Episodios

  • Smarticle Podcast - Smarticle Scams - Protecting Older Adults from Financial Scams: Insights from Brian Watson

    Smarticle Podcast - Smarticle Scams - Protecting Older Adults from Financial Scams: Insights from Brian Watson
    Mar 19 2025
    In this episode, Brandon hosts Brian Watson, a retired IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent with 28 years of experience in federal law enforcement. Brian shares his background and current role with the nonprofit ROSE (Resources Outreach to Safeguard the Elderly), where he focuses on fraud prevention for older adults. They discuss the evolving nature of scams, how seniors are targeted due to their accumulated wealth, and provide practical advice on recognizing and preventing scams. Real-life examples of scams and the emotional and financial toll on victims underscore the importance of vigilance and proactive measures. The episode highlights the importance of community and support networks in safeguarding vulnerable populations from financial predators. 00:00 Welcome and Introduction 01:13 Brian Watson's Background 02:13 Focus on Digital and Online Scams 03:09 Scams Targeting Older Americans 07:04 The Evolution of Scams 10:05 Common Scams and How They Work 12:24 Advice for Older Adults 15:45 Emotional and Financial Consequences 21:47 Prevention and Support Resources 26:29 Real-Life Scam Stories 30:23 Conclusion and Final Thoughts R.O.S.E Advocacy Group smarticlepodcast@gmail.com @Smarticleshow @BDDoble @larryolson threads.net/@smarticleshow @brand.dobes The Smarticle Podcast

    https://www.smarticlepodcast.com/

    #brianwatson #roseadvocasy #aarp #financialcrimes #cammingtheelderly #olderamericans #facebookscams #scams #onlinescams #smarticlescams #directaccessscams #smarticlepodcast

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    32 m
  • Smarticle Podcast - Smarticle Scams - Combating Financial Sextortion: An In-depth Discussion with Paul Raffile

    Smarticle Podcast - Smarticle Scams - Combating Financial Sextortion: An In-depth Discussion with Paul Raffile
    Mar 12 2025

    In this episode of the Smarticle Scams podcast, Brandon welcomes Intel analyst Paul Raffile to discuss his extensive work in fighting financial sextortion. Raffile shares his background in tracking online threats and details how financial sextortion scams have evolved to predominantly target males aged 14-17 years old. He explains the methods these criminals use to coerce victims and the psychological impacts on young people, including devastating cases leading to suicides. Raphael also examines the roles of social media platforms and payment services, like Cash App, in perpetuating these scams and their responsibility in combating them. He highlights the importance of awareness and offers resources and steps both parents and policymakers can take to protect children from becoming victims. The episode emphasizes the need for substantial action from social media companies and legislative bodies to curb the growing threat of financial sextortion that endangers children's lives globally.

    00:00 Introduction and Guest Background 01:44 Understanding Financial Sextortion 04:49 The Tactics of Sextortion Scammers 09:12 The Role of Social Media in Sextortion 15:01 Impact on Victims and Families 19:36 Efforts to Combat Sextortion 26:18 Call to Action and Resources 27:39 Paul's Motivation and Final Thoughts smarticlepodcast@gmail.com FBI - Sextortion National Center For Missing and Exploited Kids Canadian Center For Child Protection @Smarticleshow @BDDoble @larryolson threads.net/@smarticleshow @brand.dobes The Smarticle Podcast

    https://www.smarticlepodcast.com/

    #paulraffile #yahooboys #sextortion #financialcrimes #financialsextortion #cashapp #facebookscams #scams #onlinescams #smarticlescams #coinbase #smarticlepodcast

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    30 m
  • Smarticle Podcast - Smarticle Scams - Pig Butchering Part Two - The Butchered

