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Scams and safety threats don't always announce themselves. Sometimes they start quietly, with a moment of distraction, a strange feeling you ignore, or a situation that shifts just enough to test whether you're paying attention.
My guest today is S. Gale Bleth, a personal safety educator, certified RAD self-defense instructor, speaker, and author of Aware: A Personal Safety Playbook for Leaving the Nest. Gale brings a deep background in crime prevention and safety education, including 16 years at Cal State East Bay and 16 years as a crime prevention specialist with the Hayward Police Department. Personal safety is not about walking around scared or suspicious of everyone. It is about giving yourself a few simple habits to fall back on when something feels off, so you can pause, read the situation, and decide what to do next.
We talk about Gale's AWARE method, the idea that most safety starts with education, and the small choices that can matter more than people realize: putting the phone away in a parking lot, noticing exits when you walk into a building, and trusting that uneasy feeling instead of brushing it off. Gale also explains what makes someone a useful witness, why details matter, and how awareness can help without turning everyday life into something fearful.
Show Notes:
[01:00] S. Gale Bleth shares how her career began in higher education, where she worked with student organizations, supported campus events, and discovered her interest in teaching and training. [03:10] A campus safety role led to RAD self-defense training, which eventually became a major part of Gale's work and helped shape her approach to personal safety education. [05:28] How children's safety training has evolved, including the continued importance of stranger awareness and helping kids recognize uncomfortable touch. [07:00] The meaning behind Gale's AWARE method: Alert, Watch, Assess, Respond, and Escape. [09:36] A practical example of how the AWARE method can help someone assess risk in a social setting and decide whether to stay or leave. [13:10] Why people need to trust the feeling that something is off instead of dismissing their instincts or ignoring their surroundings. [15:00] Cooper's color code of awareness explains the difference between being unaware, casually alert, actively concerned, and forced to respond in danger. [18:00] Education plays a major role in personal safety because it helps people avoid freezing or panicking when something unexpected happens. [19:45] The importance of knowing escape routes in public places, especially at concerts, restaurants, theaters, and other crowded locations. [22:13] What it looks like when someone's behavior does not match the setting, and why that can be a signal to pay closer attention. [24:30] How to balance awareness with basic kindness when interacting with people who may seem unstable, angry, or unpredictable. [27:58] Confident body language, voice, and boundaries can help people protect themselves before a situation escalates physically. [28:33] Why phones create vulnerability in parking garages, airports, travel settings, and other places where attention matters. [31:45] The AWARE method can become an everyday safety habit that helps people notice, assess, and respond with more confidence. [33:01] Being a good witness can be more helpful than trying to be a hero, especially when law enforcement needs clear details. [35:10] Gale explains how to practice observing people, vehicles, direction of travel, clothing, and other details before an emergency happens. [37:20] Specific details such as tattoos, accents, clothing, weapons, or which direction someone ran can make a witness report much more useful. [39:34] Vehicle descriptions, license plates, cameras, and direction of flight can all help investigators connect important pieces of information. [42:33] Gale shares where listeners can find her online and learn more about Aware: A Personal Safety Playbook for Leaving the Nest.Thanks for joining us on Easy Prey. Be sure to subscribe to our podcast on iTunes and leave a nice review.
Links and Resources: Podcast Web Page Facebook Page whatismyipaddress.com Easy Prey on Instagram Easy Prey on Twitter Easy Prey on LinkedIn Easy Prey on YouTube -
Everyday conveniences ask for tiny pieces of information all the time like a phone number at checkout, a zip code at the register, an email address for a receipt, or a loyalty account for a small discount. At the moment, it can feel harmless. But those small details can add up quickly, creating a personal profile that businesses, data brokers, scammers, and even people with bad intentions can use in ways most of us never agreed to or fully understood.
My guest today is Ron Zayas, CEO of Ironwall by Incogni. Ron is an online privacy expert, speaker, and author who has helped the judiciary, law enforcement, and public agencies protect personnel by removing personal data from online sources. Since founding the company in 2011, the proactive strategies he developed have helped protect thousands of at-risk professionals, including judges, police officers, public officials, executives, and others who face real-world threats when their private information is exposed.
We talk about why your mobile number has become one of the most valuable identifiers companies can collect, how everyday purchases can reveal more than you think, and why scammers are often looking for the easiest target rather than the hardest one. Ron also shares practical ways to reduce your exposure, from questioning why a business needs your information to using aliases, opting out of data sharing, and removing personal details from online databases. The goal is not to vanish from the world, but to make yourself harder to find, harder to profile, and harder to exploit.
Show Notes:
[01:12] Ron Zayas explains how Ironwall by Incogni protects the privacy of individuals ranging from Supreme Court justices and police officers to corporate executives and everyday consumers. [04:18] How even a simple pizza order can reveal patterns about a person's life, including family structure, work schedule, and daily routines. [07:43] We talk about how selling personal data became its own revenue stream, sometimes making customer information more profitable than the original product or service. [10:41] Practical privacy habits come into focus, including removing registration cards from cars, questioning why businesses need certain information, and refusing to provide details that are not necessary. [13:17] A real-world scam example shows how urgency, voice recordings, and personal details gathered from social media can quickly override someone's judgment. [16:24] We discuss email aliases and phone aliases as tools for limiting exposure and tracking which companies may be sharing or selling personal information. [19:28] How personal data can become dangerous beyond marketing, especially when sensitive purchase patterns or location information can be tied to legal, medical, or personal risks. [22:19] How GPS data can be filtered by home and work locations to reveal a person's daily route, stops, habits, and family routines. [25:39] The data broker industry is described as a massive business, with profiles that can contain thousands of data points about a single person. [28:42] We talk about how privacy habits become easier with practice and why reducing the amount of available information makes someone a harder target. [31:17] How much effort people should realistically expect to put into protecting their information, starting with prevention and asking how little information a company actually needs. [34:13] Practical ways to reduce transaction tracking include using chip cards, virtual credit card numbers, deletion requests, and opt-out forms from financial institutions. [37:28] The conversation shifts to Ironwall's higher-risk work protecting people who may face physical danger, including judges, police officers, elected officials, executives, and domestic violence victims. [40:09] The difference between Incogni and Ironwall becomes clear, with Incogni focused on consumer privacy concerns and Ironwall focused on people who need stronger protection from real-world threats. [42:17] We talk about "suckers lists" and how people who have already been scammed may become targets for recovery scams and follow-up fraud.Thanks for joining us on Easy Prey. Be sure to subscribe to our podcast on iTunes and leave a nice review.
Links and Resources: Podcast Web Page Facebook Page whatismyipaddress.com Easy Prey on Instagram Easy Prey on Twitter Easy Prey on LinkedIn Easy Prey on YouTube Easy Prey on Pinterest Ron Zayas - Ironwall by Incogni Ironwall Ron Zayas - LinkedIn -
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Scams are often explained as a failure of judgment, but the truth is far more human. People are not fooled because they are foolish. They are manipulated at the exact moment emotion overrides logic, whether that emotion is fear, loneliness, hope, urgency, financial stress, or the desire to believe something better is finally possible.
My guest today is Dr. John Demartini, one of the world's leading authorities on human behavior, perception, resilience, and personal development. For more than five decades, he has researched, written, and taught in the fields of human awareness and potential. He is the founder of the Demartini Method, a structured process used around the world by clinicians, coaches, and individuals to help dissolve emotional trauma, restore clarity, and support better decision-making. He is also the author of more than 40 books, has spoken in over 100 countries, and has worked with tens of thousands of people navigating everything from personal crises to high performance.
Dr. Demartini explains why scammers are so effective at exploiting emotional blind spots, especially when someone is dealing with loss or uncertainty. We talk about what happens in the brain when a person reacts before they think, why "too good to be true" offers can feel so convincing in the moment, and how people can recover after being deceived without turning shame into part of their identity.
