The Perfect Scam

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 leading experts who pull back the curtain on how scammers operate. 

The Perfect ScamSM is a project of the AARP Fraud Watch Network, which equips consumers like you with the knowledge to give you power over scams.

A Family’s Thanksgiving Dinner Ruined by a SNAP Scam

A highly organized crime robs hundreds of thousands of people of their SNAP benefits.

Trusted Caregiver Steals Oklahoma Woman's Savings

Alice hires a caregiver to help her out, but he empties her bank account.

Love Online Leads to $60,000 Theft

Debbie makes a romantic connection with a businessman online but is he who he seems?

AI is Making Virtual Kidnappings More Real Than Ever

A mother receives a terrifying phone call from her teenaged daughter, but with evolving AI technology, can she trust what she’s hearing?

Suicide After a Scam: One Family’s Story

After learning that his life savings have been stolen by a trusted online friend, Dennis makes the devastating decision to end his life. His family shares his story in hopes of helping others. 

U.S. Army Financial Advisor Defrauds Soldier’s Grieving Family

U.S. Army financial counselor Caz Craffy is supposed to be advising grieving military families but is instead putting their money in risky investments that pay him high commissions.

Dentist Runs Affinity Fraud Scheme in Austin 

Neill and his friends are impressed by Clinton Herzog’s investment pitch for his dental clinic chain, but soon learn that he's running a Ponzi scheme when he disappears with their money.

You May Not Be a Winner: Sweepstakes Scam Empties Woman’s Savings

When “Publishers Clearing House” calls, Kathy dreams of sharing the money with family. But months of empty promises and tens of thousands of dollars in “taxes” paid leave her no closer to the prize money.

Sisters Help Bring Down a Magazine Telemarketing Scam

Sisters Penny and Nancy’s quest to end magazine subscriptions and years of harassing phone calls leads them to help bring down a 20-year conspiracy that robbed victims nationwide of millions of dollars. 

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About the Fraud Watch Network

Whether you have been personally affected by scams or fraud or are interested in learning more, the AARP Fraud Watch Network advocates on your behalf and equips you with the knowledge you need to feel more informed and confidently spot and avoid scams.