Tiffany Reese
Appearances
Something Was Wrong
Data Points: Cons, Schemes, & Fraud
Wondery Plus subscribers can listen to Something Was Wrong early and ad free right now. Join Wondery Plus in the Wondery app or on Apple Podcasts. Although cons, schemes, and fraud can make for intriguing storylines, the true impact of fraud has pervasive detrimental effects on its victims that are not often highlighted in society or media.
Something Was Wrong
Data Points: Cons, Schemes, & Fraud
Younger adults were more likely to fall prey to online shopping scams, which often started with an ad on social media, far more often than any other fraud type. Younger adults also reported losing money on job scams at more than five times the rate of older adults. And with the invention of the internet, the accessibility and ease of committing fraud has increased immensely.
Something Was Wrong
Data Points: Cons, Schemes, & Fraud
The Federal Trade Commission reports that of all reported fraud from 21 to 23, victims who made initial contact with scammers through the internet were scammed out of a total of nearly $6 billion.
Something Was Wrong
Data Points: Cons, Schemes, & Fraud
One in four people who reported losing money to fraud from 21 to 23 said it started on social media, and those victims reported losses that reached a whopping $2.7 billion, which is significantly higher than victims that were frauded through other contact methods.
Something Was Wrong
Data Points: Cons, Schemes, & Fraud
Social media is also being used to increasingly target younger victims, and is the method of communication in 47% of fraud reported by 18-19 year olds. Still, most fraud is actually not reported, which means that these numbers are actually just a fraction of the harm that common cons, schemes, and frauds cause in the internet and social media age.
Something Was Wrong
Data Points: Cons, Schemes, & Fraud
As Experian highlights, artificial intelligence-powered scams are increasingly important to keep an eye out for. These scams can produce highly convincing emails, phone calls, and texts. They can also create quality deepfakes featuring celebrities or otherwise influential people to trick victims into investing into a business or idea.
Something Was Wrong
Data Points: Cons, Schemes, & Fraud
AI-powered scams can even trick victims into believing a family member, loved one, or employer is on the other end of the con. Artificial intelligence can also offer the perpetrator the ability to fabricate images, videos, sounds, or other content in the likeness of the victim and potentially use it to extort other victims.
Something Was Wrong
Data Points: Cons, Schemes, & Fraud
you can report extortion to the police and to your local Federal Bureau of Investigation field office by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI or online at tips.fbi.gov. You can also report threats involving the internet, such as when a mobile payment app is involved, to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov.
Something Was Wrong
Data Points: Cons, Schemes, & Fraud
Another common scam is the sale of non-existent goods or services, which includes online purchase scams. Scammers will often use mobile payment apps to trick people into sending money or merchandise without holding up their end of the deal. For example, a scammer may offer to sell you concert tickets. or lease you a home, but then never actually give or lease them to you.
Something Was Wrong
Data Points: Cons, Schemes, & Fraud
Relatedly, the FBI website enlists 18 different common types of fraud and scams on their website. including but not limited to identity theft, business and investment fraud, charity and disaster fraud, property scams, mortgage fraud, extortion, sextortion, adoption fraud, cryptocurrency investment fraud, elder fraud, election crimes, healthcare fraud, mail fraud, holiday and romance scams.
Something Was Wrong
Data Points: Cons, Schemes, & Fraud
A scammer may also purchase an item from you, receive the item, appear to send a payment, and then cancel the payment before it reaches your bank account. These sorts of scams are criminally deemed business fraud. If you think you made a payment to a scammer, contact your bank or the company you used to send the money immediately and alert them that there may have been an unauthorized transaction.
Something Was Wrong
Data Points: Cons, Schemes, & Fraud
You can also file a complaint with the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov. Although there are many different types of scams, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau offers some things to consider in all cases of fraud.
Something Was Wrong
Data Points: Cons, Schemes, & Fraud
First, scammers may work to gain your trust, often pretending to be someone you trust or even pretend to be a company or government agency you already know. Scammers will also create a sense of urgency, intimidation, and fear. They want you to send the money before you have a chance to confirm or deny their claims or second guess their choices.
