Here's Why You Are Constantly Fighting Off Scammers
A ruthless (and ruthlessly efficient) industry is using digital tools to supercharge one of the world’s oldest behaviors. We learn how the industry works and what the scam-fighters are doing about it.
This was a sobering but fascinating Freakonomics Radio episode to make. It started with this email:
Please give a listen and let me know your thoughts. Am also happy to hear your scam stories!
Hi, Dear Stephen.
Joy here, one of your fans. I particularly enjoyed this episode about fending off scammers. My strategy? None other than never responding to any phone numbers or texts which I don’t recognize. Here’s recent few I have received and I’ve ignored them all:
1. My friend, we haven't been in touch for a long time. Do you have some time lately? Let's get together sometime
2. This is Sarah with the 2026 aid portal with a quick alert.Your application has been stamped and approved so you can get funds for food, gas, and monthly utilities. You never have to pay back a dime. The pool of funds is being claimed now.Use the portal link now to get your part: STOP to end
http://kbYQQ.us/jLNuKj539
3. Good morning, my friend. Which Filipino dish do you think is the best?
4. Alert:- 311.46 USD has been cha'rged to your A-pp1e I.D. at the A-pp1e Store. If you did not a'uthorize this Trans@ction ID APX472 Call +18883179245 to Cancel.
5. Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration
Delinquency Enforcement Alert
Enforcement Effective: March 26, 2026
This official correspondence confirms an unresolved delinquent traffic offense recorded on your Maryland driver file. You must resolve this matter without delay to avoid statutory enforcement.
Under Maryland Vehicle Law, failure to make payment by March 25, 2026 will trigger:
* Permanent violation entry
* Driver's license suspension (effective March 26, 2026)
* Potential vehicle registration suspension
* Late fees and administrative charges
To settle your delinquent fine immediately, please visit the official Maryland MVA payment portal:
[Official Maryland MVA Payment Portal Link]
https://maryland.org-uyx.cfd/mva
This notice constitutes official communication. Failure to act will result in irreversible sanctions.
Reply "Y" for payment status updates.
Access the portal immediately to settle the debt.