The hottest Scams Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Health & Wellness Topics

When it comes to scams, journalism is letting down the public

How to Survive the Internet • 139 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
📰 News Scams
  1. Many people have shared their scam experiences, highlighting how common these issues are. They often feel lost because police and mainstream media aren't helping them.
  2. Journalists can play a crucial role in exposing and stopping scams. It's important for them to recognize this responsibility beyond just informing the public.
  3. The media often misses ongoing scams because they lack the resources or willingness to investigate them. This can lead to many victims not receiving the help they need.

Is Vivek Ramaswamy A BioTech Ponzi Schemer & Deep State Asset?

2nd Smartest Guy in the World • 4658 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
💼 Business Scams
  1. Vivek Ramaswamy made millions from biotech companies that failed, leading to accusations of running a Ponzi Scheme.
  2. Ramaswamy has been critiquing corporations engaging in what he calls 'socially conscious investing' as a threat to America's well-being.
  3. Despite accusations and controversies, Ramaswamy's net worth has been estimated to be over $950 million, raising questions about his business practices.

Help!—AI Is Stealing My Readers

The Honest Broker • 21443 implied HN points • 21 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Scams
  1. Impersonation scams are evolving, with AI being used to create fake authors and books to mislead readers.
  2. Demand for transparency in AI usage can help prevent scams and maintain integrity in content creation.
  3. Experts are vulnerable to having their hard-earned knowledge and work exploited by AI, highlighting the need for regulations to protect against such misuse.

I'll Take the Crypto Industry Seriously When Its Biggest Advocates Stop Saying "What Did You Expect?"

Freddie deBoer • 8384 implied HN points • 07 Dec 24
🔮 Crypto Scams
  1. The crypto industry has a problem with accepting responsibility for scams and fraud. Many people in the community brush off losses with a 'what did you expect?' attitude, which doesn't help their credibility.
  2. A serious industry should focus on cleaning up its image and ensuring accountability. If crypto enthusiasts want people to take their industry seriously, they need to demand better practices.
  3. If the crypto culture continues to mock victims of scams, it risks pushing more people towards stricter regulations. This could hurt the industry in the long run.
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Why Fake Kidnapping Stories Are Everywhere These Days

Shatter Zone • 4618 implied HN points • 18 Jul 23
📰 News Scams
  1. Fake kidnapping stories are prevalent in media due to their viral nature, not necessarily because they reflect real threats.
  2. Some individuals fabricate kidnapping stories online to gain followers or spread fear, contributing to misinformation and scams.
  3. Stories of kidnapping and human trafficking can be easily sensationalized and exploited for engagement on social media, leading to real-world consequences like paranoia and scams.

Eric Adams’ Cryptocurrency Made No Sense. That Was the Point.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 190 implied HN points • 15 Jan 26
🔮 Crypto Scams
  1. Eric Adams launched a meme coin after leaving office and said its proceeds would fight anti-Americanism and antisemitism and teach kids about crypto, but he never explained how the token would actually deliver those goals.
  2. Hours after launch, anonymous transactions withdrew $2.5 million and then $1.5 million was oddly added back, a pattern that looks like a classic rug pull and left it unclear who profited.
  3. This episode matches a wider pattern where celebrity meme coins are opaque, often designed to confuse buyers and enrich creators, and can leave ordinary investors with big losses.

NY AG Sues Citibank For Insufficient Data Security Measures, Failure to Address Scams

Metacurity • 1434 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
💰 Finance Scams
  1. The New York Attorney General sued Citibank for insufficient data security measures and failure to address scams.
  2. Citibank is accused of not doing enough to prevent unauthorized account takeovers and misleading customers about their rights after being hacked.
  3. The lawsuit alleges that Citibank has overpromised and underdelivered on security measures and failed to respond to red flags.