Something Was Wrong
Data Points: Cons, Schemes, & Fraud
Don't let anyone rush you into giving them payment or sensitive business information. Scammers will also ask you to pay in specific ways. They often demand payment through alternative methods like wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or gift cards. But they can also use peer-to-peer mobile apps and other money transfer options.
Something Was Wrong
Data Points: Cons, Schemes, & Fraud
Although fraud can be charged criminally and civilly, and each state does so differently, the Department of Justice shares, federal and state laws are not sufficient to deter consumer fraud effectively. Because of this, victims of fraud and consumer scams often report feeling dissatisfied with the way the crimes are addressed.
Something Was Wrong
Data Points: Cons, Schemes, & Fraud
Victims are often compelled to seek both civil and criminal charges in order to receive more encompassing justice.
Something Was Wrong
Data Points: Cons, Schemes, & Fraud
However, fraud can be charged federally if and when the fraud committed violates federal law, involves a federal agency, crosses state lines, uses the United States Postal Service or interstate communication methods in their scheme, or if it involves fraud as a means to benefit from a federal program.
Something Was Wrong
Data Points: Cons, Schemes, & Fraud
Despite the variability in fraud schemes and the way that they're addressed, the Better Business Bureau has some general steps that can potentially help all consumers avoid scams. One tip is to keep your personal information private and, if stored, making sure to do so in a highly secure way. Relatedly, it suggested that users establish passwords that are more complex and not easy to guess.
Something Was Wrong
Data Points: Cons, Schemes, & Fraud
Also, know that your bank or financial institution will never contact you to ask for passwords or pins. The Better Business Bureau also suggests working with local businesses as frequently as possible. Although local businesses are also capable of fraud, fraud is more likely to occur when distance exists between the patron and business.
Something Was Wrong
Data Points: Cons, Schemes, & Fraud
The Better Business Bureau also highlights the importance of being careful what you share online. People who commit fraud often weaponize information about their targets that they can find on social media platforms. When seeking purchases online, you can request to see the property in person before submitting payment. When paying people, avoid using cash when you can.
Something Was Wrong
Data Points: Cons, Schemes, & Fraud
Having a digital trail can help. And although scammers can use digital apps as part of their schemes, the apps themselves are not inherently fraudulent. Using discretion and the aforementioned tactics when sending money via any method can help prevent falling victim to fraud. Additionally, an interesting educational tool is the Better Business Bureau's Scam Risk Calculator.
Something Was Wrong
Data Points: Cons, Schemes, & Fraud
It offers targeted scam prevention education based on basic personal information. The calculator is linked in the episode notes. Another preventative measure is to report suspected scammers. If you were scammed or think you saw a scam, report it to the FTC at reportfraud.com. You can also report fraud to your state's Department of Consumer Affairs by searching online for their respective website.
Something Was Wrong
Data Points: Cons, Schemes, & Fraud
If your personal information has been compromised, the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit can be contacted to flag your tax files to ensure that your information is not used to falsify tax refunds. In the event that your identity has been stolen, the Identity Theft Resource Center is a national nonprofit organization.
Something Was Wrong
Data Points: Cons, Schemes, & Fraud
The ITRC website offers tools that help victims through the recovery process and provides links to resources. In addition to the website, you can call ITRC at 1-888-400-5530. The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority offers resources on their website for those working to combat financial fraud, and they also offer victim resources and training for first responders.
Something Was Wrong
Data Points: Cons, Schemes, & Fraud
In 2023, the Federal Trade Commission data showed adult consumers reported losing more than $10 billion to fraud, which was the first time that reported fraud-related losses had reached an amount that high. This number is a 14% increase over reported losses in 2022.
Something Was Wrong
Data Points: Cons, Schemes, & Fraud
Cybercrime Support Network is a non-profit collaboration created to combat cybercrime that is working towards prevention and also offers resources for victims. For more information about the nonprofit organizations and websites mentioned, please visit the episode notes.
