Scam Rangers – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode, talk to Toby Evans, Head of Economic Crime, Australian Payments Network to explore the newly introduced Australian scams prevention framework and its implications for various industries. We discuss the importance of collaborative efforts across sectors, including banking, telecommunications, and digital platforms, in addressing the growing threat of scams.

• New Legislation Overview: Introduction of a draft scams prevention framework open for comments until October 4, 2024.
  Key principles include scam prevention, detection, and disruption.
  
• Scope Beyond Banks: Emphasis on the involvement of multiple sectors, including telecommunications and digital platforms.
  Recognition of the shared responsibility to combat scams.
  
• Significant Penalties: Overview of substantial penalties for non-compliance, with fines reaching over $50 million for severe breaches.
  Importance of companies taking proactive measures against scams.
  
• Collaborative Approach: Insights from Toby Evans on the necessity for all industries to work together in the fight against scams.
  Discussion on how a unified front can enhance protection for consumers.
  
• Proactive Measures and Strategies: Importance of businesses implementing robust anti-scam strategies.
  Encouragement for sharing intelligence and aligning efforts to create a safer environment.
  

Follow Toby On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toby-evans-635661231/

This podcast is hosted by Ayelet Biger-Levin  who spent the last 15 years building technology to help financial institutions authenticate their customers and identify fraud. She believes that when it comes to scams, the story starts well before the transaction. She has created this podcast to talk about the human side of scams, and to learn from people who have decided to dedicate their lives to speaking up on behalf of scam victims and who take action to solve this problem. Be sure to follow her on LinkedIn and reach out to learn about her additional activities in this space.     h

ttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ayelet-biger-levin/  

ScamRanger: https://scamranger.ai/

04 Sep 2024 · 46 minutes

In this episode of ScamRangers, we dive into the transformative power of storytelling with Niels Vink and Kathelijne Swaak from ABN AMRO's fraud prevention team. Discover how ABN AMRO is flipping social engineering on its head by using real customer stories to strengthen their fraud awareness strategies.

Learn how this innovative approach creates a deeper emotional connection with customers, making fraud prevention messages more memorable and impactful. We also explore insights from Nobel laureate Daniel Kahneman on decision-making and how ABN AMRO leverages these principles to better engage and empower their customers.

Key Takeaways:

• How storytelling can effectively communicate scam risks and avoid fear.
• The role of emotional connection in enhancing customer engagement.
• The impact of internal collaboration on successful fraud prevention campaigns.
• Addressing new fraud threats and reaching diverse audiences.

Tune in to see how ABN AMRO is leading the charge in protecting customers through the art of storytelling.

Here is more information about our speakers:

Niels Vink:https://www.linkedin.com/in/nielsvink1/

If you are a bank fraud fighter or in law enforcement, you will not want to miss this fascinating episode. Anne and Cecilie both share their personal romance scam stories and how they had to face the realities and aftermath of emotional and financial trauma, as well as judgment from society and authorities. They decided to turn their experience into a bold movement and Founded LoveSaid, a non profit with the goal to support romance scam victims with carefully orchestrated process and tools to bring victims out of the scam and to support them afterwards in navigating the emotional and financial aftermath. 

As Cecilie put it in her own words:  I'm sure they (bank fraud teams) don't have much time so they just go on the phone and tell the customer "high suspicious activity here". I can imagine how they are saying it and we (the scam victims) refuse to listen and we are cutting them off. If we can have a bank of Ex Victims who've been trained to go in and talk to these victims, we truly believe that we can get there much faster in a better way than police and banks can. We truly see the power of people with experience  coming in.

Resources: 

• www.lovesaid.org
• www.catchthecatfish.org

Socials:

• Instagram and TikTok :catchthecatfish123
• Facebook:@catchthecatfish
• You Tube: @CatchTheCatfish
• Instagram:lovesaid_org
• TikTok:lovesaid.org
• Facebook: LoveSaid
• Twitter: LoveSaidOrg
• TikTok: lovesaid.org

This podcast is hosted by Ayelet Biger-Levin  who spent the last 15 years building technology to help financial institutions authenticate their customers and identify fraud. She believes that when it comes to scams, the story starts well before the transaction. She has created this podcast to talk about the human side of scams, and to learn from people who have decided to dedicate their lives to speaking up on behalf of scam victims and who take action to solve this problem. Be sure to follow her on LinkedIn and reach out to learn about her additional activities in this space.   https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayelet-biger-levin/   Also check out https://scamranger.ai if you had received a message that you suspect is a scam

Additional academic research mentioned in the podcast:

Dr Elisabeth Carter’s body of work:

