Podcasts about romance scams

This special Valentine's Day episode of Cybersecurity Today examines romance scams (often called pig butchering) and how fraudsters exploit trust, vulnerability, and loneliness.  Host Jim Love speaks with McAfee Head of Threat Research Abhishek Karnik  about new findings showing the scale and demographics of these scams, including widespread encounters with fake or AI-generated profiles, frequent financial solicitations, and that men are also heavily impacted.  Cybersecurity Today  would like to thank Meter for their support in bringing you this podcast. Meter delivers a complete networking stack, wired, wireless and cellular in one integrated solution that's built for performance and scale.  You can find them at Meter.com/cst The episode features survivor Beth Highland's detailed account of being manipulated via Tinder through long-term messaging, an AI video call, forged documents, and a crypto payout scheme that led her to send about $26,000 via Bitcoin ATMs before her financial advisor—trained in romance fraud—helped her recognize the scam and stop further losses, including a demanded $50,000 "activation fee." Beth discusses emotional aftereffects, stigma, reporting, red flags, and her book, "Diary of a Romance Scam:  When Swiping Right Goes Wrong," along with her advocacy work. The conversation broadens to the role of AI in making scams more realistic (deepfakes, voice/video, document generation), the importance of privacy and not overposting, involving trusted family/advisors, institutional training and intervention points along the fraud "kill chain," and using technology and education to detect and reduce scams. LINKS  Beth Hyland's Book - Diary of a Romance Scam: When Swiping Right Goes Wrong https://www.amazon.com/Diary-Romance-Scam-Swiping-Right/dp/1662962843 00:00 Sponsor: Meter's all-in-one networking stack 00:18 Valentine's Day on the dark side: heartbreak meets cybercrime 02:15 Romance scams ("pig butchering") are everywhere—who gets targeted 04:15 McAfee research: fake profiles, AI, and the real victim demographics 07:07 How scammers hook you: profiling, psychology, and long-game manipulation 09:01 Beth's story begins: post-divorce, isolation, and trying Tinder 10:36 The perfect match: mirroring, fast intimacy, and early red flags 14:32 AI video call + the push-pull breakup: emotional control tactics 17:09 The money trap: Qatar story, bank access, and Bitcoin ATM payments 23:34 The $50K "activation fee" and the wake-up call from a financial advisor 26:25 Cutting him off—and getting pulled back in by guilt and gaslighting 30:18 How to help victims: listening, tools, and where to get support 33:17 Turning pain into purpose: Beth's book and grieving a romance scam 34:47 Turning Pain Into Purpose: Supporting Romance-Scam Survivors 35:56 Stop Blaming Victims: Changing the Language Around Scams 38:38 "It Can Happen to Anybody": Why Smart People Get Hooked 40:58 Social Engineering 101: How Scams Exploit Different Emotions 42:14 Why McAfee Is Focusing on Consumer Scams (and the AI Factor) 45:43 AI Deepfakes & Low-Cost Tools: The New Scam Industrialization 49:19 Oversharing, Spearphishing & Replay Attacks: How Victims Get Retargeted 53:24 Practical Red Flags: Meeting in Person, Isolation Tactics, Family Checks 57:08 Training the "Kill Chain": Banks, Cashiers, Advisors & Early Intervention 01:00:33 Tech Fighting Tech: Detection, Identity Protection & Digital Assistants 01:02:57 What's Next: Agentic AI, Bigger Attack Surfaces & Trust-and-Safety by Design 01:08:03 Wrap-Up: Start the Conversation, Resources, and Final Thanks

This special Valentine's Day episode of Cybersecurity Today examines romance scams (often called pig butchering) and how fraudsters exploit trust, vulnerability, and loneliness.  Host Jim Love speaks with McAfee Head of Threat Research Abhishek Karnik  about new findings showing the scale and demographics of these scams, including widespread encounters with fake or AI-generated profiles, frequent financial solicitations, and that men are also heavily impacted.  Cybersecurity Today  would like to thank Meter for their support in bringing you this podcast. Meter delivers a complete networking stack, wired, wireless and cellular in one integrated solution that's built for performance and scale.  You can find them at Meter.com/cst The episode features survivor Beth Highland's detailed account of being manipulated via Tinder through long-term messaging, an AI video call, forged documents, and a crypto payout scheme that led her to send about $26,000 via Bitcoin ATMs before her financial advisor—trained in romance fraud—helped her recognize the scam and stop further losses, including a demanded $50,000 "activation fee." Beth discusses emotional aftereffects, stigma, reporting, red flags, and her book, "Diary of a Romance Scam:  When Swiping Right Goes Wrong," along with her advocacy work. The conversation broadens to the role of AI in making scams more realistic (deepfakes, voice/video, document generation), the importance of privacy and not overposting, involving trusted family/advisors, institutional training and intervention points along the fraud "kill chain," and using technology and education to detect and reduce scams. LINKS  Beth Hyland's Book - Diary of a Romance Scam: When Swiping Right Goes Wrong https://www.amazon.com/Diary-Romance-Scam-Swiping-Right/dp/1662962843 00:00 Sponsor: Meter's all-in-one networking stack 00:18 Valentine's Day on the dark side: heartbreak meets cybercrime 02:15 Romance scams ("pig butchering") are everywhere—who gets targeted 04:15 McAfee research: fake profiles, AI, and the real victim demographics 07:07 How scammers hook you: profiling, psychology, and long-game manipulation 09:01 Beth's story begins: post-divorce, isolation, and trying Tinder 10:36 The perfect match: mirroring, fast intimacy, and early red flags 14:32 AI video call + the push-pull breakup: emotional control tactics 17:09 The money trap: Qatar story, bank access, and Bitcoin ATM payments 23:34 The $50K "activation fee" and the wake-up call from a financial advisor 26:25 Cutting him off—and getting pulled back in by guilt and gaslighting 30:18 How to help victims: listening, tools, and where to get support 33:17 Turning pain into purpose: Beth's book and grieving a romance scam 34:47 Turning Pain Into Purpose: Supporting Romance-Scam Survivors 35:56 Stop Blaming Victims: Changing the Language Around Scams 38:38 "It Can Happen to Anybody": Why Smart People Get Hooked 40:58 Social Engineering 101: How Scams Exploit Different Emotions 42:14 Why McAfee Is Focusing on Consumer Scams (and the AI Factor) 45:43 AI Deepfakes & Low-Cost Tools: The New Scam Industrialization 49:19 Oversharing, Spearphishing & Replay Attacks: How Victims Get Retargeted 53:24 Practical Red Flags: Meeting in Person, Isolation Tactics, Family Checks 57:08 Training the "Kill Chain": Banks, Cashiers, Advisors & Early Intervention 01:00:33 Tech Fighting Tech: Detection, Identity Protection & Digital Assistants 01:02:57 What's Next: Agentic AI, Bigger Attack Surfaces & Trust-and-Safety by Design 01:08:03 Wrap-Up: Start the Conversation, Resources, and Final Thanks

