From Ads to Atrocity: How Investment Scams Scale Online, A Conversation with Jim Browning, Scam Investigator and YouTuber

Investment scams are no longer clumsy or obvious. They’re professional, polished, and engineered to look legitimate. In this episode of Scam Rangers, we’re joined again by Jim Browning, renowned scam investigator and YouTuber, to unpack how modern investment scams scale online, why even smart and cautious people fall victim, and how platforms, ads, and recovery scams fuel a devastating cycle of harm.Drawing from firsthand investigations, undercover work, and real victim stories, Jim reveals how today’s scams operate as full-blown business models, from lead generation through online ads, to fake investment platforms, to secondary “recovery” scams that exploit victims all over again.This conversation goes beyond tactics to expose the systemic failures enabling scams at scale — and what it will actually take to slow them down.What We Cover in This Episode How online ads have become the primary on-ramp for investment scams Why modern investment scams are designed to look realistic, not “too good to be true” The hidden ecosystem behind scam ads, lead sellers, and scam operators How fake investment platforms manipulate trust, timing, and withdrawal rules Why victims are often allowed to withdraw small amounts — until they can’t The rise of recovery scams and why they’re often more cruel than the original fraud How scammers exploit crypto wallets, remote access tools, and psychological pressure Why attribution, enforcement, and cross-border accountability remain so difficult What Jim is seeing change — and where there’s real reason for cautious optimismKey Takeaways Scams don’t look like scams anymore — they look like regulated products, advisors, and platforms Online advertising is a force multiplier, dramatically lowering the cost of victim acquisition Recovery scams are a second wave of victimization, targeting people at their most desperate moment Technology alone won’t fix this — coordination across platforms, banks, regulators, and law enforcement is essential Awareness helps, but intervention earlier in the scam lifecycle is critical to preventing irreversible harmAbout the GuestJim Browning is a scam investigator and one of the most recognized voices in exposing online fraud. Through technical expertise and investigative work, he infiltrates scam operations, reveals how they function, and works to disrupt their impact. His work has helped raise global awareness of how modern scams operate , and why they continue to succeed.Follow Jim on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JimBrowningAbout the HostThis podcast is hosted by Ayelet Biger-Levin, who spent the last 15 years building technology to help financial institutions authenticate their customers and identify fraud. She believes that when it comes to scams, the story starts well before the transaction. She has created this podcast to talk about the human side of scams, and to learn from people who have decided to dedicate their lives to speaking up on behalf of scam victims and who take action to solve this problem.Be sure to follow her on LinkedIn and reach out to learn about her additional activities in this space: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayelet-biger-levin/ScamRanger: https://scamranger.ai/

In this deeply personal and moving episode of Scam Rangers, Ayelet Biger-Levin sits down with Beth Hyland, a romance scam survivor who has transformed her experience into a powerful mission for advocacy. Beth shares the intimate details of how a sophisticated criminal operation exploited her emotional vulnerability following a divorce, leading to over $26,000 to be stolen from her through Bitcoin ATMs and fraudulent loans.The conversation highlights the terrifying effectiveness of "love bombing" and the psychological "fog" that prevents even highly intelligent, self-aware individuals from seeing the red flags. Beth discusses the critical moment her financial advisor intervened to "break the spell" and how she is now fighting back by testifying before Congress and authoring her book, Diary of a Romance Scam.Key Takeaways: The Vulnerability Window: Beth explains how a period of isolation and the "exhale" after a major life transition made her a prime target for a scammer who mirrored her values of self-awareness and spirituality. Calculated Diversions: The scammer used "diversion tactics," such as staging technical issues during video calls or picking fights to create emotional distance when Beth asked for transparency. The Illusion of Partnership: To build intense trust, the scammer gave Beth his "bank login" information and had her facilitate transfers for him, making her feel like a trusted partner rather than a target. The Power of Professional Intervention: Beth credits her financial advisor for saving her from an additional $50,000 stolen from her. His training in romance fraud allowed him to deliver the news with empathy and provide a "stall tactic" that helped Beth safely exit the relationship. Redefining the Language: Beth advocates for a shift in how society views fraud, moving away from "falling for a scam" to being "manipulated into a crime" and insisting that money was "stolen," not just lost. A Call to Action for Banks: Beth urges financial institutions to move beyond "by-the-way" questions and implement deeper training for tellers to recognize the behavioral red flags of a "worn-out" victim withdrawing large sums of cash.This episode is a vital resource for fraud fighters, legislators, and anyone seeking to understand the devastating emotional and financial toll of romance scams. It serves as a reminder that empathy and education are our strongest tools in the fight against high-stakes emotional manipulation.Follow Beth on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beth-hyland-06a98876/Diary of a Romance Scam: https://www.amazon.com/Diary-Romance-Scam-Swiping-Right/dp/1662962843🎧 About Scam RangersScam Rangers is a podcast exploring the human, technical, and policy sides of scams. Hosted by Ayelet Biger-Levin, Founder and CEO of RangersAI, the podcast brings together experts, practitioners, and advocates working to stop scams before the money moves. For more information go to www.rangersai.comAyelet on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayelet-biger-levin/

