Ep 6. Social Media Scam Artists

In season 14 episode 6 of American Greed, titled "Social Media Scam Artists," viewers are introduced to a group of con artists who use social media to take advantage of unsuspecting victims. The episode takes a deep dive into how scammers use popular social media platforms to execute their schemes, and how their victims fall prey to their tactics.

Through interviews with industry experts and individuals who have fallen victim to these scams, the episode explores the various techniques used by scammers, from fake profiles to phishing to social engineering. One of the main stories featured in the episode involves a man who used a fake social media profile to lure in victims and sell them fake luxury watches. He would post photos of the watches on his profile, attract interested buyers, and then disappear once he had received payment. Despite the fact that his victims reported the scam to the social media platform on which he was operating, he continued to create new profiles and scam new victims.

Another story featured in the episode involves a group of scammers who targeted individuals looking for jobs online. The scammers would create fake job postings on social media, and require applicants to give out their personal information and even pay for background checks. Once the scammers had collected this information, they would disappear and never follow up with the job applicants. The episode explores how the scammers were able to create such convincing job postings, and how job seekers can protect themselves from falling victim to these types of scams.

Throughout the episode, viewers are shown the devastating impact that these scams can have on victims, both financially and emotionally. The episode also highlights the challenges of prosecuting social media scammers, who often hide behind anonymous profiles and use virtual currencies to make it impossible for authorities to track them down. However, the episode also offers advice on how individuals can protect themselves from social media scams, including being wary of unsolicited friend requests, avoiding giving out personal information online, and verifying the legitimacy of job postings before applying.

Overall, season 14 episode 6 of American Greed provides a comprehensive look at the world of social media scams, and the devastating impact they can have on victims. By featuring real-life stories of individuals who have fallen victim to these scams, and offering advice on how others can protect themselves, the episode serves as a cautionary tale for anyone who uses social media.