Online dating and social media have opened new ways to build meaningful connections. But they can also create opportunities for scams. In this episode of Consumer Connection, host Michelle Escobar sits down with Karen Morgan, Executive Council Member at AARP Maryland, to talk about the rise of online romance scams and how to protect yourself without losing trust in the possibility of a real connection. Together, they explore:The most common red flags in online relationships.How scammers use emotional manipulation to gain trust.Why anyone, at any age, can be targeted. Practical steps to protect both your heart and your finances. Karen also shares guidance for friends and family members who may be concerned about a loved one. Learn how to start supportive, judgment-free conversations that empower rather than shame. This episode is about building awareness and confidence so you can stay connected, stay protected, and recognize the difference between genuine relationships and costly deception. Have a question or suggestion for a future episode? Send an email to consumerconnection@montgomerycountymd.gov.

Face Plant: The Woman With 1,000 Boyfriends — What's it like to have your image used as the bait in thousands of online romance scams? This is what happened to Janessa Brazil—a cam girl whose image has been hijacked and used to con hundreds, maybe thousands, of lonely people out of hard-earned cash. This is a story of love, lies, and the faces behind a billion-dollar underground industry.Chameleon is a production of Campside Media and Audiochuck.Follow Chameleon on Instagram @chameleonpod Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week's episode is a Valentine's Day warning and a cultural temperature check. Romance scams are surging ahead of February 14, so if he says he loves you but needs a wire transfer, please log out. A year into Trump's term, some voters are saying Biden was better, while Hasan Piker sparks debate by saying he would vote third party over a Gavin Newsom versus JD Vance matchup. TMZ reportedly received a second chilling note involving Savannah Guthrie's mom. Canada is reeling after a tragic event at a school and home, and Affirm now wants to offer Buy Now, Pay Later for rent because apparently even survival comes in installments. Gen Z becomes the first generation to score lower on IQ tests than their parents. Super Bowl ratings are strong with a Bad Bunny boost, Britney Spears reportedly sells her entire music catalog, James Van Der Beek passes away at 48 after a cancer battle, and Cardi B steps into her Little Miss Drama era while Stefon Diggs posts cryptic messages after the Super Bowl loss. Love, politics, pop culture, and a gentle reminder to use discernment. IG: itswista IG/Substack: wordswithwista

In this episode of Cybersecurity Today with host Jim Love, we discuss six critical exploited Microsoft vulnerabilities, new phishing tactics using your own servers, and a zero-click vulnerability in Claude's code desktop extensions. We also explore trends in modern romance scams highlighting the younger, tech-savvy adult targets. Tune in for expert insights and practical tips to stay secure. Special thanks to Meter for their support. Hashtag Trending would like to thank Meter for their support in bringing you this podcast. Meter delivers a complete networking stack, wired, wireless and cellular in one integrated solution that's built for performance and scale. You can find them at Meter.com/htt 00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message 00:45 Microsoft Vulnerabilities: A Growing Concern 02:38 Phishing Attacks Using Your Own Servers 04:16 Zero-Click Vulnerability in Claude AI 06:25 Romance Scams: Not Just Targeting the Elderly 09:14 Conclusion and Weekend Edition Teaser

Valentine's Day is supposed to be a day to open your heart – but it's also a time when cybercriminals are tricking you into opening your wallet. Learn about the latest scams from Visa's Dan Munson, Senior Director of Global Payment Ecosystem, Risk and ControlWhy is ‘Splashtop' considered ‘must have' software on your devices? We're joined by the co-founder and Chief Technical Officer at the company, Philip Sheu.Imagine a canvas on your wall at home, and instead of it displaying the same artwork day in, day out, you can walk up to it and use your voice to ask for something brand-new created for you! Get the skinny on Fraimic AI, i.e. “art that listens,” with company founder Anthony Mattana.Thank you to Visa, Norton, and SANDISK for your incredible support. Get a huge discount on Norton anti-malware at norton.com/techitout

What's it like to have your image used as the bait in thousands of online romance scams? This is what happened to Janessa Brazil—whose image has been hijacked and used to con hundreds, maybe thousands, of lonely people out of hard-earned cash. This is a story of love, lies, and the faces behind a billion-dollar catfishing industry.Chameleon is a production of Campside Media and Audiochuck.Follow Chameleon on Instagram @chameleonpod Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Send a textIn this intimate solo episode, Andrea Atherton invites listeners into a powerful exploration of embodied self-reflection and the quiet courage it takes to come home to oneself. Drawing from nearly three decades as a psychotherapist and love specialist, Andrea weaves personal story with clinical wisdom, offering a grounded and deeply human look at what it means to release the identities we were handed and reclaim the truth of who we are. This episode is not simply about insight—it is about integration.Through vulnerable reflection and guided inquiry, Andrea explores how attachment wounds, trauma patterns, and the drive to prove our worth can subtly shape our relationships and sense of self. With compassion and clarity, she illuminates how disconnection from the body often keeps us stuck in cycles of overgiving, performing, or striving for love. Listeners will be gently guided toward a more regulated, embodied presence—one that fosters intimacy, self-trust, and authentic connection.This episode offers spacious pauses for reflection, inviting you to slow down and listen inward. Whether you are navigating a transition, healing from relational pain, or feeling called to rediscover your deeper truth, this conversation serves as both mirror and medicine. Andrea's voice is steady and welcoming, reminding you that beneath the conditioning and survival strategies, there is a self waiting to be remembered.30-minute Consultation with Andrea https://www.andreaatherton.com/booking-calendarAndrea Atherton Websitehttps://www.andreaatherton.com/Love Anarchy Websitehttps://www.andreaatherton.com/podcasthttps://loveanarchypodcast.buzzsprout.comLove Anarchy Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/loveanarchypodcast/Andrea Atherton Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/andreaatherton-17/

President and CEO of the Better Business Bureau Steve Bernas joins Bob Sirott to discuss an increase in romance scams around Valentine’s Day and fake calls claiming to be from the IRS. He also shares information about lottery scams in Michigan and emails claiming to be from Microsoft.

