Scam Rangers

In this fascinating episode of Scam Rangers , host Ayelet Biger-Levin interviews renowned scam investigator Jim Browning , whose YouTube channel has over 4.4 million subscribers. Jim has made headlines for infiltrating scam call centers, exposing how large-scale fraud operations really work—from pig butchering scams to telco account hijacking. We explore: How Jim first gained access to scammer com...

🎙️ Episode Title: Demystifying Scam Fog: You Can’t Fix What You Don’t Measure 👤 Guest: Peter Tapling, Managing Director at PTap Advisory 🎧 Host: Ayelet Biger-Levin, ScamRangers 🔍 Episode Overview: How can you solve a problem you’re not measuring? In this episode, we tackle one of the biggest blind spots in scam prevention: data classification . Peter Tapling — identity and fraud prevention pion...

In this episode of ScamRangers , host Ayelet Biger-Levin welcomes back fraud and financial crime expert Ken Palla to discuss the evolving global response to scams. They dive into Australia’s groundbreaking Scam Prevention Framework , lessons from the UK’s Contingent Reimbursement Model and Online Safety Act , and why the U.S. lags behind in fraud prevention. Ken shares insights on the need for eco...

In this episode, we explore the groundbreaking research of Prof. David Maimon, a leading expert in cybersecurity and online fraud. Prof. Maimon discusses his innovative methods for studying the cybercrime ecosystem, including embedding in fraudsters' digital environments, analyzing business email compromise scams, and uncovering the use of deepfake technology in modern fraud. Learn how his evidenc...

In this episode, talk to Toby Evans, Head of Economic Crime, Australian Payments Network to explore the newly introduced Australian scams prevention framework and its implications for various industries. We discuss the importance of collaborative efforts across sectors, including banking, telecommunications, and digital platforms, in addressing the growing threat of scams. Key Themes: New Legislat...

In this episode of ScamRangers, we dive into the transformative power of storytelling with Niels Vink and Kathelijne Swaak from ABN AMRO's fraud prevention team. Discover how ABN AMRO is flipping social engineering on its head by using real customer stories to strengthen their fraud awareness strategies. Learn how this innovative approach creates a deeper emotional connection with customers, makin...

In this crucial episode of Scam Rangers, we explore the dark and disturbing world of Sextortion. This crime occurs when online predators trick individuals, often teens, into sharing nude images or videos and then use these compromising materials to extort money, more images, or other demands. These predators threaten to share the images with the victim's friends and family if they don't comply. Ou...

In this episode, we are joined by Hailed Windham, a leading voice in the credit union community, who shares her expertise on the collaborative efforts to fight fraud. Hailed tells us about her involvement in multiple impactful initiatives, such as promoting awareness programs through the #cufightfraud campaign she initiated on social media and co-leading the bank and FI subgroup in Operation Shamr...

In this episode of Scam Rangers, we sit down with Ken Westbrook, a former member of the US intelligence community, as he shares the story that sparked his mission to combat online scams. Ken opens up about his mother's unfortunate encounter with online criminals and how it inspired him to take action. With the founding of Stop Scams Alliance, Ken discusses his efforts to drive change at the nation...

In the first episode of Season 2 of Scam Rangers, we dive into the perspective of a Fraud Strategy leader in a US financial institution.  What is the difference between dealing with traditional account takeover fraud (unauthorized payments) and online scams (authorized payments) from the perspective of serving and retaining customers? What are the considerations leadership should take into ac...

In this episode we take a look at the activity around regulation with regards to online scams in the US, UK and Australia, following comprehensive analysis done by Ken over the last year. The overall outlook is pretty positive. We see a lot of good attention, especially in the UK, and we are optimistic about the future of protecting consumers. However, there is still a lot more to be done. To lear...

In this episode we talk to Gabi Friedlander at Wizer about how financial institutions can create effective awareness to educate their customers on online scams, and how educating kids in school about basic concepts of online safety can help prevent scams later in life, such as romance scams, investment scams, sextortion and phishing, to name a few. At the end of the episode Gaby provides...

