Rethinking Online Anonymity with Lance Cottrell
Easy Prey
In a world of cybersecurity and online privacy, anonymity seems to be the key. VPNs are often promoted as the cure-all to our internet needs. Let’s talk about some of those misconceptions. Today’s guest is Lance Cottrell. Lance founded Anonymizer in 1995 and is an internationally recognized expert in cryptography, online privacy, and internet security. He is the principal author on multiple internet privacy and security technology patents. Lance stayed on as Chief Scientist as Anonymizer was acquired by Intrepid, and now advises start-ups through his platform. Show Notes: [1:09] - Lance...
info_outline
AI: Double-Edged Sword for Cybersecurity with Vincent LaRocca
Easy Prey
Cybersecurity is more crucial than ever. It’s essential that we proactively safeguard our data and recognize that no one is immune to attacks. We are all vulnerable. As malicious actors continually enhance their tactics, we must stay one step ahead by consistently improving our defenses. Today’s guest is Vincent LaRocca. Vincent is the CEO of CyberSecOp with the commitment to protecting sensitive data and mitigating cyber threats. With over two decades of experience, Vincent has successfully steered CyberSecOp to become one of the world’s fastest growing managed security providers,...
info_outline
Understanding and Avoiding Triangulation Fraud with Soups Ranjan
Easy Prey
As consumers, we may realize the need to be vigilant by using two-factor authentication and password managers, but there are so many scams out there that can impersonate legitimate organizations, websites, and people. We really can’t let our guard down. Today’s guest is Soups Ranjan. Soups has over 18 years of experience in software engineering, data science, and risk management. He is the co-founder and CEO of Sardine. This behavior-infused platform offers fraud prevention, compliance, and payment solutions for various industries including banking, online marketplaces, FinTech, crypto,...
info_outline
Finding Small Business Fraud with James Ratley
Easy Prey
There are a shocking amount of businesses that ultimately fail because of fraud. Many managers and business owners are unaware of their losses because they do not have the systems in place to look for fraud and it may not be their primary concern. Today’s guest is James Ratley. Jim graduated from the University of Texas at Dallas with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. In 1971, he joined the Dallas Police Department as a police officer. He was on numerous task forces with a concentration on major fraud cases. He joined a major forensic accounting practice and was in charge of...
info_outline
Truth and Lies with Mark Bowden
Easy Prey
Now that so much of our communications are digital, such as texts, emails, and chats, we miss out on the tone and facial expressions to help us understand the intent and content in communication. It’s important to know ourselves well enough to know what areas we’ll be more easily influenced and are susceptible to being deceived. The greater our desire for something to be true, the easier it is for us to be scammed. Today’s guest is Mark Bowden. Mark is a world-renowned body language expert, keynote speaker, and best-selling author. He is the founder of the communication training company,...
info_outline
The Update That Broke America with Gabe Dimeglio
Easy Prey
Many industries are reliant on software and if the software becomes corrupt or an update fails, it may require hands-on support. Do you have your infrastructure set for repair and recovery? Today’s guest is Gabe Dimeglio. Gabe is a 20-year veteran of information technology and security for private and public sector organizations. He is a results-driven leader, specializing in security services and solutions for mission-critical, complex enterprise platforms. His expertise includes strategic consulting services, risk analysis/risk mitigation, and compliance. Mr. Dimeglio serves as Vice...
info_outline
A Lesson in Crisis Management with Jeremiah Grossman
Easy Prey
It’s not always easy to determine the value of digital assets. The potential of overestimating or undervaluing your data can make it difficult to establish how much protection you need for a cyber intrusion. Today’s guest is Jeremiah Grossman. Jeremiah has spent over 25 years as an InfoSec professional and hacker. He is the Managing Director of Grossman Ventures. He is an industry creator and founder of White Hat Security and Bit Discovery. He has his black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and is an avid car collector. Show Notes: [0:53] - Jeremiah shares his background and what he does...
