How Scammers Steal $1 Trillion a Year - Mostly From Americans - Incognito Mode - WIRED
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Date: 2025-03-30
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Comments and reviews: 20
mathatton
I sympathize with Evelyn's situation but I can't bridge the gap between conversing with a stranger online through a dating app and investing incredible sums of money with (or through) them on a platform that you're unfamiliar with. Transactionally you're on Hinge to start a relationship of some kind, not open an investment portfolio Evelyn was ultimately in an emotionally vulnerable state and ignored the multiple red flags being waved in front of her.
The topic of AI near the back third of the video is troubling and will certainly result in more victims, especially among less-savvy Internet users. As a society we need to invest more in critical thinking and online media literacy curriculum because this is already a huge problem, across multiple domains, and it's only going to get worse.
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I sympathize with Evelyn's situation but I can't bridge the gap between conversing with a stranger online through a dating app and investing incredible sums of money with (or through) them on a platform that you're unfamiliar with. Transactionally you're on Hinge to start a relationship of some kind, not open an investment portfolio Evelyn was ultimately in an emotionally vulnerable state and ignored the multiple red flags being waved in front of her.
The topic of AI near the back third of the video is troubling and will certainly result in more victims, especially among less-savvy Internet users. As a society we need to invest more in critical thinking and online media literacy curriculum because this is already a huge problem, across multiple domains, and it's only going to get worse.
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dennisd9554
This is all Pig Butchering 101. Her case was textbook and cliche. Rule #1 to adopt online is don't believe anyone until you've met them in person (and even then still be wary. Rule #2: don't talk finances with anyone, don't tell them how much you have, don't give ANY sum of money. Period. Rule #3: anyone that wants to move chatting off the dating site is likely a scammer because the sites have tools to screen and catch potential scams. Rule #4: learn to say No sometimes. #5: Talk to someone you trust before making any big decisions in life.
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This is all Pig Butchering 101. Her case was textbook and cliche. Rule #1 to adopt online is don't believe anyone until you've met them in person (and even then still be wary. Rule #2: don't talk finances with anyone, don't tell them how much you have, don't give ANY sum of money. Period. Rule #3: anyone that wants to move chatting off the dating site is likely a scammer because the sites have tools to screen and catch potential scams. Rule #4: learn to say No sometimes. #5: Talk to someone you trust before making any big decisions in life.
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gastriasis
I'm not a victim -- I'm a potential victim and thanks to brave victims that tell their stories I've remained a potential victim.
We are all vulnerable and there is a scammer for all of us -- the only difference between potential victims and actual victims is that the former have not yet met the scammers that can exploit their vulnerabilities.
Awareness reduces the pool of scammers who can successfully exploit potential victims like me.
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I'm not a victim -- I'm a potential victim and thanks to brave victims that tell their stories I've remained a potential victim.
We are all vulnerable and there is a scammer for all of us -- the only difference between potential victims and actual victims is that the former have not yet met the scammers that can exploit their vulnerabilities.
Awareness reduces the pool of scammers who can successfully exploit potential victims like me.
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mrzozelowh
To everyone commenting that they would never do something like this/it has to do with intelligence/etc. Emotions are innately human, and people get put into vulnerable states. Just because you've never experienced that doesn't mean others won't. Raising awareness for the subject helps people not to fall for these scams and psychological attacks. Don't shame victims.
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To everyone commenting that they would never do something like this/it has to do with intelligence/etc. Emotions are innately human, and people get put into vulnerable states. Just because you've never experienced that doesn't mean others won't. Raising awareness for the subject helps people not to fall for these scams and psychological attacks. Don't shame victims.
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pynn1000
Stopped at 6: 53 to search for C-E-G-A-M-A-S scam. Result #1 offered tracing service if you've been scammed - invitation to post personal details - email, amount lost. #2 was MA gov one with advice about sites at #1. #3 was this Well done, WIRED! Now I'll watch this. (Cega mas is Portuguese) Edit: Watched. Thanks, Evelyn, Andrew all the team.
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Stopped at 6: 53 to search for C-E-G-A-M-A-S scam. Result #1 offered tracing service if you've been scammed - invitation to post personal details - email, amount lost. #2 was MA gov one with advice about sites at #1. #3 was this Well done, WIRED! Now I'll watch this. (Cega mas is Portuguese) Edit: Watched. Thanks, Evelyn, Andrew all the team.
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tahabozyil9080
this is a perfect example of the tunnel vision. She was in a vulnerable position ending a long term relationship. those things turn your world upside down and you find yourself trying to find a branch to hold on to. If she was in a state where she felt more stable emotionally chances are she wouldnt have gotten frauded.