U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo speaks about romance scams on the rise and how to avoid being caught up in one full 363 Thu, 12 Feb 2026 18:00:00 +0000 JNrY68WQGX9X0rOjSU5PsYt1rOkvp0dw news,wben,romance scams,michael digiacomo WBEN Extras news,wben,romance scams,michael digiacomo U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo speaks about romance scams on the rise and how to avoid being caught up in one Archive of various reports and news events 2024 © 2021 Audacy, Inc. News False

Cybercrime is growing into a thriving, highly profitable industry, threatening governments, businesses and ordinary people across the globe. 

Stephen Grootes speaks to consumer ninja Wendy Knowler about why romance scams surge around Valentine’s Day, how scammers weaponise emotional vulnerability, and what the Southern African Fraud Prevention Service is warning consumers to look out for. The Money Show is a podcast hosted by well-known journalist and radio presenter, Stephen Grootes. He explores the latest economic trends, business developments, investment opportunities, and personal finance strategies. Each episode features engaging conversations with top newsmakers, industry experts, financial advisors, entrepreneurs, and politicians, offering you thought-provoking insights to navigate the ever-changing financial landscape.    Thank you for listening to a podcast from The Money Show Listen live Primedia+ weekdays from 18:00 and 20:00 (SA Time) to The Money Show with Stephen Grootes broadcast on 702 https://buff.ly/gk3y0Kj and CapeTalk https://buff.ly/NnFM3Nk For more from the show, go to https://buff.ly/7QpH0jY or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/PlhvUVe Subscribe to The Money Show Daily Newsletter and the Weekly Business Wrap here https://buff.ly/v5mfetc The Money Show is brought to you by Absa     Follow us on social media   702 on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TalkRadio702 702 on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@talkradio702 702 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkradio702/ 702 on X: https://x.com/CapeTalk 702 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@radio702   CapeTalk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalk CapeTalk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ CapeTalk on X: https://x.com/Radio702 CapeTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapeTalk567 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stephen Grootes speaks to consumer ninja Wendy Knowler about why romance scams surge around Valentine’s Day, how scammers weaponise emotional vulnerability, and what the Southern African Fraud Prevention Service is warning consumers to look out for. The Money Show is a podcast hosted by well-known journalist and radio presenter, Stephen Grootes. He explores the latest economic trends, business developments, investment opportunities, and personal finance strategies. Each episode features engaging conversations with top newsmakers, industry experts, financial advisors, entrepreneurs, and politicians, offering you thought-provoking insights to navigate the ever-changing financial landscape.    Thank you for listening to a podcast from The Money Show Listen live Primedia+ weekdays from 18:00 and 20:00 (SA Time) to The Money Show with Stephen Grootes broadcast on 702 https://buff.ly/gk3y0Kj and CapeTalk https://buff.ly/NnFM3Nk For more from the show, go to https://buff.ly/7QpH0jY or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/PlhvUVe Subscribe to The Money Show Daily Newsletter and the Weekly Business Wrap here https://buff.ly/v5mfetc The Money Show is brought to you by Absa     Follow us on social media   702 on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TalkRadio702 702 on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@talkradio702 702 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkradio702/ 702 on X: https://x.com/CapeTalk 702 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@radio702   CapeTalk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalk CapeTalk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ CapeTalk on X: https://x.com/Radio702 CapeTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapeTalk567 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Bad Bunny Super Bowl halftime show broke the record for most watched halftime show ever! The United States have won two gold medals in the Winter Olympics! The FBI is warning the public about romance scams. Miami was ranked as the city with the worst drivers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the lead-up to Valentine’s Day, the National Anti-Scam Centre has released its scams statistics, showing an increase in romance scams. ACCC Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe on the tactics scammers use to build trust and steal money.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We kicked off the program with four news stories and different guests on the stories we think you need to know about! What to know about Romance Scams ahead of Valentine’s DayGuest: Paula Fleming - Chief Marketing and Sales Officer Better Business Bureau - Boston 20 worst Valentine's Day gifts you should never giveGuest: Valerie Sokolosky – Etiquette Expert, Author, Master Brand Strategist A new Legal Sports Report and Sports Betting Alliance forecast predicts more than $1.7 billion will be legally wagered on the Super Bowl this year, a record total and a 10.3% increase over last year as more Americans place bets through regulated sportsbooks.Guest: Joe Maloney – President of Sports Betting AllianceDan took a look at Truck Day, and why it's so important.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hackers aren't stealing passwords anymore. They're stealing what makes companies valuable.We cover: • The European Space Agency breach and why even elite organizations aren't safe • Pig butchering romance scams and how social engineering targets human psychology • The Nike data breach where attackers stole intellectual property, not customer data • AI voice cloning, deepfake scams, and real-world fraud attempts • Why modern cybercrime looks more like organized crime than traditional hacking.If you care about cybersecurity threats, ransomware groups, AI scams, social engineering attacks, or how hackers actually operate today, this episode will change how you think about risk.Cybercrime is evolving fast. Most defenses aren't.CHAPTERS00:00 – Hackers stopped stealing passwords and started stealing everything 01:50 – Welcome to Chaos + panel intros 03:40 – Meme culture, cold weather, and why Dino has too much free time 04:25 – European Space Agency hacked twice in one month 06:00 – If rocket scientists can't keep hackers out… 07:10 – Space nerds, Carl Sagan, and stardust detour 08:15 – Romance scams and pig butchering explained 09:20 – “Wrong number” texts and how the scam really starts 10:50 – How victims are slowly manipulated into crypto scams 12:25 – The 764 gang and psychological weaponization 13:40 – The dark twist: scammers as human trafficking victims 16:40 – Luxury lifestyles, urgency, and fake success 18:20 – Why victims don't report scams 23:30 – Fake job offers and too-good-to-be-true salaries 24:20 – Nike breach isn't what you think 25:45 – Why hackers skipped customer data entirely 27:10 – WorldLeaks, ransomware evolution, and pure extortion 28:35 – 1.4TB of stolen intellectual property 30:30 – Stealing what actually makes Nike… NikeQuestions? Text our Studio direct. We read these and when helpful we give a special shout out for those to contact us.Growth without Interruption. Get peace of mind. Stay Competitive-Get NetGain. Contact NetGain today at 844-777-6278 or reach out online at www.NETGAINIT.com Support the show

Tis the season for romance scams! FBI Special Agent Jason Carley shares how you can protect yourself from digital would-be Casanova's or Svengali's and their attempts to seduce your money! If you've been targeted, let the FBI know at WWW.IC3.GOV.

