The Billion-Dollar Scam Industry Targeting Your Parents with Patrick Coughlin
The Billion-Dollar Scam Industry Targeting Your Parents with Patrick Coughlin  
Podcast: The Secure Family Podcast
Published On: Wed Jun 24 2026
Description: Inside AI-Powered Imposter Scams with Patrick Coughlin   Host Andy Murphy interviews cybersecurity veteran Patrick Coughlin, CEO of Savvy Security and creator of the free ScamWise tool, about the modern scam economy and how AI is accelerating fraud. Patrick recounts how his mother was targeted by a spoofed-phone impersonation/kidnapping scam using a voice that sounded like his sister and a demand for $1,200 for her safe return.   Together they discuss why scams overwhelm even savvy people, how shame drives underreporting, and why seniors are targeted due to concentrated wealth. Coughlin outlines today's scam "anatomy" and describes scam call-center "compounds," including potential human trafficking.   For more from Patrick Coughlin visit: https://scamwise.com/    Grab Patrick's book: https://www.darksideoftheboom.com/  Protect your business and your peace of mind. Go to JoinDeleteMe.com/dad-biz. When you use that link, you'll also get a free year of social media protection for every seat you purchase. Be ready for the next natural disaster. Download The Secure Dad Family Disaster Preparedness Guide for free. Get your copy here. Connect 📧 Subscribe to The Secure Dad emails 📸 Follow The Secure Dad on Instagram 📺 Subscribe to The Secure Dad on YouTube 🖥️ Visit The Secure Dad Website 00:00 Show Welcome 01:03 Sponsor DeleteMe 02:27 Free Preparedness Guide 02:57 Meet Patrick Coughlin 05:13 Mom Impersonation Scam 12:16 Why Smart People Fall 17:00 Anatomy of Modern Scams 23:48 Scam Economy Explosion 25:42 Organized Crime Goes Digital 27:34 AI Makes Scams Cheap 31:40 Why Criminals Adopt Tech 32:59 Inside Scam Compounds 41:36 Trust Crisis On Phones 45:46 Rapid Fire Scam Tips 49:25 Protecting Older Relatives 52:35 Scamwise And Book Plug 53:48 Podcast Wrap And Sponsor   The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. The views and opinions expressed by guests are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The Secure Dad, LLC.   The Secure Dad LLC makes every effort to provide accurate, up-to-date information, but no guarantee is made regarding the completeness, reliability, or accuracy of the content in this podcast or any related materials. Information may change over time, and inadvertent errors or omissions may occur. The Secure Dad LLC is not liable for any losses, injuries, or damages arising from the use of, or reliance on, any information provided.   The Secure Dad® is a registered trademark of The Secure Dad, LLC. This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something, a commission may be earned. All rights reserved.