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The Perfect Scam

The Perfect Scam

Written by: AARP
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AARP's weekly podcast The Perfect ScamSM tells the stories of people who find themselves the target of a scam. Host Bob Sullivan introduces listeners to those who have experienced scams firsthand, as well as professional con artists and leading experts who pull back the curtain on how scammers operate.AARP Social Sciences True Crime
Episodes
  • Realtor's Identity Stolen to Defraud Renters
    Sep 18 2026

    Daniel is a New Orleans firefighter starting a second career as a realtor. Before he even gets his first listing, he discovers that someone has stolen his identity and is setting up dozens of property showings. Meanwhile, hopeful renters are paying the impostor thousands of dollars in application fees and first-month deposits. Daniel is in a race against time to regain control of his identity and save others from becoming victims.

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    43 mins
  • $1.3 Million Fake Investigation Scam
    Sep 11 2026

    Larry and Barbara have issues with their Amazon account, so they welcome a call from "Amazon" customer service. They learn that their personal information has been compromised and used in a money-laundering scheme. To help the government with a supposed investigation, they transfer their savings via crypto kiosks, cash handoffs and gold purchases, believing the money will be returned once arrests are made. Over several months, the couple develops trust in an agent who calls himself Ryan, who assures them that the case is progressing and they will soon be repaid. When Larry, a retired pastor, returns from a trip to Kenya and loses contact with Ryan, he fears their $1.3 million is gone forever.

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    55 mins
  • Archive Episode: A Reality TV Star's Telemarketing Scheme
    Sep 4 2026

    In this 2023 episode, Penny takes an online training course in social media marketing, hoping to build her hobby into a business. After this initial small investment, she is flooded with calls from companies selling different website services. They promise big returns, but her investment of more than $30,000 with multiple companies doesn't lead to a single sale. Penny reports the scam, but it's not until she gets a call from a news producer that she learns that the person behind the scheme is none other than The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City star Jen Shah.

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    45 mins
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