Smarticle

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

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 

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

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 
 
 

Smarticle Podcast - Smarticle Scams - Pig Butchering Part Two - The Butchered

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 

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

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 

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

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 
 
 

Smarticle - The Smarticle Scams Trailer

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

Smarticle - AGTF - The Hiatus Announcement: Reflecting on Smarticle's Journey - The Final Show...For Now

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 

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

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/
 

Smarticle - The Myth of JD Vance: A Conversation With Bobi Conn

Today on the Smarticle Podcast we welcome back Bobby Conn, author of 'In the Shadow of the Valley,' marking her as the show's first-ever two-time guest. We delve into her Time Magazine article critiquing JD Vance's memoir 'Hillbilly Elegy' and its portrayal of Appalachia. The discussion covers the importance of acknowledging the social structures that enable upward mobility in America, and what Vance could potentially do to help America's working poor if elected to a high office. The conversation emphasizes the significance of public schools, stability in the home, and social support systems in overcoming poverty and addiction.
 
00:00 Introduction and Welcome Back
00:43 Technical Difficulties and Co-Host Absence
01:27 Discussing Bobby Kahn's Writing
02:02 Hillbilly Elegy and J.D. Vance
03:12 Exploring J.D. Vance's Political Impact
07:35 The Myth of Bootstrapping
11:10 The Role of Social Structures
21:40 Final Thoughts and Call for Honest Dialogue
 
The Myth that J.D. Vance Bootstrapped His Way to the Top
 
smarticlepodcast@gmail.com
 
#rselfmademan #jdvance #bobiconn #timemagazine #mythofjdvance #hillbillyelegy #bootstraps #smarticle @Smarticleshow  @BDDoble @larryolson threads.net/@smarticleshow @brand.dobes The Smarticle Podcast 
https://www.smarticlepodcast.com/
 

Smarticle - Larry is Back. Bigger, Stronger, and Faster Than He Was Before!

Today on the Smarticle Podcast we share Larry's experiences of starting new jobs and dealing with technology challenges. Larry, a seasoned Silicon Valley professional, recounts trying to adapt to modern tech after decades in radio. We discuss the impacts of relying solely on a phone for a week, family dynamics, and adjusting to new career demands. Larry also shares personal anecdotes about managing a busy household, golf escapades, and the surprising effects of trying a nicotine patch. A candid conversation laced with humor and insights on adapting to change.
 
00:00 Starting Fresh: New Beginnings and Challenges
01:13 Larry's Tech Struggles: A Week Without Computers
02:21 Family Dynamics and Communication Woes
09:12 Career Shifts and New Routines
10:56 Unexpected Adventures: Golf and Nicotine Patches
13:09 Reflections and Lessons Learned
 
smarticlepodcast@gmail.com
 
#larryolson #tech #lifewithoutacomputer #newjob #ryanseacrest #technology #familydynamics #smarticlepodcast #podcast #smarticle @Smarticleshow  @BDDoble @larryolson threads.net/@smarticleshow @brand.dobes The Smarticle Podcast 
https://www.smarticlepodcast.com/