Best Steven McCoy Podcasts (2024)

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Episode 159: The Wild West of the Loophole Economy 43:35

6m ago43:35

43:35

We’ve all been there. You see something perfect online, you do all the clicks and then think, “Wait, was that legit?” Scam-lite transactions are the way of the web these days, whether it’s direct-from-manufacturer or super-sticky subscriptions, we have your back. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
Episode 158: Kristin Bride Lost Her Son and Now She’s on a Mission 55:38

9h ago55:38

55:38

Kristen Bride’s 16-year-old son died by suicide after being cyberbullied on Snapchat. Setting her sites on anonymous messaging apps that intentionally traumatize children, Bride heads to Washington DC to fight for change. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Loud Tree Media

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Episode 157: Keren Elazari Decrypts the Ransomeware Nightmare 41:41

1h ago41:41

41:41

Ransomware is a type of malware that allows hackers to commandeer data on a device or an entire network. Increasingly, the threat actors behind these crimes set their sites on mission critical targets. We talked about it with renowned cybersecurity expert Keren Elazari this week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
Episode 156: Beau’s Cousin Makes the Right Call 42:17

4d ago42:17

42:17

There was a video chat, phone messages and a lot of back and forth before Beau’s cousin began to wonder if he was thinking straight, and called to see if we thought he was being scammed. This week we get a rare look at a pig butcher in action. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

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Episode 155: Andrew Steven Finds a Red Flag in His Dream Backyard 48:01

11d ago48:01

48:01

From handshake deals to digital pat-downs, the rental market is filled with great opportunities (that is, for scammers). Our very own producer, Andrew Steven recently got some first-hand experience when he and his partner tried to find a new place. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
Episode 154: Can AI Commit the Perfect Crime? 47:05

28d ago47:05

47:05

AI is everywhere – in the news, on our devices, assisting us, making life easier for us, and for criminals, too, harnessing AI to swindle people more efficiently. What’s next? We dive into the dark side of AI and ask two experts: Could AI commit the perfect crime? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
Episode 153: Roy Gets Hacked by an Evil Clown 33:52

25d ago33:52

33:52

Did you know that you can activate malware on your computer just by looking at an image posted in the comments of an online discussion? We're big on good cyber hygiene. Our first episode provides an important life lesson: Always use a burner computer to troll your enemies. And of course beware of evil clowns. Check out Roy’s story about the time he…

1
Episode 152: Max McCoy Investigates $47 Million That Isn’t in Kansas Anymore 50:54

1M ago50:54

50:54

Max McCoy stumbled on a $47 million swindle that starts just north of the Oklahoma panhandle and bounces to Australia before things get really confusing in a haze of small town corruption, secretive law enforcement and competing theories. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

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Episode 151: Axton Betz-Hamilton Gets the Shock of a Lifetime (Part 2) 38:04

1M ago38:04

38:04

Growing up in the shadow of child identity theft can be a struggle. For Axton Betz-Hamilton, her discovery of the culprit led to the shock of a lifetime. In the second installment of this two-part episode, we examine the massive financial and emotional toll of finding out a loved one wasn’t all that they seemed, and how to recover. Also discussed: …

1
Episode 150: Axton Betz-Hamilton Goes Looking For Her Identity Thief (Part 1) 46:03

2M ago46:03

46:03

By the time most people find out that they’ve been the victim of child identity theft, their credit is trashed. That’s what happened to Axton Betz-Hamilton. And like most victims of child identity theft, she was targeted by someone she knew. In the first installment of this two-part episode, the mystery of who stole Axton’s identity unravels in a v…

1
Episode 149: Paul Raffile Fights Sextortion No Matter What 44:19

2M ago44:19

44:19

Paul Raffile was in national security and corporate threat assessment before (almost) running human exploitation investigations for a major social media company (therein lies this week’s tale). He talked with us about this "silent epidemic” and vanishing job offers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