Gonzo Awards: Biggest Scam Of The Year

Richard Lewis • 1120 implied HN points • 20 Jan 24
🎾 Sports Scams
  1. Esports can be a world of hustles and scams, attracting both opportunists and grifters.
  2. Overwatch 2 and the Overwatch League faced significant challenges and failures in 2023.
  3. The Overwatch esports league experienced financial troubles and controversies, ultimately leading to its downfall.

Problems in Chinatown

The Bear Cave • 583 implied HN points • 17 Jul 25
💰 Finance Scams
  1. Chinese stock scams have targeted U.S. investors for years, leading to huge financial losses. These scams often involve boosting the value of fake companies before selling off shares at a profit.
  2. The FBI has reported a big increase in complaints about stock fraud in 2025, showing more people are getting tricked. Scammers use social media and WhatsApp to lure people into investing in fake stocks.
  3. Even after a stock crashes, scammers impersonate authorities like the SEC to exploit victims further. They promise to help people recover losses but just end up scamming them again.

How Will Financial Scams Affect Big Business in 2025?

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 1326 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
💰 Finance Scams
  1. Financial scams are expected to impact big businesses in various ways by 2025. Companies will need to be more aware of these risks.
  2. There will be discussions on how different sectors, like private equity and tech, handle these scams. These sectors are likely to face unique challenges.
  3. A virtual summit is happening where experts will talk about these trends and share insights. It's a chance for everyone to learn and ask questions.

A data-driven insight into German transfer fraud: 7.594 cases

Altay's Blog • 1 HN point • 30 Sep 24
💰 Finance Scams
  1. Many people in Germany lose money to transfer fraud each year because scammers trick them into thinking their payments are safe. They use methods like fake online shops to steal money without delivering any products.
  2. Scammers often use tricks to hide their identities, like opening bank accounts under fake names or recruiting unsuspecting people to help. These tactics make it hard for banks to catch them right away.
  3. There are rules called Know-Your-Customer (KYC) that banks must follow to verify customer identities. When these rules are not strong, it can lead to more fraud, but better KYC practices can help reduce these scams.

Beware: The Christmas Voicemail

Who is Robert Malone • 19 implied HN points • 03 Dec 25
🕹 Technology Scams
  1. AI voice cloning technology is now easy to access and can create fake voice calls quickly. This makes it simpler for scammers to trick people using voices they recognize.
  2. Scammers are using these advanced techniques to impersonate loved ones or trusted figures, often in urgent situations, to steal money. It's important to check if a call is real before sending money.
  3. To protect yourself, use a code word with family, keep your voice private online, and be skeptical about urgent money requests. Education about these risks is crucial, especially for older people.

Imitation Game

Situation Normal • 80 implied HN points • 25 May 25
🎭️ Culture Scams
  1. Imitation might seem flattering, but it often shows mediocrity. It's important to create your own identity instead of just copying others.
  2. Online scams are becoming more common, especially with easy impersonation. Being vigilant about who you trust online can help avoid falling for these scams.
  3. The desire to be someone else can be tempting, but staying true to yourself is essential. Embracing your own identity leads to a more fulfilling life.

Threats Without Borders - Issue 166

Threats Without Borders • 58 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Scams
  1. Password spray attacks can be stealthy and evade detection for extended periods.
  2. Defend against password spray attacks by using strong, unique passwords and enabling multi-factor authentication.
  3. The cyber talent shortage is not about degree requirements but unrealistic job expectations.

If You Ran in a Race, You Might Be Getting Scammed

Good Reason • 56 implied HN points • 23 Jun 25
🎾 Sports Scams
  1. Be careful when signing up for race registrations online. You might unknowingly agree to memberships that cost money.
  2. Some companies use tricks to get people to join subscription services without clear permission, which can lead to unexpected charges.
  3. If you've registered for any races, check your accounts to make sure you're not being charged for memberships you didn't want.

Opp Consulting is a Scam

startupdreams • 105 implied HN points • 25 Feb 25
💼 Business Scams
  1. Opp Consulting promised qualified leads and guaranteed meetings but failed to deliver. Instead, they sent mass emails that damaged the company's reputation.
  2. The consulting service charged a lot of money but did not follow through on their commitments. After 90 days, not a single meeting was scheduled.
  3. If you're considering using Opp Consulting, it's best to stay away to avoid wasting your resources. They have been labeled a scam based on this experience.