Board-certified OB-GYN Dr. Mary Claire Haver breaks down what to know and look out for when it comes to menopause. Also, Alison Oliver stops by to catch up and share details about her role in the highly anticipated new film ‘Wuthering Heights.' Plus, a closer look at romance cyber scams — how to keep your identity safe and what to do if you or someone you know falls victim. And, Craig gets in the kitchen to whip up his delicious, supercharged chili recipe, perfect for a cozy winter night. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This was such a fun episode with Alexandra Potter, it was one of the times I felt like I was just sat down having a cuppa and catching up with a friend. So, I Met This Guy, Alexandra's book that we discuss in this episode is out today and it is such a brilliant read. If you've been experiencing any January Blues this is the one you need to be grabbing.And of course, no episode of Best Book Forward would be complete without book recommendations! Here's everything we mentioned, with links to buy:

People involved in online romance scams get ripped off of an average $16,000. More with Chris Conley on the WSAU Wisconsin Morning News.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Initial Stages of Romance Scams [Guest Diary] Romance scams often start with random text messages that appear to be misrouted . This guest diary by Faris Azhari is following some of the initial stages of such a scam. https://isc.sans.edu/diary/Initial%20Stages%20of%20Romance%20Scams%20%5BGuest%20Diary%5D/32650 Denial of Service Vulnerabilities in React Server Components Another folowup fix for the severe React vulnerability from last year, but now only fixing a DoS condition. https://github.com/facebook/react/security/advisories/GHSA-83fc-fqcc-2hmg OpenSSL Updates OpenSSL released its monthly updates, fixing a potential RCE. https://openssl-library.org/news/vulnerabilities/ Kubernetes Remote Code Execution Via Nodes/Proxy GET Permission Many Kubernetes Helm Charts are vulnerable to possible remote code executions due to unclear defined access controls. https://grahamhelton.com/blog/nodes-proxy-rce

What lies behind Romance Fraud? Romance fraud is one of the fastest-growing forms of fraud worldwide, and one of the most emotionally devastating. It's also one of the most misunderstood.On this episode, I'm speaking to Becky Holmes, author of the bestselling book Keanu Reeves Is Not in Love With You. Becky didn't become interested in romance fraud through victimhood or research. She stumbled into it during the pandemic after being approached by scammers online — and instead of ignoring them, she decided to wind them up. What began as a joke — sending absurd messages, inventing ridiculous scenarios, and pushing scam scripts to breaking point — turned into something much more serious. Through humour, Becky uncovered the psychological mechanics of romance fraud: how trust is built, how isolation and gaslighting work, and why believing you're “too smart to fall for it” is often the most dangerous belief of all.In this conversation, we explore why laughing at scammers is not the same as blaming victims, why romance fraud closely mirrors patterns seen in abusive relationships, and why shame — not stupidity — keeps people trapped. We also talk about humour as a gateway to learning, the limits of victim-focused storytelling, and the uncomfortable truth that none of us are immune. This is a funny conversation in places. And then it isn't. This is not the first time the Human Risk Podcast has explored romance fraud. On a previous episode, I spoke with Anna Rowe, a victim of romance fraud, about the profound emotional and psychological impact of being deceived by someone you believed you loved.In this episode, we discuss:Why romance fraud is a psychological scam, not a technical oneHow humour can expose manipulation without mocking victimsThe striking parallels between romance fraud and abusive relationshipsIsolation, gaslighting, and shame as tools of controlWhy “it would never happen to me” is such a dangerous beliefThe role of AI, deepfakes, and evolving scam tacticsWhy fraud literacy matters — and why people don't seek it out until it's too lateThe emotional cost of online exposure and harassmentWhat institutions, platforms, and society still get wrong about fraudGuest ProfileBecky Holmes is an author, speaker, and writer specialising in fraud, online manipulation, and digital harm. Her first book, Keanu Reeves Is Not in Love With You, explores the world of romance fraud through humour, storytelling, and lived experience.Her second book, The Future of Fraud, examines how scams are evolving in a world shaped by AI and digital identity. Links and resourcesBecky's first book Keanu Reeves Is Not in Love With You - https://share.google/fKQ6qCL1l8Ygl1ey2The Future of Fraud her second (out April 2026) - https://share.google/fKQ6qCL1l8Ygl1ey2Becky on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beckyholmeshatesspinach/Becky on Instagram: Becky Holmes (@deathtospinach)Becky on Twitter/X: https://x.com/deathtospinach?Becky's book agent profile: https://www.curtisbrown.co.uk/client/becky-holmesPrevious Human Risk Podcast episode with Anna Rowe on being a victim of romance fraud: https://www.humanriskpodcast.com/anna-rowe-on-romance-scams/AI-Generated Timestamped Summary00:00 – Why romance fraud mattersChristian explains why the podcast is returning to romance fraud, linking this episode to an earlier conversation with victim Anna Rowe (linked in the show notes).02:00 – How Becky Holmes got into romance fraudBecky describes how being approached by scammers during lockdown — and deciding to wind them up — accidentally turned into deep expertise.05:00 – When jokes expose the scriptAbsurd replies, fake crime scenes, and the moment Becky realised scammers weren't reading messages, just following scripts.09:00 – Laughing at scammers, not victimsWhy humour can highlight manipulation without blaming those who fall victim — and how the book shifts from comedy to something much darker.14:00 – Romance fraud as psychological abuseThe parallels with abusive relationships: isolation, gaslighting, shame, and why people stay, return, or fall again.21:00 – “It would never happen to me”Why believing you're too smart to fall for romance fraud is often the biggest risk of all.28:00 – What the media gets wrongVictim-focused storytelling, ignored systems, and why AI, deepfakes, and scam scripts matter more than headlines.36:00 – Fraud literacy and preventionWhy people don't seek out information about fraud until it's too late — and how humour can be a gateway to awareness.45:00 – The personal cost of online exposureOnline harassment, cyberflashing, and the emotional toll of spending years inside the systems you're critiquing.55:00 – What's next for BeckyUpcoming books, speaking work, and where to find her online.