701
Episode 148: Beth Should Have Dated the IT Guy 40:53

2M ago40:53

40:53

Beth sent more than $26,000 to a man she met on Tinder. It was a romance scam, but one that brought complex storytelling, nuanced psychology and even acting skills to bear in a way that shocked even us. Check out this week’s episode to hear just how “good” romance scammers can be. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

751
Episode 147: Kara Swisher Calls Out the Man Babies of Big Tech 41:46

3M ago41:46

41:46

Kara Swisher has been covering Silicon Valley since the early days, and she’s made a ton of enemies the old fashioned way (by telling the truth about the new robber barons of our digital lives). In a new memoir called Burn Book, she pulls the curtain back on a world run by powerful babies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoi…

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#0103 Spina Bifida / Paralympics World Champion - Dan McCoy 32:00

2M ago32:00

32:00

Dan McCoy's journey embodies resilience and triumph. Despite being born with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus, he soared to victory with Team USA's Paralympic Sled Hockey Team in 2014, securing a cherished Gold Medal. This triumph ignited his passion for fitness and nutrition, driving him to empower others, irrespective of their challenges, to embrac…

1
Episode 146: Elizabeth Warren Tackles Big Tech 40:16

3M ago40:16

40:16

Elizabeth Warren put the kibosh on bad banking practices with her vision for the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and now, with the Digital Consumer Protection Commission Act, she’s taking on Big Data. She joined us to talk about reigning in the Wild West of online life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

901
Episode 145: Becky Holmes Knows Who Isn’t Dating Keanu Reeves 42:17

3M ago42:17

42:17

Becky Holmes loves DMing with scammers. When it comes to romance scammers, she will do whatever it takes, pursuing them to the great delight of her fans on social media. From flings with A-listers to the lantern-jawed soldier with a heart of gold, Becky's on a mission to unravel the weird world of online swindler love. Learn more about your ad choi…

951
Episode 144: Erin West Puts the Bad Guys to Shame 43:18

3M ago43:18

43:18

Erin West is the Deputy District Attorney in Santa Clara County, California, and the founder of Project Shamrock. Whether she’s prosecuting eye-popping SIM-swap money grabs or putting large-scale pig butchering operations out of business, her stories and experience can help you stay safer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoi…

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#0102 - Co-Founder Sports 1 / Motivational Speaker - David Meltzer 25:40

3M ago25:40

25:40

Enter the world of David Meltzer, a visionary entrepreneur whose mission transcends conventional boundaries. With a fervent determination to empower over 1 billion individuals to discover happiness, Meltzer's journey embodies the transformative power of unwavering commitment. Prepare to embark on an inspiring odyssey fueled by a relentless pursuit …

1051
Episode 143: Carina Follows Her Heart Into a Crypto Scam 52:35

4M ago52:35

52:35

No one’s too smart for a well designed scam. Case in point, neuroscientist, triathlete Carina who thought the finance bro she met on Bumble was the one for her, but the only real thing was the money she lost. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Loud Tree Media

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Episode 142: Tarah Wheeler Narrowly Avoids Getting Got 48:13

4M ago48:13

48:13

No one is immune from being scammed. Just ask Tarah Wheeler, founder and CEO of Red Queen Dynamics, a company that specializes in keeping people scam-free. While onboarding a new hire, a process she put in place stopped a scammer despite a serious cyber misstep. “What the Hack with Adam Levin” is available wherever you get your podcasts. If you lik…

1151
Episode 141: Secret Service Agent “Mark” Works the Pan-Africa Beat 45:07

4M ago45:07

45:07

Who better to talk to about pan-African crime syndicates than someone tasked with shutting them down? From drug mules and sextortion to romance scams and spearphishing, this week’s talk with Secret Service Agent “Mark” pulls back the curtain on Black Axe and other crime rings operating worldwide. “What the Hack with Adam Levin” is available whereve…

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#0101 - Amputee / Pro Bowler / Speaker & Comedian - Mike Bolland 28:09