Good Luck / episode 4

Nice Try • 59 implied HN points • 21 Dec 23
😂 Humor Scams
  1. A friend died while laughing on the phone after a funny online scam. It's shocking how life can take such unexpected turns.
  2. The scam was about wiring money to help Harvard, filled with misspellings and bad grammar. This made the situation even more ridiculous for the friend.
  3. The story shows how humor can sometimes lead to unthinkable outcomes in life. It reminds us to appreciate laughter, but also the fragility of life.

How influencers are stealing from you[Finance Fridays]

Technology Made Simple • 79 implied HN points • 18 Mar 23
💰 Finance Scams
  1. Influencers often sell false promises to make money, especially in fields like AI and machine learning.
  2. Scam courses claim to provide huge returns with minimal effort or investment, but in reality, expertise is developed through practice and experience.
  3. Beware of 'super simple' methods that promise quick success; if something is easy and profitable, there will be a lot of competition, driving down profits.

SBF is a fraud. But he was never the problem [Finance Fridays]

Technology Made Simple • 79 implied HN points • 24 Dec 22
💰 Finance Scams
  1. The Crypto Industry is plagued by frauds like SBF, but the root problem runs much deeper and extends beyond just cryptocurrencies.
  2. Mainstream media plays a significant role in perpetuating misinformation and misleading narratives, contributing to the success of individuals like SBF.
  3. To protect oneself from falling for scams, it's essential to critically evaluate products, look beyond social proof, and consider the utility and legitimacy of investment opportunities.

This musical instrument retailer does not exist

Conspirador Norteño • 24 implied HN points • 04 Jul 25
🕹 Technology Scams
  1. Many Facebook ads for musical instruments are actually scams. They look real, but they link to fake websites.
  2. These fake sites offer huge discounts and use names that sound familiar, but they just steal images and listings from real retailers.
  3. Some of the Facebook pages running these ads change their names often, and they use AI-generated faces that look weird if you pay attention.

Lừa đảo trên mạng

Thái | Hacker | Kỹ sư tin tặc • 219 implied HN points • 26 Dec 21
🕹 Technology Scams
  1. Criminals invest in technology and human resources to personalize online scams, causing significant financial losses.
  2. Online scams affect individuals of all levels of knowledge and expertise, emphasizing the need for better cybersecurity measures to protect users.
  3. Balancing security and user experience is crucial in developing effective solutions to combat various types of online fraud.

Would you be scammed?

Men Yell at Me • 158 implied HN points • 18 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Scams
  1. Some scams might seem obvious to avoid, but the right scam can still catch anyone.
  2. People fall for different scams, even if they would never fall for a specific one.
  3. It's important to be cautious and aware of potential scams, as scammers can be creative in finding ways to trick people.

Technology Enabled Scams

David Friedman’s Substack • 125 implied HN points • 19 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Scams
  1. Technology has enabled a variety of scams, like mass production blackmail and forged evidence threats, taking advantage of a large number of people at a low cost.
  2. Legal and computer service scams are becoming more prevalent, with scammers using tactics like phone calls offering legal help after accidents or fake tech support from companies like Microsoft.
  3. Advanced technology like deepfake videos and ransomware pose serious risks, as seen in cases where fraudsters used deepfake technology to trick workers into transferring large sums of money or when victims are extorted for payments to decrypt their files.

The Hucksters & Scammers of Artificial Intelligence

The Digital Anthropologist • 19 implied HN points • 22 Dec 23
🕹 Technology Scams
  1. Scammers and hucksters in the field of Artificial Intelligence could hamper the progress of this vital technology for humanity.
  2. AI scams, frauds, and hucksters are not new and have been a part of human society for centuries, evolving with advancements in communication technologies.
  3. Regulations, international cooperation, and societal involvement are crucial in combating AI-related scams and ensuring responsible use of technology.

