The Scam You Never See Coming

Fraud today doesn't feel anything like it used to. It's not just about somebody skimming a credit card at a gas pump or stealing a check out of the mail. It has gotten personal, messy, emotional. Scammers are building relationships, earning trust, and studying the little details of our lives so they can strike when we're tired, distracted, or dealing with something big. And honestly, most people have no idea how far it's gone.

My guest, Ian Mitchell, has spent more than 25 years fighting fraud around the world and leading teams in the financial sector. He's the founder of The Knoble, a nonprofit bringing banks and industry leaders together to protect vulnerable people from scams, human trafficking, and exploitation. Ian has seen the evolution of fraud firsthand, from the old-school days of stolen cards to the organized global crime networks using technology, AI, and human manipulation to scale at a pace we've never experienced before.

What stood out to me is Ian's belief that the strongest defense doesn't start with fancy tools or tighter security. It starts at home. Real conversations with our kids about safety online. Checking in on aging parents. Talking openly with people we trust so scammers can't isolate us and break us down. It's serious work, but Ian is hopeful. He believes there are far more good people than bad, and when we look out for each other, we're a lot harder to exploit.

Show Notes:

• [00:58] Ian unexpectedly shifted from music and modeling into the world of fraud prevention.
• [01:19] Founding The Knoble and building a global network to fight human crimes and protect vulnerable populations.
• [01:49] A look at Follow the Money, the documentary project raising awareness about exploitation and financial crime.
• [02:19] Why Ian believes crimes of exploitation have moved directly into our homes and daily lives.
• [03:08] The early moment when Ian uncovered a major fraud ring while working at an internet company.
• [06:44] How canceling $300,000 in fraudulent orders changed the direction of his career.
• [08:11] Reflections on the "wild west" early days of online fraud and security.
• [11:01] How fraud evolved from stolen cards into emotional manipulation and trust-based scams.
• [12:49] The post-COVID surge in scams and the shift toward targeting individuals instead of systems.
• [14:03] Why fighting fraud today requires global coordination and an army of trained professionals.
• [16:38] Scammers coaching victims to distrust banks, friends, and even family members.
• [17:05] The longest romance-style scam Ian has seen — an eight-year manipulation before money was ever requested.
• [18:25] Discussion on timing, trust, and why even smart people can be caught off guard.
• [22:05] Ian shares his own experience dealing with identity theft and the complexity of proving it wasn't him.
• [23:22] AI and big data transforming broad scam attempts into precise, personalized attacks.
• [25:31] The alarming rise of sextortion schemes targeting kids ages 13–16 and why awareness is critical.
• [26:40] The urgent need for uncomfortable safety conversations within families.
• [28:09] Why Ian believes the first line of defense isn't technology — it's communication at home.
• [29:30] The emotional impact on scam victims: shame, isolation, and loss of confidence in judgment.
• [31:13] How AI can be used for good and why the industry must move quickly to fight back.
• [40:40] Three essential conversations families should start having right now.
• [41:21] Protecting children through parental controls, boundaries, and digital safety.
• [42:42] Encouraging open dialogue with aging parents about financial protection and autonomy.
• [44:19] Finding balance: staying vigilant without living in fear.
• [47:57] A hopeful reminder that there are far more good people than bad — and collective action matters.
• [48:30] Where to find Ian, learn more about The Knoble, and connect with his work.

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