Show Notes:
[02:09] Dr. John Demartini shares how a childhood learning challenge, speech impediment, and a powerful encounter with a teacher in Hawaii shaped his lifelong work in human behavior and potential. [03:08] Scams, fraud, and the emotional impact these experiences have on people beyond the mechanics of how money moves. [04:31] Why scammers exploit emotions like fear, loneliness, urgency, hope, greed, trust, authority, and compassion to push people into reactive decisions. [07:30] We learn how pain points and pleasure points make people vulnerable, especially when scammers know how to present relief, reward, or escape in the exact area where someone feels exposed. [08:22] Dr. Demartini shares a story about his son being targeted by a money-making scam and how he quickly recognized the promise of turning $2,000 into $20,000 as a classic red flag. [10:32] The difference between emotional, fast-response thinking and more objective thinking, and why "too good to be true" offers should immediately trigger caution. [11:56] Why one-sided promises are dangerous, whether they are built around fantasy, fear, or a claim that reward comes without risk. [13:09] Dr. Demartini explains why people going through major transitions, loss, financial pain, or relationship struggles are often targeted by scammers. [14:50] Money, investing, and why excitement can be a warning sign when someone is being pushed toward a financial decision. [16:40] How scams often succeed when people believe they can get a reward without an equal risk. [18:00] The aftermath of scams and how people can avoid letting one painful experience become part of their identity. [19:04] A story about a man who lost hundreds of millions of dollars and began to see the hidden gains, lessons, and protections that came from the loss. [22:55] How asking better questions can help someone reframe a painful experience and move from feeling like a victim of history to becoming more intentional about the future. [24:40] Romance scams and the difficult moment when victims realize they may not only struggle to trust others, but also struggle to trust themselves. [25:49] How people can rebuild self-trust by examining what the experience taught them instead of staying stuck in shame or self-blame. [27:28] We discuss prevention, including how to listen to the inner warning voice when something feels emotionally extreme or too perfectly one-sided. [29:25] Examples of recognizing suspicious behavior and using direct questions to disrupt situations where someone may be trying to manipulate or exploit him. [31:10] We hear about a seminar speaker making unrealistic promises about fast wealth and bestseller success, and why that kind of highly polished fantasy can pull people in. [33:15] The value of having trusted people as sounding boards, especially when emotions make it harder to see a decision clearly. [34:11] How people around us often see what we miss and why asking others for input can reduce the risk of acting impulsively. [35:44] Why trust should be based on understanding what someone is truly dedicated to, not on expecting them to share our values or fantasies. [38:22] How identifying your highest values can make you less vulnerable to manipulation and more grounded in your decisions. [39:23] The value determination process, including the questions that reveal how people actually spend their time, energy, money, attention, and emotional focus. [41:43] Advice for people who have been scammed, encouraging them to see the experience as a revealed blind spot rather than a permanent source of shame. [43:07] A reminder that sharing a painful experience can help others feel less alone and may prevent someone else from falling into the same trap.Thanks for joining us on Easy Prey. Be sure to subscribe to our podcast on iTunes and leave a nice review.
Links and Resources: Podcast Web Page Facebook Page whatismyipaddress.com Easy Prey on Instagram Easy Prey on Twitter Easy Prey on LinkedIn Easy Prey on YouTube Easy Prey on Pinterest Dr. John Demartini The Demartini Value Determination Process Books by Dr. John Demartini -
Investment losses can be confusing because they do not always tell the whole story. Sometimes money is lost because the market has changed. Other times, an investor was sold something they did not understand, pushed into a product that was never appropriate, or denied the information they needed to make a real decision. Courtney Werning has built her career in that space, helping investors sort through what happened and whether someone can be held responsible.
Courtney is a named partner at Meyer, Wilson, and Werning, a national investor protection firm that has recovered more than $350 million since 1999. She leads the firm's crypto investment fraud practice through CryptoCourt, serves on FINRA's National Arbitration and Mediation Committee, and is the incoming PIABA president. In this conversation, she explains the difference between a bad investment, misrepresentation, misconduct, Ponzi schemes, and the newer wave of crypto fraud that has become especially devastating for older investors.
We also talk about the warning signs people often miss, from guaranteed returns and "secret" opportunities to unsolicited messages on social media, WhatsApp, LinkedIn, and Instagram. Courtney shares why trusted contacts on brokerage accounts matter, how recovery scams target people who have already been defrauded, and why it is so important to verify lawyers, financial advisors, and investment opportunities before sending money anywhere.
Show Notes: [00:57] Courtney Werning explains how she became an investor protection attorney and why representing regular investors against large Wall Street institutions has been such meaningful work. [03:29] Investment losses do not always mean misconduct occurred, but Courtney explains how negligence, misrepresentation, unsuitable recommendations, and outright fraud can create valid claims. [05:25] Misrepresentation often happens when investors are not given the material facts they need to understand risks, fees, liquidity issues, or the potential loss of principal. [07:19] Many investors don't know what they were missing until after a product fails and an attorney reviews what should have been disclosed. [09:22] Ponzi schemes continue to appear in many forms, using new investor money to pay earlier investors until the scheme eventually collapses. [12:01] Scammers build confidence by showing early returns, encouraging victims to invest more, and making the opportunity feel safe before the larger loss occurs. [14:44] Cryptocurrency fraud losses have climbed sharply, and Courtney explains why the reported numbers likely represent only part of the true scale. [17:03] Repeated scam playbooks, fake insider connections, AI tools, voice replication, and polished platforms make crypto fraud increasingly difficult to recognize. [19:54] A trusted contact on a brokerage account can give firms a way to alert someone the investor trusts when unusual activity or possible exploitation appears. [22:27] Trusted contacts work more like emergency contacts than account controllers, helping preserve independence while adding a layer of protection. [24:35] Once someone realizes they may have been defrauded, the first steps are shutting down the account, contacting law enforcement, and getting legal guidance. [27:29] Even if months or years have passed, some losses may still be recoverable, though quick reporting gives law enforcement the best chance of stopping funds. [30:06] Recovery scams prey on people who are already panicked, promising to trace or retrieve stolen crypto in exchange for more money. [31:29] Courtney shares the devastating case of a Modesto man who lost millions in a pig butchering scam and was later pressured with fake insider trading threats. [34:11] A trusted contact was listed on the victim's account, and Courtney believes a brief phone call to his wife could have prevented both the financial loss and the tragedy that followed. [36:39] Investor recovery cases are often handled on contingency, which means firms must evaluate whether litigation can realistically benefit the client. [39:12] Because the firm is selective about the cases it takes, Courtney says clients offered representation can usually feel confident there is a strong case. [40:18] Unsolicited messages on social media, WhatsApp, LinkedIn, Instagram, or X should be treated with extreme skepticism, especially when investment opportunities are involved. [42:25] Hacked social media accounts can make scams appear to come from trusted local figures, friends, or family members. [44:06] Secret or exclusive investment opportunities that cannot be discussed openly are major red flags, especially if someone coaches the investor on what to say. [45:06] Courtney explains how to contact her firm, verify that an attorney is real through a state bar search, and check financial professionals through FINRA BrokerCheck.Thanks for joining us on Easy Prey. Be sure to subscribe to our podcast on iTunes and leave a nice review.
Links and Resources: Podcast Web Page Facebook Page whatismyipaddress.com Easy Prey on Instagram Easy Prey on Twitter Easy Prey on LinkedIn Easy Prey on YouTube Easy Prey on Pinterest Courtney Werning - Meyer Wilson Werning Courtney Werning - LinkedIn FBI's IC3 FINRA BrokerCheck -
Aging parents often rely on the people closest to them for help, but what happens when that help becomes a way to take control? For Charles Wallace, the warning signs started small. His mother's fridge was suddenly overfilled. A caregiver refused to provide receipts. Spending patterns began to shift in ways that did not make sense. At the time, each concern could be explained away. Looking back, they were part of something much larger.
Charles spent 15 years in banking and finance, and after his mother's death, he used that experience to reconstruct more than 3,000 transactions. What he found was a devastating pattern of elder financial abuse involving a professional caregiver, nearly a million dollars in losses, missing belongings, questionable legal changes, and systems that failed to respond when the red flags were already there.
This conversation is both personal and practical. Charles shares the story behind his book, The Caregiver's Game, while also explaining what families can do differently when hiring caregivers, monitoring finances, protecting valuables, and watching for subtle signs of manipulation. It is a difficult story, but an important one for anyone with aging parents, vulnerable relatives, or concerns about how easily trust can be weaponized.
Show Notes: [01:06] Charles Wallace explains how his background in IT, project management, banking, healthcare, and application development later shaped the way he investigated his mother's case. [04:23] A neurology appointment became a turning point when the caregiver observed the cognitive testing and likely understood the seriousness of the results. [07:18] After his mother's death, the family learned about a new will and an annuity that could have paid the caregiver roughly half a million dollars. [10:31] Looking back, Charles reflects on trusting the broker, CPA, and other professionals to watch out for his mother, not realizing how much could still slip through. [12:49] Credit card activity told a larger story, with spending spreading across the county in ways that did not match his mother's habits. [15:05] Over three years, the caregiver billed for 24-hour care, seven days a week, despite having no credentials. [18:22] Once the bank and credit card statements were finally available, the changes in spending habits were obvious. [21:38] The conversation turns to how banks, CPAs, and families might better monitor accounts by looking beyond total spending and watching detailed patterns. [24:52] Hiring a caregiver outside an agency is identified as a major risk factor, especially when the caregiver is unlicensed and approaches the older adult directly. [28:42] After the annuity payout was blocked, later emails and property activity left Charles with unresolved questions about what really happened next. [31:48] Families can reduce risk by hiring caregivers through an agency and making sure they retain the authority to hire and fire. [34:47] Removing valuables, keeping a mental inventory, and noticing when belongings disappear can help families catch problems sooner. [37:46] Charles points to possible improvements such as caregiver registries, fingerprinting, and stronger systems to protect older adults from financial exploitation. [38:26] The Caregiver's Game offers a forensic look at elder financial abuse and the daily warning signs families may miss until it is too late.Thanks for joining us on Easy Prey. Be sure to subscribe to our podcast on iTunes and leave a nice review.
Links and Resources: Podcast Web Page Facebook Page whatismyipaddress.com Easy Prey on Instagram Easy Prey on Twitter Easy Prey on LinkedIn Easy Prey on YouTube Easy Prey on Pinterest The Caregiver's Game -
The world of art theft looks glamorous in the movies, but the reality is far more complicated. From multi-million dollar forgery schemes to undercover FBI operations recovering stolen national treasures, art crime is a global industry hiding in plain sight.
