AI Spy

When it comes to scam prevention, few founders have a story as personal—and painful—as Alex Somervell. In this episode, we hear how the CEO and co-founder of AskSilver turned a deeply personal experience into a mission: to help banks detect scams through empathy, human understanding, and smarter tech.Alex shares the moment that changed everything—when his father was scammed out of most of his life savings. It wasn’t just a fraud case; it was a wake-up call. From navigating police reports to renegotiating rent, Alex lived through the fallout of a scam firsthand. And it showed him how disconnected many detection systems were from the real experiences of victims.With a background in consumer products and a co-founder he’s worked with since school, Alex set out to build something different. AskSilver is now live with Metro Bank in the UK, analyzing behavior in ways that go beyond rules and scripts.This episode unpacks that journey: from startup pivots to product validation, and what it really takes to innovate in a space where empathy is as critical as AI.Audio Credit:Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/w...License code: CWFYBYTSKHIO0WBU

In this episode of AI SPY, we sit down with Zara Perumal, CTO and co-founder of Overwatch.io, to explore the evolving landscape of open-source intelligence (OSINT) and dark web monitoring in fighting fraud and financial crime.Zara shares her journey from MIT to Google's Threat Analysis Group and how she co-founded Overwatch to address critical gaps in OSINT tools. We dive deep into how criminals are innovating — from Telegram fraud marketplaces to Fraud-as-a-Service, and how AI can help financial institutions proactively defend against emerging threats.In this episode, we cover:Why Telegram and other platforms are hotbeds for fraud.How criminals expose their methods and tactics while marketing.The role of AI in scaling OSINT and dark web intelligence.The challenges and rewards of founding a cybersecurity startup.How financial institutions can leverage OSINT for proactive fraud prevention.Trends in AI-driven fraud, social engineering, and identity theft.🎧 A must-listen for anyone working in fraud, AML, cybersecurity, or tech.Audio Credit:Music from ⁠⁠⁠⁠#Uppbeat⁠⁠⁠⁠ (free for Creators!): ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/w...⁠⁠⁠⁠License code: CWFYBYTSKHIO0WBU

Episode Summary As we launch into 2025, we tackle a critical issue: romance scams. With Valentine's Day around the corner, host Anurag sits down with Kathy Waters and Brian Denny from Advocating Against Romance Scammers (AARS) to discuss the alarming rise of online deception that preys on vulnerable individuals, especially during this romantic occasion. Brian shares his personal experiences of being a target of catfishing, while Kathy highlights their efforts to educate the public and advocate for change regarding these insidious scams. Key Takeaways Understanding Romance Scams: These scams often involve fraudsters using stolen identities to build emotional connections, exploit vulnerability, and solicit money from unsuspecting victims. The Role of Social Media: Approximately 60% of all scams start on platforms owned by Meta, highlighting the urgency for greater accountability from social media companies. Advocacy Efforts: AARS aims to raise awareness and push for legislative changes, focusing on amending Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act to hold platforms accountable for allowing scammers to operate. Education is Key: There is a pressing need for widespread public education about the risks of communicating with strangers online and recognizing red flags associated with romance scams. Support for Victims: AARS provides various resources, including educational tools and support for victims and their families, to help them navigate the emotional fallout of being scammed. Guest(s) Information - https://advocatingforu.com/ Kathy Waters Kathy is a co-founder of Advocating Against Romance Scammers (AARS), driven by a passion for raising awareness and educating the public on the complexities of romance scams. Her commitment stems from personal experiences with victims and the desire to drive systemic change. Brian Denny Brian, also a co-founder of AARS, is a retired U.S. Army veteran whose identity has been repeatedly used in online romance scams. His unique insights into the world of identity theft fuel his advocacy work, as he aims to protect others from similar predicaments. Audio Credit: Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/w... License code: CWFYBYTSKHIO0WBU

