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Inside the Global Scam Industry

October 15, 2026 · 22 min

Show notes

Online scams have become a massive global enterprise, stealing billions of dollars by exploiting technologies we have come to rely on. A yearlong investigation by FRONTLINE and The Associated Press reveals how transnational networks leverage social media platforms, fake cryptocurrency investment traps, and targeted sextortion schemes to systematically drain life savings and leave victims shattered.

Scammed director Peter Klein joins host Raney Aronson-Rath to examine cybercriminals' use of artificial intelligence to scale their operations, how people are fighting back, and what warning signs to look out for to protect yourself from online fraud.

Listen to The FRONTLINE Dispatch on our website, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

Scammed is available to stream now on FRONTLINE’s website, FRONTLINE’s YouTube channel, and the PBS App.


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