The secret world behind those scammy text messages
Planet Money
2025/05/23
The secret world behind those scammy text messages
The secret world behind those scammy text messages

Planet Money
2025/05/23
Investigative reporter Zeke Faux embarked on a journey to understand the world of scammers by engaging with one directly. His curiosity led him to explore the origins and mechanics of these deceptive operations, uncovering alarming connections to human trafficking and cryptocurrency misuse.
Zeke's interaction with Vicky Ho exposed the tactics used in pig-butcher scams, where trust is built through personal details before victims are lured into dubious apps for cryptocurrency trading. Zeke's investigation extended to Sihanoukville, Cambodia, once a booming casino hub now infamous for scam operations tied to human trafficking. Through collaboration with global anti-scam organizations, he uncovered the hierarchical structure of these scams and their reliance on cryptocurrencies like Tether. The story highlights the dangers faced by those trapped in these operations and the challenges in combating such crimes globally.
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Criminals like pig-butcher scammers use Tether to conduct scams.
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Vicky instructs Zeke to download Crypto.com and buy Tether
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Scammers are often trafficked individuals forced into committing fraud.
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Zeke explored the KB Hotel, finding it fully staffed but devoid of guests.
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Pig-butchering scammers stole over $75 billion globally from 2020-2024