Targeted by Design: The Dark Side of Online Advertising, A Conversation With Sarah Ralston, The Media Trust and Proxyware

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

In this episode of ScamRangers, we dive into the transformative power of storytelling with Niels Vink and Kathelijne Swaak from ABN AMRO's fraud prevention team. Discover how ABN AMRO is flipping social engineering on its head by using real customer stories to strengthen their fraud awareness strategies.Learn how this innovative approach creates a deeper emotional connection with customers, making fraud prevention messages more memorable and impactful. We also explore insights from Nobel laureate Daniel Kahneman on decision-making and how ABN AMRO leverages these principles to better engage and empower their customers.Key Takeaways: How storytelling can effectively communicate scam risks and avoid fear. The role of emotional connection in enhancing customer engagement. The impact of internal collaboration on successful fraud prevention campaigns. Addressing new fraud threats and reaching diverse audiences.Tune in to see how ABN AMRO is leading the charge in protecting customers through the art of storytelling.Here is more information about our speakers:Niels Vink:https://www.linkedin.com/in/nielsvink1/Kathelijne Swaak: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathelijneswaak/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/

In this crucial episode of Scam Rangers, we explore the dark and disturbing world of Sextortion. This crime occurs when online predators trick individuals, often teens, into sharing nude images or videos and then use these compromising materials to extort money, more images, or other demands. These predators threaten to share the images with the victim's friends and family if they don't comply. Our guest, Paul Raffile, a Senior Intelligence Analyst with a career dedicated to investigating online crimes and financial scams, joins us to shed light on this pressing issue.Key Discussion Points:Paul explains how sextortion scams unfold, the social media platforms commonly used by predators, and the emotional impact on victims, particularly teens. He shares advice for social media companies on preventing these scams, drawing on strategies from financial institutions that detect account takeovers. We also explore how money is transferred to criminals and the risk signals financial institutions can monitor to spot suspicious activities.Resources:Follow Paul on LinkedIn: https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/internet/sextortion-yahoo-boys-snapchat-tiktok-teen-wizz-rcna134200NCRI Report: https://networkcontagion.us/reports/yahoo-boys/New York Times: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/15/nyregion/social-media-scam-sextortion.htmlArticle on WIRED: https://www.wired.com/story/yahoo-boys-scammers-facebook-telegram-tiktok-youtube/Training materials on NBC News: https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/internet/sextortion-yahoo-boys-snapchat-tiktok-teen-wizz-rcna134200This 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 episode, we are joined by Hailed Windham, a leading voice in the credit union community, who shares her expertise on the collaborative efforts to fight fraud. Hailed tells us about her involvement in multiple impactful initiatives, such as promoting awareness programs through the #cufightfraud campaign she initiated on social media and co-leading the bank and FI subgroup in Operation Shamrock. She also discusses her active role in Mission Omega, highlighting the importance of coordinated efforts in fraud prevention.Hailed further explains how she is driving the fight against #pigbutechering scams with the Crypto Coalition in South Carolina, aiming to drive regulatory changes and improve enforcement against cryptocurrency investment scams. Tune in to learn about the innovative strategies credit unions are employing to safeguard their members and stay ahead of emerging threats in the financial sector.Hailey Windham on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hailey-windham/Banking on Fraudology Podcast: https://pod.link/1744207174This 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 episode of Scam Rangers, we sit down with Ken Westbrook, a former member of the US intelligence community, as he shares the story that sparked his mission to combat online scams. Ken opens up about his mother's unfortunate encounter with online criminals and how it inspired him to take action.With the founding of Stop Scams Alliance, Ken discusses his efforts to drive change at the national level, drawing inspiration from successful initiatives implemented by the British government. He outlines the strategies employed across the pond and advocates for similar action within the United States, emphasizing the importance of government intervention in combating cybercrime.Join us as we explore Ken Westbrook's journey from personal tragedy to public advocacy, shedding light on the pressing issue of online scams and the collective effort needed to address it effectively. This episode serves as a call to action for individuals and policymakers alike, urging everyone to unite in the fight against digital deception.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/Resources:Stop Scams Alliance: https://www.stopscamsalliance.org/Op Ed New York Times: https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2024/03/25/scams-ruin-american-lives-present/Stop Scams UK: https://stopscamsuk.org.uk/UK Strategy to sop scams: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-blueprint-to-protect-public-from-scammersAustralia strategy to stop scams: