67-year-old Vista woman, Katherine Goodson, lost her life savings to a romance scam perpetrated by individuals posing as actor Keanu Reeves. Goodson's story highlights the devastating financial and emotional consequences of such scams, with the San Diego County District Attorney's Office reporting millions of dollars lost annually in the region to similar schemes. Experts emphasize the sophisticated tactics employed by scammers, including "love bombing" and isolating victims. Goodson publicly shared her experience to warn others about the dangers of these increasingly prevalent scams.

https://www.youtube.com/@ScamWiseOfficial

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FtrIwPb0ff8

In this episode, we'll discuss how to protect yourself from bank imposter scams, also known as bank spoofing scams. Scammers can use technology to make calls look like they are coming from your bank. They might even claim there is suspicious activity on your account to trick you into sharing personal information, sending a payment, or reversing a payment. We'll cover five essential steps to help you spot these scams and keep your money safe! Join us to learn how to recognize and report bank spoofing.

https://www.youtube.com/@ScamWiseOfficial

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8Dm51iKRAc

Saint Jovite Youngblood, a 52-year-old Texas man, was sentenced to 40 years in prison for a 13-year, $12.7 million fraud scheme. Posing as a Delta Force veteran, he convinced victims they were in danger from cartels, then offered protection services for a fee. He gambled most of the stolen money in Las Vegas. Youngblood's conviction includes four counts of wire fraud and one count of money laundering, with restitution mandated.

In this episode, we uncover how a Houston woman fell victim to a rental scam after encountering a fraudulent listing on Redfin. Learn how scammers use stolen identities, self-guided tours, and below-market prices to deceive renters, and hear tips on how to protect yourself from falling prey. Redfin shares its efforts to improve fraud detection, and we discuss practical ways to verify rental listings and realtor credentials. Don’t miss this cautionary tale that highlights the importance of vigilance in today’s rental market.

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A new AI-powered betting scam is sweeping the globe, using realistic AI-generated voices and targeted ads to trick unsuspecting victims. These scams lure users into downloading malicious apps that promise small wins to build trust but ultimately steal money and personal information. With hundreds of fraudulent websites and ads identified, scammers even impersonate trusted brands and use fake reviews to appear credible. In this episode, we expose the mechanics behind this sophisticated fraud and share tips to protect yourself from becoming their next target.

A global scam is targeting Netflix users with fake account suspension messages, tricking victims into providing banking details on fraudulent websites. Reported in 23 countries, this alarming scheme has prompted cybersecurity experts to issue warnings and share tips to stay safe. In this episode, we break down the tactics behind the scam, explore other digital threats circulating on platforms like WhatsApp, and discuss how to protect your privacy in an increasingly connected world. Don’t fall victim—arm yourself with knowledge.

On November 10, 2024, 23-year-old Hannah Kobayashi disappeared from Los Angeles. Twelve days later, her father, Ryan, took his own life, leaving behind a grieving family and unanswered questions. In the weeks prior, documents surfaced suggesting Hannah may have secretly married an Argentinian man as part of an immigration scam. The LAPD claims video evidence shows Hannah willingly crossing into Mexico, but her family disputes this narrative, desperate for the truth.

Join us as we unravel the tangled web of evidence, family secrets, and conflicting accounts in this gripping investigation. Was Hannah a willing accomplice, or is there a darker truth behind her vanishing?

In this eye-opening episode, we unravel the story of Judith Boivin, a Maryland resident who fell victim to a $600,000 government impersonation scam. Posing as Rockville police and FBI agents, the scammers manipulated her into believing she was part of an undercover drug cartel investigation. With advanced tactics, including AI and authentic details, they breached her trust and life savings. Join us as we explore the complex psychology behind modern scams, hear from experts on prevention, and share stories that remind us why victims deserve empathy—not blame. Brought to you by The Washington Post, this series shines a light on the dark world of scams and empowers listeners to stay vigilant.