Best Jim Grinstead Podcasts (2025)

1
Butcher scammed out of meat 25:41

1d ago25:41

25:41

Tell me what's on your mind. Alabama leads the nation in losses from online scams and a Massachusetts butcher shop owner says he was scammed out of $60,000 of meat. Plus, we'll update you on the Frye Festival scheduled for Mexico, but who knows where in that country it will be?By Jim Grinstead

1
The most notorius scammers 26:22

8d ago26:22

26:22

Tell me what's on your mind. There are con artists who have pulled off major cons. What they do is so ballsy, it’s hard to believe anyone would fall for them. Yet, in the annals of history, they live on. Today on Scams And Cons, we'll tell you their stories.By Jim Grinstead

1
Scammers begin work without authorization - and make the victim pay 16:34

15d ago16:34

16:34

Tell me what's on your mind. We'll tell you the story of con artists who preyed on the elderly with home remodeling scams. One was brazen enough to outright tell the homeowner what needed to be done and begin work.By Jim Grinstead

1
Using AI to build sucker lists 18:10

22d ago18:10

18:10

Tell me what's on your mind. Is this written by me or an AI? Will you hear my voice or an AI voice in this podcast? (Spoiler, you'll hear both) AI voices and images are so easy to create these days that it's easy to throw someone into a money-gushing panic if they get a phone call from a friend claiming to be in trouble. The key is not to try and r…

1
Georgia banks exempt from protecting you from scammers 12:24

29d ago12:24

12:24

Tell me what's on your mind. In this week's news, Thailand takes the unusual step of cutting off electricity to 500,000 people to stop scammers and con artists are staging car crashes to collect insurance money. Plus, Georgia exempts banks from protecting customers from scammers even though they say they want a law requiring them to do so. Listen a…

1
Deep fakes: Am I who I say I am? 31:51

1M ago31:51

31:51

Tell me what's on your mind. Is this written by me or an AI? Will you hear my voice or an AI voice in this podcast? (Spoiler, you'll hear both) AI voices and images are so easy to create these days that it's easy to throw someone into a money-gushing panic if they get a phone call from a friend claiming to be in trouble. The key is not to try and r…

1
Scammers pretend to be TV news anchor to rob previous victim 12:33

1M ago12:33

12:33

Tell me what's on your mind. A man got taken by a scammer and called a local TV station for help. The scammers weren't caught, but they later called the man back, pretending to be the anchor and tried to shake him down again. It didn't go well for the scammers. Hear this story and more on Scams & Cons News…

1
Communities of scammers are roaming the country 26:11

2M ago26:11

26:11

Tell me what's on your mind. Groups of con artists roam the country, sweeping into a community and taking it for all they can until the police get wise. They're called Travellers and we'll tell you how they work and why they are different from other scammers.By Jim Grinstead

1
The pigeon drop is revived to steal expensive jewelry 13:01

2M ago13:01

13:01

Tell me what's on your mind. The pigeon drop -- and oldie, but a goodie -- is misdirecting people so their new expensive purchases can stolen and fake Amazon customer service agents targeted a woman and tried to clean out her bank accounts. Support the podcastBy Jim Grinstead

1
Can scam victims get justice? 19:17

2M ago19:17

19:17

Tell me what's on your mind. If you've been scammed, will you get your money back? Will you get justice? The answer, unfortunately, is no. While it may be your life savings, the amounts are generally too small and police have such limited resources that they can't help. Your best hope is that your scam was part of a much larger operation that polic…

1
Scammers are using Amber Alerts to steal info on your child 11:55

2M ago11:55

11:55

Tell me what's on your mind. Your child is safe at home, but scammers are calling to get info about them to put into a state "registry." It's a scam ... don't fall for it. Hear this story and more on Scams & Cons News.By Jim Grinstead

1
Scammers do stupid things, too. Let us tell you about them. 22:23

3M ago22:23

22:23

Tell me what's on your mind. It's easy to think of a scammer as a slick, sophisticated character, ready to outsmart your every move. Not so fast. Scammers do stupid stuff too, and we're here to tell you about them. Listen in for a good laugh and relief that they aren't as clever as we think they are.…

1
One bad click wipes out a life's savings and a scammer took the money, but kept the pictures 14:03

3M ago14:03

14:03

Tell me what's on your mind. In the early days of computing, we were afraid that if we pushed one wrong button, we'd lose all our work -- and that frequently happened. Nowadays, the risk isn't so high and total losses are rare, but scammers have figured out how to convince you to push just one button that allows them to steal your money and anythin…