Matthew Friedman joins Dr. Sandie Morgan as they explore how pig butchering scams work, why they're so effective, and how they're tied to forced labor and human trafficking, while explaining what prevention can look like from personal red flags to safeguards in financial systems.Matthew FriedmanMatthew Friedman is the Founder and CEO of The Mekong Club, a pioneering organization that mobilizes the private sector to fight modern slavery across Asia. A globally recognized expert on human trafficking, Friedman has spent over three decades working at the intersection of business, government, and humanitarian action to combat exploitation and promote ethical leadership. Before founding The Mekong Club, Friedman served as Regional Project Manager for the United Nations International Project on Human Trafficking (UNIAP/UNDP), overseeing a six-country initiative spanning China, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam, and Thailand. He also served as Deputy Director for the USAID Office of Public Health (Asia Region), managing a $100 million annual portfolio. Friedman holds a Master's degree in Health Education from New York University and is a renowned keynote speaker who has delivered more than 900 presentations in 20 countries, inspiring individuals and organizations to take a stand in the fight against modern slavery.Key PointsPig butchering scams are sophisticated romance scams where criminals build trust over weeks before convincing victims to invest life savings in fake cryptocurrency schemes, with the metaphor referring to "fattening the pig before the slaughter."An estimated 300,000 to 400,000 young professionals have been trafficked into scam centers across Southeast Asia, where they are forced under extreme violence and coercion to run online scams targeting victims in wealthy nations.The Prince Group sanctions marked one of the most significant global crackdowns on forced-labor scam centers, with the UK freezing real estate assets and the US freezing $15 billion in cryptocurrency, signaling increased international cooperation.Financial institutions can help prevent pig butchering by monitoring unusual withdrawal patterns, such as when customers who haven't touched their accounts for 30 years suddenly liquidate everything, and by contacting clients before large transfers are completed.Victims in scam centers face brutal violence including being tasered, beaten, and in some cases tortured to death with videos sold as "hardcore" content, creating a level of violence unprecedented in modern slavery according to Friedman's 35 years of experience.Only 0.2% of the 50 million people in modern slavery receive assistance globally, not because counter-trafficking organizations don't care, but because the $236 billion generated by criminals vastly outweighs the $400 million available to fight it.Public education and awareness are critical for prevention, as people in North America remain largely unaware of pig butchering scams while Asian communities have become more informed through widespread media coverage and victim testimonies.The Mekong Club has developed multilingual e-learning tools including a three-and-a-half-minute video to help raise awareness about both human trafficking into scam centers and the scams themselves, emphasizing that prevention must be widespread.ResourcesThe Mekong ClubThe Mekong Club - Tools & ResourcesValid8 FinancialEnding Human Trafficking Podcast - Episode 269Matthew Friedman on LinkedInContact Matthew FriedmanEnding Human Trafficking Website

Valentine's Day is coming soon... The time when our thoughts turn to romance - and, for far too many victims, romance scams (at 14:05) --- To Your Health: It's true that vision changes are a normal part of aging, but that doesn't mean they can or should be ignored (at 23:32) --- Around Town: Later this month, the 20th Anniversary of the UF Donnell Broadway Concert Series welcomes a return performance by famed actress and singer Liz Callaway (at 44:04)

Dr Boyce talks about financial romance scams and how they are harmful.

Why modern cybercrime targets trust, urgency, and decision-making instead of systemsDeepfake Attacks, Voice Cloning, and Why AI Social Engineering WorksTraditional fraud used to feel obvious: misspellings, odd links, weird emails. Now? Deepfakes embed perfectly familiar voices and faces into your feed — or your inbox.Listen to Perry Carpenter on this. If you love this topic as much as we do grab Perry's incredible book FAIK available everywhere. Here's a non-affiliated link: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/faik-perry-carpenter/1145888787?ean=2940190971293Don't Miss the Deepfake Webinar coming up! You WIll See how you can test out your own deepfake to better understand them.  https://info.knowbe4.com/new-deepfake-training-na?partnerref=blogChapters 00:00 Why the Next Breach Won't Look Like the Last One01:44 Welcome to America in 202603:00 Why Deepfakes Are Exploding Right Now05:20 Yes — A Voice Can Be Cloned in Seconds07:30 What Deepfakes Actually Are (No Hype)09:35 Legitimate Uses vs Weaponized Intent12:45 Why Deepfake Companies Stay Quiet17:05 Faces and Voices Are the New Attack Surface18:30 Stop Asking “Is This Real?” Ask This Instead20:55 Why Spotting Artifacts No Longer Works23:45 The One Question That Cuts Through Deepfakes25:50 What Leaders Should Actually Do Today27:45 Old-School Security Still Wins30:05 Why Detection Tools Are Losing the Race33:10 Romance Scams, HR Fraud, and Deepfake Hiring35:45 10 of 15 Job Candidates Were Fake — Here's Why38:40 Fake Workers, Real Access, Real Damage42:20 Deepfakes as Multi-Stage AttackQuestion? Text our Studio direct.Growth without Interruption. Get peace of mind. Stay Competitive-Get NetGain. Contact NetGain today at 844-777-6278 or reach out online at www.NETGAINIT.com Support the show

In this deeply personal and moving episode of Scam Rangers, Ayelet Biger-Levin sits down with Beth Hyland, a romance scam survivor who has transformed her experience into a powerful mission for advocacy. Beth shares the intimate details of how a sophisticated criminal operation exploited her emotional vulnerability following a divorce, leading to over $26,000 to be stolen from her through Bitcoin ATMs and fraudulent loans.The conversation highlights the terrifying effectiveness of "love bombing" and the psychological "fog" that prevents even highly intelligent, self-aware individuals from seeing the red flags. Beth discusses the critical moment her financial advisor intervened to "break the spell" and how she is now fighting back by testifying before Congress and authoring her book, Diary of a Romance Scam.Key Takeaways: The Vulnerability Window: Beth explains how a period of isolation and the "exhale" after a major life transition made her a prime target for a scammer who mirrored her values of self-awareness and spirituality. Calculated Diversions: The scammer used "diversion tactics," such as staging technical issues during video calls or picking fights to create emotional distance when Beth asked for transparency. The Illusion of Partnership: To build intense trust, the scammer gave Beth his "bank login" information and had her facilitate transfers for him, making her feel like a trusted partner rather than a target. The Power of Professional Intervention: Beth credits her financial advisor for saving her from an additional $50,000 stolen from her. His training in romance fraud allowed him to deliver the news with empathy and provide a "stall tactic" that helped Beth safely exit the relationship. Redefining the Language: Beth advocates for a shift in how society views fraud, moving away from "falling for a scam" to being "manipulated into a crime" and insisting that money was "stolen," not just lost. A Call to Action for Banks: Beth urges financial institutions to move beyond "by-the-way" questions and implement deeper training for tellers to recognize the behavioral red flags of a "worn-out" victim withdrawing large sums of cash.This episode is a vital resource for fraud fighters, legislators, and anyone seeking to understand the devastating emotional and financial toll of romance scams. It serves as a reminder that empathy and education are our strongest tools in the fight against high-stakes emotional manipulation.Follow Beth on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beth-hyland-06a98876/Diary of a Romance Scam: https://www.amazon.com/Diary-Romance-Scam-Swiping-Right/dp/1662962843