In this episode of AI SPY, we sit down with Ken Palla, a seasoned expert in financial crime prevention, to explore Australia's innovative Scam Prevention Framework (SPF). Ken shares insights from his extensive career, discusses current scam trends, and delves into the SPF's multi-sector approach to combating fraud. Key Topics Covered: - Ken Palla's journey into fraud prevention and his ongoing contributions to the field. - An overview of Australia's Scam Prevention Framework and its unique features. - Comparisons between Australia's SPF and other international scam prevention models. - Insights into current scam trends and the evolving tactics of fraudsters. - The future of scam prevention and the role of technology and regulation. Additional Resources: Ken Palla's analysis on Australian scam regulations: https://www.threatfabric.com/blogs/clarity-on-australian-scam-regulations?utm_content=311872376&utm_medium=social&utm_source=linkedin&hss_channel=lcp-28590268 Insights into defining customer vulnerability for scam reimbursement: https://www.biocatch.com/blog/defining-customer-vulnerability-scam-reimbursement Connect with Ken Palla on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ken-palla-09b585/ Audio Credit: Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/w... License code: CWFYBYTSKHIO0WBU

In this episode of AI SPY, we explore the impact of UPI on India’s digital infrastructure with financial crime expert Anis Ahmed. While UPI has driven financial inclusion, it has also brought a sharp rise in banking fraud. Anis discusses scams like “digital arrest” and job fraud, compares global trends, and shares his passion for fraud prevention through humor and creativity. Topics Covered: UPI’s transformative role The rise of banking fraud and emerging scams Global fraud trends vs. India’s challenges Sneak peek: The Fraud Fellas Audio Credit: Music from ⁠⁠#Uppbeat⁠⁠: https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/welcome License code: CWFYBYTSKHIO0WBU

As Cybersecurity Awareness Month wraps up, this episode brings you a brief yet insight-rich conversation with cybersecurity expert Francis West. Francis and Anurag Mohapatra dive into some of the most critical topics affecting organizations and individuals today—from advanced tactics used by cybercriminals to effective strategies for bolstering security. Key Discussion Points: Emerging Cybersecurity TrendsAnurag discusses recent insights from cybersecurity specialist Dan Fernandez, who highlights the increasing use of doxing with smart glasses, a tactic allowing attackers to rapidly gather personal information. Additional trends include rising thefts of mobile devices and a surge in scams targeting online marketplaces. Business Email Compromise (BEC) AttacksFrancis details the alarming prevalence of BEC, where attackers impersonate high-ranking individuals to deceive employees into transferring funds. With impersonation attacks now comprising a vast majority of email-based cyber incidents, Francis demonstrates how attackers spoof domains and explains how easily trust can be exploited. Strengthening Email SecurityTo counter impersonation, Francis outlines the importance of security measures like DMARC, DKIM, and SPF records. He also mentions a complimentary 14-day email security assessment to help organizations identify and address their vulnerabilities. Cybercrime Trends in the US and UKAnurag and Francis highlight specific threats in the US and UK, such as impersonation scams, online purchase scams, and romance scams. They stress the importance of raising awareness among both individuals and companies to combat these threats effectively. Episode Wrap-UpFrancis and Anurag recap the key takeaways and explore potential avenues for future collaboration to address ongoing cybersecurity challenges. Audio Credit: Music from ⁠⁠⁠⁠#Uppbeat⁠⁠⁠⁠ (free for Creators!): ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/w...⁠⁠⁠⁠ License code: CWFYBYTSKHIO0WBU

In this special Cybersecurity Awareness Month episode of AI Spy, we sit down with cybersecurity expert Dan Fernandez to explore the cutting-edge trends shaping the world of digital security. With AI becoming a powerful tool in the hands of cybercriminals, ransomware evolving, and doxing emerging as a serious threat, there’s a lot to unpack. Dan shares his insights on how these threats are evolving and what businesses and individuals can do to protect themselves as we head into 2024. If you’re looking to stay ahead of cybercriminals and fortify your defenses, this episode is packed with practical advice and predictions you won’t want to miss. 🔑 Key Takeaways: The growing role of AI in cybercrime, including AI-generated phishing and malware. The new tactics making ransomware attacks even more dangerous. Understanding doxing and its implications for personal and corporate privacy. Predictions for cybersecurity in 2024 and how to prepare for upcoming threats. 🎧 Tune in to learn how you can better secure your world and stay one step ahead of cybercriminals during Cybersecurity Awareness Month and beyond. Audio Credit:Music from ⁠⁠#Uppbeat⁠⁠ (free for Creators!): ⁠⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/w...⁠⁠License code: CWFYBYTSKHIO0WBU