In this fascinating episode of Scam Rangers we discuss the atmosphere that allowed the evolution of  financial grooming, AKA Pig Butchering scams, as well as how these scams have evolved over time and the trajectory in which they are going. Despite a number of arrests and crackdowns, the picture is not pretty.  Additional Resources mentioned in the podcast:  CloudSEK report about th...

After completing his military service of 26 years in the US Military, Bryan Denny was approached one day via LinkedIn, where he opened a profile to start his job search, by a women who thought she was in a relationship with him. She was scammed by a criminal who stole Bryan's photos and created a fake profile to lure women into relationships and then ask for money. This incident, which happened in...

If you are a bank fraud fighter or in law enforcement, you will not want to miss this fascinating episode. Anne and Cecilie both share their personal romance scam stories and how they had to face the realities and aftermath of emotional and financial trauma, as well as judgment from society and authorities. They decided to turn their experience into a bold movement and Founded LoveSaid, a non prof...

In this episode of Scam Rangers, we delve into the troubling world of romance scams and identity theft victims. Our guest, Kathy Waters, shares her insights into these scams and her advocacy work in supporting victims while pushing for regulatory changes on online platforms. Key Takeaways: 1. Deception in Romance Scams: Kathy explains how scammers use stolen identities to create elaborate love sto...

In this Episode, Alan and Ayelet discuss the psychology behind the human traits scammers prey on to scam victims, and the pos-scam emotions of isolation and shame victims experience. Resources: Article in Psychology today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/metacognition-and-the-mind/202104/fool-me-once-why-scams-leave-people-feeling-foolish News story on therapist coerced into a scam: https:...

In this episode we share a remarkable journey of resilience, empowerment, and the fight against romance scams. Join us as we explore the inspiring story of RUTH GROVER, who transformed her experience as a target of a romance scam into a powerful mission to help others. Ruth founded "Scam Haters Untied," an organization dedicated to rescuing victims and turning them into survivors. In this cap...

In this eye-opening episode, we dive into the intricate world of Business Email Compromise (BEC), a sophisticated cybercrime that preys on individuals and organizations. Join us as we uncover the tactics employed by scammers, from romance scam victims turned accomplices to the dark realm of gift card fraud and cryptocurrency conversion. We explore the psychological manipulation that drives scammer...

In this revealing episode, we sit down with Assaf, a former member of Fakebook's integrity team, to explore the complexities of combating scams and fraud on social media platforms. Assaf shares candid insights into the challenges faced by the team in preserving user safety while maintaining platform integrity. We delve into shutting down fake accounts, the impact on PR on the team's work and the i...

Join Erin West, a District Attorney from Santa Clara County, CA, and Alona Katz, a DA representing Manhattan, NYC, as they confront the pressing challenges within the legal system when it comes to combating a new breed of crime: crypto investment scams, also known as "Financial Grooming" or the notorious alias of "Pig Butchering." In this episode, they candidly discuss the complexities involved in...

In this episode we shed light on the rising issue of robocalls and scam calls, untangling the complex web of technology, regulations, and telco motivations. Explore the advanced tools and methods employed to detect and thwart these deceitful calls, while understanding the vital role regulations play in enabling effective action. But the battle doesn't end there. Dive deeper with us as we uncover t...

In this episode Tiffany Paulsen and Ayelet Biger-Levin dive into the delicate balance a fraud investigator needs to maintain in order to work with scam victims to untangle the emotional manipulation a cybercriminal/ scammer took them through. Tiffany explains her approach which is infused with both empathy and facts to help victims come back from a scam. This podcast is hosted by Ayelet Biger-Levi...

Join us for an informative episode as we explore the world of online scams and gain insights from the e-Fraud Global Forum at RSA Conference. Our guest, Uri Rivner, CEO of Refine Intelligence, shares his expertise on the challenges faced by institutions in detecting scams and the operational aspects of resolving cases. We discuss the role of mule accounts in scams and their implications. Discover...

In this episode of Scam Rangers, Jorij Abram, the CEO of Scamadviser and General Manager of the Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA), talks about his journey into fighting scams and shares some valuable insights about the scams landscape. Jorij discusses the common types of scams, including online shopping and investment scams, and stresses the importance of knowledge sharing and collaboration in the...