4M ago28:09

28:09

Embark on an extraordinary journey with Mike Bolland, a congenital amputee who defies the odds and transcends barriers with his remarkable resilience and ingenuity. Born without a right hand in Montclair, New Jersey, Mike's story is a testament to the power of perseverance and creativity. From his early years in beautiful Hazlet, NJ, where he atten…

1251
Episode 140: Cybersecurity Girl Caitlin Sarian Tries to Delete Herself Online 35:42

4M ago35:42

35:42

Every part of life that comes in contact with the Internet is tracked, packed and sold to a a seemingly infinite network of data brokers. Caitlin Sarian AKA Cybersecurity Girl joined us this week to discuss why scrubbing your information is trickier than it sounds and what you can do about it. “What the Hack with Adam Levin” is available wherever y…

1
Episode 139: Cory Doctorow Makes Us Wonder if Everything’s a Scam 46:19

5M ago46:19

46:19

Think you’re too savvy to get scammed? Author and activist Cory Doctorow explains how we’re all one muffaletta and a malfunctioning jet door away from falling prey to the most basic of cons. He joins us this week to talk about that and to fill us in about his new book, “The Bezzle.” “What the Hack with Adam Levin” is available wherever you get your…

1
Episode 138: Presley Rhodes Fights an Army of Thirst Trap Thieves 48:36

5M ago48:36

48:36

Presley Rhodes makes a living posting what she calls “the subtle art of the thirst trap.” Popular on Instagram, she uses that platform to draw her most parched followers to OnlyFans where she can get paid. But what happens when a scammer buys access to those images? Nothing good. To hear what happened (and try to figure it out) we talked to someone…

1
#0100 - Cancer Survivor / Entrepreneur - Chuck Rinker 23:32

5M ago23:32

23:32

Join us as we delve into the remarkable story of Chuck Rinker, a visionary leader deeply committed to revolutionizing businesses through cutting-edge technologies. Beyond his notable achievements in the tech industry, Chuck's journey is marked by resilience, having battled late-stage colon cancer alongside his wife, emerging as survivors with an un…

1
Episode 137: Joy and Michelle Talk Skimmers, Scammers and SNAP EBT Fraud 32:18

5M ago32:18

32:18

SNAP food assistance is a lifeline for more than 40 million Americans experiencing food insecurity. In a growing trend, criminals are targeting major security lapses in SNAP fund distribution, stealing millions in aid, so we asked this week’s guests how we can put a stop to it. “What the Hack with Adam Levin” is available wherever you get your podc…

1
Episode 136: Brett Johnson Explains the Abject Terror that Awaits Us All 42:52

5M ago42:52

42:52

Brett Johnson has been called the Godfather of cyber crime. He was on the FBI’s most-wanted list. And he was on What the Hack before! He returns for a freewheeling conversation about what’s new in cybercrime, how it’s changed and wants you to know how to better protect your digital life. “What the Hack with Adam Levin” is available wherever you get…

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#0099 - Business Coach - Steven Tinkle 25:22

5M ago25:22

25:22

Born into a dynamic household, Steven's upbringing was marked by constant movement, as he found himself residing in 21 different homes before reaching the age of 17. Despite the transient nature of his early years, Steven was shaped by the unwavering presence of his parents, Monte and Steve. However, Steven's childhood was not without its challenge…

1
Episode 135: Christina’s Alleged Romance Scammer Plays A Long Con 43:07

6M ago43:07

43:07

Romance scammers spend a lot of time on dating apps, but they almost never meet their targets in person. Christina’s Mr. Right moved quickly. Charming in-person, he lived in the same area and worked in the same industry. It was only after she committed to building a new life with him in Florida that everything began to fall apart. “What the Hack wi…