In this episode, we dive into the shadowy world of money laundering with Christian Leuprecht, a renowned expert on global security and author of the book "Dirty Money." We explore why Christian wrote this book now, and discuss the growing transnational nature of money laundering. Christian sheds light on why Canada, with its robust financial systems and perceived leniencies, has become a prime destination for money laundering. We also touch on why financial crime often flies under the radar compared to other issues like border security. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of finance, crime prevention, and global security. Key Topics Covered: The Genesis of "Dirty Money": Christian explains the inspiration behind his latest book and why it's a timely read. Transnational Money Laundering: We discuss how money laundering has evolved beyond borders, making it a global challenge. Canada's Role: A deep dive into why Canada is seen as an ideal place for laundering money and the systemic vulnerabilities that enable this. Prioritization of Financial Crime: Christian talks about the disparities in how financial crime is addressed compared to other security concerns. Link to the Book: Dirty Money | McGill-Queen’s University Press (mqup.ca) Christians LinkedIn - Christian Leuprecht | LinkedIn Audio Credit:Music from ⁠⁠⁠⁠#Uppbeat⁠⁠⁠⁠ (free for Creators!): ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Uppbeat.io⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠License code: CWFYBYTSKHIO0WBU

In this episode, we dive into the complex world of money laundering in the video game industry with Detective Matthew Hogan, MS. We discuss: Methods used by criminals to launder money through in-game items and currencies. Challenges and limitations within current AML regulations. The role of international cooperation and technological advancements in combating these activities. Importance of public awareness and industry collaboration. Resources and Links: Matthew's Profile - Matthew Hogan, MS | LinkedIn SAR Filing for Real Estate Agents Audio Credit: Music from ⁠⁠⁠⁠#Uppbeat⁠⁠⁠⁠ (free for Creators!): Link License code: CWFYBYTSKHIO0WBU

In this episode of AI SPY, we are joined by Hieu Ngo, a former hacker who has now turned a new leaf and is actively contributing to cybersecurity efforts. Hieu shares his unique journey from being convicted for his cybercrimes to becoming an educator in Vietnam's cybersecurity agency. We delve into his experiences, the lessons he's learned, and his insights on the current state of cybersecurity and fraud prevention. Tune in to hear Hieu's compelling story and gain valuable knowledge on how to protect against cyber threats. Cyber Immunity: Raising Cyber Security Awareness | Minh Hieu Ngo | TEDxĐaKao (youtube.com) Hieu's Profile - Hieu (Hieupc) Ngo | LinkedIn Audio Credit: Music from ⁠⁠⁠⁠#Uppbeat⁠⁠⁠⁠ (free for Creators!): All Good Folks - Wind Rider License code: CWFYBYTSKHIO0WBU.

In this episode of AI SPY, we sit down with Jesse Tayler, the visionary inventor of the App Store and co-founder of TruAnon. Jesse shares his incredible journey from pioneering the digital distribution of software to tackling today's most pressing digital security challenges. We delve into his innovative work with double-blind zero-knowledge proofs, the future of digital security, and practical advice for individuals and organizations to enhance their security posture. Join us for an enlightening conversation that bridges the past, present, and future of technology. Links: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/steve-jobs-app-store-my-journey-define-failure-jesse-tayler-wibuehttps://www.linkedin.com/pulse/profile-fraud-playlist-learning-from-itunes-war-music-theft-truanon-bqx0e/https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/from-next-now-computer-revolutionized-how-we-connect-consume-tayler-xss4e https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7137847164847702017 Audio Credit: Music from ⁠⁠⁠⁠#Uppbeat⁠⁠⁠⁠ (free for Creators!): ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/w...⁠⁠⁠⁠ License code: CWFYBYTSKHIO0WBU

In this episode we delve into the complex world of AI regulations, copyright challenges, and mental wellness with Norvin Chan, founder of Broken Bear and a legal expert on AI. Join us as we explore the pressing need for regulating AI technologies to mitigate potential risks and ensure ethical use. We'll also discuss the rising concerns of copyright infringement facilitated by GenAI and its implications for content creators and artists. Additionally, Norvin shares the inspiring story behind Broken Bear, an innovative LLM-based chatbot designed to provide support and guidance to individuals struggling with mental stress. Tune in to gain valuable insights into the intersection of AI, law, and mental wellness, and discover how technology can be harnessed for positive social impact. Norvin's LinkedIn - Norvin Chan | LinkedIn BrokenBear - Broken Bear - a comforting AI Teddy Bear Audio Credit: Music from ⁠⁠⁠#Uppbeat⁠⁠⁠ (free for Creators!): ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/w...⁠⁠⁠ License code: CWFYBYTSKHIO0WBU