Scams, Hacks and Frauds: Keeping you and your family safe from scams

Cee | Host of Scams, Hacks and Frauds.

10 Minutes could save your wallet!  At Scams, Hacks and Frauds. We believe that sharing stories is the absolute best way to protect people from getting scammed or falling into a hacker's trap.  By listening to our stories and sharing them with your friends and family, you can be better protected against Scammers, Fraudsters and Hackers.   Each week, you and your loved ones can learn the red flags of a scam or fraud attempt just by listening to a true crime story told in the time it takes to drink a cup of coffee, helping keep you and your loved ones safe. In a world full of misinformation and AI generated stories, its hard to know what is true.  You'll find all of our episodes, transcripts, and Further reading on our website at www.scamshacksandfrauds.com so you don't just have to take our word for it. We share new stories most Mondays. Please share with us your stories.  Email Cee@scamshacksandfrauds.com with your story.

  1. Fake Music, Fraudulent Listeners, Real Prison Time: Spotify Scammed For Millions

    4D AGO

    Fake Music, Fraudulent Listeners, Real Prison Time: Spotify Scammed For Millions

    Tell us your story here! Welcome to Scams, Hacks and Frauds! In this episode, we dive deep into a fascinating true crime story about a sophisticated scam operation where Michael Smith was convicted of fraud related to fake listeners streaming AI-generated music on Spotify. This scam netted millions, exposing serious vulnerabilities in the music streaming industry. You'll learn how this scam worked, why it matters to you, and why protecting your accounts with strong passwords is essential—even for seemingly harmless platforms.  This case is just one example of how scams and fraud continue to evolve, impacting not only individuals but also large corporations. Join us as we uncover the mechanics behind this fraud and offer practical advice to help you identify and avoid scams before they happen.  Stay safe and informed with our weekly true crime stories focused on scams, hacks, and frauds. We publish new content every other Monday. The  10 minutes our episodes may save your wallet, and help protect your family. If you like shows like "The Perfect Scam" or "Darknet Diaries" then this show might be for you.   On our website you’ll find more computer hacking, identity fraud, impersonation, consumer rights and Romance Scams.  To find these and to access our transcripts, visit us at www.scamshacksandfrauds.com. The transcript and spoken audio are available under the Creative Commons, Share Alike, With Attributions license. For more information on this visit creativecommons.org.

    9 min
  2. Scamming As A Service - The Tale of a Phishing Fraud Kit Mastermind.

    MAR 16

    Scamming As A Service - The Tale of a Phishing Fraud Kit Mastermind.

    Tell us your story here! Welcome to Scams, Hacks and Frauds.  Have you ever wondered how Scammers get your information?  Have you seen those ads that tell you how easy it is to get your business online?  What if I told you that setting up a trap to steal information like names, passwords, and banking details is just that easy? Ollie Holman is big in that business, except he won't sell you a website for your personal blog, or to take your small business online.... No, he sells websites that mimic other websites to steal your details.  We'll tell you all about his caper and what happened when he finally was caught. We're also joined by Alex Quilici from YouMail, which is a service that takes the fight back to the scammers by upgrading your phone and voicemail to stop the scammers from even reaching you.  He'll give you some important tips and tricks to ensure that you and your family don't fall victim to these scam sites. We publish new content every other Monday. The 10 minutes our episodes may save your wallet, and help protect your family. If you like shows like "The Perfect Scam" or "Darknet Diaries" then this show might be for you. On our website you’ll find more computer hacking, identity fraud, impersonation, consumer rights and Romance Scams. To find these and to access our transcripts, visit us at www.scamshacksandfrauds.com. The transcript and spoken audio are available under the Creative Commons, Share Alike, With Attributions license. For more information on this visit creativecommons.org.

    9 min
  3. Voter Fraud: True Threat or Just a Scam

    MAR 2

    Voter Fraud: True Threat or Just a Scam

    Tell us your story here! Is voter fraud a widespread problem or a manufactured crisis? In this eye-opening episode, we expose the truth about voter fraud statistics, explore real-world cases of election fraud, and reveal how strict voter ID laws may be the real scam targeting voters. We'll tell you about some real-life cases of voter fraud to show just how hard it is, look at the numbers to see just how many votes might be thrown out by making the rules too strict, and provide you with some great tips on how to make sure you don't lose your vote. Check if you're enrolled to vote: US: https://www.vote.org/am-i-registered-to-vote/ UK: https://www.gov.uk/contact-electoral-registration-office AU: https://check.aec.gov.au CAN: https://www.elections.ca/content.aspx?section=vot&dir=reg&document=index&lang=e Check what you need to vote: US: https://www.usa.gov/voter-id UK: https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/voting-and-elections/voter-id/accepted-forms-photo-id AU: https://aceproject.org/main/english/ei/eiy_au01.htm CAN: https://www.elections.ca/content.aspx?section=vot&dir=ids&document=index&lang=e We publish new content every other Monday. The  10 minutes our episodes may save your wallet, and help protect your family. If you like shows like "The Perfect Scam" or "Darknet Diaries" then this show might be for you.   On our website you’ll find more computer hacking, identity fraud, impersonation, consumer rights and Romance Scams.  To find these and to access our transcripts, visit us at www.scamshacksandfrauds.com. The transcript and spoken audio are available under the Creative Commons, Share Alike, With Attributions license. For more information on this visit creativecommons.org.