    Smarticle Podcast - Smarticle Scams - Pig Butchering Part Two - The Butchered
    Mar 5 2025
    In this episode of the Smarticle Podcast we delve into the alarming 'Pig Butchering' scam, a sophisticated fraud scheme originating in China and spreading across Southeast Asia. Brandon discusses previous incidents, including a significant case involving Shan Hanes, the CEO of a small Kansas bank who was implicated in this scam and embezzled $47 million. The episode features interviews with two victims of the scam, Troy Gauchenour and PJ Jenkins. Troy shares his journey of being deceived through a crypto mining scheme, while PJ, a retired law enforcement officer from New Jersey, details how he got entangled in a similar scam through a dating website. Both victims emphasize the psychological and financial toll of the scam and underline the necessity for public awareness and stronger regulation. Throughout, the episode highlights the intricacy of these scams, the global network behind them, and the urgent need for greater accountability and preventative measures. 00:00 Introduction to Common Scams 01:05 The Pig Butchering Scam Explained 01:15 The Case of Shane Haines 02:43 Impact on Victims and Society 04:05 Real Stories from Victims 04:38 Troy Gau's Experience 05:47 How the Scam Unfolded 14:56 The Role of Cryptocurrency 18:14 Falling for the Scam 23:30 Aftermath and Seeking Help 30:16 Joining the Fight Against Scams 33:04 Understanding Black Yu and White Yu 33:19 The Role of Social Media in Scam Awareness 33:54 Personal Encounters with Scammers 34:40 Law Enforcement and Scam Prevention 35:07 The Reality of Modern Scams 35:50 Misconceptions About Scam Victims 36:12 Targeting the Elderly 36:54 Interview with PJ Jenkins: Law Enforcement Insights 37:54 PJ's Personal Scam Experience 38:57 The Mechanics of the Scam 53:32 The Aftermath and Psychological Impact 57:46 The Need for Awareness and Regulation 01:04:57 Final Thoughts and Call to Action smarticlepodcast@gmail.com Pig Butchering Scams Go Hi Tech An ex-cop fell for Alice. Then he fell for her $66 million crypto scam. @Smarticleshow @BDDoble @larryolson threads.net/@smarticleshow @brand.dobes The Smarticle Podcast

    https://www.smarticlepodcast.com/

    #troygochenour #pjjenkins #operationshamrock #cryptocurrency #pigbutcheringscam #pigbutchering #romancescams #scams #onlinescams #smarticlescams #coinbase #smarticlepodcast

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    1 h y 8 m
  • Smarticle Podcast - Smarticle Scams - The Ultimate Scam: Pig Butchering - A Conversation With Erin West

    Smarticle Podcast - Smarticle Scams - The Ultimate Scam: Pig Butchering - A Conversation With Erin West
    Feb 26 2025

    In this episode of the Smarticle podcast, Brandon introduces Erin West, a former Deputy District Attorney and founder of Operation Shamrock, to delve into the alarming rise of 'pig butchering' scams. Erin explains how these scams trick victims, often through elaborate schemes involving romantic or investment opportunities, leading to devastating financial losses. She discusses the difficulties victims face in reporting these crimes and highlights the gaps in law enforcement and financial institutions' responses. Erin shares her efforts to educate and equip law enforcement through the Crypto Coalition and emphasizes the need for greater awareness and kindness towards scam victims. The conversation also touches on the international origins of these scams and the lack of intervention by global authorities. Tune in to learn how to protect yourself and support initiatives against these destructive scams.

    00:00 Introduction to Pig Butchering Scams 01:24 Meet Erin West: The Scam Fighter 03:24 Understanding Pig Butchering Scams 05:09 The Mechanics of the Scam 07:02 The Human Cost and Reporting Challenges 10:13 Origins and Operations of Pig Butchering 16:05 Targeting and Tactics of Scammers 22:11 Financial Impact and Institutional Response 25:56 The Scam Setup: How Victims Are Tricked 26:51 Emotional Manipulation Tactics 29:24 The Role of Financial Institutions 31:32 Challenges in Law Enforcement 33:12 Building a Coalition Against Crypto Crimes 35:25 The Need for Better Education and Tools 42:15 The Responsibility of Social Media Companies 44:23 Final Thoughts and Call to Action smarticlepodcast@gmail.com Operation Shamrock @Smarticleshow @BDDoble @larryolson threads.net/@smarticleshow @brand.dobes The Smarticle Podcast

    https://www.smarticlepodcast.com/

    #erinwest #operationshamrock #cryptocoalition #pigbutcheringscam #pigbutchering #romancescams #scams #onlinescams #smarticlepodcast

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    47 m
  • Smarticle Podcast - Smarticle Scams - Unmasking Gig Work Scams: A Conversation with Justin Caffier

    Smarticle Podcast - Smarticle Scams - Unmasking Gig Work Scams: A Conversation with Justin Caffier
    Feb 19 2025
    In the first episode of this new series from the Smarticle Podcast, the focus is on the prevalence and mechanisms of scams on freelance sites, particularly Upwork. Brandon interviews writer Justin Caffier, who shares his personal experience of falling victim to an Upwork scam. They discuss the tactics used by scammers, platform vulnerabilities, and the broader implications of these scams on the gig economy. Caffier's journey, described in his Mashable article, deeply explores the pitfalls and systemic issues within freelance platforms. The episode concludes with a discussion on the responsibility of companies like Upwork to protect their users and the potential risks of an Uberized labor market. 00:00 Introduction to Digital and Online Scams 01:10 Justin Caffier's Upwork Scam Experience 02:02 Reading Justin's Article on Upwork Scams 05:35 The Mechanics of Upwork and Freelance Scams 14:46 Personal Experiences with Upwork Scams 23:31 The Responsibility of Platforms in Preventing Scams 26:44 Conclusion and Final Thoughts smarticlepodcast@gmail.com https://www.instagram.com/justincaffier/ @JustinCaffier I got scammed on Upwork so you don't have to

