Hacking Humans: What’s Inside the Mystery Box? Spoiler: It’s a Scam!

Hosted by N2K Networks | Release Date: May 8, 2025

Introduction and Listener Feedback

In this episode of Hacking Humans, hosts Maria Varmazes and Joe Kerrigan dive deep into the world of social engineering scams, phishing schemes, and cybercriminal exploits. The episode kicks off with Maria sharing heartfelt listener feedback, highlighting the podcast's impact. One notable listener, Jose, commends the hosts for blending drama and comedy based on real stories, making his commute more enjoyable.

Maria Varmazes [00:35]:
"It makes my commute far less miserable."

Subscription and Mystery Box Scams

Maria introduces the main topic by discussing subscription and mystery box scams, referencing insights from James Coker of Info Security Magazine and Bitdefender Research. These scams often mimic legitimate subscription services, tricking users into providing their credit card information for products they never receive.

Key Points:

• Popularity: Subscription boxes have surged in popularity, offering monthly or quarterly packages of unspecified items.
• Scam Tactics: Fraudsters create fake websites that resemble legitimate ones, making it difficult for users to distinguish between real and fraudulent services.
• Listener Story: An acquaintance's e-bike was stolen, and Maria recounts a clever counter-scam where he used a fake bank account simulator to trick the thief into returning the bike.

Joe Kerrigan [04:03]:
"When it comes to these kinds of transactions, cash is king."

Maria emphasizes the importance of verifying funds before making transactions and warns about the sophisticated methods scammers use to exploit trust.

Legislation Against Revenge Porn and AI-Generated Images

Joe shifts the discussion to a significant legislative development: the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Take It Down Act, aiming to ban the sharing of revenge porn and non-consensual AI-generated images. This bill received overwhelming support, highlighting the urgent need for legal protections against such abuses.

Key Points:

• Legislative Details: The bill, officially titled the Tools to Address Known Exploitation by Immobilizing Technological Deep Fakes on Web and Networks Act, passed unanimously in the Senate and with a near-unanimous vote in the House.
• Support vs. Concerns: While the legislation is praised for addressing critical issues, organizations like the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) caution that it could be misused to suppress legitimate content, such as parody or satire.
• Impact on Individuals: The law aims to protect victims of revenge porn by imposing strict penalties, including fines and imprisonment, especially for minors.

Joe Kerrigan [20:15]:
"The Electronic Frontier Foundation has said that it's a very blunt tool to get people to take down things that people want."

Maria and Joe discuss the delicate balance between protecting individuals from malicious content and safeguarding freedom of expression. They acknowledge the potential for abuse but agree that the current lack of protections in the U.S. makes such legislation necessary.

Maria Varmazes [32:24]:
"As Americans, we don't have this kind of protection. We're out here going, is anybody going to do anything about any of this."

Catch of the Day: Harbor Freight Scam Emails

In the "Catch of the Day" segment, Rick alerts the hosts to a scam email masquerading as a message from Harbor Freight. The email capitalizes on tariff deadlines, urging recipients to complete a survey for a chance to win a high-value tool set.

Key Points:

• Deceptive Tactics: The email creates a sense of urgency with phrases like "Prices increase at midnight" and "Supplies are limited," reminiscent of classic scam techniques.
• Survey Scams: These surveys often aim to steal personal information or exploit users through fake promotions.
• Personal Anecdotes: Both hosts share their past experiences falling for similar scams, reinforcing the pervasive nature of such threats.

Joe Kerrigan [37:16]:
"Whenever I hear, you know, supplies are limited, I immediately go to that episode of the Simpsons."

Maria and Joe caution listeners to remain skeptical of unsolicited emails offering amazing deals or prizes, emphasizing the importance of protecting personal information online.

Conclusion

Throughout the episode, Maria and Joe provide valuable insights into the evolving landscape of cyber scams and the legislative efforts to combat them. Their engaging discussions, backed by real-life examples and expert opinions, offer listeners a comprehensive understanding of the threats and protections in the digital age.

Maria Varmazes [43:42]:
"We would love to know what you think of this podcast. Your feedback ensures we deliver the insights that keep you a step ahead in the rapidly changing world of cybersecurity."

Notable Quotes:

• Joseph Kerrigan [04:03]:
  "When it comes to these kinds of transactions, cash is king."

• Maria Varmazes [32:24]:
  "As Americans, we don't have this kind of protection. We're out here going, is anybody going to do anything about any of this."

• Joe Kerrigan [37:16]:
  "Whenever I hear, you know, supplies are limited, I immediately go to that episode of the Simpsons."

Final Thoughts:

This episode of Hacking Humans serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of vigilance in the digital realm. By dissecting current scams and analyzing new legislation, Maria and Joe equip their audience with the knowledge needed to navigate and safeguard against online threats.