In today's digital world, finding friends, romantic partners, and social groups online is easier than ever but so is falling victim to a scam. Romance scammers prey on emotions, turning affection into financial fraud. In this episode, we'll uncover the common tactics scammers use, the warning signs you need to watch for, and practical steps to protect yourself and your loved ones.

AI Face Swapping Is Exploding Romance Scams by Nick Espinosa, Chief Security Fanatic

By David Stephen What is the common denominator in all love scenarios? What does it mean that an individual is so in love, but others find it strange? How do long distance relationships compare to the recent phenomenon of AI girlfriends and AI boyfriends? What also does it mean that an individual fell into a romance scam, in the digital age? AI Girlfriends, AI Boyfriends and Romance Scams? Mind and Love What is the miracle of the human mind? It is the different directions that things can go, to result in the same end. For example, assuming love is a destination in the mind, there can be several routes from which the destination is reached. This is a reason, for example, that an individual can have the experience of love off different sources, say for loved ones, career, hobbies and so forth. Also, the mind can vary, where interest in a moment is different from the next or not as intense as the last and so on. The mind is not just about the parallels, for example, to be cold when it is cold or to be hot when it is, but sometimes to have contrasts, because something else might be dominant on the mind. The human mind is quite varied. Some changes are instant, some take time, but there is possibility of change. There are some sequences [new or old] before some destinations. There are others without those, so, sometimes, changes happen without a reason. There are destinations in the mind that may not be likely, directly until something else goes to another destination. There are some destinations in some minds that make likelihoods different for people. However, the components of mind, their stations and relays are similar and are important to explain and explore, with the rise of AI girlfriends, AI boyfriends and AI companions. AI Artificial intelligence is a technology that would hold a mirror to humanity like nothing has ever done before. It would show that a lot of problems can be traced back to the human mind, not just the facilities involved. Some people are wondering why anyone would fall for an AI lover. The simple answer is that it gets to the destination of love in the mind, even if the usual route or sequence - a fellow human - was absent. Although it is known that humans have used language, actions, decoys and so forth to get love, partnerships and companionship, AI, as it is, already has access to choice spots in the human mind. So, a vulnerability is the human mind. This can also be extended to romance scams. Some people wonder, how does anyone fall for a romance scam? One vulnerability too, is the human mind. Romance Scam There is a recent [November 29, 2025] report on CNN, A stranger messaged him on Facebook. It was the start of a nightmare that cost him $280,000, stating that, "By February, they'd declared their love for each other. But what seemed like a whirlwind romance now appears like a scheme to lure Novak into a fake crypto investment. By April this year, he'd funneled $280,000 - almost his entire life savings - to an investment site she recommended. And the woman, along with her Facebook profile, vanished not long after. A tech executive with a deep computer background, Novak helped his company recover from a ransomware attack that wiped out its entire system. He finds it hard to believe now that he fell for the scam." The Human Mind One thing that might be important in the future, is what is called mind safety displays, for digital-based relationships and others. This means that for communications and actions, it is possible to check where it might be going in the mind, to ensure that the mind does not fall to unwanted destinations. Also, in a marriage, or relationship, with love, what can be done to protect against heartbreak, especially if the minds of both people are not in the same place and one is more into it than the other person? How can a display show, to ensure that it is easier to come to terms with that reality? How is it possible to measure the human mind, for mental health and other states...

Online romance scams are costing older adults hundreds of millions of dollars each year, exploiting their desire for companionship and leaving a trail of financial and emotional devastation. This isn't just a small issue; it's a significant threat impacting countless seniors globally.In 2023 alone, older adults, those over 60, reported nearly $357 million in losses due to confidence and romance scams to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/lets-talk-sex--5052038/support.

Aidan Larkin sits down with Erin West and Detective Matthew Hogan of Operation Shamrock to unpack the global 'scamdemic' that's devastating victims and fuelling organised crime, exploring the human cost behind crypto-enabled fraud. Erin and Matthew share frontline insights on why law enforcement struggles to keep pace, how AI is supercharging scams and what systemic changes are urgently needed. We also spotlight Asset Reality's new strategic alliance with Operation Shamrock, aimed at closing the enforcement gap and accelerating victim restitution worldwide. Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction03:30 – The Scamdemic: How pig-butchering scams evolved and scaled globally10:00 – AI and the psychology of scams15:00 – Human trafficking and scam compounds20:00 – Law enforcement challenges 29:00 – Why crypto recovery is easier than you think 46:00 – Social media's role in enabling scams 59:00 – Community, Collaboration and the Crypto Coalition About Our Guests Erin West is the founder of Operation Shamrock, a nonprofit dedicated to disrupting the scam industry through education, advocacy and law enforcement support. After 26 years as a prosecutor, Erin now leads global efforts to fight transnational organized crime and protect victims. Matthew Hogan is a detective with the Connecticut State Police and co-founder of its cryptocurrency working group. He serves on the Secret Service Financial Crimes Task Force and works tirelessly to recover assets for victims of crypto-enabled fraud. Key Takeaways The Scamdemic is Industrial: Pig-butchering scams and sextortion are run from compounds housing tens of thousands of trafficked workers, weaponizing AI and psychological manipulation. Law Enforcement is Outpaced: Crypto recovery is technically easier than physical asset recovery, but resource gaps, bureaucracy and lack of training stall progress. Systemic Change is Needed: From unified reporting systems to breaking down silos, collaboration across law enforcement, tech platforms and financial institutions is critical. Our Partnership with Operation Shamrock Asset Reality and Operation Shamrock have formed a global strategic alliance to: Deliver monthly free crypto seizure training to U.S. and international law enforcement via the Crypto Coalition. Develop standardized playbooks for intake, seizure, and investigation workflows. Launch a global advocacy initiative making victim restitution a core success metric for crypto enforcement. As Aidan Larkin says: “This isn't just about crypto, it's about systemic change. If we empower local agencies with the right playbook and tools, we can disrupt billion-dollar networks before the funds vanish.” Learn moreResources Operation Shamrock Crypto Coalition Chainalysis Report: Seizable Crypto Assets in 2025 Stay Connected Subscribe to Seize & Desist for all the latest insights on asset recovery. Disclaimer Our podcasts are for informational purposes only. They are not intended to provide legal, tax, financial, and/or investment advice. Listeners must consult their own advisors before making decisions on the topics discussed. Asset Reality has no responsibility or liability for any decision made or any other acts or omissions in connection with your use of this material. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by Asset Reality employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the views of the company. Asset Reality does not guarantee or warrant the accuracy, completeness, timeliness, suitability or validity of the information in any particular podcast and will not be responsible for any claim attributable to errors, omissions, or other inaccuracies of any part of such material. Unless stated otherwise, reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Asset Reality.

