Romance Scams 2.0: AI, Deepfakes, and Digital Deception

In this episode of “This Podcast Is Not Real”, we follow the dark trail of John Akroy, a man long suspected of terrorizing Oregon’s Highway 20 from the late 1970s to the early 1990s.Akroy was eventually convicted of the murder of Kay Turner, but questions remain about how many lives he truly destroyed. His own stepdaughter, Randa Pickle, vanished without a trace, and two teenagers, Melissa Sanders and Sheila Swanson, also disappeared along the same stretch of road. Despite repeated suspicions and damning testimonies, Akroy slipped through the cracks of justice for years, aided by weak evidence, shifting witness accounts, and police negligence — even after earlier allegations of sexual assault.We revisit these haunting cases, the chilling possibility of other unsolved disappearances tied to Akroy, and how his legacy of violence still casts a shadow over Oregon’s backroads.

In this episode of “This Podcast Is Not Real”, our AI hosts examine how America’s most important consumer protection agencies are being stripped of their power. From the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), watchdogs that once defended the public are now facing what some call a “corporate coup.”Through leadership shakeups, Supreme Court rulings, and deliberate slowdowns in enforcement, powerful interests are dismantling safeguards designed to protect ordinary Americans from junk fees, unsafe products, and anti-competitive practices. Critics warn this amounts to a shadow syndicate strategy—a systematic weakening of oversight to benefit corporations at the expense of consumers.We break down what this means for your wallet, why legal challenges may not be enough to stop the trend, and how the erosion of consumer protections could reshape the economy for years to come.

In this episode of “This Podcast Is Not Real”, we revisit the incredible story of Alejo Garza Tamez, a 77-year-old rancher who stood his ground against one of Mexico’s most feared cartels.On a November night in 2010, during the peak of the Mexican drug war, cartel gunmen demanded his land to use for their operations. Garza Tamez refused — and prepared for a final stand. Armed only with his hunting rifles and his knowledge of the terrain, he fought off waves of attackers in a four-hour siege, killing several before falling to his injuries.Though the Zetas tried to silence the story, it spread across Mexico, turning Garza Tamez into a symbol of resistance and courage. More than a decade later, his name still inspires those who refuse to be intimidated by violence.

In this episode of “This Podcast Is Not Real”, our AI hosts uncover the uncomfortable truth about artificial intelligence: it’s not here to make life safer or easier for everyone. Instead, AI is being used to protect corporate power and profit, while leaving dangerous and low-paying jobs untouched.We break down:Why AI is automating creative and middle-class roles—from designers and journalists to actors—while sparing physically demanding, low-wage work like cleaning or waste disposal.How high-level executives remain untouchable, even as AI transforms the industries below them.The reality that AI’s direction isn’t driven by progress or social good, but by the people in power choosing what’s most profitable.What this means for workers, society, and the growing divide between those who benefit from AI and those being replaced by it.Is AI the tool of the future—or just the newest weapon in an old power game?

In this episode of “This Podcast Is Not Real”, our AI hosts revisit the tragic and still-unsolved case of Erica Alonso, who disappeared after an argument with her boyfriend on Valentine’s Day, 2015.Her car turned up near her home weeks later, with no clues inside. Soon after, her body was discovered deep in Cleveland National Forest. The coroner ruled alcohol and GHB as the cause of death, but investigators determined her body had been moved — a chilling detail that points to the involvement of others. Erica’s family believes she was drugged unknowingly, and nearly a decade later, the truth remains elusive.We dive into the investigation’s twists, the wrongful assumptions, and the legacy of Erica’s Law, passed in California to extend prosecution timelines in cases where a body is concealed. Still, no homicide charges have ever been filed, leaving Erica’s family without the justice and closure they deserve.

In this episode, we revisit one of the most haunting unsolved crimes in Texas history — the 1991 Austin yogurt shop murders. Four teenage girls were brutally killed, the shop set ablaze to hide the evidence. Decades later, the case remains open, clouded by wrongful convictions, controversial confessions, and DNA that points elsewhere. With renewed attention from a 2025 HBO documentary, we explore the twists, the investigative missteps, and the lingering questions that keep this case alive in the public’s mind.

In this episode of This Podcast Is Not Real, we dig into the tangled narrative surrounding Donald Trump and his evolving explanations about his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. From changing stories about why their friendship ended to bold claims of transparency around the Epstein case, we explore the political spin, public reactions, and lingering questions. What role do figures like JD Vance play? Why are calls for full disclosure still unanswered? Tune in as we uncover what’s real, what’s rhetoric, and what’s still hidden in the shadows of one of the most controversial scandals of our time.

AI: The New Face of Romance Scams 2 sources The provided text examines how Artificial Intelligence (AI) has significantly elevated the sophistication of romance scams, making them exceedingly difficult to identify. Scammers now utilize AI-generated profiles with realistic images and voices, including deepfakes, to create believable personas that can mimic a victim's ideal partner. Furthermore, AI chatbots enable scammers to engage in long-term, convincing conversations, overcoming prior language or grammar red flags and building strong emotional connections with multiple targets simultaneously. This integration of advanced technology allows for more targeted manipulation and has transformed these deceptions into industrialized fraud, making detection challenging even for traditional methods.

In this episode of “This Podcast Is Not Real,” our AI hosts expose the truth behind Walmart’s so-called “best deals.” With help from a recent Yahoo Shopping article, we break down what’s actually a smart buy — and what’s just marketing fluff. You'll hear about target prices for everyday essentials in 2025 so you know exactly when something is overpriced. We’ll also cover how to shop like an investor, maximize savings, and dodge fake discounts. Whether you're feeding a family or flying solo, this episode will sharpen your bargain radar.

In this episode of "This Podcast Is Not Real," our AI hosts dive into the explosive escalation between the United States, Iran, and Israel. After U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, Iran retaliated with missile attacks and threatened to block the vital Strait of Hormuz. President Trump hints at regime change, while Iran turns to Russia for support. What does this mean for oil prices, global stability, and the future of the region? Tune in for a breakdown of the events, the political stakes, and what could come next.