The Perfect Scam

CNN journalists Melanie Hickens and Blake Ellis have spent years investigating psychic Maria Duval. Letters in her name were sent to millions around the globe promising psychic protection in exchange ...

17 Aug 201825min

A letter arrives in the mail from a woman claiming to have psychic abilities. She warns you of danger but promises good fortune — if you send her money. This is the setup for one of the longest-runnin...

10 Aug 201825min

Valerie, a 90-year-old retiree, believes she's won the Publishers Clearing House sweepstakes. She's handed over tens of thousands of dollars to scammers in order to collect a prize that doesn't exist....

3 Aug 201824min

Valerie, a social and energetic retiree, can't believe her luck when she receives a letter stating that she's won the Publishers Clearing House sweepstakes. When Valerie shares the news with her adult...

27 Juli 201827min

We'll be back with new episodes of The Perfect Scam on July 27. In the meantime, enjoy this bonus episode featuring the producers of the podcast showing off their fraud-busting skills in a pop quiz. A...

29 Juni 201813min

In this episode of The Perfect Scam, Frank discusses his favorite scams. Then Will speaks with AARP Fraud Watch Network experts Kristin Keckeisen and Amy Nofziger to learn more about being on the fron...

22 Juni 201825min

In this episode of The Perfect Scam, we pull back the curtain on call centers and learn about the rise and fall of one call center employee who scammed victims daily. We've talked a lot about scams bu...

15 Juni 201831min

When Elaine makes a connection with a man on a dating site, she believes this could be something really special. Over time, the online relationship turns romantic. So when Elaine's new boyfriend claim...

8 Juni 201829min