1
Episode 134: EFF's Eva Galperin Is Not the Pope of Fighting Stalkerware (But She Is) 45:16

6M ago45:16

45:16

Privacy matters for most of us, but it can be a matter of life and death for some especially when it comes to stalkerware. Electronic Frontier Foundation director of cybersecurity Eva Galperin joined us this week to teach us about the way too common software that can be used to track your every move. “What the Hack with Adam Levin” is available whe…

1
#0098 - Sports Psychologist - Dr. Eddie O'Connor 36:32

6M ago36:32

36:32

Dr. Eddie O'Connor stands as a prominent figure in the realm of psychology, specializing in clinical and sport/performance psychology. As a seasoned professional speaker, his primary focus revolves around aiding individuals in overcoming barriers to achieve their peak performance. His extensive expertise has been applied across diverse domains, inc…

1
Episode 133: Tim Byrne’s Vintage Industrial is Scammer-Proof 39:17

6M ago39:17

39:17

Tim Byrne’s vintage industrial furniture designs are a staple for A-Listers and designers around the world, which puts him in the sites of scammers–whether the target is time, money or goods. Listen as we learn how Byrne’s keen eye for the masterpiece lurking in a hunk of old factory equipment helps him spot thieves before they can strike. “What th…

1
Episode 132: Vermont Attorney General Charity Clark Hates Scammers More than We Do 41:38

6M ago41:38

41:38

Ever wonder why facial recognition is so accurate? Well, one reason is the shocking amount of personal data it needs (think: all the world’s snapshots), and that’s why Vermont Attorney General Charity Clark is taking aim at the industry behind that technology. We also review Charity’s top scams to watch for this year, and other topics near and dear…

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#0097 - Special Olympics Unified Sports - Jordan Howard & Clara Wallace 23:23

6M ago23:23

23:23

Empowering Through Inclusion: The Transformative Impact of Special Olympics" delves into the profound journey of individuals with intellectual disabilities, showcasing the pivotal role that Special Olympics plays in their lives. This initiative goes beyond sports, serving as a catalyst for positive change, fostering a sense of belonging, and challe…

1
Episode 131: Marjorie Bloom Reveals a $661,000 Tech Support Scam 43:58

7M ago43:58

43:58

Retired attorney Marjorie Bloom was minding her own business online when a tech support scam redirected her straight to cybercrime hell. Hear how she lost more than $600,000 in this harrowing tale of a scam turducken. “What the Hack with Adam Levin” is available wherever you get your podcasts. If you like it, consider rating us on your favorite pod…

1
Episode 130: David Maimon Introduces Us to a Fresh New Hell 37:21

7M ago37:21

37:21

Criminologist David Maimon is in the business of finding out what we should be scared of. Just when you thought analog bill paying was safe, we learned that check scams are on the rise. And you guessed it: Because artificial intelligence and digital tools are making them way too easy. “What the Hack with Adam Levin” is available wherever you get yo…

1
#0096 - Heart + Liver Transplant - Special Olympics Athlete - Joe & Peg Eitl 28:41

7M ago28:41

28:41

The remarkable life of Joe Eitl, a resilient individual whose journey from Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, to his current transformed life is nothing short of inspiring. Joe's story begins in January 1983 when he was born in Bryn Mawr and later raised in the King of Prussia area, just outside Philadelphia. His parents, Peg and Craig Eitl, played crucial r…

1
Episode 129: Adam Rings in the New Year by Sharing Some “Scaring is Caring” 50:33

7M ago50:33

50:33

From a pig butchering scam that cost $450,000 to a real estate scam that almost cost a whole lot more, 2023 kept us guessing. With stories sometimes tragic, sometimes funny, and always informative, we’re celebrating the New Year with a look back at some of our favorite moments from the past twelve months. “What the Hack with Adam Levin” is availabl…

1
Episode 128: Daniel Simons Reveals Why We’ll All Be Fooled Again 52:44

7M ago52:44

52:44

When it comes to scams, we usually focus on the How rather than the Why. This week, we spoke to psychologist Dan Simons, co-author of Nobody’s Fool to find out why we’re all much easier marks than we like to think. “What the Hack with Adam Levin” is available wherever you get your podcasts. If you like it, consider rating us on your favorite podcas…

