In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, Kyira sits down with Michele Ilich-Daubas, a former senior legal analyst at Meta and scam-prevention advocate, to unpack the psychology behind modern scams — particularly “pig butchering,” a highly sophisticated form of financial and emotional exploitation. Rather than framing scams as random or obvious, this episode reveals how they are long-term psychological operations built on connection, trust, urgency, and fear. Michele explains how global crime syndicates operate, how trafficked individuals are often forced to carry out these scams, and why COVID-era isolation and digital dependence dramatically increased vulnerability. Together, they challenge a dangerous myth: that scams only happen to the “naive” or “elderly.” Instead, listeners are invited to consider a more honest and protective question: What would it take to deceive you? Key Takeaways This episode lays the groundwork for understanding scams through a shame-resilient, human lens — setting the stage for prevention, compassion, and awareness in Part 2. Scams are psychological, not intellectual failures Victims are masterfully deceived using fear, urgency, secrecy, and intimacy. Pig butchering is a long con These scams often unfold over weeks or months through fake friendships or romantic connections (a term derived from the concept of "fattening a pig before the kill"). Anyone can be targeted Victims include professionals, therapists, and financially literate individuals — not just older adults. Isolation increases susceptibility COVID, social fragmentation, and loneliness created ideal conditions for exploitation. Your biggest vulnerability is tied to what you value most Children, safety, belonging, money, or being chosen are common entry points. Shame keeps people silent — and silence protects scammers Shifting language from “falling for a scam” to “being deceived” is critical for prevention. Prevention starts with slowing down Pausing, questioning urgency, and verifying through trusted channels can interrupt manipulation. About Michele Ilich-Daubas Michele Ilich-Daubas is a fraud fighter, public speaker, and educator dedicated to exposing and preventing sophisticated online scams, including the devastating crime known as pig butchering. A former Meta employee turned advocate, Michele now leads public awareness efforts through her organizations Deception Code and Operation Shamrock, empowering individuals—especially older adults—to recognize, report, and recover from financial and emotional exploitation. Her work blends education, empathy, and advocacy to dismantle the shame that keeps victims silent and to shine a light on how scammers manipulate trust and connection to deceive even the most vigilant among us. Connect with michelle Website: https://www.deceptioncode.com/ LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/milichdaubas/ Organization: https://www.operationshamrock.org/ Operation Shamrock: operationshamrock.org – A resource for survivor stories and scam prevention. Get Connected. ★ Subscribe to my YouTube channel ★ Sign up for my email list: https://adversityrising.com/email-list ★ Listen to my Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/2AouludJr7EweOkMIN9s42?si=d8cdfcb925ce4c9c Take the Next Step. ★ Download the FREE handout, "5 Things Shame Resilient People do Every Day" and start making those daily shifts to break that shame cycle that's keeping you stuck in that negative headspace. www.adversityrising.com/become-shame-resilient ★ Book a free 25-minute discovery call to discuss different program options and find the support best fits your needs. https://calendly.com/adversityrising/discovery-call ★ Are you a people pleaser? Ruminator? Over-extender? Sign up for the next round of Liberated Living and implement the radical 3 practice — Radical Acceptance, Radical Responsibility & Radical Authorship: https://adversityrising.com/liberated-living