Something Was Wrong
Data Points: Cons, Schemes, & Fraud
For a more comprehensive list of free and confidential organizations that are working to help victims, please visit somethingwaswrong.com slash resources. Many of the amazing groups listed on our website are only able to exist because of the community's help and support.
Something Was Wrong
Data Points: Cons, Schemes, & Fraud
If you would like to find out more information about volunteer opportunities, please feel free to visit the resource page and reach out directly to the organization of your choice. I'm Tiffany Reese. This episode was written in collaboration with our two associate producers, Amy B. Chesler and Lily Rowe. Thank you so much for listening and learning with us.
Something Was Wrong
Data Points: Cons, Schemes, & Fraud
If you like Something Was Wrong, you can listen early and ad-free right now by joining Wondery Plus in the Wondery app or on Apple Podcasts. Prime members can listen ad-free on Amazon Music. Before you go, tell us about yourself by filling out a short survey at wondery.com slash survey.
Something Was Wrong
Data Points: Cons, Schemes, & Fraud
Considering these alarming statistics and the increasing use of artificial intelligence to victimize many people at once, the Broken Cycle Media team believes it's essential to highlight the most common cons, schemes, and fraud.
Something Was Wrong
Data Points: Cons, Schemes, & Fraud
It's important to note that the FTC highlights that anyone can become a victim of fraud, although victims in different age ranges do largely fall victim to different types of fraud. The FTC points out that in 2021, people ages 18 to 59 were 34% more likely than older adults ages 60 and over to report losing money to fraud, with some types of fraud being more common than others.
Something Was Wrong
S22 E9: How Dare You
Wondery Plus subscribers can listen to Something Was Wrong early and ad free right now. Join Wondery Plus in the Wondery app or on Apple Podcasts. The holidays just really mean survival mode. Luckily, you've got a secret holiday helper, DoorDash. Get gifts, groceries, dinner delivered right when you need it. And they've got big holiday deals from Best Buy, Ulta Beauty, Aldi, Wingstop, and more.
Something Was Wrong
S22 E9: How Dare You
This podcast is intended for mature audiences and discusses topics that may be upsetting. For a full content warning, sources, and resources, please visit the episode notes. Opinions shared by the guests of the show are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of myself, Broken Cycle Media, or Wondery.
Something Was Wrong
S22 E9: How Dare You
The podcast and any linked materials should not be misconstrued as a substitution for legal or medical advice. Megan Stoner's responses to these allegations are addressed within this season. I'm Tiffany Reese, and this is Something Was Wrong.
Something Was Wrong
S22 E9: How Dare You
Something Was Wrong is brought to you by Progressive Insurance. Fiscally responsible, financial geniuses, monetary magicians. These are things people say about the drivers who switch their car insurance to Progressive and save hundreds. Because Progressive offers discounts for paying in full, owning a home, and more.
Something Was Wrong
S22 E9: How Dare You
Plus, you can count on their great customer service to help when you need it, so your dollar goes a long way. Visit Progressive.com to see if you could save on car insurance. Progressive Casualty Insurance Company and affiliates. Potential savings will vary. Not available in all states or situations. This show is sponsored by BetterHelp.
Something Was Wrong
S22 E9: How Dare You
For some, wrapping up in a blanket with a mug of hot chocolate or watching a movie with family is the best way to spend the month of December. I'm enjoying staying cozy lately, chilling in holiday PJs, doing crafts, and watching football. Therapy is a great way to bring yourself another type of comfort that never goes away, even when the season changes.
Something Was Wrong
S22 E9: How Dare You
Therapy can also be a great tool to help you cope ahead if you're a little bit nervous about maybe having challenging conversations with people during holiday festivities. It's a great way to learn positive coping skills and how to set better boundaries. If you're thinking of starting therapy, give BetterHelp a try.
Something Was Wrong
S22 E9: How Dare You
It's entirely online and designed to be convenient, flexible, and suited to your schedule. Just fill out a brief questionnaire to get matched with a licensed therapist and switch therapists anytime for no additional charge. Find comfort this December with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com slash SWW today to get 10% off your first month. That's BetterHelp, H-E-L-P dot com slash SWW.