This conversation digs into how these crimes actually play out and why the people who pull them off often end up stuck with the very pieces they thought would make them rich.
My guest today is Robert Wittman, a former FBI special agent and the founder of the FBI's Art Crime Team. Over a 20-year career, he worked undercover in more than 20 countries and helped recover over $300 million in stolen art and cultural property. He's also the author of Priceless, where he shares stories from those investigations and what really goes on behind the scenes.
We discuss the movie version of art crime and how it actually works. Whitman explains why most stolen masterpieces are nearly impossible to sell, how insider access plays a role in many museum thefts, and why forgery and fraud now make up the bulk of the market. There's also a practical side to it. Whether it's fine art, prints, or even sports memorabilia, the same patterns show up again and again. People trust the wrong details, skip the research, and get pulled in by what feels like a deal. The takeaway is pretty straightforward. Slow down, check what you're buying, and don't assume something is real just because the story sounds convincing.
Show Notes: [01:06] Robert Wittman introduces his FBI career and explains how he founded the Art Crime Team, leading investigations across 20 countries and recovering over $300 million in stolen art. [04:01] He shares how he ended up in art crime almost by accident, getting assigned museum theft cases early in his career when no one else wanted them. [07:00] We get a breakdown of the art crime industry, including how much of it is driven by forgery and fraud versus outright theft. [10:00] Whitman explains why stolen high-value artwork is extremely difficult to sell and often becomes a liability for the criminals who take it. [13:43] A reality check on museum security, comparing Hollywood portrayals to how thefts actually happen in the U.S. and abroad. [16:18] The conversation shifts to jewelry theft and why stolen gems are far easier to break down and resell than famous works of art. [19:19] He walks through a major forgery case involving a well-known New York gallery that unknowingly sold millions of dollars in fake paintings. [22:55] Practical advice for everyday buyers on how to avoid getting scammed when purchasing art or collectibles online. [26:34] One of the most fascinating recoveries: an original copy of the Bill of Rights stolen in the 1800s and tracked down over a century later. [30:20] A much smaller but equally interesting case involving ancient cylinder seals and how they were unknowingly brought back from Iraq. [32:30] The risks in the sports memorabilia market, including widespread forgery and why authentication matters more than ever. [35:37] Final advice on protecting yourself as both a buyer and seller by doing basic research and understanding the true value of what you have.Thanks for joining us on Easy Prey. Be sure to subscribe to our podcast on iTunes and leave a nice review.
Links and Resources: Podcast Web Page Facebook Page whatismyipaddress.com Easy Prey on Instagram Easy Prey on Twitter Easy Prey on LinkedIn Easy Prey on YouTube Easy Prey on Pinterest Robert Wittman Robert Wittman - LinkedIn FBI Art Crime Team Priceless The Devil's Diary -
We make predictions all the time including about the weather, about traffic, about what someone is going to say next. It feels natural, even rational. But when algorithms start making predictions about us, whether we'll repay a loan, reoffend after prison, or respond to a medical treatment, something fundamental shifts. The forecast stops being a guess and starts becoming a verdict.
My guest today is Carissa Veliz, a philosopher and associate professor at the University of Oxford, where she also researches at the Oxford Internet Institute. Her work focuses on the ethics of technology, privacy, and artificial intelligence, and she advises companies and governments around the world on these issues. She's the author of the widely acclaimed book Privacy is Power, The Ethics of Privacy and Surveillance, and her new book, Prophecy: Prediction, Power, and the Fight for the Future, from Ancient Oracles to AI, is out now.
We talk about how the role of prophet has simply changed costumes throughout history from oracles and astrologers to economists and now tech executives and why that matters more than most people realize. Carissa explains how predictions about human beings are fundamentally different from predictions about the weather, why so many AI-driven forecasts are closer to commands than hypotheses, and what it actually looks like to take back your agency in a world increasingly shaped by algorithms.
Show Notes: [01:13] Carissa Veliz shares her background in philosophy, ethics, and advising companies and governments on technology and data. [02:35] She explains how prediction has existed throughout human history, from survival instincts to ancient prophecy. [03:49] The role of "prophets" evolves over time—from oracles and astrologers to economists, data scientists, and tech leaders. [07:05] Predictions about people differ from predictions about nature because they can influence outcomes and become self-fulfilling. [07:55] Many modern predictions, especially from tech leaders, function more like commands than neutral observations. [10:13] Carissa outlines key questions to ask when evaluating any prediction, including who benefits if it comes true. [10:13] She argues society has been overly naive about predictions, often mistaking power plays for objective knowledge. [14:18] AI systems are designed to please users, which can conflict with truth-seeking and scientific rigor. [14:54] Growing superstitions around AI include attributing agency, intention, or even spirituality to algorithms. [15:47] People begin trying to "please the algorithm," creating a modern version of superstition in digital systems. [19:55] The lack of regulation in AI places the burden of understanding risks entirely on individuals. [19:55] Carissa argues the real issue isn't just bias, but whether predictions about people should be used at all. [24:49] Insurance shifts from pooling risk across populations to targeting individuals, increasing inequality and personal burden. [27:02] Self-fulfilling prophecies in medicine and decision-making can hide their own failures by erasing alternative outcomes. [30:25] Predictive systems risk limiting human potential by filtering out those who don't fit expected patterns. [30:25] Society thrives when individuals can defy expectations, something prediction-heavy systems may suppress. [35:21] Algorithms reduce exposure to randomness, while real-world interactions create unexpected opportunities and insight. [36:11] Over-reliance on AI can replace human relationships and narrow life experiences. [36:11] Carissa reframes uncertainty as a positive force that enables freedom, choice, and democratic possibility. [36:11] She encourages treating predictions as possibilities to question—not instructions to follow.Thanks for joining us on Easy Prey. Be sure to subscribe to our podcast on iTunes and leave a nice review.
Links and Resources: Podcast Web Page Facebook Page whatismyipaddress.com Easy Prey on Instagram Easy Prey on Twitter Easy Prey on LinkedIn Easy Prey on YouTube Easy Prey on Pinterest Carissa Veliz Carissa Veliz - LinkedIn How Privacy Can Save Your Life | Carissa Véliz | TEDxPorto Prophecy: Prediction, Power, and the Fight for the Future, from Ancient Oracles to AI Oxford Handbook of Digital Ethics Privacy is Power: Why and How You Should Take Back Control of Your Data The Ethics of Privacy and Surveillance -
Online security advice often sounds simple until you actually try to follow it. Between password managers, privacy settings, and data brokers, protecting yourself can start to feel like a full-time job. That gap between what sounds easy and what's actually realistic is where a lot of people get stuck.
My guest today is Yael Grauer, a freelance investigative technology reporter who covers privacy, security, digital freedom, hacking, and mass surveillance. She also works as a program manager of cybersecurity research at Consumer Reports, where she manages Security Planner, a free resource that provides customized guidance to help people stay safe online.
We discuss what actually matters when it comes to protecting yourself, why so much of the responsibility ends up on individuals, and how to approach security in a way that's realistic. She explains where the biggest risks tend to come from, what people often overlook, and how to make practical decisions without turning it into something that takes over your time.
Show Notes: [01:02] Yael explains her role at Consumer Reports and how she moved from investigative reporting into security and privacy work. [04:26] Long lists of security steps can overwhelm people, often leading to inaction. [06:52] Real progress requires pressure on companies and policymakers, not just individuals. [09:41] Security advice quickly becomes outdated as platforms and settings constantly change. [12:34] App permissions and privacy settings are often confusing and inconsistent across platforms. [16:30] Panic and stress can make even simple security decisions harder in the moment. [19:50] A practical approach is focusing on the risks most likely to affect you first. [20:19] Media and pop culture create unrealistic expectations about hacking and surveillance. [25:22] Yael shares personal examples of falling for phishing attempts despite her expertise. [27:30] Timing and context can make anyone vulnerable, even those who understand the risks. [30:00] The way you pay matters, with credit cards offering better protection in many cases. [33:24] Social media platforms often fail to respond effectively to compromised accounts. [36:27] Concerns about surveillance often center on location tracking and shared data. [39:38] Tools meant for serious crimes can gradually be used for less critical enforcement. [43:15] Clear, readable privacy policies help people make informed decisions about their data. [45:08] Privacy isn't gone, but maintaining it requires ongoing effort and awareness. [47:20] Data broker opt-out tools show progress, though they don't fully solve the problem. [52:00] Different state laws create inconsistent protections and added complexity. [55:13] Final advice focuses on taking small, practical steps instead of trying to do everything at once.Thanks for joining us on Easy Prey. Be sure to subscribe to our podcast on iTunes and leave a nice review.
Links and Resources: Podcast Web Page Facebook Page whatismyipaddress.com Easy Prey on Instagram Easy Prey on Twitter Easy Prey on LinkedIn Easy Prey on YouTube Easy Prey on Pinterest Yael Grauer Yael Grauer - LinkedIn Yael Grauer - Consumer Reports Yael Grauer - Instagram -
It's easy to think scams only work when someone misses something obvious. In reality, most of them don't look obvious at the start. They show up as normal situations with just enough friction to notice, but not enough to stop. That small gap is where people tend to move forward instead of stepping back.