In the final Scam Rangers episode of 2025, Ayelet Biger-Levin is joined by industry veteran Ken Palla for a deep year-in-review of the global scam prevention landscape.This conversation examines what actually happened in 2025 across regulation, enforcement, and industry action, and why 2026 must move decisively from research and recommendations to urgent execution.From mandatory reimbursement in the UK, to Australia’s Scam Prevention Framework, emerging collaboration in Canada, and fragmented efforts in the United States, the episode cuts through policy language to focus on real-world impact.The discussion also outlines concrete actions financial institutions, telcos, and digital platforms can take now to better protect consumers, reduce losses, and treat scams as the organized crime and national security threat they are.This episode closes the year with a clear message. The research is done. The problem is understood. Now the industry must act.Topics Covered What 2025 revealed about the effectiveness of global scam regulation Where reimbursement models succeed and where they fall short Australia, the UK, Canada, and the US, lessons from different approaches Why execution, not new task forces or studies, is the real gap Urgent actions banks can take to prevent scams before money moves The role of telcos and digital platforms in stopping scams upstream Government, law enforcement, and the need for coordinated leadership Why 2026 must be treated as a year of action Guest :Ken PallaFormer cybersecurity executive at MUFG Union Bank, longtime industry advisor, and recipient of the Legends of Fraud Award. Ken has spent decades focused on online security, fraud prevention, and consumer protection, and is a leading voice on scam regulation and industry accountability. You can find Ken on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ken-palla-09b585/Australian Scam Prevention Framework – Analysis of the November 2025 Treasury Consultancy https://www.gasa.org/post/assessment-of-the-november-2025-australian-treasury-scam-prevention-framework-consultancy🎧 About Scam RangersScam Rangers is a podcast exploring the human, technical, and policy sides of scams. Hosted by Ayelet Biger-Levin, Founder and CEO of RangersAI, the podcast brings together experts, practitioners, and advocates working to stop scams before the money moves. For more information go to www.rangersai.comAyelet on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayelet-biger-levin/🔔 Closing NoteAs we move into 2026, one thing is clear.Scam prevention cannot wait for perfect policy.It requires urgent execution across industry and government.