info_outline
Pig Butchering Is Getting Worse with Erin West
Easy Prey
Pig butchering is worse than just manipulating someone and taking their money. It leaves them with emotional anguish. Once their finances have been drained, they lose their financial security and they no longer trust people. Today’s guest is Erin West. Erin has been with the County of Santa Clara for 26 years and is a Deputy District Attorney. She specializes in cryptocurrency investigations and prosecutions. Show Notes: [0:46] - Erin shares her background and what her role is as a Deputy District Attorney in Santa Clara County. [3:20] - Five years ago, Erin found herself working on...
info_outline
Protecting Parents with Terri Proctor
Easy Prey
Sometimes people only share their stories after they’ve gone through a challenging time. But it’s also important to learn from those in the middle of a scam to learn how people are manipulated and how vulnerable our loved ones can really be. Today’s guest is Terri Proctor. Terri’s elderly mother has been scammed by romance scammers over the last three years. In trying to get help from different recommended services, she realized that no one was really interested in helping. She started the non-profit Stop Elderly Scams to educate and bring awareness to the community. Show Notes: ...
info_outline
Technology Regulation is Outdated with Bruce Schneier
Easy Prey
Regulators have to invest a considerable amount of time in keeping legislation and policy up to date regarding technology and AI, but it’s not easy. We need floor debates, not for sound bytes or for political gain, but to move policy forward. Today’s guest is Bruce Schneier. Bruce is an internationally renowned security technologist called The Security Guru by The Economist. He is the author of over a dozen books including his latest, A Hacker’s Mind. He has testified before Congress, is a frequent guest on television and radio, has served on several government committees, and is...
info_outlineImagine booking a vacation only to find out that the company files for bankruptcy a week later. As a consumer, would you know what your rights are? There’s a big difference between travel insurance and travel protection. One can leave you with no way to get your money back.
Today’s guest is Michelle Couch Friedman. Michelle is the founder and CEO of Consumer Rescue. She is an experienced consumer reporter, advocate, mediator, author, and licensed psychotherapist. Michelle has also been a columnist, contributing editor, and former executive director for Elliott Advocacy, a non-profit organization dedicated to consumer advocacy.
Show Notes:
- [1:02] - Michelle shares her background and what she does through Consumer Rescue.
- [5:00] - The only way to get money back from a bankrupt company is through your credit card company if you paid with one, or if you have travel insurance.
- [6:36] - Right before announcing their bankruptcy, Vantage did a “sales blitz” and offered great deals to loyal customers, knowing that they wouldn’t deliver.
- [9:49] - Vantage was unique in that it had been a successful business for 40 years and had a loyal customer base.
- [12:44] - Looking back at the way Vantage behaved after the pandemic, there were some red flags.
- [15:43] - Michelle explains the difference between travel insurance and travel protection.
- [17:36] - Travel insurance should be purchased away from the company taking you on the trip.
- [19:47] - Make sure you can find a clause somewhere that says you are protected against the insolvency of the tour operator with or without bankruptcy.
- [22:10] - If the tour operator is not able to deliver, you could file a credit card dispute. But there are some limitations.
- [26:04] - You should always pay with credit cards. Don’t be tempted by discounts offered with bank transfers.
- [31:21] - The average age of Vantage Travel clientele was older and scammers took advantage of their vulnerability.
- [33:10] - When filing claims and filling out forms, personal information makes its way to scammers on a “victim list.”
- [36:09] - Cryptocurrency is a red flag in cases like this as well.
- [38:41] - There is some information you can find by contacting the court in the jurisdiction of the bankrupt company.
- [41:53] - A company bought Vantage Travel’s customer list and had all of their contact information.
- [43:57] - In order to protect yourself, even if you have full trust in the company, do research and find red flags and reports.
- [46:26] - Never pay with a bank transfer, even if they offer a discount.
- [50:40] - Make sure the travel insurance policy protects against insolvency, not just bankruptcy.
- [53:34] - Michelle shares how to reach Consumer Rescue and what services they provide for free.
Thanks for joining us on Easy Prey. Be sure to subscribe to our podcast on iTunes and leave a nice review.