My guest today is Tali Sharot, a cognitive neuroscientist who studies how we form beliefs and make decisions. She's known for her research on the neural basis of human optimism, and her work has been published in leading journals. In her books, The Optimism Bias and The Science of Optimism, she explains why we expect things to work out and how that tendency can quietly expose us to risk.
We discuss what's happening in those in-between moments, why a situation can feel slightly off and still seem reasonable enough to continue, and how past experience lowers our guard without us noticing. We also look at that brief internal hesitation people tend to override, and why it's often the most useful signal they have. By the time something clearly crosses the line, the decision has usually already been made.
Show Notes: [01:14] Tali explains her background as a cognitive neuroscientist and how her work blends psychology, brain science, and behavior. [01:48] Her interest in the field began with a simple question about how the brain drives thoughts, emotions, and actions. [03:00] She shares a personal story about renting out her apartment that turned into a scam. [04:30] Early warning signs show up right away, including unusual requests and meeting conditions. [05:30] Despite noticing those signals, she moves forward and hands over the keys. [08:43] Looking back, she explains how she rationalized each red flag instead of acting on it. [10:02] That uneasy gut feeling is often based on real information your brain is processing quickly. [11:40] Repeated positive experiences can lower your guard and make risky situations feel familiar. [12:30] The "truth bias" leads people to assume others are being honest unless something clearly proves otherwise. [14:00] There's often a gap between what you feel in the moment and how you explain it afterward. [17:45] The emotional impact of being scammed can linger long after the financial loss is resolved. [20:47] The brain constantly predicts what should happen next and reacts when something doesn't fit. [21:30] Subtle cues like timing, tone, and facial expression can signal deception without you realizing it. [24:58] Repetition makes scammers more convincing by smoothing out inconsistencies in their story. [26:18] Online communication removes many of the signals people rely on to judge trustworthiness. [27:59] Setting simple personal rules can help you avoid engaging with common scam tactics. [31:00] People are more vulnerable when they want something to be true, especially in relationships or opportunities. [34:30] Even basic checks, like verifying an email address, can stop many scams early. [36:43] A lot of scams succeed because people don't pause long enough to look closely. [38:19] Familiar situations lead to less attention over time, making it easier to miss important details.s on Easy Prey. Be sure to subscribe to our podcast on iTunes and leave a nice review.
Links and Resources: Podcast Web Page Facebook Page whatismyipaddress.com Easy Prey on Instagram Easy Prey on Twitter Easy Prey on LinkedIn Easy Prey on YouTube Easy Prey on Pinterest Tali Sharot - Affective Brain Lab Tali Sharot - MIT Tali Sharot - The Optimism Bias The Optimism Bias The Science of Optimism Books by Tali Sharot -
Most scams leave a digital trail. A fake email, a spoofed number, a fraudulent website. You can trace them, report them, sometimes even reverse them. But what happens when the scam has no digital trail at all, because it isn't happening on a screen? What happens when the con is standing right in front of you, making you laugh, meeting your friends, and planning a future with you?
My guest today is Tracy Hall. She's an author, keynote speaker, and senior marketing executive with over 25 years at some of the world's most recognizable tech companies including eBay, Virgin, GoDaddy, and Afterpay. She is sharp, successful, and by every measure, exactly the kind of person you'd assume would see it coming. She didn't. And neither would you.
In 2017, Tracy woke up to a Crime Stoppers video of an unidentified man being arrested outside a Sydney apartment. That man was her boyfriend of 18 months. Except he wasn't who she thought he was. The man she knew as Max Tevita a Bondi surfer, a finance executive, the person she was building a life with was actually Hamish McLaren, Australia's most infamous conman, a man who had been running long game cons for thirty years across multiple countries, stealing somewhere between eighty and a hundred million dollars from victims around the world.
Tracy was his last victim before his arrest. He had stolen her entire life savings of $317,000 and far more than that. This is a story about what happens when the scam isn't a phishing email. It's a relationship. And it will change the way you think about trust, manipulation, and what any of us are actually capable of missing.
Show Notes: [1:03] With 25 years as a senior marketing executive behind her, Tracy shares how a year after separating from her husband she began online dating, where she met a man calling himself Max Tevita. [3:25] Presenting himself as a Bondi surfer and chief investment officer, Max spent 18 months slowly and methodically guiding Tracy to invest her entire life savings with him. [5:55] A crime stoppers video changed everything. The man Tracy knew as her boyfriend was actually Hamish McLaren, a professional conman who had been defrauding victims globally for 30 years and stealing an estimated $80 to $100 million. [7:36] A masterful shapeshifter, McLaren adjusted his persona in real time based on Tracy's reactions, including quietly getting rid of his five cars after she called him out on it. [9:54] Tracy breaks down the psychological mechanics of the con, including similarity bias, mirroring, and how McLaren constructed a character she was essentially telling him she wanted. [11:05] Through elaborate "movie sets and scenes," McLaren built layers of authority and confirmation bias over 18 months, making investing her life savings with him feel completely logical. [14:21] Some moments only made sense in hindsight, including a childhood friend accidentally calling McLaren by his nickname "Ham Bone" and his instant, convincing cover story on the spot. [18:22] Humans default to truth, and Tracy explains how that biological wiring makes us uniquely vulnerable to manipulation, especially around emotionally charged stories. [19:29] Every victim got their own version of McLaren barrister, triathlete, business strategist as Tracy describes meeting others who had each been conned by an entirely different character. [22:53] Learning to trust other people wasn't the hard part. Tracy reflects on why rebuilding faith in her own judgment was far more difficult, and how shame dominated the aftermath. [25:21] Through professional help and a conscious daily decision not to let McLaren turn her into a cynical person, Tracy describes how she slowly rebuilt both her finances and her sense of self. [27:05] Understanding the psychology behind scams, cognitive biases, invisible contracts of trust, emotional exploitation is the best defense we have, and Tracy breaks down exactly how it works. [31:33] The medium may be different, but the tactics aren't — Tracy draws striking parallels between her in-person experience and digital romance baiting scams, showing how the emotional manipulation is nearly identical. [34:00] There is no demographic, age group, or intelligence level that is immune. Tracy makes the case that scammers hunt for vulnerability, and at the right moment, we are all soft targets. [36:12] By subtly discouraging Tracy from socializing with friends, McLaren was limiting outside scrutiny and Tracy explains why getting a new partner in front of your personal network as quickly as possible is one of the most important protective steps you can take. [40:24] No digital footprint is a major red flag. Tracy outlines key warning signs to watch for and recommends reverse image searches as a basic but powerful verification step when meeting someone new. [42:08] Every single time Tracy speaks publicly, someone approaches her afterwards with a story they have never told anyone a reminder that silence is exactly what these criminals depend on to keep operating. [43:45] Now fully dedicated to education and awareness, Tracy introduces her memoir The Last Victim and explains how she has channeled her experience into a mission to help others recognize and recover from fraud.Thanks for joining us on Easy Prey. Be sure to subscribe to our podcast on iTunes and leave a nice review.
Links and Resources: Podcast Web Page Facebook Page whatismyipaddress.com Easy Prey on Instagram Easy Prey on Twitter Easy Prey on LinkedIn Easy Prey on YouTube Easy Prey on Pinterest Tracy Hall The Last Victim Who the Hell is Hamish? Podcast King Con: The Life and Crimes of Hamish McLaren -
Every day, employees at hotels, restaurants, and resorts across the country are doing exactly what they were hired to do: being warm, responsive, and eager to help. It's what makes hospitality work. It's also what makes hospitality one of the most targeted industries in cybersecurity. When your entire workforce is trained to say yes, teaching them to be suspicious is an uphill battle. The smarter solution might be to take the target off their backs entirely.
Jasson Casey is the co-founder and CEO of Beyond Identity, a company built around one idea: making identity-based attacks impossible. With over 20 years of experience designing large-scale security infrastructure for global enterprises and carriers, Jasson has spent his career thinking about what happens when stolen credentials open doors they never should have. Beyond Identity's answer isn't better passwords or more authentication hoops, it's eliminating the credential that can be stolen in the first place.
Josh Johansen is the Director of IT Systems and Technology at Brandt Hospitality Group, an owner, operator, and developer of hotels under brands including Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, and IHG. Josh came up through hotel operations, not a computer science program, and that background shapes how he thinks about security practically, from the floor up. He knows his workforce isn't looking to become cybersecurity experts. His job is to build systems that protect them anyway.
We talk about why the hospitality industry is such a rich target for phishing attacks, and what happened when one of Josh's general managers nearly paid a fraudulent invoice because she couldn't log in without a password she no longer had. Jasson breaks down how device-bound passkeys work, why most consumer passkeys aren't nearly as secure as people think, and what separates a real security system from one that just looks like one. Josh shares the lessons learned from rolling out this technology across a multi-brand hotel portfolio including what he'd do differently and what it means for an industry still wrestling with shared logins, high turnover, and workers using four different brand systems before lunch.
Show Notes: [3:05] A cyber insurance mandate pushes Brandt Hospitality Group to find an MFA solution, and complaints about authentication fatigue make the obvious options the Brandt partners are already using feel like the wrong fit. [4:03] After months of evaluating vendors and completing a full proof of concept, the leading candidate drops smaller accounts without warning, sending Josh back to square one and into a same-day demo with Beyond Identity. [5:09] Beyond Identity moves fast, puts together a rapid proof of concept, and earns the business. Josh describes meeting Jasson in person for the first time at BeyondCon shortly after signing on. [5:45] Hospitality is uniquely vulnerable to phishing attacks, and the industry's culture of helpfulness connects directly to the behaviors bad actors are counting on. [6:49] A general manager calls convinced she needs her password to pay an overdue vendor invoice. When she can't get a login prompt, the situation is recognized immediately as a phishing attempt she nearly fell for. [7:33] Reflecting on that moment, someone sharp and experienced nearly became a victim, and removing the password from the equation entirely turns out to be the real breakthrough. [9:05] The conversation turns to the limitations of cyber awareness training, and why even well-intentioned employees with heavy workloads cannot be expected to function as a reliable last line of defense. [11:13] Jasson describes how Beyond Identity works, using the analogy of a monkey in a jail cell to explain how a signing key stored in a secure hardware enclave can authenticate a user without ever leaving the device. [12:06] The concept of stealable credentials expands beyond passwords to include API tokens, session cookies, SSH keys, and anything else that can be copied and lifted from a system. [17:33] The discussion shifts to agentic identity and AI-driven workflows, with customers on opposite ends of the spectrum — some where agents make up the majority of their workforce, others who paused rollouts after discovering how easily prompt injections could expose sensitive data. [19:17] The biggest mistake organizations make going into a passkey rollout is diving in without a clear understanding of how their identity environment is actually configured and what that means when things don't behave as expected. [20:35] A lesson from their own deployment — initially limiting passkeys to senior staff and leaving line-level employees on passwords — makes clear that partial coverage leaves meaningful gaps. [22:58] Most organizations under active phishing load will experience an incident during a mid-deployment window, and that moment often becomes the event that accelerates full adoption. [24:33] The shared workstation challenge in hospitality comes into focus, along with how the device-bound passkey differs from the consumer versions employees may already be familiar with through Google or Facebook. [29:14] Jasson draws a clear line between consumer passkeys optimized for conversion and enterprise passkeys built for security, explaining how sync fabric trades credential protection for convenience in ways that matter in a corporate environment. [31:07] One enrolled device can cryptographically authorize the enrollment of another, allowing organizations to scale without moving keys or introducing new vulnerabilities. [33:33] The passkey model changes accountability inside a hotel operation — device-bound credentials and role-based access make it significantly harder for well-meaning managers to share login access with staff informally. [36:55] As the conversation wraps, a simple test is offered for evaluating any passkey system: if the passkey can move, it is not a security product.Thanks for joining us on Easy Prey. Be sure to subscribe to our podcast on iTunes and leave a nice review.
Links and Resources: Podcast Web Page Facebook Page whatismyipaddress.com Easy Prey on Instagram Easy Prey on Twitter Easy Prey on LinkedIn Easy Prey on YouTube Easy Prey on Pinterest Jasson Casey - LinkedIn Jasson Casey - National Security Institute Beyond Identity Joshua Johansen - LinkedIn Brandt Hospitality Group -
Most security breaches don't begin with sophisticated code or elaborate technical exploits. They begin with a phone call, a convincing email, or someone at a help desk who just wanted to be helpful. The human layer is often the weakest link, and the criminals who understand that are the ones causing the most damage.
My guest today is May Chen-Contino. She's the CEO of Unit 221B, a threat disruption company that delivers actionable intelligence to enterprises, law enforcement, and government agencies. Her background spans cybersecurity, fintech, and SaaS leadership at companies like PayPal and eBay, and she brings a distinctly mission-driven lens to the work, shaped equally by a career in business and a background as a Krav Maga instructor.
Unit 221B operates less like a typical security vendor and more like a specialized investigative unit, with a team that includes tenured ransomware experts, incident responders, and former law enforcement, all focused on one outcome: criminal arrest. May has seen firsthand how ransomware gangs operate with their own codes of conduct, how a younger generation of cybercriminals is throwing those rules out entirely, and why paying a ransom is increasingly a bet that doesn't pay off.
We talk about why social engineering has overtaken technical hacking as the dominant attack vector, what organizations and individuals should never do in the aftermath of a breach, and how crimes against children online often go unreported for the worst possible reasons. May also shares a story from her own experience being scammed on eBay, and what she did about it, which tells you everything you need to know about how she approaches this work.
Show Notes: [1:28] May shares her background and how she came to lead Unit 221B, a threat disruption company serving enterprises, law enforcement, and government. [1:41] May traces her path into cybersecurity, explaining how a lifelong sense of justice and a friendship built through Krav Maga training led her to a team of investigators doing real criminal work. [5:55] May recounts being scammed while selling luxury shoes on eBay, describing how a fraudulent PayPal email convinced her the sale had failed after she had already shipped the item. [8:22] Rather than accepting the loss, May engaged the scammer directly, intercepted her own shipment through FedEx, and used a photoshopped payment screenshot to flip the situation on him. [11:36] The story ends with May recovering her shoes, followed by a candid note that this approach carries real risk and is not something she would recommend to others. [12:57] May outlines Unit 221B's core work, including criminal investigations, threat intelligence, pen testing, and incident response, all oriented toward federal prosecution and criminal arrest. [16:52] The evolving threat landscape, contrasting professional ransomware organizations that tend to honor agreements with a younger generation of cybercriminals who operate without limits. [18:44] May describes this younger criminal group in detail, noting members are predominantly 14 to 26 years old, English-speaking, and motivated as much by social status as financial gain. [21:49] May explains why wiping systems and restoring backups after a breach is one of the most damaging mistakes an organization can make, eliminating evidence and removing any path to prosecution. [23:04] She walks through Unit 221B's incident response process, covering digital forensics, insider threat identification, and determining who is behind an attack before advising on next steps. [26:32] May addresses the ransom payment question directly, recommending against paying as a default while acknowledging that knowing your adversary is essential to making the right call. [28:04] The discussion covers the legal and PR dimensions of a breach, including notification obligations and why some organizations choose to go public about what happened. [31:08] May pushes back on the perception that law enforcement doesn't help, explaining that federal agencies are understaffed and must prioritize cases, but are genuinely committed to the work. [34:08] The issue of victims deleting evidence before reporting, and how frequently this forecloses any possibility of investigation or prosecution. [34:55] The conversation turns to crimes targeting children, including sextortion, and why open dialogue between parents and kids is critical to getting victims to come forward before lasting harm is done. [37:18] May reflects on a keynote she gave at Harvard's Bold Conference for young women, describing the tension between advice to build an online presence and the real safety risks that come with it. [38:51] May shares practical security guidance for young people online, including being mindful of what appears in video backgrounds, using strong passwords, and enabling two-factor authentication. [40:35] May identifies AI-assisted attacks and social engineering as the two most significant forces reshaping the threat landscape, with technology now available to both attackers and defenders equally. [43:45] May describes Unit 221B's invite-only intelligence platform, which brings together top investigators, law enforcement, and private sector experts to collaborate and move cases forward. [45:10]Listeners can find Unit 221B at unit221b.com and on LinkedIn, and anyone facing a threat or needing guidance can reach out.Thanks for joining us on Easy Prey. Be sure to subscribe to our podcast on iTunes and leave a nice review.
Links and Resources: Podcast Web Page Facebook Page whatismyipaddress.com Easy Prey on Instagram Easy Prey on Twitter Easy Prey on LinkedIn Easy Prey on YouTube Easy Prey on Pinterest May Chen-Contino - LinkedIn Unit 221B - LinkedIn Unit 221B -
Phone scams get dismissed as background noise or just annoying interruptions and unknown numbers with robotic voices we learn to ignore. But behind that noise is an industry built on psychology, automation, and staggering profitability. My guest today is Alex Quilici. He's an engineer, entrepreneur, and the CEO of YouMail, a company focused on protecting consumers and businesses from unwanted and fraudulent calls.
Alex has spent years analyzing how robocalls and scam campaigns are designed, how they evolve, and why they continue to work despite better technology and increased awareness. What began as a voicemail platform shifted into fraud prevention after users unintentionally revealed a powerful truth that even small friction can disrupt scam operations. He shares how his own father got pulled into a tech support scam which cemented his mission to move beyond blocking calls and toward tracing and stopping scams closer to their source.
We talk about how scam calls are engineered, the tactics that trigger panic and urgency, and how criminals use data breaches, AI tools, and impersonation to sound convincing. We also explore what's changing, including fewer random calls, more targeted attacks, rising text and messaging scams, and the difficult balance between stopping fraud and allowing legitimate calls through. Alex shares practical ways consumers and businesses can reduce risk, along with a candid look at why this problem is so persistent and where it's likely heading next.