Tell me what's on your mind.The basics of romance scams haven't changed all that much. Find someone who is lonely, gain their trust and affection, then bleed them dry of all the money and assets they have.In this update to season one's story, we tell you how scammers are using new techniques and technology to make their efforts more effective and dangerous.

On the phone-in: Every year, Canadians lose millions of dollars to online romance scams. We speak with Suzie Dunn -- Assistant Professor of Law at the Schulich School of Law. We also talk with Maryanne Fisher -- a professor of Psychology at Saint Mary's University. They discuss the dangers of romance scams and how to avoid them. Off the top of the show, we also hear about concerns in St Stephen, NB, concerning the town's homeless shelter.

Becky Holmes is the author of "Keanu Reeves is Not in Love With You: The Murky World of Online Romance Fraud." She found notoriety after creating the X account @deathtospinach and since then has continued using humor to expose fraud while investigating romance scammers and the impact of their crimes. In this episode, Holmes joins host Heather Engel to discuss her experience, some of the romance scam tactics she uncovered, how justice systems can support victims, and more. • For more on cybersecurity, visit us at https://cybersecurityventures.com.

 Last year, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center received nearly 18,000 reports of confidence/romance scams that resulted in losses of more than $672 million. Perpetrators of romance scams typically find their victims online, often through social media. They use a fake persona to deceive victims into trusting them or believing they’re interested in them romantically while making gradually increasing demands for money, which is usually sent by wire or cryptocurrency. The FBI says there was a record $9.3 billion in losses in the U.S. last year from scams involving cryptocurrency.    Romance scams can be especially costly for victims. The Columbian recently reported that between January 2021 and November 2024, Vancouver residents who were victims of romance scams lost an average of $112,000, according to the Vancouver Police Department. Sgt. Jay Alie, who oversees the VPD’s Property Crime Unit, says that while many romance scam victims are over the age of 60, people in their 30s and 40s have also fallen for them. Alie’s investigations of romance scams have widened beyond Vancouver to reveal other victims across the U.S. who’ve been ensnared in them, acting as middlemen to launder money for scammers they also believed they were in relationships with.   Sgt. Alie joins us for more details about these scams as they grow more sophisticated and shares how to protect yourself or vulnerable loved ones from them.  

Is there anything real left on the internet? Neil deGrasse Tyson and co-hosts Chuck Nice and Gary O'Reilly explore deepfakes, scams, and cybercrime with the Director of Threat Research at Bitdefender, Bogdan Botezatu. ​​Scams are a trillion-dollar industry; keep your loved ones safe with Bitdefender: https://bitdefend.me/90-StarTalkNOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free here: https://startalkmedia.com/show/deepfakes-and-the-war-on-truth-with-bogdan-botezatu/Thanks to our Patrons Bubbalotski, Oskar Yazan Mellemsether, Craig A, Andrew, Liagadd, William ROberts, Pratiksha, Corey Williams, Keith, anirao, matthew, Cody T, Janna Ladd, Jen Richardson, Elizaveta Nikitenko, James Quagliariello, LA Stritt, Rocco Ciccolini, Kyle Jones, Jeremy Jones, Micheal Fiebelkorn, Erik the Nerd, Debbie Gloom, Adam Tobias Lofton, Chad Stewart, Christy Bradford, David Jirel, e4e5Nf3, John Rost, cluckaizo, Diane Féve, Conny Vigström, Julian Farr, karl Lebeau, AnnElizabeth, p johnson, Jarvis, Charles Bouril, Kevin Salam, Alex Rzem, Joseph Strolin, Madelaine Bertelsen, noel jimenez, Arham Jain, Tim Manzer, Alex, Ray Weikal, Kevin O'Reilly, Mila Love, Mert Durak, Scrubbing Bubblez, Lili Rose, Ram Zaidenvorm, Sammy Aleksov, Carter Lampe, Tom Andrusyna, Raghvendra Singh Bais, ramenbrownie, cap kay, B Rhodes, Chrissi Vergoglini, Micheal Reilly, Mone, Brendan D., Mung, J Ram, Katie Holliday, Nico R, Riven, lanagoeh, Shashank, Bradley Andrews, Jeff Raimer, Angel velez, Sara, Timothy Criss, Katy Boyer, Jesse Hausner, Blue Cardinal, Benjamin Kedwards, Dave, Wen Wei LOKE, Micheal Sacher, Lucas, Ken Kuipers, Alex Marks, Amanda Morrison, Gary Ritter Jr, Bushmaster, thomas hennigan, Erin Flynn, Chad F, fro drick, Ben Speire, Sanjiv VIJ, Sam B, BriarPatch, and Mario Boutet for supporting us this week. Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of StarTalk Radio ad-free and a whole week early.Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Tilda Swinton is one of the UK's most singular and celebrated performers. Over four decades she has delivered unforgettable and varied screen performances, notably Orlando, The Chronicles of Narnia, Michael Clayton and Asteroid City and collaborated with artists and filmmakers. She joins Anita Rani to talk about a new exhibition in Amsterdam celebrating her work and the enduring relationships that have inspired her.According to the latest data, homelessness is rising. Over 130,000 households were in temporary accommodation in June, up 7.6% from last year. Charities warn that women are underrepresented in the data, as they often face different challenges to men. The Women's Rough Sleeping Census, now in its fourth year, aims to address this. Rebecca Goshawk, Director of Business Development at Solace Women's Aid, joins Anita to discuss it. Named after pioneering racing driver Gwenda Stewart, Gwenda's Garage was a real place: where three female mechanics defied the odds by setting up their own garage in Sheffield in the 1980s. Their inspiring story is now a musical on stage in Sheffield which is based on these true events, of women fighting everyday sexism, homophobia and Section 28. Anita is joined by Roz Wollen, one of the co-founders of the original Gwenda's Garage and Val Regan, the production's composer and musical director.The FCA has called on banks and payment firms to bring in stricter controls protecting customers from romance fraud after a study showed a number of missed “red flags” that led to people losing huge sums of money to people creating fake online profiles. They found that women tended to sustain these relationships for longer which could mean a bigger scam. Anita speaks to Beth Harris, Head of Financial Crime at the Financial Conduct Authority to ask how we can be aware of these scams and avoid them, and what banks should be doing to assist.Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Corinna Jones

