Podcast Summary: Hacking Humans - "Yeti or not, it’s a scam"

Release Date: August 7, 2025

In this episode of Hacking Humans, hosted by Dave Bittner, Joe Kerrigan, and Maria Vermazes from N2K Networks, the trio delves deep into the intricacies of social engineering scams, phishing schemes, and the broader impacts of cybercrime on individuals and geopolitics. The episode is structured into several key segments, each exploring different facets of deception in the digital age.

1. The Yeti Cooler Scam on Facebook

Timestamp: [06:37]

Dave Bittner shares a personal encounter with a suspicious Facebook sponsored post offering a nearly free Yeti cooler. The post, purportedly from an individual named Ava Davis, claimed to have insider knowledge of a loophole at Dick's Sporting Goods to obtain Yeti products at reduced prices.

Notable Quote:

Dave Bittner [09:11]: "So what happens when Joe's got a disagreement with Lisa? He goes and he goes and it's a euphemism. In the Kerrigan house, Joe spends a little time out in the chicken coop."

Analysis of the Scam: Joe Kerrigan and Maria Vermazes dissect the tactics used in such scams, emphasizing the lack of authenticity in the profiles promoting these deals. They highlight red flags such as profiles with zero friends, generic locations, and repetitive product-focused posts.

Notable Quote:

Joe Kerrigan [11:24]: "I think you enter a bunch of information on a survey site which is just a way that they can then monetize that by selling the data."

Scam Mechanics: The hosts discuss how these scams lure individuals through appealing offers, only to harvest personal information or charge hidden fees, ultimately defrauding unsuspecting users.

2. Geopolitical Implications of Cyber Scams

Timestamp: [19:35]

Maria Vermazes introduces a complex geopolitical issue linking cyber scams to armed conflict between Thailand and Cambodia. She explains how Cambodia's substantial cyber scam industry, which significantly contributes to its GDP, is intertwined with regional tensions.

Key Points:

• Cambodia hosts cyber scam operations that forcibly employ over a hundred thousand individuals in fraudulent activities.
• Thailand has been pressuring Cambodia to dismantle these operations, leading to increased friction and contributing to armed conflicts.
• Chinese organized crime's involvement adds another layer of complexity, intertwining economic scams with geopolitical strife.

Notable Quote:

Maria Vermazes [22:10]: "So a year ago, the commissioner of the Colorado Security Organization, the Colorado Securities Commissioner, his name is Tung Chen, initially filed charges against the pair."

Impacts Discussed: The discussion underscores how cybercrime can have far-reaching consequences beyond financial loss, influencing international relations and contributing to violence and instability in affected regions.

3. Personal Phishing Encounter

Timestamp: [28:30]

Joe Kerrigan recounts a personal experience with a phishing email masquerading as a notification from Xfinity. The email threatened service suspension due to a declined payment, containing grammatical errors and suspicious links.

Notable Quote:

Joe Kerrigan [42:16]: "Pretty bad fish, right?"

Outcome: Fortunately, Joe recognized the red flags and avoided compromising his actual password by not entering his real credentials. This segment serves as a cautionary tale about the prevalence of phishing attempts and the importance of vigilance.

Notable Quote:

Joe Kerrigan [44:32]: "I got lucky, okay. I got very lucky."

4. Exploitation of Religious Trust in Scams

Timestamp: [30:57]

The hosts discuss a case involving Eli Regalado and his wife Caitlin, preachers at Victoria Grace Church, who were indicted for soliciting nearly $3.4 million through a fraudulent cryptocurrency scheme targeting Christian communities.

Notable Quote:

Joe Kerrigan [33:33]: "The Lord told us to walk away from our parking company. He took us into this cryptocurrency. Well, that cryptocurrency turned out to be a scam."

Discussion Points:

• The exploitation of trust within religious communities to perpetrate financial scams.
• The psychological manipulation involved when religious figures abuse their authority to deceive followers.
• The importance of skepticism and due diligence, even within trusted communities.

5. Catch of the Day: Phishing Email Analysis

Timestamp: [41:02]

The segment features a "Catch of the Day" where Dave and Joe analyze a phishing email purportedly from Xfinity. The email contained several red flags, including grammatical errors and misleading links directing to fraudulent websites.

Notable Quote:

Dave Bittner [42:03]: "Your automatic payment was declined by your bank. As a reminder, here's a quick summary of your service suspension."

Lessons Highlighted:

• Identifying common features of phishing emails.
• The importance of verifying the authenticity of unsolicited communications.
• Practical steps to take when encountering suspicious messages, such as checking official websites and changing passwords.

Conclusion

Throughout the episode, the hosts emphasize the pervasive nature of scams and the sophisticated methods employed by cybercriminals to exploit trust and manipulate emotions. From social media frauds promising high-end products to international conflicts fueled by illicit cyber operations, Hacking Humans sheds light on the multifaceted challenges posed by modern cyber deception.

Final Notable Quote:

Joe Kerrigan [40:14]: "If you're in a church and they start pitching a cryptocurrency, probably time to find a new church."

For those interested in safeguarding against such scams, the episode underscores the necessity of continuous education, skepticism of unsolicited offers, and the implementation of robust cybersecurity measures.