1
Welcome to Season 8 3:17

3M ago3:17

3:17

Tell me what's on your mind. We're kicking off season 8 with a look at some really stupid scammers, then come back by asking if victims can ever really get justice. The news is back with some changes and we'll be taking several dives into how AI is being used by scammers and con artists. Plus, beginning this season, you'll be able to text me with y…

1
REPLAY: Time travelers are scamming thousands 15:45

3M ago15:45

15:45

Tell me what's on your mind. People are coming back from the future. Some want computers to help solve problems for which the need ancient software, while others need some cold, hard cash to survive in this primitive world of ours. People are handing money over to these con artists without asking a simple question: Why are future IT people too stup…

1
REPLAY: Miracle cures have arrived! Whatever the ailment, they will do the job 23:31

4M ago23:31

23:31

Tell me what's on your mind. Think of all the music jingles you've heard over the years, promising that this pill or that one will help prevent cancer, ease your aching bones or guarantee you a longer, healthier life. It's snake oil and in this episode we tell you the difference between Western medicine, alternative medicine and outright frauds. Pa…

1
Squatters are getting more creative - and more political 22:06

4M ago22:06

22:06

Tell me what's on your mind. We're talking about squatters again, primarily because they are improving their tactics and because they can rob you of your single largest investment. And it's a scam you don't see coming until it has already happened.Squatters are also organizing. They are forming unions of sorts to change or create laws that protect …

1
Adoption fraud: When hopeful parents are robbed of their dream 27:15

5M ago27:15

27:15

Tell me what's on your mind. Adoption agencies can be difficult to work with. They have many requirements that must be met, and justifiably so. They want to make sure an adopted child finds a good and safe home.But some potential parents are patient. They want a faster process and are willing to pay to move to the top of the line. Desperation and f…

1
The swoop and squat scam is back! 13:02

5M ago13:02

13:02

Tell me what's on your mind. The old scam called the swoop and squat is back! It involves two cars with one swooping in front of a another, then coming to a halt. The scammers hope the rear driver will pay up without involving an insurance company. If no crash occurs, the scammers just put their car in reverse and slam into the car behind.Cars and …

1
Scammers say Black Friday 'tis the season to be stealing 21:24

5M ago21:24

21:24

Tell me what's on your mind. Fake websites are the hot thing this holiday season and they'll be popping up everywhere.You'll be amazed at how easy it is to set up a fake website. We'll tell you how it happens -- not how to do it.Listen to Scams and Cons wherever you get podcastsSupport the podcastLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm…

1
Scammers find a new way to turn your loose coins into big cash 15:51

5M ago15:51

15:51

Tell me what's on your mind. When someone knocks on your door, you're not expecting them to ask for sex. That's what some scammers are doing. They are offering sexual partners online, then send the mark to an address to receive the service. The homeowners aren't expecting the dozens of people who show up at their house.And black marketers sell a na…

1
Why scammers only want to steal your heart 25:34

6M ago25:34

25:34

Tell me what's on your mind. Our last episode told the story of Brittani Ard who had her heart stolen by a romance scammer. Well, technically not a romance scammer, he didn't ask for money, but he did want to be part of her life. He also wanted to be a part of the lives of many other women at the same time.In this episode, we ask Dr. Cortney Warren…

1
A pastor may have misunderstood God and ripped off his flock 13:20

6M ago13:20

13:20

Tell me what's on your mind. We''ll tell you about a pastor who said he may have misunderstood God by selling cryptocurrency and an 82-year-old woman you don't want to mess with. She set up a successful sting to catch a scammer.Then there is a Cricket Wireless store in Athens, Georgia that was hit by a scam, resulting in a loss of approximately $12…

1
Want to see a great picture of your house? Ask a scammer. 12:32

6M ago12:32

12:32

Tell me what's on your mind. Scammers are getting personal by sending email to you, by name, and including pictures of your home. If you don't pay up, they promise to release your confidential information.Police arrest a scammer, release him on bail and the process repeats itself 13 times. Why?Hear these stories and more on Scams & Cons.Learn more …

1
Some scammers steal your heart for love, not money 28:38

6M ago28:38

28:38

Tell me what's on your mind. This is not an episode about romance scams. The techniques involved are the same, but it seems to me that it involves love, sex and attraction to many women at a time. Never does the scammer ask for money or favors, but the scammer does receive trust and love.This is the strangest story I've told so far. Listen in and t…

