisticated hacks from a hacking Collective called  Scattered Spider.  What Happened?  Who is Scattered Spider? Should you be concerned, and what can you do to protect yourself?  I’m Cee, and this is Scams, Hacks and Frauds. You can find an audio transcri...

Tell us your story here! In this episode, Cee shares stories about a fake VIP casino that took millions from high rollers and a bank fraud scam that cost its victim $100,000 in just 10 minutes.  He also discusses why it's important to fight the urge to be embarrassed by being the victim of fraud or a scam, and discuss steps that you can take to help protect you from having your life savings s...