This episode takes a look at how cybercriminals use psychology to manipulate people through online scams. From phishing emails and phone fraud to romance scams, sextortion, and the rise of AI-driven deepfakes, it unpacks why these scams work and why no one is completely immune. Real-world examples illustrate just how convincing scammers can be, and we discuss the emotions, cognitive biases, and principles of persuasion they exploit. The episode also explores practical ways to recognize these tactics and protect yourself, reminding us that victims are never to blame—awareness is the key defense.

Resources:

Romance scams

https://www.garda.ie/en/crime/fraud/am-i-a-victim-of-a-romance-scam-.html

Sextortion

https://www.garda.ie/en/crime/sexual-crime/sextortion-advice-if-you-are-a-victim.html

Money muling

https://www.garda.ie/en/about-us/organised-serious-crime/garda-national-economic-crime-bureau/money-muling.html 

Cyber Crime – advice on other crimes

https://www.garda.ie/en/crime/cyber-crime/

News stories:

https://www.siliconrepublic.com/enterprise/ireland-red-c-win-phishing-scam-survey#:~:text=The%20Worldwide%20Independent%20Network%20of%20Market%20Research,higher%20than%20the%20global%20average%20of%2034pc.

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2023/aug/04/experience-scammers-used-ai-to-fake-my-daughters-kidnap

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-68705913

https://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/fell-into-a-trap-student-money-mule-to-speak-in-schools-after-smishing-scam-court-case-1806411.html