A few weeks ago I was targeted for a scam. Over two weeks, I investigated this scam and published my findings in an article which you can read about here. The scam set-up was in the form of an 'Instagram collaboration', which influencers had to pay for up front in order to be a part of (spoiler alert - they never paid anyone for the collaboration in return). As I dug deeper into the 'company' that approached me, it all started unravelling very quickly - but on the surface, it really did seem so convincing - and this process got me thinking about the reality behind scams.

Who are the scammers? How much money are they making? Who are they targeting? What are the challenges for those trying to catch them? And what are the personal repercussions for those who are implicated by them?

In today's special episode, we are graced by the presence of three guests.

First, we'll hear from Molly Jobe, a woman from Ohio who was implicated in the scam that I investigated. Molly shares more of her story on the show.

Second, we chat to Martin Cocker, the CEO of Netsafe, an organisation that focusses on online safety. Martin talks us through some of the logistical and technical issues surrounding scams.

And our third guest is Bronwyn Groot, the Fraud Education Manager at the Commission for Financial Capability. Bronwyn’s role is to provide information to the public on frauds and scams, like the red flags, how to protect yourself and, for those who have been scammed, options for recovery. Today, Bronwyn talks to us about the hugely distressing mental and emotional effects for those who have to live with the reality of being the victim of a scam.

There is so much in this episode and, with the globe spending more time on the internet, the content is a timely reminder to employ a lens of educated scepticism when engaging with strangers, unsolicited deals and unmissable opportunities online. 

Download this episode on:

Spotify | Apple | Stitcher | Google

Show notes and resources:

- Visit netsafe.org.nz for useful resources around online safety or call 0508 638 723 seven days for expert incident advice. You can also follow @NetsafeNZ across social media for the latest tips and alerts.

- For info and resources to help protect yourself from scams and fraud, visit cffc.govt.nz