The McGraw Show 10-13-25: No Mail Today, LPGA Romance Scams, New Homes in Cottleville & Mid-East Peace by

The McGraw Show 9-25-25: Romance Scams, Bug Eaters, Work Slop, Ryder's Cup & "Religious Beliefs" by

On Today's BEST OF The MJ Morning Show 28 Miracles at 35,000 Feet What Is Recession Hair Morons in the news MJ Morning Show Saving Your Relationship - Never Use This Phrase With Your Significant Other How Fester Got Free Food For A YEAR Receipt - Kitchen Appreciation w/calls MJ Checked in LIVE Celebrity Romance Scams Featuring Calls From Our Listeners Throning/Dating up Middle Of The Night Classified Ad Prank Calls What Are Women Attracted To In Men Concert Economics - How Much Do You Pay Per Song? What Do Employees Steal From Work Classic Crotchety - The Garage Door How Can You Tell That She's Just Not Into You

The threat of cyber-attacks, scams, and just simply being taken advantage of continues to be a major concern. Welcome, I'm James Derrick, and today, I will be joined by Mikal Aune to discuss allowing your financial advisor to be your financial bodyguard.

Do you love a true crime scam documentary? Our latest Happy Place Book Club read is for you! Iconic author Lisa Jewell has written Don't Let Him In, a thriller about a perfect man... who's a fraudulent liar.In this chat with Fearne, live from The Happy Place Festival, Lisa explains how she got into the mind of a psychopath despite being a very honest person herself. They explore how people fall for charming romance scammers, and how Lisa has become a relentlessly happy person.Plus, Lisa's written 24 novels but has given up on trying to be a ‘professional' kind of person – she explains how to sod the rules and build confidence in your own process.If you're new to Happy Place Book Club episodes, don't worry, there are no spoilers here! If you want to join the Book Club, we're on Instagram @happyplacebookclub, and Book Club episodes are released the first Friday of every month!Thank you to Penguin Audio for the use of Don't Let Him In audiobook, narrated by Richard Armitage, Joanna Froggatt, Louise Brealey, Gemma Whelan and Tamryn Payne.If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Book Club Meets: Emily Henry Book Club Meets: Lorna Tucker Book Club Meets: Clare Leslie Hall Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Loneliness can leave us vulnerable, and scammers know it. I'll cover how romance scams work, the tactics scammers use to build trust and steal thousands, and the red flags to watch for, both for yourself and your loved ones. If you think it can't happen to you, think again.

Sexual predators think scamming you for sex is funny. When it happens to you, you'll know, unequivocally....it's a crime!Problem is, our laws fail to prosecute offenders for this insidious form of sexual assault.Combating Romance Scams gives you the knowledge and pathway toward recognition and transformational change. If this defiling crime happened to you, or someone you love, you need to read this book!https://amzn.to/4o3n40fBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-opperman-report--1198501/support.

In this episode, Kate dives into ROMCON, a true crime documentary that unravels the shocking story of Toronto real estate broker Heather Rovet and her whirlwind romance with “Jace”—a man she would later discover was Jason Porter, a convicted felon with a long trail of romantic fraud. What began as a dream relationship spiraled into a nightmare, as Heather uncovered a pattern of deception, lies, and manipulation affecting women across North America. Heather Rovet joins Kate to share her harrowing journey from victim to investigator, revealing how she risked everything to bring Jason Porter's crimes to light. Later, Kate is joined by Melissa and Mandy, co-hosts of the Moms & Murders podcast, to break down the red flags, the psychology of con artists, and why this case hits so hard in the age of digital dating. Reality Life with Kate Casey What to Watch List: https://katecasey.substack.com Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/katecasey Twitter: https://twitter.com/katecasey Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/katecaseyca Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itskatecasey?lang=en Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/113157919338245 Amazon List: https://www.amazon.com/shop/katecasey Like it to Know It: https://www.shopltk.com/explore/katecaseySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Tonight, You or someone you know is about to “Download Danger!” According to the Federal Trade Commission, in 2023, one-point-one-four BILLION was lost in Romance Scams! But, hey, you're pretty savvy and you're not even looking for love. You know your way around a keyboard and can sniff out a scammer, right? Guess again… because the scammers we're talking about tonight are using Artificial Intelligence and Crypto Currency to separate you from your cold, hard cash. Lucy discusses her budding but troubling on-line relationship with a man named “Kane”. What Lucy didn't realize is that scammers were using A-I to bring a stolen identity to ‘life' and prey upon Lucy's trusting nature. Thank you to our sponsors: Tax Network USA: CALL 1-800-958-1000 or visit https://TNUSA.com/DRPHIL/  to speak to one of our strategists for FREE today Beam: Visit https://ShopBeam.com/DrPhil/ and use code DRPHIL for up to 40% off. Jase Medical: Go to https://Jase.com/  and enter code PHIL at checkout Preserve Gold: Visit: https://drphilgold.com/   Get a FREE precious metals guide that contains essential information on how to help protect your accounts. Text “DRPHIL” to 50505 to claim this exclusive offer from Preserve Gold today.

QUIZ OF ROMANCE SCAMS ONLINE RISING. SIMON CONSTABLE, OCCITANIE., WSJ. 1908