1
Episode 127: Donna Hayes Sheds Her Shame 46:09

8M ago46:09

46:09

Many romance scams are smash-and-grab operations, but some scammers play the long game. Author, actress, life coach and cabaret singer Donna Hayes met her dream man online, but after a seemingly perfect courtship and almost $200K in cash changing hands, she discovered the truth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
Episode 126: Adam Almost Loses 4 Million Dollars 47:41

8M ago47:41

47:41

Ten years after Hurricane Sandy destroyed his beach house on the Jersey Shore, Adam was finally ready to sell the vacant lot. The only problem: It was already on the market. In this whodunnit, we go hunting for the bad guys. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Loud Tree Media

1
Episode 125: Liza and Harry Take Hits for You in This Holiday Twofer 36:37

8M ago36:37

36:37

Shark Week doesn’t have anything on the Christmas scam season. Whether you’re buying something or selling something, there’s a scammer waiting to rob you blind. But there are ways to stay safe. File this week’s episode under: “You can’t say we didn’t warn you.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
Episode 124: Marija Manojlovic Isn’t Kidding Around About Child Safety Online 49:29

8M ago49:29

49:29

How dangerous is the internet for children? According to Marija Manojlovic, it’s even worse than we imagined. This week we chart the dangerous freeways and dark alleys of the internet, the hazards they pose specifically to children and what you can do to protect them. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
Episode 123: Kitten Lady Hannah Shaw’s Meta Scam Gets Travis a New Cat 38:32

8M ago38:32

38:32

With a million followers and several books on kitten care, Hannah Shaw is no stranger to interview requests and the technical issues to which they often give rise. But when a podcaster helped her navigate a “problem” in her Meta settings, Kitten Lady was hacked. Hear how her eye for deceit and nimble action saved the day. Learn more about your ad c…

1
Episode 122: Major Garrett Reveals the Ties that Bond Spies and Hackers 42:30

9M ago42:30

42:30

On this week’s episode a veteran journalist helps us explore our usual beat from a new point of view. CBS Washington Correspondent Major Garrett is the host of “Agent of Betrayal: The Double Life of Robert Hanssen” and an absolutely stellar guide as we parse the similarities and differences between spies and hackers. Learn more about your ad choice…

1
Episode 121: Jen Caltrider Makes Us Want to Walk to the Book Store 36:38

9M ago36:38

36:38

Want to keep your car out of your sex life? Jen Caltrider created Mozilla’s “*Privacy Not Included” to help consumers make informed choices about popular products and services we all use—like pervert car companies and data-grabbing toys. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Loud Tree Media

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Episode 120: Emily Flitter Introduces Us to the High-Net-Worth Piñata 46:23

9M ago46:23

46:23

We talked to New York Times reporter Emily Flitter about criminals who use deepfakes to rob high-net-worth individuals. Spoiler alert: It’s a lot easier than you might think! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Loud Tree Media

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Episode 119: Angelo Carusone Isn’t Sure the Media is Ready to Rumble 45:51

9M ago45:51

45:51

More interested in news than partisan views? Sadly, there’s no app for that. The post-Musk media apocalypse has arrived, and it’s super misinformation-friendly. Media Matters CEO Angelo Carusone joins us to discuss how legit media can add some friction to the fictions that go viral when the world is on fire. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit …

1
Episode 118: Kashmir Hill’s Book on Facial Recognition Will Terrify You 51:16

10M ago51:16

51:16

Facial recognition is powered by a special sauce that few people really understand, but one thing is clear: It renders privacy a thing of the past. In her new book Your Face Belongs to Us, New York Times journalist Kashmir Hill explores the ramifications of the human face in cyberspace, and what it means for the future findability of humanity. Lear…

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Steven McCoy Podcasts

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