In this powerful episode of Scam Rangers, Ayelet Biger-Levin sits down with scam psychology expert Martina Dove to dive deep into the psychology of scams.  Martina shares her insights on the psychological tactics used by scammers and the most effective methods for prevention and intervention.The conversation dives deep into the origins of Martina's research, which began with her interest in the Barnum effect , a phenomenon where people accept vague feedback as true when it applies to everyone.  Barnum, an 1800s magician, even wrote a book on scams that are still in operation today, like romance scams and lotteries.  Martina emphasizes that scams are now a "product that caters for everyone", as vulnerability depends on individual circumstances and personality, not IQ.Key Takeaways: The Scam Lifecycle and Psychology The Scammer's Hook: Scams, which now feature excellent grammar due to AI, prey on either opportunity (like job or romance scams) or fear (like sextortion). Once a victim responds to the initial communication, it's difficult to stop engaging. Grooming: A "Wear-Down" Process: Scams that go on for a long time—like pig butchering—evoke multiple visceral influences, starting with excitement and then inducing anxiety and fear of loss. The scammer will subtly withdraw or use verbal abuse if the victim does not comply. This wear-down period, which can last months, can cause victims to lose executive functions, affecting their memory and decision-making. Targeting Trust: Scammers groom victims to distrust their bank by teaching them that the bank will try to stop them, or by creating elaborate stories, such as a regulator investigating internal fraud. By the time the bank intervenes, the victim is a "worn out person" who truly believes the scammer's narrative. Effective Intervention: Empathy is Key: Authoritarian warnings, like "Don't panic" or "Never click links," are proven not to work, as they trigger a physiological reaction and make people switch off.  Instead, interventions—especially from "Break the Spell" teams—need to be conversational and empathetic.  Martina suggests asking the victim to simply "stall" the transfer, which often causes the scammer to escalate pressure, providing a warning sign to the victim.You can find more about Martina on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martina-dove/A link to her book: https://www.routledge.com/The-Psychology-of-Fraud-Persuasion-and-Scam-Techniques-Understanding-What-Makes-Us-Vulnerable/Dove/p/book/9781032953908This podcast is hosted by Ayelet Biger-Levin, who has spent the last 15 years building technology to help financial institutions authenticate their customers and identify fraud. She believes that when it comes to scams, the story starts well before the transaction. Ayelet created this podcast to talk about the human side of scams and to learn from those dedicated to advocating for scam victims and taking action against fraud.  Be sure to follow Ayelet on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayelet-biger-levin/Learn More: https://www.rangersai.com/

In this powerful episode of Scam Rangers, host Ayelet Biger-Levin speaks with Sarah Ralston, online safety expert, fraud investigator, and mother of five, about the hidden dangers lurking in online ads.We dive deep into how scam ads are hyper-targeted using the same ad tech that powers legitimate marketing, exploiting trust, grief, and even childhood curiosity. From cloaking techniques that evade detection to the heartbreaking targeting of seniors on obituary pages and kids in school, Sarah uncovers the shocking truths behind today’s online ecosystem.We discuss: The psychological manipulation baked into scam ads Why 20% of programmatic ads may be scams How bad actors use ad tech better than most marketers Cloaking and how it defeats traditional ad review systems Real-world stories of targeted exploitation—including children and grieving seniors What businesses, schools, and governments can do now Where hope lies: data sharing, regulation, and collaboration If you’ve ever wondered how safe your online experience really is—or how to protect others—this episode is a must-listen.Sarah Ralston: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-ralston-businessops/Additional Resources: Google Ads Safety Report 2024 Israeli Internet Association: Algorithmic Scams Report Tech Support Scams GASA Webinar August 20, 2025Subscribe to Scam Rangers for more behind-the-scenes looks at the human side of scams—and the people fighting back.This podcast is hosted by Ayelet Biger-Levin, who has spent the last 15 years building technology to help financial institutions authenticate their customers and identify fraud. She believes that when it comes to scams, the story starts well before the transaction. Ayelet created this podcast to talk about the human side of scams and to learn from those dedicated to advocating for scam victims and taking action against fraud.  Be sure to follow Ayelet on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayelet-biger-levin/   More from RangersAI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rangersai/  Learn More: https://www.rangersai.com/