Show Notes: [2:23] Alex explains how YouMail shifted from a voicemail company into fraud prevention after noticing users using an out-of-service message to deter robocallers. [3:25] Discussion turns to robocall volume, with Alex estimating billions of calls per day and roughly five billion robocalls per month. [4:10] About half of all robocalls are unwanted, while the rest include legitimate reminders from doctors, hospitals, and financial institutions. [5:05] Alex notes that legitimate telemarketing still exists but is now heavily overshadowed by sketchy and scam-driven campaigns. [6:40] Scam calls have declined in raw volume, yet attackers are becoming more targeted and efficient. [7:15] Scammers increasingly pivot to texts, email, and messaging platforms where third-party blocking is harder. [9:27] Alex describes limited progress shutting down shady telemarketers but better success against large-scale illegal robocall operations. [11:05] Sense of urgency emerges as the dominant tactic, often involving fake charges, legal threats, or financial panic triggers. [13:10] Modern scams combine spoofed caller ID with breached personal data to create highly convincing impersonations. [16:27] Scammers are compared to extremely motivated marketers who rapidly adopt AI and optimization techniques. [17:30] The economics are startling, with scam campaigns generating enormous profits at extremely low cost per call. [18:44] Alex advises letting unexpected calls go to voicemail and returning calls through verified, official channels. [20:50] Panic-based bank account scams are highlighted as particularly dangerous because fear overrides logic. [23:19] Businesses are identified as vulnerable targets, especially through employees' personal mobile phones. [31:52] Enforcement efforts are increasing, and Alex predicts stronger regulatory pressure over the coming year. [35:54] Impersonation scams tied to toll roads, DMVs, crypto, and romance schemes are flagged as growing threats. [38:19] A simple defensive principle is reinforced: pause, disengage, and verify independently before taking action. [41:44] Alex outlines YouMail's call-screening approach, adding friction that blocks automated scam systems while allowing real callers through.Thanks for joining us on Easy Prey. Be sure to subscribe to our podcast on iTunes and leave a nice review.
Links and Resources: Podcast Web Page Facebook Page whatismyipaddress.com Easy Prey on Instagram Easy Prey on Twitter Easy Prey on LinkedIn Easy Prey on YouTube Easy Prey on Pinterest YouMail Alex Quilici - LinkedIn -
Identity theft gets talked about a lot, but usually in the abstract: freeze your credit, watch your statements, don't click suspicious links. What doesn't get talked about nearly enough is what it actually feels like when someone isn't just using your card number, but is actively living as you. My guest today is Brooklyn Lyons. She's 25, recently married, and by her own admission, had no particular expertise in fraud or cybersecurity before October of 2024.
That changed when her car window was smashed in a parking lot, and her work bag, laptop, wallet, driver's license, and everything was gone by morning. What followed wasn't a quick nightmare with a clean ending. It stretched across months, multiple counties, a jail communication system, the dark web, and a wanted fugitive who dyed her hair to look more like the face on a stolen ID. Brooklyn didn't just sit with it. She pulled criminal records, reverse-searched phone numbers, tracked an inmate's transfers across four facilities, identified a suspect on her own, and eventually filed a civil lawsuit without an attorney.
We talk about what it feels like when someone is pretending to be you, not just spending your money, but messaging people as you, signing up for accounts as you, building a life in your name. We also get into the specific steps she took to fight back, the tools she wishes she'd known about sooner, and what recovery actually looks like when the case isn't closed, and the person still hasn't been caught.
Show Notes: [1:47] Brooklyn introduces herself as a 25-year-old from Texas with no prior experience in fraud or identity theft. [2:13] She describes moving to the DFW area after getting married in June 2024 and being aware of the high rate of car break-ins in the region. [3:32] Her car window is smashed overnight, and her work bag is stolen, containing her laptop, wallet, driver's license, and all her cards. [4:03] Brooklyn's immediate response is to freeze her credit with all three bureaus and cancel her cards within 10 to 15 minutes. [4:57] Despite locking everything down, her cards are maxed out, and a police report is filed with little follow-up from law enforcement. [5:12] A period of quiet follows before a letter arrives around Valentine's Day 2025 claiming she rented a U-Haul and never returned it. [5:48] Experian alerts her that her driver's license has been found on the dark web, arriving almost simultaneously with the U-Haul letter. [7:14] While checking USPS Informed Delivery for a wedding invitation, Brooklyn spots a certified letter from a county jail addressed to her with an inmate's name listed beneath hers. [8:28] She contacts the jail and discovers an inmate had listed her as his girlfriend when booked, requesting she pick up his belongings before a prison transfer. [9:53] Brooklyn looks up the inmate in the state conviction database and finds a record including identity theft, car burglary, organized crime, and credit card abuse of the elderly. [11:58] A jail investigator reveals that the inmate's girlfriend had created an account in Brooklyn's name using her driver's license photo, editing her own appearance to match Brooklyn's features. [14:02] Brooklyn traces the same pattern across multiple county jail facilities the inmate passed through, confirming the woman repeated the identity fraud at each one. [15:13] A detective confirms the woman has stolen or attempted to use 17 other identities, and that Brooklyn is the only one who has caught on so far. [16:52] Four police departments become involved, and Brooklyn begins coordinating with investigators across all of them through a shared email thread. [19:22] Pulling her credit report reveals phone numbers tied to the suspect, leading Brooklyn to discover PayPal accounts, Cash App profiles, and a Facebook page created in her name. [20:58] Brooklyn uses a PayPal password recovery prompt to identify the first three letters of the suspect's real name. [22:03] She requests all jail booking documents containing her name from every county involved and receives text message logs from one department. [22:33] Using a birthday and partial name found in the messages, Brooklyn searches mugshots.com and identifies the suspect herself, later getting vague confirmation from investigators. [24:38] Chris asks whether the suspect and inmate were in a relationship, and Brooklyn explains they appear to share a child and were trying to manage a custody situation. [27:57] Brooklyn investigates whether a Verizon phone number was tied to an account in her name and later finds the suspect's real email embedded in her electricity account profile. [29:27] Brooklyn details changing her driver's license four times throughout the ordeal and suspects the woman is using her information for utility accounts to avoid being found. [31:02] Two police departments issue arrest warrants for the suspect, but she remains at large and difficult to locate. [31:33] Brooklyn files a civil lawsuit on her own without an attorney, drafting the paperwork herself and submitting a known address for the suspect. [32:04] She drafts a settlement agreement requiring the suspect to delete all fraudulent accounts, send proof, and return her physical driver's license, emailing it directly to her. [33:12] The suspect signs the agreement but does not comply with any of its terms within the deadline Brooklyn set. [33:37] Brooklyn files a motion to enforce the settlement agreement, which has since been approved by the court. [36:58] Discussion turns to whether the original car break-in was connected to the couple, with Brooklyn expressing frustration that law enforcement never attempted to link the CVS footage to them. [38:14] Brooklyn reflects on how the situation became consuming, describing obsessive monitoring of jail systems, court records, and criminal databases at its peak. [39:18] She shifts toward healthier monitoring habits, including monthly credit pulls, USPS Informed Delivery checks, and identity protection subscriptions like Aura. [40:33] The emotional toll is discussed, including nightmares, anxiety, therapy, and the strange experience of seeing someone try to physically resemble her. [43:22] Brooklyn describes seeing light at the end of the tunnel, connecting her recovery to moving out of the area and reclaiming her sense of self. [46:13] She reflects on pride in handling most of the case herself and finding closure in knowing the suspect is now aware that Brooklyn knows everything. [48:03] Brooklyn expresses empathy for others who may not have the same access to legal knowledge or law enforcement relationships that helped her navigate the process. [49:14] Practical tips are shared, including USPS Informed Delivery, e-verify identity freezing, and the IRS identity theft PIN available during tax filing.Thanks for joining us on Easy Prey. Be sure to subscribe to our podcast on iTunes and leave a nice review.
Links and Resources: Podcast Web Page Facebook Page whatismyipaddress.com Easy Prey on Instagram Easy Prey on Twitter Easy Prey on LinkedIn Easy Prey on YouTube Easy Prey on Pinterest -
Fraud doesn't always announce itself with obvious warning signs. Quite often, it shows up wrapped inside something that feels routine — a purchase you've made before, a link that looks legitimate, a message that arrives at just the wrong moment. Nothing feels suspicious, so your guard stays down. By the time questions start forming, the transaction is already done.
My guest today is Iremar Brayner. He's spent more than 15 years working in fraud prevention and risk management across payments, retail, ride-hailing, fintech, and digital marketplaces. In his role at G2A, he leads fraud strategy for one of the world's largest digital entertainment platforms, where speed, approval rates, and loss prevention are constantly pulling against each other.
We discuss why scams continue to work despite smarter tools, how "friendly fraud" complicates the picture, and why digital goods create very different risk patterns than traditional retail. We also get into automation, AI-driven decisions, and what it really looks like to manage fraud in real time.
