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What's the worst scam you've fallen for (or gotten close to falling for)? (lemmy.world)

submitted 8 months ago by Snapz@lemmy.world to c/asklemmy@lemmy.ml

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[–] RGB3x3@lemmy.world 45 points 8 months ago (2 children)

We forget that on the other end of scams are real people with real problems, morals, and lives. The person on the other end of your scam probably started to feel bad and helped you out. And likely that person is being forced into performing these scams on people.

There's an excellent "Search Engine" podcast episode about this that came out recently called "Who's behind these scammy text messages we've all been getting." It's well worth a listen because it dives into all the slavery and human trafficking involved in modern scams that people aren't aware of.

[–] Omega_Haxors@lemmy.ml 14 points 8 months ago* (last edited 8 months ago)

The especially vile thing about these scam centers is that often they trick normal people just trying to find work and support their family. They steal their passport and then hold them hostage with slave labour.

[–] eatham@aussie.zone 3 points 8 months ago (3 children)

Can you link the podcast?

[–] RGB3x3@lemmy.world 4 points 8 months ago

https://pjvogt.substack.com/

That's the website, but it's not rendering for me for some reason.

Here's a PocketCast link:

https://pca.st/podcast/cb2108e0-8619-013a-d7f7-0acc26574db2

[–] reallyzen@lemmy.ml 4 points 8 months ago (1 children)

Look up "pig butchering" by John Oliver. Yes, this is the technical term for it.

[–] RGB3x3@lemmy.world 4 points 8 months ago

The podcast goes much more in depth than Oliver did. But they're both good content.

[–] jbrains@sh.itjust.works 2 points 8 months ago

Not the one you asked for, but another interesting episode on the topic: https://darknetdiaries.com/episode/141/