    @Smarticleshow @BDDoble @larryolson threads.net/@smarticleshow @brand.dobes The Smarticle Podcast

    https://www.smarticlepodcast.com/

    #justincaffier #mashable #gigwork #gigworkscam #upworkscams #onlinescams #smarticlepodcast

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    33 m
  • Smarticle - The Smarticle Scams Trailer

    Smarticle - The Smarticle Scams Trailer
    Feb 16 2025
    In this gripping series, the Smarticle Podcast reveals the massive, yet underreported, threat of online scams that are costing American households billions of dollars a year. From phishing emails to fake websites, these digital deceptions are undermining societal trust and destabilizing American life. Join Brandon, Larry, and the Smarticle Media team as they discuss the growing menace of digital fraud with industry experts and scam victims in order to learn effective strategies to protect yourself from becoming the next target. Additionally, meet Andrew, an AI voice, as a chilling example of how advanced and deceptive these scams have become. Prepare to dive deep into the complex world of online fraud and safeguard your digital presence. 00:00 The Biggest Threat You've Never Heard Of 00:40 The Decline of American Society 01:09 The Rise of Digital Scams 01:37 A Silent Epidemic 01:53 Introducing Smarticle Scams 02:02 Meet Andrew, the AI Voice 02:19 Join Us on This Journey #scams #pigbutchering #onlinescams
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    3 m
  • Smarticle - AGTF - The Hiatus Announcement: Reflecting on Smarticle's Journey - The Final Show...For Now

    Smarticle - AGTF - The Hiatus Announcement: Reflecting on Smarticle's Journey - The Final Show...For Now
    Nov 1 2024
    Today on the Smarticle, Brandon and Larry announce their upcoming hiatus and reflect on the three-year journey of the podcast. We discuss the evolution of the show, which aims to provide a concise alternative to long podcasts, and our future ambitions. The conversation shifts to a discussion on politics, faith, and the importance of listening and understanding diverse perspectives rooted in love and compassion. The episode concludes with expressions of gratitude to our loyal listeners and a hopeful note on returning in a new format. 00:00 Introduction and Announcement 01:02 Reflecting on the Journey 01:44 Hiatus and Future Plans 02:11 God Talk Friday 2:17 Politics and Religion 06:01 Progressive Ideologies and Challenges 13:00 The Third Way and Final Thoughts 15:31 Gratitude and Farewell

    smarticlepodcast@gmail.com

    #hiatus #finalshow #grace #listening #god #trust #cac #fatherrohr #richardrohr #centerforactionandcontemplation #spiritual #faith #godtok #faithtalk #realfaith #smarticlepodcast #podcast #smarticle @dailymeditations @Smarticleshow @BDDoble @larryolson threads.net/@smarticleshow @brand.dobes The Center for Action and Contemplation The Smarticle Podcast

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    17 m
  • Smarticle - Hurricane Helene and Smarticle: Fear Ain't No Joke

    Smarticle - Hurricane Helene and Smarticle: Fear Ain't No Joke
    Oct 9 2024

    Today we talk about the emotional and physical challenges faced during the storm, including concerns for family safety, power outages, and acts of kindness from the community. Brandon shares the overwhelming emotions experienced, akin to grief, and reflects on fear, comparing it to the experiences of soldiers coming back from war. Despite the difficulties, it highlights the dedication of first responders and community support. Brandon plans to return to the impacted area to help, while Larry talks about living comfortably in California.

    00:00 Introduction and Audio Disclaimer 00:43 Experiencing the Hurricane 01:58 Emotional Impact and Family Stories 03:24 Reflections on Fear and Survival 06:16 Comparisons and Broader Reflections 10:26 Acts of Kindness and First Responders 12:09 Conclusion and Moving Forward Fear as a Game smarticlepodcast@gmail.com

    #hurricanehelene #fear #apocalypse #asheville #ashevillestrong #catastrophe #flooding #ashevillenc #smarticlepodcast #podcast #smarticle @Smarticleshow @BDDoble @larryolson threads.net/@smarticleshow @brand.dobes The Smarticle Podcast

    https://www.smarticlepodcast.com/
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    14 m
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