Forensic Linguist and Criminologist

• Carter, E. (2023) Compelled to comply: Exposing the exploitation of communicative relationships by fraudsters to gain and harness compliance from their victims. The British Journal of Criminology.
• Carter, E. (2021) Distort, extort, deceive and exploit: Exploring the inner workings of a romance fraud, The British Journal of Criminology 61(2): 283–302.
• Carter, E. (2015) The anatomy of scam communications: An empirical analysis, Crime, Media, Culture: An International Journal 11(2): 89-103.
• Carter, E. (2015) Laughing matters: A conversation analytic account of the use of laughter by suspects and officers in the police interview, The Essex Graduate Journal of Sociology 50th Anniversary Special Issue 14(1): 99-113.
• Carter, E. (2015) A conversation analytic exploration of laughter in the police interview, SAGE Research Methods January 15: 68-85.
• Carter, E. (2014) When is a lie not a lie? When it's divergent: Examining lies and deceptive responses in a police interview, International Journal of Language and the Law/Linguagem e Direito‏ (1):122-140.

In this episode of Scam Rangers, we delve into the troubling world of romance scams and identity theft victims. Our guest, Kathy Waters, shares her insights into these scams and her advocacy work in supporting victims while pushing for regulatory changes on online platforms.

Key Takeaways:

1. Deception in Romance Scams: Kathy explains how scammers use stolen identities to create elaborate love stories, often set in distant locations, to manipulate and deceive their victims.

2. Kathy's Journey: Learn about Kathy's personal journey and what led her to become an advocate against scammers and a staunch supporter of victims.

3. Advocating for Change: Kathy and her team are actively working with lawmakers to change regulations and policies in the US governing online platforms to enhance user safety and protect vulnerable individuals from scams.

Explore the hidden world of romance scams, discover the resilience of identity theft victims, and understand Advocating Against Romance Scammer's  unwavering commitment to exposing wrongdoers and creating safer digital spaces. Join us for a thought-provoking journey only on Scam Rangers.

Resources:

Advocating Against Romance Scammers: https://advocatingforu.com/ The petition can be found on the website.

World Romance Scam Awareness Day: https://protectingheartsday.com/

This podcast is hosted by Ayelet Biger-Levin  who spent the last 15 years building technology to help financial institutions authenticate their customers and identify fraud. She believes that when it comes to scams, the story starts well before the transaction. She has created this podcast to talk about the human side of scams, and to learn from people who have decided to dedicate their lives to speaking up on behalf of scam victims and who take action to solve this problem. Be sure to follow her on LinkedIn and reach out to learn about her additional activities in this space.   https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayelet-biger-levin/   Also check out https://scamranger.ai if you had received a message that you suspect is a scam

In this Episode, Alan and Ayelet discuss the psychology behind the human traits scammers prey on to scam victims, and the pos-scam emotions of isolation and shame victims experience.

Resources:

Article in Psychology today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/metacognition-and-the-mind/202104/fool-me-once-why-scams-leave-people-feeling-foolish

News story on therapist coerced into a scam: https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/phone-scam-therapists-16483251.php

Book: Better with Age: The Psychology of Successful Aging: https://www.amazon.com/Better-Age-Psychology-Successful-Aging/dp/0190279982/

TEDx Talk How We Learn as We Age: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5jUjOr7G8M
UCLA Department of Psychology: http://castel.psych.ucla.edu

This podcast is hosted by Ayelet Biger-Levin  who spent the last 15 years building technology to help financial institutions authenticate their customers and identify fraud. She believes that when it comes to scams, the story starts well before the transaction. She has created this podcast to talk about the human side of scams, and to learn from people who have decided to dedicate their lives to speaking up on behalf of scam victims and who take action to solve this problem. Be sure to follow her on LinkedIn and reach out to learn about her additional activities in this space.   https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayelet-biger-levin/  

Also check out https://scamranger.ai if you had received a message that you suspect is a scam

In this episode we share a remarkable journey of resilience, empowerment, and the fight against romance scams. Join us as we explore the inspiring story of RUTH GROVER, who transformed her experience as a target of a romance scam into a powerful mission to help others.

Ruth founded "Scam Haters Untied," an organization dedicated to rescuing victims and turning them into survivors. In this captivating episode, we delve into the techniques to unmask romance scammers and offer victims proof.

You can find Scam Haters United  here:

Website: https://www.scamhatersunited.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SHUisteamwork/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scamhaters.united

YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/scamhatersunited

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@scamhaters_united_shu

This podcast is hosted by Ayelet Biger-Levin  who spent the last 15 years building technology to help financial institutions authenticate their customers and identify fraud. She believes that when it comes to scams, the story starts well before the transaction. She has created this podcast to talk about the human side of scams, and to learn from people who have decided to dedicate their lives to speaking up on behalf of scam victims and who take action to solve this problem. Be sure to follow her on LinkedIn and reach out to learn about her additional activities in this space.   https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayelet-biger-levin/  Also check out https://scamranger.ai if you had received a message that you suspect is a scam

In this eye-opening episode, we dive into the intricate world of Business Email Compromise (BEC), a sophisticated cybercrime that preys on individuals and organizations. Join us as we uncover the tactics employed by scammers, from romance scam victims turned accomplices to the dark realm of gift card fraud and cryptocurrency conversion. We explore the psychological manipulation that drives scammers and the emotional strain inflicted on victims. Discover how collaborative initiatives, such as the BEC Working Group, are working to combat these scams, and learn practical steps to empower organizations against this pervasive threat. Join the conversation and become informed about BEC scams to create a safer digital landscape for all.

Find Ronnie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronnietokazowski/

This podcast is hosted by Ayelet Biger-Levin  who spent the last 15 years building technology to help financial institutions authenticate their customers and identify fraud. She believes that when it comes to scams, the story starts well before the transaction. She has created this podcast to talk about the human side of scams, and to learn from people who have decided to dedicate their lives to speaking up on behalf of scam victims and who take action to solve this problem. Be sure to follow her on LinkedIn and reach out to learn about her additional activities in this space.   https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayelet-biger-levin/  Also check out https://scamranger.ai if you had received a message that you suspect is a scam

In this revealing episode, we sit down with Assaf, a former member of Fakebook's integrity team, to explore the complexities of combating scams and fraud on social media platforms. Assaf shares candid insights into the challenges faced by the team in preserving user safety while maintaining platform integrity. We delve into shutting down fake accounts, the impact on PR on the team's work and the importance of industry collaboration, particularly with law enforcement agencies. Join us as we uncover the strategies and considerations involved in making social media a safer place for users, with a focus on building productive partnerships and preventing potential scams.

Find Assaf on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/assafkipnis/

This podcast is hosted by Ayelet Biger-Levin  who spent the last 15 years building technology to help financial institutions authenticate their customers and identify fraud. She believes that when it comes to scams, the story starts well before the transaction. She has created this podcast to talk about the human side of scams, and to learn from people who have decided to dedicate their lives to speaking up on behalf of scam victims and who take action to solve this problem. Be sure to follow her on LinkedIn and reach out to learn about her additional activities in this space.   https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayelet-biger-levin/ 

Also check out https://scamranger.ai if you had received a message that you suspect is a scam

Join Erin West, a District Attorney from Santa Clara County, CA, and Alona Katz, a DA representing Manhattan, NYC, as they confront the pressing challenges within the legal system when it comes to combating a new breed of crime: crypto investment scams, also known as "Financial Grooming" or the notorious alias of "Pig Butchering." In this episode, they candidly discuss the complexities involved in this digital underworld, shedding light on the devastating financial and emotional toll suffered by victims. Through their unconventional thinking and innovative initiatives, Erin and Alona strive to provide solace and support to those who have been scammed, while relentlessly pursuing justice for the vulnerable.

Erin introduces operation Shamrock which is an initiative she started with the mission to EDUCATE, SEIZE, DISRUPT everything crypto scams. You can join by emailing Erin: ewest@dao.sccgov.org

Linkedin:

Alona Katz: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alonakatz/

Erin West: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinnordbywest/

This podcast is hosted by Ayelet Biger-Levin https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayelet-biger-levin/  who spent the last 15 years building technology to help financial institutions authenticate their customers and identify fraud. She believes that when it comes to scams, the story starts well before the transaction. She has created this podcast to talk about the human side of scams, and to learn from people who have decided to dedicate their lives to speaking up on behalf of scam victims and who take action to solve this problem. Be sure to follow her on LinkedIn and reach out to learn about her additional activities in this space.   Also check out https://scamranger.ai if you had received a message that you suspect is a scam

In this episode we shed light on the rising issue of robocalls and scam calls, untangling the complex web of technology, regulations, and telco motivations. Explore the advanced tools and methods employed to detect and thwart these deceitful calls, while understanding the vital role regulations play in enabling effective action.

But the battle doesn't end there. Dive deeper with us as we uncover the alarming evolution of scammers, who now utilize targeted lists obtained from data breaches, equipping themselves with personal information that makes their calls distressingly effective. Gain valuable insights into the motivations driving telco providers to combat this ever-growing problem, and arm yourself with knowledge and strategies to protect against phone scams.

This podcast is hosted by Ayelet Biger-Levin https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayelet-biger-levin/  who spent the last 15 years building technology to help financial institutions authenticate their customers and identify fraud. She believes that when it comes to scams, the story starts well before the transaction. She has created this podcast to talk about the human side of scams, and to learn from people who have decided to dedicate their lives to speaking up on behalf of scam victims and who take action to solve this problem. Be sure to follow her on LinkedIn and reach out to learn about her additional activities in this space.   Also check out https://scamranger.ai if you had received a message that you suspect is a scam