Show Notes: [1:36] Iremar shares how his career in fraud prevention began, moving from bank customer service into reviewing suspicious transactions. [2:45] He explains why he completed law school but chose not to become a lawyer, and how legal training shaped his understanding of fraud psychology. [4:10] Fraud is framed as an emotional event, with urgency, financial stress, and excitement often lowering a person's defenses. [6:16] Digital marketplaces attract fraudsters due to low-cost items and products like gift cards that are easy to cash out. [7:10] The concept of card testing emerges, where stolen payment details are validated through small purchases. [8:05] Iremar discusses the rise of friendly fraud, where legitimate customers dispute transactions after receiving goods. [9:30] Major product launches, such as highly anticipated game releases, create predictable spikes in fraud risk. [11:05] Marketplace fraud requires managing risk on both sides, verifying sellers while monitoring buyers in real time. [12:40] He describes G2A's shift away from manual review toward fully automated transaction decisioning. [14:15] The tension between frictionless customer experience and effective fraud prevention is unpacked. [16:05] Automation and AI are positioned as essential tools for scaling fraud defenses without overwhelming operations. [18:10] AI's real impact is discussed: not changing fraud itself, but making attacks faster and more scalable. [20:05] Iremar explains why human judgment still plays a critical role alongside AI systems. [21:41] Fraud patterns differ across industries, illustrated through examples from ride-hailing platforms. [23:10] Abuse of referral and incentive programs reveals how self-referrals became a common fraud tactic. [24:40] Identity misuse by drivers highlights risks tied to document verification. [25:50] Face recognition and customer reporting become tools for detecting account misuse. [27:15] High-value luxury marketplaces introduce entirely different fraud and logistics challenges. [29:10] Practical consumer advice: buy from reliable sources, review refund policies, and question unrealistic pricing. [30:05] Seller protection strategies focus on accurate product descriptions and shipment tracking. [32:05] The most common complaints in marketplaces are items not received and items not as described. [33:20] Iremar recounts becoming a fraud victim after a fraudulent airline ticket charge. [35:00] A WhatsApp impersonation attempt using his photo targeted his mother. [36:10] Verification habits are emphasized as one of the strongest defenses against scams. [37:40] The risks of social media and account takeover scenarios are discussed. [39:30] Challenges around encouraging broader adoption of two-factor authentication. [40:05] Career advice for those interested in fraud prevention as a profession.Thanks for joining us on Easy Prey. Be sure to subscribe to our podcast on iTunes and leave a nice review.
Links and Resources: Podcast Web Page Facebook Page whatismyipaddress.com Easy Prey on Instagram Easy Prey on Twitter Easy Prey on LinkedIn Easy Prey on YouTube Easy Prey on Pinterest Iremar Brayner - LinkedIn G2A -
Organized crime is often imagined as something violent, chaotic, and obvious. But today, it looks far more polished than that. It operates like a multinational business, spread across borders, built on trust networks, specialization, and efficiency rather than brute force. This episode looks at how modern scams, fraud, and money laundering actually work and why they're so hard to spot before serious damage is done.
My guest is Geoff White, an investigative journalist who has spent decades covering organized crime, cybercrime, and financial fraud. His reporting has appeared on BBC News, Sky News, The Sunday Times, and other major outlets, and he is also the creator of The Lazarus Heist, the hit podcast and book series exploring North Korea's global hacking operations. His latest book, Rinsed, examines how technology has transformed the world of money laundering.
We talk about how modern criminal networks are structured, why scams now rely on patience and psychology rather than speed, and how money laundering functions as a service industry that quietly supports fraud at scale. The conversation also explores why victims are sometimes unknowingly used to move stolen funds, how urgency is weaponized to override judgment, and why slowing down remains one of the most effective defenses people have.
Show Notes: [01:08] Geoff shares his background and why the organized crime + technology overlap is where he's spent his career. [02:52] Why longer-form work (books, podcasts) is often the only way to explain complex crimes that don't fit into a quick news segment. [03:56] Old-school enforcement was violence; modern crime groups often can't use that when partners are anonymous and overseas. [04:23] The trust networks holding global crime together can be more fragile than people assume. [05:06] The strange "trust inside crime" dynamic especially in ransomware, where criminals must appear "reliable." [06:18] Competition today looks more like corporate rivalry than street violence, especially in ransomware affiliate ecosystems. [07:41] Do these groups evolve from traditional cartels or arise from new tech-native criminals? Geoff says it depends on the region. [09:58] The skill split of elite coders builds ransomware, while newer recruits use social engineering to get initial access. [11:34] Money laundering adapts fast with crypto, game currencies, NFTs while the core "service business" model stays the same. [12:46] The "cost" of laundering: fees can be extreme for newcomers, and lower for experienced players with connections. [13:53] A disturbing case where victims are daisy-chained to launder money and reinforce the romance-scam illusion. [15:12] Why money mules are treated as disposable and how many don't realize the seriousness until law enforcement shows up. [16:48] The tactic of letting victims withdraw a little money to make a platform feel legitimate and why it works so well. [18:09] Geoff connects today's tactics to classic con mechanics ("putting the mark on the send") and the psychology behind it. [19:22] Geoff describes seeing an "escalator scam" firsthand: small payouts early, then pressure to pay to "unlock" higher earnings. [21:51] The scary shift is that scams now look polished and patient, stretching across multiple channels and weeks (or longer). [23:12] The more we "self-custody" money and identity online, the more security responsibility shifts onto individuals. [24:32] A major crypto seizure case raises a messy question when seized assets grow in value, who gets the upside? [28:46] Geoff's practical defense: slow down on anything money-related, create space, and don't let urgency steer decisions. [31:17] Why today's scammers play the long game of months of relationship-building can lead to life-changing losses. [34:29] Repeat victimization: recovery scams and fake "investigators" often target people right after they've been hit. [36:08] "Traceable" doesn't mean "recoverable," why freezing and returning stolen crypto is legally and logistically hard. [38:44] UK reimbursement changes shift liability between sending and receiving banks but there are tradeoffs and open questions. [41:28] Geoff reacts to US payment quirks (card taken away, tip written in pen) and why it still surprises outsiders. [45:11] Closing advice is to learn from other people's stories and run "what would I do?" scenarios before a crisis hits.Thanks for joining us on Easy Prey. Be sure to subscribe to our podcast on iTunes and leave a nice review.
Links and Resources: Podcast Web Page Facebook Page whatismyipaddress.com Easy Prey on Instagram Easy Prey on Twitter Easy Prey on LinkedIn Easy Prey on YouTube Easy Prey on Pinterest Geoff White Geoff White - LinkedIn Geoff White - Instagram Rinsed: From Cartels to Crypto: How the Tech Industry Washes Money for the World's Deadliest Crooks The Lazarus Heist Crime Dot Com: From Viruses to Vote Rigging, How Hacking Went Global -
Most cybersecurity conversations focus on stolen data, breached accounts, and attacks that live entirely on screens. This episode looks at a far more consequential threat: what happens when cyberattacks target the physical systems that keep society running. Power, water, transportation, and manufacturing. When those systems fail, the consequences aren't just digital. They're immediate, visible, and sometimes dangerous.
My guest is Lesley Carhart, Technical Director of Incident Response at Dragos, a cybersecurity firm focused exclusively on protecting critical infrastructure. Lesley specializes in industrial control systems and operational technology, investigating real-world attacks against power plants, water systems, transportation networks, and industrial facilities built on aging, irreplaceable technology.
We talk about why these environments are uniquely vulnerable, how ransomware groups and nation-state actors quietly gain long-term access, and why many compromises go undetected for years. The conversation also explores the limits of traditional cybersecurity thinking, the real-world constraints operators face, and what organizations can realistically do to improve security when failure isn't an option.
Show Notes: [01:30] Lesley Carhart is here and explains what operational technology is and why industrial systems are uniquely vulnerable [03:40] How decades-old computers still run power plants, water systems, and transportation infrastructure [06:10] Why industrial environments can't simply patch, upgrade, or shut systems down [08:25] The mindset shift required when safety and continuity matter more than stopping an intrusion [10:40] Why air-gapped systems are mostly a myth in modern critical infrastructure [13:15] How remote access became unavoidable—and one of the biggest risk factors [16:05] The three main threat categories facing industrial systems: ransomware, insiders, and nation-state actors [18:45] Why ransomware is especially damaging in power, water, and manufacturing environments [21:30] How nation-state attackers quietly establish footholds years before taking action [24:20] Why many industrial compromises go undetected for months—or even years [27:10] What incident response looks like when you can't just "pull the plug" [30:05] The most common causes of industrial failures: human error, maintenance issues, and environment [32:40] A surprising incident that looked like a nation-state attack—but wasn't [34:55] Why critical infrastructure organizations often feel pressure to pay ransoms [37:00] Practical starting steps for organizations with aging, mission-critical systems [39:20] Advice for people interested in industrial cybersecurity and working with legacy technology [42:10] Why mentorship matters and why Lesley chooses to give back to the fieldThanks for joining us on Easy Prey. Be sure to subscribe to our podcast on iTunes and leave a nice review.
Links and Resources: Podcast Web Page Facebook Page whatismyipaddress.com Easy Prey on Instagram Easy Prey on Twitter Easy Prey on LinkedIn Easy Prey on YouTube Easy Prey on Pinterest Lesley Carhart Lesley Carhart - LinkedIn Lesley Carhart - Dragos -
Identity theft is usually framed as an external threat. Hackers, data breaches, anonymous criminals operating somewhere far away. This episode looks at a much harder reality to face: identity theft that happens inside families, often quietly, over many years, and without immediate detection. The damage isn't just financial. It reshapes trust, relationships, and a person's sense of stability long before anyone realizes what's happening.