1
Is Brad Pitt a romance scammer? 12:07

6M ago12:07

12:07

Tell me what's on your mind. Is Brad Pitt a romance scammer? How did CoinStar get caught up in a scam? Did half the people in a survey acknowledge they had been caught up in a scam or con?We have the answers on Scams & Cons News.Support the podcastLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
A scammer takes a man's money and his life 11:42

7M ago11:42

11:42

Tell me what's on your mind. A scammer convinced a man to turn over $8,000 to collect winnings from a bogus Publishers' Clearing House prize. The man hoped to help his family and when he realized he'd been duped, he took his own life.And a record company comes the the aid of a dying girl who was scammed out of Taylor Swift tickets and sent her to t…

1
Scammers invade local governments and steal your money 18:53

7M ago18:53

18:53

Tell me what's on your mind. Taxes are the price we pay for a civilized society. Scammers are anything but civilized.In this episode, we'll tell you about how scammers get into public money and how they drain millions away. Public officials should know better and train employees in how to avoid scammers' traps. It's a bugaboo of mine, so you'll hea…

1
Gold star families swindled and pickpockets use "touchless" credit card theft 11:34

7M ago11:34

11:34

Tell me what's on your mind. Someone walking beside you can steal your credit card information without touching your wallet. We'll tell you how it's done and just because you died, doesn't mean landlords stop charging your rent, despite what the law says.Hear these stories and more on Scams & Cons, wherever you get your podcasts.Support the podcast…

1
A 13-year-old girl tries to scam a pensioner out of his life savings 12:00

7M ago12:00

12:00

Tell me what's on your mind. A 13-year-old girl is used as a money mule for scammers trying to grab a man's life's savings. Fake monks seeking money from monastery clones, and a scammer didn't realize the mark's phone number had changed and now belonged to a federal agent. It did not go well for the scammer.Hear these stories and many more on Scams…

1
Magicians compare their deceptions to those of con artists 27:49

7M ago27:49

27:49

Tell me what's on your mind. Magicians are masters of deception. So are con artists. I went to a magicians' convention to see how they compare.Listen as magicians talk about their techniques and whether they are similar to how con artists work.It's a fun episode with lots of laughs.Thank you very much!Support us on Patreon!Learn more about your ad …

1
Karens in California try to scam beachgoers 13:00

7M ago13:00

13:00

Tell me what's on your mind. In this week’s news, con artists are preying on people released from jail, telling them that there are expenses that must be paid and scammers are scamming scam victims with promises of getting their money back. Then there are those in California trying to drive beachgoers away from the shoreline. Guess who the real sca…

1
A Minnesota city loses more than $1 million, but doesn't want the public to know 18:25

8M ago18:25

18:25

Tell me what's on your mind. Another government loses money to a scammer, but this time it tries to hide it from taxpayers.And truckers are targeted with scams to steal their money and their loads.Scary stuff. Listen to Scams & Cons News to learn more.Support us on PatreonLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
The marks who should have known better 27:09

8M ago27:09

27:09

Tell me what's on your mind. You'd think people who are at the top of their game -- the big money folks -- would be savvy enough to not get scammed. You'd be wrong.There are all kinds of people who have the intelligence and ability to spot a con, but are taken in anyway.Today we'll tell you their tales, what scams took them in and how it worked.Sup…

1
Scammers are leasing homeowner's pools for parties without their knowledge 10:32

8M ago10:32

10:32

Tell me what's on your mind. In this week’s news, scammers are leasing private swimming pools for parties and the homeowners aren’t pleased. Gold is gaining ground on gift cards as a way of paying off scammers and we tell the story of a scammer who topped off his victim's phone card to continue a pitch.Support us on Patreon!Learn more about your ad…

1
Scammers use pastors to hit their marks 8:58

8M ago8:58

8:58

Tell me what's on your mind. In Arkansas, scammers are tricking pastors into urging parishioners to buy gift cards. Another city loses more than a million to scammers and city leaders believe it was a good thing. And in Las Vegas, skimmers are being used to copy credit card information before running up huge bills.Learn more about your ad choices. …

1
Season 7 is about to begin! 1:13

8M ago1:13

1:13

Tell me what's on your mind. Season 7 begins Sept. 2 and there's a lot to talk about.Scams & Cons News moves to Monday and a new edition will come out each week.Regular episodes will continue on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month. We've got stories about child birth scams, easy money scams and interviews with magicians who compare their …