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this is a perfect example of the tunnel vision. She was in a vulnerable position ending a long term relationship. those things turn your world upside down and you find yourself trying to find a branch to hold on to. If she was in a state where she felt more stable emotionally chances are she wouldnt have gotten frauded.
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Atashireality
i avoid romance scams by being traditionally ugly and a little bit above average intelligence. i'm smart enough to recognize that someone too pretty liking me isn't real, and most people initiating conversations with me typically do so out of necessity so it's easy to detect when something's up.
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i avoid romance scams by being traditionally ugly and a little bit above average intelligence. i'm smart enough to recognize that someone too pretty liking me isn't real, and most people initiating conversations with me typically do so out of necessity so it's easy to detect when something's up.
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empmachine
I guess I just really don't trust anyone. honestly, I'm flabbergasted that she fell for it.
like she was divorced, almost 50, jobless, and more. and then she thought the rich guy was real really
(still totally sux that she lost so much money)
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I guess I just really don't trust anyone. honestly, I'm flabbergasted that she fell for it.
like she was divorced, almost 50, jobless, and more. and then she thought the rich guy was real really
(still totally sux that she lost so much money)
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jaydoggy9043
Seemingly-harmless texts are on the rise. Just the other day I got one saying I'm outside the cafe you coming - easy thing for one to think is a harmless wrong-number text. But think of it: that's never the first text you ever send someone.
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Seemingly-harmless texts are on the rise. Just the other day I got one saying I'm outside the cafe you coming - easy thing for one to think is a harmless wrong-number text. But think of it: that's never the first text you ever send someone.
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Rocinante808
I applied for a job opening on an Inc. website, double checked all links to see if it was legit business and they all checked out. I ended up getting a fake check sent and if I dropped it off at the bank I’d have been out $9 grand. Thx!
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I applied for a job opening on an Inc. website, double checked all links to see if it was legit business and they all checked out. I ended up getting a fake check sent and if I dropped it off at the bank I’d have been out $9 grand. Thx!
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ngkahn7496
A recipe for disaster She was so broken inside coming out of a 20 year relationship; she was unemployed and living off of her 401(k); she had no business considering an online relationship of any kind, especially financial.
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A recipe for disaster She was so broken inside coming out of a 20 year relationship; she was unemployed and living off of her 401(k); she had no business considering an online relationship of any kind, especially financial.
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cyndiebirkner704
Considering how gullible and critical thinking adverse that my fellow Americans have been in the last few years, it doesn't surprise me we're number one. not a great spot to be in
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Considering how gullible and critical thinking adverse that my fellow Americans have been in the last few years, it doesn't surprise me we're number one. not a great spot to be in
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wired
Imagine doing a whole video on romance scams and making it entirely women coded when men, espeically young men, are the number 1 by FAR victims of romance scams. Love that patriarchy: )
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Imagine doing a whole video on romance scams and making it entirely women coded when men, espeically young men, are the number 1 by FAR victims of romance scams. Love that patriarchy: )
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tracilynette2984
It’s so interesting that these scams are textbook, like they follow a very specific pattern and still people are tricked. Idk a stranger never tried to make me money
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It’s so interesting that these scams are textbook, like they follow a very specific pattern and still people are tricked. Idk a stranger never tried to make me money
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zerodegreescelsius
People judge, scrutinize and interview irl dates and potential matches only to fall bait, hook and sinker for crappy online profiles
Ouch.
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People judge, scrutinize and interview irl dates and potential matches only to fall bait, hook and sinker for crappy online profiles
Ouch.
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HorataioONeill
With this market, I’m glad I kept my money safe with Moonacy Protocol. Daily earnings are greatperfect to invest in the upcoming alt season!
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With this market, I’m glad I kept my money safe with Moonacy Protocol. Daily earnings are greatperfect to invest in the upcoming alt season!
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mariocorleone106
Usaid is a joke and would do nothing to help here. United States Agency of International Development has absolutely nothing to do with Aid
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Usaid is a joke and would do nothing to help here. United States Agency of International Development has absolutely nothing to do with Aid
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ngkahn7496
When someone starts bragging about material things that is a clear signal.
He’s skillfully played her by tapping into her greed.
Smh
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When someone starts bragging about material things that is a clear signal.
He’s skillfully played her by tapping into her greed.
Smh
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KiloOscarZulu
The title of the thumbnail is 'financial scams' - but aren't all scams financial in nature What are some scams that are not financial
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The title of the thumbnail is 'financial scams' - but aren't all scams financial in nature What are some scams that are not financial
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brandon8900
You get what you deserve. I don't condone scamming people but they make it so easy. People really need to get some common sense.
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You get what you deserve. I don't condone scamming people but they make it so easy. People really need to get some common sense.
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