My guest is Axton Betz-Hamilton, an associate professor of financial counseling and planning whose research focuses on familial and child identity theft. Her work is deeply personal. As a teenager, Axton discovered her own credit had been destroyed before she ever had a chance to build it, the result of identity theft that began when she was a child. Years later, she uncovered the truth behind who was responsible and how multiple generations were affected.
We talk about how familial identity theft works, why it's so difficult to detect, and what recovery really looks like when the person who caused the harm was someone you trusted. The conversation covers the long road to rebuilding credit, the emotional fallout that often gets overlooked, and the practical steps people can take to protect themselves and their children before damage is done.
Show Notes: [02:15] Axton Betz-Hamilton explains how her parents' identities were stolen in the early 1990s, before consumers had legal protections. [03:50] Discovering a 10-page credit report at age 19 and realizing her financial life was damaged before it began. [05:45] What it's like to learn your credit score is in the second percentile nationwide and why that realization changes everything. [07:10] How early frustration with identity theft shaped Axton's academic path and research focus. [09:05] The moment evidence surfaced pointing to a family member as the source of the identity theft. [10:45] Uncovering decades of fraudulent accounts affecting multiple generations within one family. [12:50] How grief abruptly shifted into investigation after learning the truth about who caused the harm. [15:20] The long, two-track process of disputing fraudulent credit while slowly rebuilding legitimate credit history. [17:40] Why some fraudulent accounts had to age off credit reports instead of being removed. [19:05] How isolation and manipulation can allow familial identity theft to continue undetected for years. [21:55] Exploring possible motivations behind the theft and how financial behaviors can repeat across generations. [23:10] The simplest way to detect identity theft is by regularly checking all three credit reports. [24:30] Why freezing your credit is one of the most effective and underused protection tools. [26:05] The importance of freezing children's credit to prevent damage that may not surface until adulthood. [28:00] How modern tools like IRS identity PINs reduce the risk of tax-related identity theft. [30:15] Using E-Verify freezes to prevent identity theft tied to employment and income. [33:10] The emotional impact of familial identity theft and why boundaries are often necessary for healing. [35:00] How family systems fracture when some members believe the victim and others defend the offender. [36:40] Why mental health support is a critical part of recovery, not an optional one. [38:00] The Identity Theft Resource Center as a comprehensive support option for victims navigating recovery.Thanks for joining us on Easy Prey. Be sure to subscribe to our podcast on iTunes and leave a nice review.
Links and Resources: Podcast Web Page Facebook Page whatismyipaddress.com Easy Prey on Instagram Easy Prey on Twitter Easy Prey on LinkedIn Easy Prey on YouTube Easy Prey on Pinterest Axton Betz-Hamilton - South Dakota State University Axton Betz-Hamilton - LinkedIn Axton Betz-Hamiliton - Facebook Identity Theft Resource Center Annual Credit Report IRS - Identity Pin E-Verify -
Security failures rarely come from cutting-edge attacks or sophisticated tools. They happen in ordinary moments when someone holds a door, follows an instruction without questioning it, or finds a workaround that makes their day easier. Those small, human decisions are often the real entry points, and they tend to compound over time. This episode picks up the second half of our conversation on exploiting trust with FC Barker, a veteran ethical hacker and physical security expert known for legally breaking into banks, government buildings, and high-security facilities around the world.
With more than 30 years of experience, FC explains why human behavior, not technology, is consistently the weakest link in security, and how his success in physical breaches almost always depends on people trying to be helpful rather than malicious. The stories he shares range from quietly unsettling to darkly funny, but they all point to the same pattern: security controls fail when they don't account for how people actually work.
The discussion goes deeper into why trust, politeness, and unquestioned compliance undermine defenses, how workplace culture encourages risky shortcuts, and what actually helps reduce risk without fear, blame, or expensive overengineering.
Show Notes: [00:00] FC explains why most physical security breaches succeed because someone is trying to be helpful, not because of technical skill. [02:07] His background in cybersecurity and how physical security testing grew out of traditional penetration testing work. [04:26] Why trauma and hypervigilance can sharpen situational awareness in security professionals. [08:55] Early physical security failures are discussed, including poorly placed cameras and people casually sharing sensitive information. [11:06] FC explains how security controls that interfere with work often lead employees to find unsafe workarounds. [13:24] A story illustrates how even air-gapped systems fail when people move data for convenience. [15:32] Trust and rule-following culture are explored as major contributors to physical access failures. [16:40] FC shares how his near-perfect success rate comes from people helping him gain access without questioning authority. [17:08] He recounts an incident where employees helped him remove multiple computers from a secure building. [19:40] A failed engagement is described where internal resistance led to police being called unnecessarily. [24:00] FC tells the story of accessing a vault and removing a gold bar during a test unknown to senior executives. [26:53] The preparation required for high-risk physical tests, including staged kidnappings, is explained. [31:50] Practical advice begins with learning to think like an attacker when assessing your own home or workplace. [34:02] Situational awareness is discussed as a key deterrent against both physical crime and social engineering. [36:13] FC explains why security cameras are more useful for investigation than prevention, especially in offices. [37:41] Camera placement mistakes are covered, including mounting cameras within easy reach. [39:06] The importance of not advertising valuables or security measures is emphasized. [41:30] FC discusses personal vigilance and why monitoring finances and subscriptions matters. [44:00] His book How I Rob Banks is discussed, including the real stories and lessons it contains. [46:06] FC explains how his company chooses clients and why culture change is a major part of their work. [50:29] Security improves when systems are designed around real human behavior.Thanks for joining us on Easy Prey. Be sure to subscribe to our podcast on iTunes and leave a nice review.
Links and Resources: Podcast Web Page Facebook Page whatismyipaddress.com Easy Prey on Instagram Easy Prey on Twitter Easy Prey on LinkedIn Easy Prey on YouTube Easy Prey on Pinterest Cygenta Dr. Jessica Barker FC aka Freakyclown - LinkedIn How I Rob Banks: And Other Such Places -
Most security failures don't start with a dramatic breach or a mysterious hacker sitting in a dark room. They usually start quietly. Someone assumes a system is locked down. Someone trusts that a door shouldn't open, or that a machine "just works," or that no one would ever think to look there. Over time, those small assumptions stack up, and that's where things tend to go wrong.
Today's guest is FC Barker, a renowned ethical hacker, social engineer, and global keynote speaker with more than three decades of experience legally breaking into organizations to expose their blind spots. Formerly the head of offensive cybersecurity research at Raytheon and now co-founder of cybersecurity firm Cygenta, FC is also the author of How I Robbed Banks, a book packed with true stories from the field.
In this conversation, FC shares what he's learned from decades of breaking into places he was hired to protect. The stories range from funny to unsettling, but they all point to the same pattern: technology usually isn't the weakest link. People are. From outdated systems that can't be replaced to everyday workplace habits that quietly invite risk, this episode offers a grounded look at how intrusions really happen and what actually makes environments safer.
Show Notes: [03:06] FC grew up before cybersecurity existed and learned computers when manuals were thicker than the machines themselves. [05:27] How early internet culture shifted from curiosity-driven exploration to the rise of malicious actors. [07:15] Why inviting external testers to break into your systems was once an unthinkable idea and how that changed. [09:35] The danger of internal blind spots and why external validation is often more valuable than internal confidence. [10:46] Unexpected discoveries during penetration tests, including systems no one remembered were even running. [12:23] Choosing unusual, esoteric security projects and why unconventional systems often hide the biggest risks. [12:50] A real-world operation that involved reverse-engineering hardware to shut down power infrastructure in seconds. [16:29] One of the easiest break-ins ever happens accidentally, proving how fragile some systems really are. [17:21] The most common technical failure seen across organizations: poor network segmentation. [18:36] How a routine internal scan accidentally knocked an entire country's banking connection offline. [20:04] A bank unknowingly runs its internal network on an IP range owned by the U.S. Department of Defense. [21:43] A mysterious daily network outage turns out to be caused by a single employee's music collection. [23:07] Plugging into a forgotten network switch triggers a fire during a government penetration test. [25:15] Why penetration testers are often blamed first even when nothing has been touched yet. [26:25] Discovering malicious insider code planted by coordinated nation-state actors. [29:41] Why some outdated systems must remain untouched and why "just update everything" isn't realistic. [33:15] Implanting covert hardware inside everyday office devices to gain persistent network access. [35:01] How avoiding people altogether is often the most effective form of social engineering. [37:10] Why attackers move from the top floors down and how authority bias works without a single word spoken. [38:35] Clothing, context, and small visual cues that instantly make people assume you belong. [42:26] A penetration test derailed by an unexpected office costume day—and why randomness can be a defense. [44:33] A simple exercise anyone can use to start thinking like an attacker by examining their own home.Thanks for joining us on Easy Prey. Be sure to subscribe to our podcast on iTunes and leave a nice review.
Links and Resources: Podcast Web Page Facebook Page whatismyipaddress.com Easy Prey on Instagram Easy Prey on Twitter Easy Prey on LinkedIn Easy Prey on YouTube Easy Prey on Pinterest Cygenta Dr. Jessica Barker FC aka Freakyclown - LinkedIn How I Rob Banks: And Other Such Places - Visa fler
