Before the Fraud Tsunami Hits with Ritesh Kotak

Scams aren't what they used to be. These days, AI can write perfect emails, mimic voices, and even fake a video call so well you'd swear you were talking to the real person. The problem is, the timing of a scam can be just right when you're distracted, busy, or looking for exactly what they're offering. That's when even the most careful person can get caught.

My guest, Ritesh Kotak, knows this world inside and out. He's a cybersecurity analyst, an Ontario lawyer, and a tech innovator who's worked with Fortune 500 companies and served in policing, where he helped start one of Canada's first municipal cybercrime units. He's got a BBA, MBA, and JD, all focused on privacy, cybercrime, and the way emerging tech impacts everyday life.

In our conversation, Ritesh explains how criminals are using AI as a weapon, how it can also be a shield, and why simple, low-tech steps, like having a secret phrase with family or confirming a request through a different channel, are still some of the best defenses. He even shares a close call he had himself, which is a good reminder that nobody's immune when scams are this convincing.

Show Notes:

• [00:50] Ritesh shares his background as a lawyer helping clients navigate AI, tech, and cybercrime.
• [01:18] His fascination with technology began at age three after taking apart his father's computer.
• [03:59] In policing, Ritesh saw early signs of cybercrime blending with physical crime.
• [06:55] He demonstrates cybersecurity risks by live hacking a police chief, leading to the creation of a cybercrime unit.
• [09:16] A near-miss phishing scam involving discounted amusement park tickets highlights how timing plays a role.
• [15:14] Spoofed calls and evolving scam tactics make detection harder despite telecom safeguards.
• [17:09] Ritesh explains AI as both a sword for criminals and a shield for protection.
• [20:00] Generative AI enables flawless phishing emails, fake websites, and realistic deepfake audio and video.
• [28:00] Simple defenses like secret phrases and multi-channel verification can stop many scams.
• [31:45] Reporting scams to police can help investigations and sometimes recover funds.
• [33:17] Ritesh advocates for centralized fraud response centers to improve victim support.
• [36:45] Calling a lawyer can help victims navigate legal and civil remedies.
• [38:05] Final advice: pause, verify, and use low-tech habits to prevent high-tech crime.

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