    10 min
  4. Gift Card Fraud Exposed: How a 3 Man Scam Ring Was Stopped While Retailers Fail to Act

    FEB 2

    Gift Card Fraud Exposed: How a 3 Man Scam Ring Was Stopped While Retailers Fail to Act

    Tell us your story here! Welcome to Scams, Hacks and Frauds! In today's episode, we dive deep into a fascinating true crime story about a notorious gift card fraud ring of three Chinese nationals in the US. This group spent tens of thousands of dollars daily on tech gadgets at major retailers using fraudulently obtained gift cards.  Join us as we follow one of their shopping trips, uncover how their operation was eventually stopped, and reveal the shocking details uncovered during the arrest.  We also explore why many retailers fail to detect or stop this form of fraud and how this enables money laundering on a massive scale.  If you're interested in understanding these scams better and protecting yourself and your family from similar fraud schemes, listen closely and check out recommended creators Kitboga and Jim Browning who specialize in scam investigations. Kitboga - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm22FAXZMw1BaWeFszZxUKw Jim Browning - https://www.youtube.com/JimBrowning We publish new content every other Monday. The  10 minutes our episodes may save your wallet, and help protect your family. If you like shows like "The Perfect Scam" or "Darknet Diaries" then this show might be for you.   On our website you’ll find more computer hacking, identity fraud, impersonation, consumer rights and Romance Scams.  To find these and to access our transcripts, visit us at www.scamshacksandfrauds.com. The transcript and spoken audio are available under the Creative Commons, Share Alike, With Attributions license. For more information on this visit creativecommons.org.

    10 min
  5. Buying a Lordship or Ladyship: Scam or Legit Life Hack?

    JAN 5

    Buying a Lordship or Ladyship: Scam or Legit Life Hack?

    Tell us your story here! Welcome to Scams, Hacks and Frauds, where we explore real life fraud and hacking stories.  This week, we ask if buying a Lordship is a legitimate life hack or just another scam. Have you come across ads or videos promising to make you a Scottish Lord or Lady? Many wonder if these offers are just fun gifts or outright scams. In this episode of Scams, Hacks, and Frauds, we dive into the true crime behind these claims and explore whether buying a lordship or ladyship is a scam or a clever life hack. We'll uncover the truth about these noble title promises, revealing whether these sites truly sell you a legitimate title or if it's all a fraudulent scheme. You'll learn exactly what it takes to become a proper lord or lady and discover a free alternative that might just have people calling you Lord or Lady. Additionally, we'll investigate other claims made by these sites, including the promise of a small plot of land and how your money is supposedly used to protect Scottish Woodlands and plant trees. We look behind the curtain to find out if these are genuine or just more scams. Tune in to learn how to spot these scams and protect yourself from fraud. Scams, Hacks, and Frauds is your go-to true crime podcast for understanding the deceptive world of scams, hacks, and frauds with real stories that keep you and your family safe.  Cee brings you an epsiode every other Monday, so make sure you subscribe to better protect your family. Important links for this episode: Trees For The Future Legal Eagle's VideoFact Fiend's videoAndy Wightman's workWe publish new content every other Monday. The  10 minutes our episodes may save your wallet, and help protect your family. If you like shows like "The Perfect Scam" or "Darknet Diaries" then this show might be for you.   On our website you’ll find more computer hacking, identity fraud, impersonation, consumer rights and Romance Scams.  To find these and to access our transcripts, visit us at www.scamshacksandfrauds.com. The transcript and spoken audio are available under the Creative Commons, Share Alike, With Attributions license. For more information on this visit creativecommons.org.

    14 min
  6. Charles Ponzi's Scam: The Classic Fraud That Is Still Around Today

    12/09/2025

    Charles Ponzi's Scam: The Classic Fraud That Is Still Around Today

    Tell us your story here! Welcome to Scams, Hacks, and Frauds, where we retell tales of true crime fraudsters and scams. This week we're looking at one of the big grandaddies of the Scam world: The Ponzi Scheme. We delve into the world of Ponzi schemes, using the infamous Charles Ponzi as our guide. Discover how these fraudulent schemes operate and the subtle ways you might inadvertently become entangled in one. We explore the fascinating story of Charles Ponzi, who in 1919, turned a seemingly innocent idea into a financial nightmare, promising investors extraordinary returns while simultaneously digging himself deeper into a trap of his own making. Through an engaging narrative, we break down the mechanics of Ponzi schemes, revealing the telltale signs that could indicate you're about to be scammed. From the allure of doubling your money in just 90 days to the sunk cost fallacy that ensnares both scammers and victims alike, we provide critical insights to help you safeguard your investments. Join us as we share essential advice on how to avoid falling prey to such scams, emphasising the importance of understanding your investments and resisting high-pressure tactics. Tune in and equip yourself with the knowledge to protect yourself and your loved ones from the dark side of financial fraud. We publish new content every other Monday. The  10 minutes our episodes may save your wallet, and help protect your family. If you like shows like "The Perfect Scam" or "Darknet Diaries" then this show might be for you.   On our website you’ll find more computer hacking, identity fraud, impersonation, consumer rights and Romance Scams.  To find these and to access our transcripts, visit us at www.scamshacksandfrauds.com. The transcript and spoken audio are available under the Creative Commons, Share Alike, With Attributions license. For more information on this visit creativecommons.org.

    10 min

Ratings & Reviews

About

10 Minutes could save your wallet!  At Scams, Hacks and Frauds. We believe that sharing stories is the absolute best way to protect people from getting scammed or falling into a hacker's trap.  By listening to our stories and sharing them with your friends and family, you can be better protected against Scammers, Fraudsters and Hackers.   Each week, you and your loved ones can learn the red flags of a scam or fraud attempt just by listening to a true crime story told in the time it takes to drink a cup of coffee, helping keep you and your loved ones safe. In a world full of misinformation and AI generated stories, its hard to know what is true.  You'll find all of our episodes, transcripts, and Further reading on our website at www.scamshacksandfrauds.com so you don't just have to take our word for it. We share new stories most Mondays. Please share with us your stories.  Email Cee@scamshacksandfrauds.com with your story.