Something Was Wrong
S22 E9: How Dare You
Last episode, we heard about Justin and Amanda's elaborate Yoni sting operation, in which they invented a fake Yoni practitioner in an effort to find out where Stoner was allegedly hiding from police. Their efforts alongside Alyssa and local police helped lead to Stoner's third arrest. Stoner was booked at Hamilton County Jail on September 9th, 2023.
Something Was Wrong
S22 E9: How Dare You
Shortly after being booked into Hamilton County Jail, Stoner began frequently calling Alyssa, despite the fact that Alyssa had previously represented herself as Vanessa, the fake journalist, and helped Amanda and Justin in the Yoni Sting incident as well. Here's Alyssa.
Something Was Wrong
S22 E9: How Dare You
Hill House Home invented the viral nap dress, which has the most flattering and comfortable fit with their signature smocking. And my personal favorite part? Mine came with pockets. Celebs like Taylor Swift, Olivia Rodrigo, Anne Hathaway, and Mindy Kaling have been spotted in Hill House Home. One of my favorite things about Hill House dresses is how easy and versatile they are.
Something Was Wrong
S22 E9: How Dare You
You can wear the same dress you'd wear running errands during the day to a dinner party that night. Their commitment to comfort and style applies to all categories. They also sell amazing bedding, robes, and pajamas. The brand also has baby and kids if you want to have a matching moment this holiday season or you're in need of a baby gift.
Something Was Wrong
S22 E9: How Dare You
They have the cutest little tiny robes, onesies, and PJs that you can even monogram. Get 15% off your order of 100 or more at hillhousehome.com with code SWW15. Again, that's code SWW15 for 15% off your order at hillhousehome.com.
Something Was Wrong
S22 E9: How Dare You
Alyssa's goal was ultimately to get Stoner to admit to more crimes, which she eventually did. Here is audio from Alyssa's first two jailhouse calls with Stoner on September 14th, 2023. Hello?
Something Was Wrong
S22 E9: How Dare You
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Something Was Wrong
S22 E9: How Dare You
Thank you so much for listening. Something Was Wrong is a Broken Cycle Media production, created and produced by me, Tiffany Reese. Thank you so much to our associate producers, Amy B. Chesler and Lily Rowe. Thank you to our audio engineer, Becca High, and our social media marketing manager, Lauren Barkman of Luxury Media.
Something Was Wrong
S22 E9: How Dare You
Additional thanks to our partners, Grant at Wondery, Marissa, Travis, and our team at WME,
Something Was Wrong
S22 E9: How Dare You
jason and jennifer at ksco our cyber security team darkbox security and my lawyer alan and to all of you who make our show possible with your support and listenership special shout out to neon honey and gabanes for covering our theme song gladrag's original song you think you this season for more music from them check out the episode notes or your favorite streaming app
Something Was Wrong
S22 E9: How Dare You
In the episode notes, you'll always find content warnings, sources, and resources, with links to our websites and social media as well. Thank you so much to every survivor and ally who has trusted us to help share their stories. We are forever grateful. Until next time, stay safe, friends.
Something Was Wrong
S22 E9: How Dare You
If you like Something Was Wrong, you can listen early and ad-free right now by joining Wondery Plus in the Wondery app or on Apple Podcasts. Prime members can listen ad-free on Amazon Music. Before you go, tell us about yourself by filling out a short survey at wondery.com slash survey.
Something Was Wrong
S22 E9: How Dare You
Discover the year's top audiobooks and originals in all your favorite genres. From memories and sci-fi to mysteries and thrillers, Audible's curated list in every category is the best way to hear 2024's best in audio entertainment.
Something Was Wrong
S22 E9: How Dare You
Like a stunning new full-cast production of George Orwell's 1984, heartfelt memoirs like Supreme Court Justice Jackson's Lovely One, or the year's best fiction like The Woman by Kristen Hanna. Audible. There's more to imagine when you listen. Go to audible.com slash sww and discover all the year's best waiting for you.