1
Scammer robs family of $15k vacation. Smart TVs may be tricking you into giving up personal information 11:21

9M ago11:21

11:21

Tell me what's on your mind. In this week's news, we'll tell you about a woman who lost a half million dollars in a Social Security scam, con artists who offer up free pianos, then trick the customer into paying high shipping fees. You'll also hear how your smart TV could be robbing you.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
A man disguises himself as a woman to scam the groom out of his estate 7:56

9M ago7:56

7:56

Tell me what's on your mind. In this week's news, a man disguises himself as a woman to scam the groom out of his estate and pet owners are being told their companions are in danger in order to con people out of medical expenses.Hear these stories and much more on this week's Scams & Cons News.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/ad…

1
Woman told she is on "secret probation" and loses hundreds of thousands of dollars 13:47

10M ago13:47

13:47

Tell me what's on your mind. Woman told she is on "secret probation" loses hundreds of thousands of dollars, 60 Minutes Australia asks if Belle Gibson is a liar and Canadian police bust an international scam ring.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Jim Grinstead

1
REPLAY: Hoaxes vs Scams 15:42

10M ago15:42

15:42

Tell me what's on your mind. What's the difference between a hoax and a scam? Are they the same thing? In this episode, we take a crack at the answer -- unless this whole program is a hoax.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Jim Grinstead

1
Woman falling down escalator marks return of pigeon scam 10:04

10M ago10:04

10:04

Tell me what's on your mind. A woman falling down escalator marks return of pigeon scam, members of British Parliament get caught in a honey trap and a Pennsylvania man loses $165,000 to romance scammer. Hear these stories and much more at ScamsAndCons.com or wherever you get podcasts.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
An Uber driver was killed while delivering a package for a scammer and a Canadian scammer is in jail for a $175 million e-mail fraud in the U.S. 10:14

11M ago10:14

10:14

Tell me what's on your mind. An Uber driver was killed while delivering a package for a scammer and a Canadian scammer in jail for a $175 million e-mail fraud in the U.S. while a man cons people into letting him use their phones, then drains their bank account.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
Woman scammed by promise of free home make-over 12:44

11M ago12:44

12:44

Tell me what's on your mind. A woman scammed by promise of free home make-over, a scammer tries to hoodwink Drew Barrymore's guests and an Alabama woman has admitted to faking her own disappearance after earlier claiming she had been kidnapped.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
Clean and green -- washing your checks 21:10

11M ago21:10

21:10

Tell me what's on your mind. When you write a check, you expect it to be secure, after all, you did write it in ink.That means bupkus unless you used a secure check and security pen. These days, scammers can use household chemicals to eliminate what you have written and fill in the blanks with whatever they want to whomever they want. They will eve…

1
A scam leaves a man in a coma and a woman's home is stolen 13:46

12M ago13:46

13:46

Tell me what's on your mind. An East Tennessee woman stops a scam by people posing as a representatives of Publishers Clearing House and a Wisconsin woman must pay taxes on $200,000 she lost to a scammer. A federal law once protected such victims from taxes. The law was cut.We also tell the story of a Toronto man who encountered a scammer that left…

1
Why steal your identity when all scammers need is a synthetic you? 40:36

12M ago40:36

40:36

Tell me what's on your mind. Identity theft was once fairly easy. Watch someone's mailbox for a credit card offer, then send it in with a new address; discover something like your Social Security number, then route that money to their bank account. There were lots of ways.But now there's a new one -- a fabricated synthetic identity. It's you withou…

1
A boy amputates his legs to get insurance month and "ghost hacking" sends messages to the deceased family 12:56

1y ago12:56

12:56

Tell me what's on your mind. In separate incidents, a man and a woman are arrested for romance scams. A boy in Taiwan agrees to have both legs amputated to gain insurance money and a woman who wanted a puppy pays the money, only to be told it's a scam.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
Faking your death 23:13

1y ago23:13

23:13

Tell me what's on your mind. It sounds exotic to fake your death, then just walk away, expect it almost never works. One woman was found in her home closet. Another was found by just pinging her phone.Then there is the woman who researched how to fake her death and took it so far as to hold her own death certificate in her hands.There are many ways…

1
News: A Nebraska woman is conned out of a gold bar a woman buys the wrong kind of gift card, frustrating a scammer, but still losing her money 12:29

1y ago12:29

12:29

Tell me what's on your mind. News: A Nebraska woman is conned out of a gold bar and a woman buys the wrong kind of gift card, frustrating a scammer, but still losing her moneyLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Jim Grinstead

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Jim Grinstead Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen