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In this episode of Dostcast, we speak to Snigdha Poonam, a journalist who has spent years reporting from the inside of India’s scam ecosystem — from call centres and digital fraud networks to the human cost behind them.

We break down how modern scams actually work, why ordinary people fall for them, and how entire scam economies are structured. From caste dynamics inside scam networks to how stolen money is routed, laundered, and protected — this conversation goes far beyond surface-level headlines.

Snigdha also shares rare insights into scam compounds, gift card frauds, police involvement (or lack of it), and how Indians trapped in overseas scam centres are eventually rescued. Her own reporting journey reveals the real risks involved in investigating these networks — and why this problem is far bigger than most people realise.

This episode isn’t about fear.It’s about understanding the system — so you don’t become part of it.

Get a copy of her book: https://www.amazon.in/Scamlands-Inside-Asian-empire-fraud/dp/0670095540?s=bazaar

Timestamps:

00:00 - Coming Up

01:30 – Scammer vs Average Person

06:22 – Are Indians Accepting of Crime?

14:23 – How Caste Plays a Role in Scam Structures

21:42 – How Your Money Is Used by Scammers

23:32 – Is the Police Involved?

25:41 – How Scammers Guess Your PIN

27:49 – Different Techniques These Scammers Use

41:34 – Economy of a Scam Centre

44:57 – Elaborate Scams

49:21 – How Do People End Up in Scam Compounds?

1:00:37 – Gift Card Scams

1:05:37 – Her Journey and the Risk Involved

1:15:17 – How Indians Are Rescued There

1:18:47 – Conclusion

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Vinamre Kasanaa is a writer at heart, podcaster and entrepreneur by craft.

He spends a significant part of his time reading and researching.

With over 500 podcasts under his belt, he’s interviewed everyone—from HNIs and industry leaders to everyday superheroes.

Follow Vinamre:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vinamre-kasanaa-b8524496/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vinamrekasanaa/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/VinamreKasanaa

Dostcast:

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Twitter: https://twitter.com/dostcast

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Scammers Can See Your OTP Before You | Dostcast w/ Snigdha Poonam