Scams, Hacks and Frauds

Cee | Host of Scams, Hacks and Frauds.
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  • TRUE CRIME
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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. Why did a Bank's fraud team ignore this scam victim? NFC Card Payment Fraud - Scams Hacks and Fraud

    OCT 6

    Why did a Bank's fraud team ignore this scam victim? NFC Card Payment Fraud - Scams Hacks and Fraud

    Tell us your story here! This week on Scams, Hacks, and Frauds, we delve into the harrowing experience of Ian Williams, a pensioner who found himself at the mercy of a sophisticated scam that drained his bank account. Imagine waking up to discover that $1,338 has been stolen from your account, only to be told by your bank that you are responsible for the fraudulent transactions. This is the reality Ian faced when the National Australia Bank's fraud team dismissed his claims despite overwhelming evidence proving his innocence. Join us as we follow Ian's relentless pursuit of justice against the bank, which initially offered a refund with strings attached, insisting he remain silent about the case. Undeterred, Ian took matters into his own hands, immersing himself in legal research and even filing a writ against the bank for a staggering $379 million in compensation. We discuss the shocking details of his battle, the bank's attempts to evade accountability, and the broader implications of such scams in our digital age. Tune in to learn about the tactics used by scammers to obtain personal information, the importance of safeguarding your financial details, and practical tips to protect yourself from falling victim to similar frauds. Ian's story is not just about one man's fight; it serves as a crucial reminder of the vulnerabilities we all face in an increasingly digital world. For more insights 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. For more insights 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. Scam Queen Faces justice: Fraudster caught by TV producer

    SEP 29

    Scam Queen Faces justice: Fraudster caught by TV producer

    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, including Marianne's true identity and her history of manipulation. Jonathan's quest for the truth takes him down a dark path, revealing the extent of Marianne's fraudulent activities and the numerous victims she left in her wake. Tune in to learn about the red flags that can help you spot a scam, the importance of verifying information, and how trust can be weaponised against you. This episode serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of misplaced trust and the lengths some individuals will go to deceive others. If you want to learn more we recommend checking out Queen of the Con, where Jonathan goes into much more detail about his adventures with Mair in Season 1:   https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-irish-heiress-ep-1-the-best-friend/id1583019312?i=1000537077148 For more insights 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.

    12 min
  3. Scan or Scam? - Is that QR code setting you up to get scammed? (Scams, Hacks and Frauds)

    SEP 8

    Scan or Scam? - Is that QR code setting you up to get scammed? (Scams, Hacks and Frauds)

    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 Thornaby, who thought she was simply paying for parking but ended up a victim of a sophisticated scam that cost her nearly £4,700. Sue’s experience highlights how easily scammers can manipulate QR codes to capture personal information and financial details. We discuss the red flags she encountered, the tactics used by fraudsters, and the shocking statistics revealing the surge in QR code-related scams. With organizations like Action Fraud and the FTC sounding the alarm, it’s crucial to understand the risks associated with scanning codes in public spaces. Tune in to learn how to protect yourself from these scams, the importance of verifying the legitimacy of QR codes, and practical tips for safe online transactions. This episode serves as a vital reminder to stay vigilant in an increasingly digital world. For more insights 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
  4. Love and Fraud: The Heartbreak of Romance Scams

    SEP 1

    Love and Fraud: The Heartbreak of Romance Scams

    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 personal turmoil, seeking companionship online after a rocky marriage. What started as a hopeful connection with a man named Steve quickly spiralled into a nightmare, as he manipulated her emotions and finances under the guise of love and investment opportunities. We delve into the tactics employed by scammers that make individuals like Alison susceptible to such deceit.  Tune in to learn about the red flags to watch for in online dating, the importance of verifying identities, and practical tips to safeguard your finances against these insidious scams. This episode not only highlights Alison's story but also serves as a crucial reminder to stay vigilant in the digital age. For more insights 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
  5. Do Encryption backdoors benefit Hackers and Scammers? Governments Vs Privacy.

    AUG 25

    Do Encryption backdoors benefit Hackers and Scammers? Governments Vs Privacy.

    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 this response is justified in the fight against fraud. We will look into controversial cases such as Apple’s defiance against UK government demands, examining the broader implications for personal data and how it could potentially create more opportunities for hackers. Tune in for essential insights on maintaining your privacy while navigating a landscape full of scams and fraud. For more insights 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
  6. Online ID Checks: Safety or Scam and Hack Magnet?

    AUG 18

    Online ID Checks: Safety or Scam and Hack Magnet?

    Tell us your story here! 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 Act 2023 now in effect and similar legal rules in Australia (Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Bill 2024) the USA  (including the alarming decision by the Supreme court in NETCHOICE v. MISSISSIPPI)  either in force or coming soon, requiring age verification to access adult and/or Social media sites, we assess whether these measures genuinely protect users or simply make them targets for hackers and scammers. Join us as we delve into the risks associated with sharing personal data, such as phishing scams and identity theft. We’ll highlight unintended consequences from previous regulations, especially regarding efforts to combat online child exploitation. With a notable data breach at the TEA Dating Advice app revealing sensitive user information, we consider the practical security risks that accompany these verification systems. As concerns grow, and VPN usage rises to address privacy issues, we discuss the complex dynamics between protecting personal information and potential misuse by malicious actors. Tune in for an enlightening conversation about the evolving landscape of online scams, and learn how to stay vigilant in safeguarding your data.  For more insights 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.

    11 min
  7. Behind the keyboard - Espionage and Identity Theft

    AUG 11

    Behind the keyboard - Espionage and Identity Theft

    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 mother.   Tune in for a riveting episode that not only highlights the personal cost of scams but also provides essential safety tips for safeguarding your own information in an increasingly digital landscape. For more insights 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.

    11 min
  8. VPNs: Protection from hacks or just a scam?

    AUG 4

    VPNs: Protection from hacks or just a scam?

    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 two main types of VPNs, examining how they function from enhancing your internet security to enabling remote work connections.      We dissect the claims made by popular VPN providers, investigating their efficacy in safeguarding your data from prying eyes and whether they merely shift the risks of online scams elsewhere.  With the rise of new legislation affecting online access in the UK and Australia, we discuss the increasing popularity of VPNs and their role in circumventing geographical restrictions on content.      But it’s not all smooth sailing in the world of VPNs.  We delve into potential pitfalls, including the risk of exposing yourself to less stringent data protection laws and the dubious practices of some VPN providers.  We also tackle the question of whether using a VPN can genuinely save you money or improve your online gaming experience.      Tune in for an informative episode that equips you with the knowledge to navigate VPN usage wisely, whether for business or personal use.  And don’t miss our next episode, where we’ll share an astonishing true crime story involving extensive VPN use among remote workers that is sure to leave you questioning the integrity of online security. For more insights 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
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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.

Information

  • Creator
    Cee | Host of Scams, Hacks and Frauds.
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    18
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Scams, Hacks and Frauds. Non music content is available for reuse under the Creative Commons License CC-BY-SA; visit www.creativecommons.org for more information.
  • Show Website
    Scams, Hacks and Frauds

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