Generative AI and the Dark Forest

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 11 implied HN points • 08 Mar 24
🕹 Technology Scams
  1. Generative AI has the potential for positive impacts like scientific breakthroughs, but its negatives such as military misuse and media disruption may outweigh the benefits.
  2. The influx of fake content, scams, and deep fakes created by AI poses serious challenges, leading to a digital garbage dump on the internet.
  3. While AI can enable innovative capabilities like text-to-video technology, the sheer volume of content may lead to apathy and lack of creativity in media production.

The Instagram Art Swamp

The Author Is Dumb • 1 implied HN point • 08 May 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Scams
  1. Be wary of scams in the NFT and crypto space, especially concerning offers that seem too good to be true.
  2. Watch out for Instagram engagement tactics that may not be genuine, such as DM requests for promotion packages.
  3. Beware of NFT brokers who promise exposure to big investors but may push you into paying more without delivering results.

Artificial Intelligence Cyber security 2024

Secure GenAI • 0 implied HN points • 29 Mar 24
🕹 Technology Scams
  1. Hackers are increasingly using social engineering tactics to compromise security, like with the GoldPickaxe trojan targeting iOS devices.
  2. Phishing attacks are evolving to be more sophisticated, with scammers utilizing messaging platforms and Generative AI to create malicious content.
  3. The landscape of cyber threats is changing, with a rise in no-code hacking tools available on the dark web and operated by groups in regions with weaker cybersecurity laws.

ACR #15: Everything Everywhere...

Africa Crypto Report (ACR) • 0 implied HN points • 13 Mar 23
🔮 Crypto Scams
  1. Web3 technology is decentralized and secure, making data more trustworthy.
  2. Increasing women's presence in web3 is essential for achieving full potential in the crypto industry.
  3. To attract more women to the web3 space, safe spaces, spotlighting women in tech, and addressing pay disparity are necessary.

How Crime Could Stop A.I. From Taking Over

The Digital Anthropologist • 0 implied HN points • 03 May 23
🕹 Technology Scams
  1. Cryptocurrencies and blockchain technologies may face challenges from criminal activity and mass disillusionment, similar to what AI may encounter.
  2. Fake websites generated by AI, AI-written spam emails, and AI scams highlight potential risks associated with the widespread use of artificial intelligence.
  3. Criminals, hackers, and scammers exploiting AI could inadvertently lead to a societal distrust of AI and a shift towards more human-centric approaches, potentially preventing the negative impacts of artificial intelligence on humanity.

Asia Eyes Bitcoin ETFs

Daily Digest • 0 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
💰 Finance Scams
  1. Asia is likely to approve Bitcoin ETFs, with Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, and UAE showing interest.
  2. In 2023, $674 million of stolen crypto was recovered, showing a drop in losses due to scams.
  3. Sotheby's auctioned off a poem as a Bitcoin Ordinals NFT, a unique step for the auction house.

Rob's Notes 9: Beware Deepfake Scams

Rob’s Notes • 0 implied HN points • 27 Nov 23
🕹 Technology Scams
  1. Beware of deepfake scams, especially those using 'celeb-bait' to lure victims into clicking or providing personal information.
  2. Platforms like Facebook and Google are working to remove deceptive ads and scams, but collaboration is needed to combat evolving tactics used by scammers.
  3. Avoid giving out personal information to suspicious websites or ads to protect yourself from potential financial scams and harassment.

Brian Rose, scammer, Mayor of London. On journalistic ethics and a cautionary tale…

The Bigger Picture • 0 implied HN points • 10 Apr 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Scams
  1. Journalistic ethics can be challenged when dealing with individuals like Brian Rose, who repeatedly engage in deceptive behavior.
  2. The story of Brian Rose highlights the importance of holding individuals in positions of power accountable, especially in the face of journalistic malpractice.
  3. Examining cases like Brian Rose's can provide insight into broader societal issues such as narcissism, manipulation, and the consequences of rewarding unethical behavior.