In this fascinating episode of Scam Rangers, host Ayelet Biger-Levin interviews renowned scam investigator Jim Browning, whose YouTube channel has over 4.4 million subscribers. Jim has made headlines for infiltrating scam call centers, exposing how large-scale fraud operations really work—from pig butchering scams to telco account hijacking.We explore: How Jim first gained access to scammer computers and what he discovered The psychology and tactics behind fake tech support, telco discount, and payment alert scams How a whistleblower inside a Dubai-based scam center helped bring down a network of 3,000 scammers The critical role of one-time passcodes (OTPs) and why reading them out loud can compromise your identity What banks, tech leaders, and consumers can do to fight backThis episode is essential listening for anyone working in fraud prevention, cybersecurity, or digital customer protection.Videos Mentioned in the Episode: Pig Butchering Scam and Dubai Call Center Investigation https://youtu.be/dV9U_aoHI_g?si=0d2gtrmdcVrjZSbu Scammer Call Center with CCTV Footage (Firmart Travels) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=le71yVPh4uk Arnold Schwarzenegger Soundboard Prank on Scammershttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZF-NtGsZ6ZoAbout the Guest:Jim Browning is a software engineer turned scam exposer who has dedicated the past decade to disrupting scam operations around the world. His investigative videos have led to real-world law enforcement actions and helped educate millions on how scams really work.YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@JimBrowningThis podcast is hosted by Ayelet Biger-Levin, who has spent the last 15 years building technology to help financial institutions authenticate their customers and identify fraud. She believes that when it comes to scams, the story starts well before the transaction. Ayelet created this podcast to talk about the human side of scams and to learn from those dedicated to advocating for scam victims and taking action against fraud.  Be sure to follow Ayelet on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayelet-biger-levin/  More from RangersAI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rangersai/ Learn More: https://www.rangersai.com/ 

🎙️ Episode Title: Demystifying Scam Fog: You Can’t Fix What You Don’t Measure 👤 Guest: Peter Tapling, Managing Director at PTap Advisory 🎧 Host: Ayelet Biger-Levin, ScamRangers🔍 Episode Overview:How can you solve a problem you’re not measuring?In this episode, we tackle one of the biggest blind spots in scam prevention: data classification. Peter Tapling — identity and fraud prevention pioneer — joins Ayelet to unpack why “just calling it a loss” won’t cut it anymore. From romance scams to investment cons, if we’re not labeling the type of scam, we’re missing the patterns that could help us prevent them.We also explore: The difference between authorized and unauthorized fraud — and why it matters Why financial institutions must own their phone numbers like intellectual property How social engineering beats traditional education The power of slowing down payments — and the psychology behind it Detecting mule accounts, synthetic identities, and spotting patterns The role of scam classifiers and information sharing models📌 Resources Mentioned: [Scam Classifier Model – Federal Reserve Bank of Boston] https://fedpaymentsimprovement.org/strategic-initiatives/payments-security/scams/scamclassifier-model/ [Scams Information Sharing Work Group – Fed Boston] https://fedpaymentsimprovement.org/news/blog/sharing-information-on-scams-to-improve-fraud-mitigation/ [Biocatch blog: 9 Types of Mule Accounts] https://www.biocatch.com/blog/the-mules-among-us [Aspen Institute Financial Security Program] https://fraudtaskforce.aspeninstitute.org/🔗 Connect with Peter Tapling: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ptap/ 🎙️ More from RangersAI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rangersai/ 🌐 Learn More: https://www.rangersai.com/This podcast is hosted by Ayelet Biger-Levin, who has spent the last 15 years building technology to help financial institutions authenticate their customers and identify fraud. She believes that when it comes to scams, the story starts well before the transaction. Ayelet created this podcast to talk about the human side of scams and to learn from those dedicated to advocating for scam victims and taking action against fraud. Be sure to follow Ayelet on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayelet-biger-levin/ Learn more about her work at RangersAI: https://www.rangersai.com/

