Episodes

  • Shocking Online Shopping Scams Exploding Ahead of 2025 Holiday Season

    Shocking Online Shopping Scams Exploding Ahead of 2025 Holiday Season
    Dec 1 2025
    Hey listeners, Scotty here, and let me tell you, the scam world is absolutely on fire right now as we head into the final shopping month of 2025.

    First up, let's talk about what's happening in real time. The FBI is sounding the alarm about holiday shopping scams exploding across the country. We're seeing everything from non-delivery schemes where you pay for goods that never show up, to fake charities cleaning out people's wallets. But here's where it gets really interesting with the AI angle. Over in New York, shoppers are being warned that scammers are using artificial intelligence to create entire fake online storefronts that look almost identical to legitimate brands. We're talking fake product images, deepfake reviews, and websites with URLs that differ by just one character from the real deal. New Yorkers lost over seventeen million dollars to online shopping scams last year alone, and authorities are seeing this trend accelerate dramatically.

    Now let's get into some serious criminal activity. A seventy-three-year-old Malaysian woman was just arrested in Singapore for running a government impersonation scam where she posed as an official from the Monetary Authority of Singapore. She collected cash and gold bars worth approximately two hundred thousand dollars from victims. Police recovered the goods and are reminding everyone never to hand money or valuables to unknown persons, no matter what authority they claim to represent.

    Back in Missouri, things are getting desperate. Clay County residents have lost three million dollars in just two years to cryptocurrency ATM scams. Scammers call claiming to be from the sheriff's office, tell victims they have warrants for missing jury duty, and pressure them to withdraw cash and convert it to Bitcoin. One sixty-seven-year-old woman lost fourteen thousand dollars this way. The thing about crypto is it's nearly impossible to trace or reverse, which is exactly why criminals love these machines.

    And then there's Maurice Amare Wynn, a twenty-three-year-old currently on fifteen years probation after his April arrest for organized fraud. He's already back at it, targeting churches, colleges, and hospitals with promises of large donations to gain access to banking information. He previously stole over three hundred thousand dollars in products using false identities.

    Here's what you actually need to do. Never click suspicious links from social media. Inspect gift cards for tampering before buying. Check website URLs carefully and look for that locked padlock icon. If a deal seems too good to be true, it absolutely is. Use credit cards instead of debit cards for online purchases because the fraud protection is way better.

    Stay sharp out there, listeners. These scammers are getting smarter by the day, but so can you. Thanks for tuning in, and please subscribe for more updates on what's really happening in the cyber world.

    This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.

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    This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
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    3 mins
  • Scam Alert: Cybercriminals Steal $262M Through Account Takeovers in 2025

    Scam Alert: Cybercriminals Steal $262M Through Account Takeovers in 2025
    Nov 30 2025
    Hey folks, it's Scotty here, and buckle up because the scam landscape in late November 2025 is absolutely wild. We're talking nearly half a billion dollars in fraud attempts, and the bad guys are getting smarter every single day.

    Let's jump straight into the chaos. The FBI just reported that cybercriminals have stolen over 262 million dollars through account takeover schemes so far this year, with more than 5,100 complaints landing on their desk. That's a lot of stolen credentials, and here's how these digital bandits are doing it. They're using phishing emails, fraudulent calls, and text messages to trick you into handing over your login details. Once they've got those credentials, they reset your password, drain your accounts, and convert everything to cryptocurrency faster than you can say fraud alert.

    Now here's where it gets particularly nasty. AI is weaponizing these attacks. Cybersecurity companies have detected over 750 malicious holiday-themed domains in recent months, and we're talking incredibly convincing fake Amazon and Temu ads. Low-skill attackers can now deploy sophisticated phishing campaigns that look legitimate because AI is doing the heavy lifting for them. They're targeting you with urgency-driven messages about Black Friday and Christmas deals, and honestly, it's working.

    Speaking of arrests, Singapore just busted a 73-year-old Malaysian woman acting as a money mule for a scam syndicate that was impersonating Monetary Authority of Singapore officials. Police seized gold bars worth about 200,000 Singapore dollars and cash from her. The scammers were telling victims their bank accounts were linked to money laundering, then instructing them to hand over valuables supposedly for investigations. Classic government impersonation scheme, and it's been happening between October 8th and late November.

    Meanwhile in India, Rourkela police arrested four people including three bank officials involved in a massive online scam affecting over 1,100 bank accounts across multiple states. They were selling activated bank accounts to fraudsters in other states who used them for nationwide fraud operations.

    Here's what you need to know to stay safe. Don't share personal information online like your pet's name or your birthday because scammers use that stuff to guess your passwords. Enable multi-factor authentication on everything. Use unique, complex passwords. Verify URLs before logging in anywhere. Avoid clicking links from unsolicited messages or ads. If someone claims to be from your bank calling you, hang up and call the bank directly using the number on your card. Deploy antivirus software, enable firewalls, and seriously consider identity theft protection services.

    The bottom line is that these criminals are organized, they're using AI, and they're specifically targeting the holiday shopping season. Stay paranoid, stay informed, and stay secure.

    Thanks for tuning in, listeners. Make sure to subscribe for more security insights and real-world scam breakdowns. This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quietplease dot ai.

    For more http://www.quietplease.ai

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    This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
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    3 mins
  • Cyber Scams Skyrocket: Protect Yourself This Black Friday

    Cyber Scams Skyrocket: Protect Yourself This Black Friday
    Nov 28 2025
    Hey listeners, it's Scotty here, and boy do I have some wild stories from the scam trenches this week. Black Friday just wrapped up yesterday, and let me tell you, the internet was basically a minefield of fraud schemes.

    So here's the thing that's got everyone freaked out right now. Phishing attacks targeting Black Friday shoppers exploded by 620 percent in the weeks leading up to yesterday. That's not a typo. Six hundred and twenty percent. And guess what? Security experts are predicting another 20 to 30 percent surge during the actual shopping week. It's absolutely bonkers out there.

    The really clever stuff is what's getting me. Attackers are using generative AI to craft phishing emails that look so legitimate you'd swear they came straight from Amazon or Walmart or Target. Amazon alone got impersonated in about 80 percent of all phishing attempts against major brands. Scammers are spoofing domains like PetPlatz dot com and something called EpicBrandMarketing dot com, then they're baiting people with fake deals for luxury watches and designer handbags. Click the link, and boom, you're on a knockoff Amazon site handing over your credit card info.

    But wait, there's more. Fake Amazon storefronts surged over 200 percent recently, and fraudulent eBay sites jumped over 500 percent. These sites use AI to look almost identical to the real thing, and surveys show that 68 percent of people can't actually tell the difference between real and fake websites.

    Now here's where it gets interesting from a law enforcement angle. Police in Singapore just busted four guys aged 30 to 35 who were running fraudulent schemes on Grab, the ride-sharing platform. They'd created fake accounts, manipulated bookings, and stole over 58,000 dollars from the company. They're getting charged today actually, and we're talking up to 10 years in prison.

    Meanwhile in Korea, authorities arrested 17 members of a criminal organization that was running no-show reservation fraud. These guys were impersonating government agencies and military units to make massive group dinner reservations, then vanishing while the restaurant got stuck with the bill. They hit about 15,000 victims and made off with roughly 3.5 billion Korean won.

    The big takeaway here? Check every website twice before you enter your payment info. Scammers are switching letters around, using almost identical URLs. Type it into a search engine. Use credit cards with fraud protection. Never use public WiFi for shopping. And seriously, if a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is.

    Thanks so much for tuning in, listeners. Make sure you subscribe for more of this stuff because the scammers aren't taking a break anytime soon. This has been Quiet Please Production, for more check out quietplease dot ai.

    For more http://www.quietplease.ai

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    This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
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    3 mins
  • Protect Yourself from Rising Account Takeover Fraud: Crucial Tips Revealed

    Protect Yourself from Rising Account Takeover Fraud: Crucial Tips Revealed
    Nov 26 2025
    It’s been a wild few days out there in scam land, and if you’re not paying attention, you could be the next headline. Just this week, the FBI dropped a bombshell, reporting over 5,100 complaints and a jaw-dropping $262 million lost to account takeover fraud since January. That’s right, scammers are impersonating banks, payroll services, even law enforcement, and they’re getting smarter by the minute. They’re not just sending phishing emails anymore—they’re using AI to craft messages that sound legit, and they’re buying ads to make their fake sites pop up at the top of search results. If you get a call or text from someone claiming to be your bank, saying there’s a problem with your account, don’t click any links. Hang up, call the bank directly, and verify. The FBI says these scams are targeting everyone, from individuals to big businesses, and the average loss per victim is over $51,000. That’s not pocket change.