In this episode of ScamRangers, host Ayelet Biger-Levin welcomes back fraud and financial crime expert Ken Palla to discuss the evolving global response to scams. They dive into Australia’s groundbreaking Scam Prevention Framework, lessons from the UK’s Contingent Reimbursement Model and Online Safety Act, and why the U.S. lags behind in fraud prevention. Ken shares insights on the need for ecosystem-wide collaboration, financial institutions' role in scam prevention, and the regulatory challenges hindering progress in the U.S.Tune in to learn: How Australia reduced scam losses by nearly 30% in one year The UK’s mandatory scam reimbursement regulation and its implications Why financial institutions must take a proactive role in scam prevention The challenges and opportunities for data sharing and fraud controls in the U.S. The rise of AI-driven scams and what banks can do to protect their customersLinks Mentioned in This Episode: Ken Palla on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ken-palla-09b585/ Ken Palla’s Blog on the California Senate Hearing: https://www.biocatch.com/blog/california-senate-scam-prevention Aspen Institute Financial Health Task Force : https://fraudtaskforce.aspeninstitute.org/ Latest FTC Scam Statistics Report?: https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2025/03/new-ftc-data-show-big-jump-reported-losses-fraud-125-billion-2024This podcast is hosted by Ayelet Biger-Levin, who has spent the last 15 years building technology to help financial institutions authenticate their customers and identify fraud. She believes that when it comes to scams, the story starts well before the transaction. Ayelet created this podcast to talk about the human side of scams and to learn from those dedicated to advocating for scam victims and taking action against fraud.Be sure to follow Ayelet on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayelet-biger-levin/Learn more about her work at RangersAI: https://www.rangersai.com/

In this episode, we explore the groundbreaking research of Prof. David Maimon, a leading expert in cybersecurity and online fraud. Prof. Maimon discusses his innovative methods for studying the cybercrime ecosystem, including embedding in fraudsters' digital environments, analyzing business email compromise scams, and uncovering the use of deepfake technology in modern fraud. Learn how his evidence-based approach bridges the gap between academic research and practical applications, providing actionable insights to combat online scams effectively.You can find his research here: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/David-MaimonConnect with Prof. David Maimon on LinkedIn: David Maimon LinkedInAbout the Host:This podcast is hosted by Ayelet Biger-Levin, who has spent the last 15 years building technology to help financial institutions authenticate their customers and identify fraud. She believes that when it comes to scams, the story starts well before the transaction. Ayelet created this podcast to talk about the human side of scams and to learn from those dedicated to advocating for scam victims and taking action against fraud.Be sure to follow Ayelet on LinkedIn: Ayelet Biger-Levin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayelet-biger-levin/Learn more about her work at RangersAI: https://www.rangersai.com/

In this episode, talk to Toby Evans, Head of Economic Crime, Australian Payments Network to explore the newly introduced Australian scams prevention framework and its implications for various industries. We discuss the importance of collaborative efforts across sectors, including banking, telecommunications, and digital platforms, in addressing the growing threat of scams.Key Themes: New Legislation Overview: Introduction of a draft scams prevention framework open for comments until October 4, 2024.Key principles include scam prevention, detection, and disruption. Scope Beyond Banks: Emphasis on the involvement of multiple sectors, including telecommunications and digital platforms.Recognition of the shared responsibility to combat scams. Significant Penalties: Overview of substantial penalties for non-compliance, with fines reaching over $50 million for severe breaches.Importance of companies taking proactive measures against scams. Collaborative Approach: Insights from Toby Evans on the necessity for all industries to work together in the fight against scams.Discussion on how a unified front can enhance protection for consumers. Proactive Measures and Strategies: Importance of businesses implementing robust anti-scam strategies.Encouragement for sharing intelligence and aligning efforts to create a safer environment.Follow Toby On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toby-evans-635661231/This podcast is hosted by Ayelet Biger-Levin  who spent the last 15 years building technology to help financial institutions authenticate their customers and identify fraud. She believes that when it comes to scams, the story starts well before the transaction. She has created this podcast to talk about the human side of scams, and to learn from people who have decided to dedicate their lives to speaking up on behalf of scam victims and who take action to solve this problem. Be sure to follow her on LinkedIn and reach out to learn about her additional activities in this space.     https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayelet-biger-levin/  ScamRanger: https://scamranger.ai/04 Sep 2024 · 46 minutes