    And it’s not just happening in the US. Over in Korea, police just busted what they’re calling the country’s largest smishing ring. Thirteen people were arrested, accused of stealing more than 12 billion won—about $8.2 million—from over a thousand victims. They were sending texts that looked like wedding invitations or municipal notices, but the links installed malware on people’s phones. Once they had access, they activated new SIM cards, forged IDs, and drained bank and crypto accounts. Most of the victims were over 50, and police say middle-aged and older users need to be extra careful. If you get a text from someone you know with a link, call them to confirm before you click.

    Here’s the kicker—scammers are also using fake e-commerce stores to steal payment info. Recorded Future says these scams are a major emerging threat, with attackers using traffic distribution systems to target specific victims and get them to authorize fraudulent payments themselves. That means the money moves fast, and it’s hard to get back. And don’t forget about the holiday scams. Visa’s 2025 Holiday Threats Report warns that package delivery scams and fake shopping sites are surging, with AI making the fake sites look more convincing than ever.

    So, what can you do? Stay vigilant. Don’t click on links in unsolicited messages, use unique passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and monitor your accounts regularly. If something feels off, trust your gut. And if you think you’ve been scammed, contact your financial institution and report it to the FBI’s IC3 right away.

    Thanks for tuning in, and don’t forget to subscribe. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.

    For more http://www.quietplease.ai

    Get the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOta

    This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
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    3 mins
  • Scam-Busting Cyber Expert Reveals Shocking Online Fraud Exposé

    Scam-Busting Cyber Expert Reveals Shocking Online Fraud Exposé
    Nov 24 2025
    Scotty here, your favorite scam-slaying cyber-expert! Fasten your seatbelts, listeners, because the past few days in the world of internet scams have been absolutely wild—not just popcorn-worthy, but DEFCON-1 for your wallet and data. Let’s get right to the drama.

    Fresh off the presses in Myanmar, we’ve got one of the largest scam hub busts in history. Between November 18th and 22nd, the military swooped down on the notorious Shwe Kokko compound—imagine a Las Vegas for criminal masterminds but with less Elvis and more fraud. Nearly 1,600 foreign nationals arrested, mountains of computer equipment seized, and—get this—video footage of monitors and mobile phones getting steamrolled. The operation even nabbed 100 Chinese nationals in one go. The compound is linked to She Zhijiang, the Chinese-Cambodian tycoon extradited to China for his role in a web of scams, online gambling, and assorted mayhem. But before you high-five the authorities, survivor testimonies out of these compounds are becoming horror stories: electric shocks, sleepless nights, threats of organ harvesting. Meanwhile, experts warn new scam centers are sprouting up like weeds.

    In Thailand, the police crackdown on “mule accounts” has shifted into overdrive. Scam networks drained over 100 billion baht, with more than 327 suspects under arrest and 55 ringleader cells unmasked. One memorable bust: a female gang member collected 5.8 million baht plus several kilos of gold at a victim’s home. These scammers used every trick in the book—hybrid scams that fused romance with fake investments, sophisticated syndicates, and a conveyor belt of fake identities.

    Northern Ohio families—watch out! Local officials are warning about scammers targeting families after jail bookings. It's an old scam with a new twist: fraudsters pretend to be officials, trick you into paying for pretend problems with your loved one's case.

    Now, let’s talk about your current shopping bonanza. Microsoft’s Mark Anderson flagged Australia and New Zealand as cyber danger zones, with scammers using AI to whip up fake shopping sites so real, even your browser is confused. Phishing emails are everywhere, pretending to be Amazon, Apple, delivery services—you name it. This week, Virgin Media O2 blocked millions of scam texts in the UK, but warns everyone: don’t click suspicious links, especially with Black Friday and Cyber Monday's manic deals flying around.

    Watch for deepfake ads. These AI-generated videos are so convincing, they’re luring shoppers to bogus sites and counterfeit tech. Don’t fall for deals that scream “too good to be true.” Always double-check the website URL, scour reviews, and never click unknown links. And protect your accounts—turn on multi-factor authentication, use strong passwords, keep software updated, and never share one-time codes. Criminals count on your panic during sales; slow down and scrutinize before you buy.

    Don’t let your IoT devices become the weak link—smart doorbells and fridges aren’t as smart as you’d think when hackers want in.

    If something feels off, act fast: freeze accounts, run antivirus scans, change passwords. The fight against scammers is ongoing, but your best weapon is vigilance—and sharing info with your loved ones.

    Thanks for tuning in! Subscribe so you don’t miss the next cyber-saga. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.

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    This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
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    4 mins
  • AI-Powered Scams Surge Globally: Experts Warn of Heightened Holiday Risks

    AI-Powered Scams Surge Globally: Experts Warn of Heightened Holiday Risks
    Nov 24 2025
    If you thought online scams were just a holiday headache, think again. This past week, the world saw a massive crackdown in Myanmar, where nearly 1,600 people were arrested in just five days at the notorious Shwe Kokko scam compound. Authorities seized thousands of computers, mobile phones, and even Starlink satellite receivers. These scam centers, often run by militia groups, have been forcing people into brutal conditions, making them send thousands of scam messages every day. Survivors have reported torture, impossible quotas, and threats of organ harvesting. And here’s the kicker—these scams are now supercharged by AI, making the messages and websites look incredibly real. Romance scams, fake investment platforms, and phishing emails are all getting a high-tech upgrade, and it’s not just happening overseas.

    Back here in the States, the National Retail Federation says a record 187 million people are expected to shop online this Thanksgiving weekend. That’s a lot of targets for scammers. Virginia Tech’s Murat Kantarcioglu warns that scam emails are no longer full of spelling mistakes. Thanks to AI, they’re more convincing than ever, especially for seniors. His advice? Don’t trust emails or texts that look like they’re from retailers. Go directly to the website yourself. Don’t click on links. And if someone urgently asks for money or personal info, hang up and verify the source.

    Just last week, a Syracuse police officer was arrested for fraud after using a Lowe’s credit card and then filing a false fraud report to get a refund. It’s a reminder that scammers can be anyone, even people in positions of trust.

    If you get a suspicious call or message, don’t panic. Check the number, search for it, and report it. Use strong passwords, multi-factor authentication, and don’t overshare on social media. Scammers are using your data to craft personalized attacks, so limit what you put out there. And if you spot a suspicious payment, contact your card provider right away.

    Thanks for tuning in. Stay safe out there, and don’t forget to subscribe. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.

    For more http://www.quietplease.ai

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    This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
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    2 mins
  • Outsmart Scammers: Your Cyber Safety Playbook for the Holiday Hustle

    Outsmart Scammers: Your Cyber Safety Playbook for the Holiday Hustle
    Nov 21 2025
    Hey listeners, it’s Scotty, your tech detective with a passion for unmasking scams, hacking hype, and keeping you one step ahead in cyberspace. The last few days have delivered a cyber-tsunami of scams, from headline-making arrests to hot-off-the-press warnings—so hang tight as I break it all down, with no encrypted jargon, just real talk.

    Let’s cut right to the chase: Social media and online marketplaces are war zones right now. Malwarebytes announced just yesterday that 27 percent of people get hit with scams daily on social platforms, and 15 percent on online marketplaces—think Facebook Marketplace, Instagram DMs, even your favorite influencer’s latest “deal.” The holiday rush makes scammers bolder, with fake ads, cloned brands, and delivery scams buzzing from all angles. It’s a billion-dollar text message grift out there, folks—so don’t click that “track your package” link unless you’re sure it’s legit.

    And the crooks? It’s not just faceless bots. In Poughkeepsie, New York, Guiming Zhu from Brooklyn was busted this past weekend after posing as an FBI agent to scam a senior during in-person cash exchanges. Similar moves played out in De Soto, where a scammer claimed ties to Social Security and the FBI, ultimately swindling a woman out of $30,000 before being nabbed during a money pickup. Law enforcement says it loud: The FBI or local police will NEVER ask you to withdraw and hand over cash, period.

    Let’s talk about the scary “digital arrest” scheme out of Bhopal, India, where cybercriminals convinced an elderly couple that they were linked to terrorists. Imagine—nearly 24 hours of psychological manipulation, nonstop calls, and over $80,000 transferred under duress. Scammers prey on fear, fake urgency, and the authority of law enforcement. If someone says you have a warrant, missed jury duty, or must avoid arrest by paying up, hit pause! Saratoga County just reported a victim forking over $10,000 via Apple Pay to a scammer impersonating a deputy. Urgency is the red flag—always call the real agency before moving a dime.

    On the tech front, scammers are leveling up with generative AI. According to Bitdefender, phishing scams now dominate, with social media overtaking email as the crooks’ favorite playground. Deepfake voices and cloned celebrity posts are luring people to malware sites—if you see Taylor Swift offering you free tickets on some random link, expect ransomware, not a concert invite.

    So how do you keep your data and dollars safe? Always shop from trusted sites—look for HTTPS, double-check the URL, and if some deal screams “TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE,” trust your instincts. Use strong, unique passwords on every account, enable two-factor authentication, and run security software with automatic updates. Never send money or sensitive info to someone just because they sound official on the phone. And if you get a surprise text about a delivery or a request for payment info, go straight to the source—never through the link provided.

    Thanks for tuning in, stay alert out there, and do yourself a favor by subscribing for more Scam-busting insights. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.

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    3 mins
  • Avoid Digital Deception this Holiday Season: Expert Tips to Outsmart Scammers

    Avoid Digital Deception this Holiday Season: Expert Tips to Outsmart Scammers
    Nov 19 2025
    Listeners, it's Scotty here—your friendly neighborhood scam sniffer, cyber sleuth, and hacking sage. If you're tuning in right now, congratulations: you’re officially immune to boredom and about to get a crash course in how not to get digitally mugged this week.

    Right out of the gate, scam activity across the internet is having a record-breaking surge as we barrel toward Black Friday and the holidays. According to recent data by Bolster AI, phishing attacks and smishing—yep, that means those sketchy fake delivery text messages—are up as much as 122 percent for November. UPS, FedEx, Amazon… you name it, scammers are impersonating them. The scam? “Missed delivery, pay this customs fee”—but where does that payment go? Straight into Scammer Stan’s pocket, not your local post office.

    The fake online stores game has also gone into hyperdrive. Picture this: you’re scrolling through Instagram and see a brand-new sneaker site, 90% off Adidas. Sorry, Cinderella, those shoes aren’t arriving and neither is your money. Even the chatbots on these sites are fakes, ready to sweet-talk you into handing over your credit card—until the only thing left in your account is regret.

    Have you scanned a QR code lately? That fancy square could reroute you to a phishing bomb. Physical mail, posters, even those “track your holiday package” SMS links—QR fraud is everywhere. Pro tip: always check the URL preview before you scan, and never enter sensitive details on a site you don’t trust.

    Gift card scams are going strong, too. A favorite target this season: employees receiving emails from “the boss” asking for urgent gift cards for “client gifts.” If your boss ever asks you for gift cards over email or text, it’s less about holiday cheer and more about criminal mischief.

    Now, let's talk real-life scam busts: In DeSoto, Missouri, cops ran a sting operation and nabbed a guy trying to pick up $30,000 in cash from a victim duped by someone pretending to be both the FBI and Social Security. The lesson here? Any caller who says they're from a government agency, demanding cash or personal info, is probably a scammer—hung up, locked out, do not pass Go.

    And our Florida listeners, big heads up: NBC News just spotlighted a Vietnam vet ready to dump thousands into a Bitcoin ATM after a scam pop-up convinced him his bank account was hacked. Police stepped in before he sent his honest cash into a crypto black hole, but annual losses from these ATM scams now top $100 million nationwide. If someone tells you to put money in crypto to "save" it, rethink your trust settings—hard.

    What’s the takeaway? Don’t click on random links or scan QR codes from messages or mail you weren’t expecting. Verify any urgent request directly, especially when it sounds like trouble at your bank, an unpaid toll, or a family “emergency.” Never let someone you don’t know remotely access your computer or ask you to pay with gift cards or crypto. If your gut says weird, slow down and check it with someone you trust—maybe your favorite scam expert named Scotty.

    If you spot a scam—or just want to sharpen your defenses—the FTC’s new “How I’ll Avoid a Scam: My Action Plan” tool is worth printing and sticking somewhere visible. Help your family do the same, spread the word, and report suspicious activity to ReportFraud.ftc.gov, because nothing says “holiday spirit” like ruining a scammer’s day.

    Stay savvy and sanitized, scam busters. Thanks for tuning in, and don’t forget to subscribe. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.

    For more http://www.quietplease.ai

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    This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
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    4 mins