Scams 360
By: BCSI Investigations
Language: en
Categories: True Crime
Scams 360 gives you an inside look into an investigator’s mind about how scams work and how to avoid them. Listen each week to hear a new story.
Episodes
Ghost Tapping and Ghost Touching
Jan 09, 2026This week, we switch things up, and we both tell you about a scam! Kylie is covering ghost tapping and the real story behind all these news articles popping up. Denis covers ghost touching, like a phantom using your phone.
Check us out on Instagram: @BCSI.Investigations
Make sure to click the link tree in our bio for all our information!
Sources:
https://ca.finance.yahoo.com/news/ghost-tapping-rise-canadians-know-230800993.html
https://www.bbb.org/all/consumer/scam/how-to-spot-and-avoid-tap-to-pay-scams
https://cnb1901.com/blog-ghost-touch-hacking
Duration: 00:13:15Top 10 Scams of 2025
Jan 02, 2026Welcome to Season 2 of Scams 360! It will be the same podcast you know and love, but sometimes the format may be switched up, and we are expanding our topics!
This week, to wrap up 2025, Denis and Kylie will be covering the top 10 Scams of 2025! They will discuss their views on AI, Deep fakes and capitalism.
Sources:
https://the420.in/top-international-scams-2025-ai-fraud-global-cybercrime-lessons/
Duration: 00:20:02
Chain Mail Scam
Dec 26, 2025This week, we discuss chain mail and how it has evolved from an email forward to a social media scam. Listen to learn about international secret Santa and how some chain mail might be a pyramid scheme.
IG: BCSI.Investigations
Website: picanada.ca
Sources:
https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/secret-sisters-gift-exchange/ https://ktla.com/news/dont-fall-for-this-secret-santa-gift-scam/#:~:text=2%E2%80%9D%20into%20the%20top%20spot,to%20the%20social%20media%20platform.
https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/chain-linked/
https://www.cantonrep.com/story/lifestyle/columns/2025/11/23/dont-fall-for-secret-sister-gift-exchange-this-christmas/87350835007/
Duration: 00:10:47Charity Scams
Dec 19, 2025It's the holiday season, which means people are in a giving mood. Listen to this week's episode to know how to make sure the money you donate is actually going to a good cause!
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram: @BCSI.Investigations
Sources:
https://competition-bureau.canada.ca/en/fraud-and-scams/tips-and-advice/charity-scams
https://westvanpolice.ca/charity-scams/
https://www.reddit.com/r/nonprofit/comments/1d5qo4x/donation_scam_beware/
https://www.michigan.gov/consumerprotection/protect-yourself/consumer-alerts/scams/how-to-spot-fake-gofundme-accounts
https://www.usatoday.com/stor...
Duration: 00:09:39Holiday Scams
Dec 05, 2025This week, Denis returns to discuss which holiday scams you should look out for this winter!
Check us out on Instagram/Facebook: @bcsi.investigations
If you require a private investigator, visit our website: picanada.ca
Sources:
https://www.wkyt.com/2025/11/26/better-business-bureau-warns-shoppers-holiday-scams/
https://rollingout.com/2025/11/26/amazon-warns-of-dangerous-holiday-scams/
https://foxbaltimore.com/news/local/maryland-ag-holiday-scams-tips-safe-shopping-giving
https://mercercountyoutlook.net/2025/11/26/fbi-cleveland-warns-of-holiday-scams-during-the-shopping-season-3/
https://ksltv.com/ksl-investigates/get-gephardt/holiday-scams/850451/
https://lionsgate.network/the-12-scams-of-christmas-your-essential-guide-to-protecting-your-crypto-this-holiday-season/
https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/scams-and-safety/common-frauds-and-scams/holiday-scams
Duration: 00:12:17Data Poisoning
Nov 28, 2025This week is a solo episode. Kylie is discussing all things data poisoning from what it is to how to spot and avoid it!
Check us out online:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bcsi.investigations/
Sources:
https://cypfer.com/inside-ai-data-poisoning-how-attackers-manipulate-machine-learning/
https://www.sentinelone.com/cybersecurity-101/cybersecurity/data-poisoning/
https://www.crowdstrike.com/en-us/cybersecurity-101/cyberattacks/data-poisoning/
https://www.lasso.security/blog/data-poisoning
Duration: 00:09:24NFT Scams
Nov 21, 2025This week, we have a special guest, Yuli, to discuss NFTs and the risks associated with buying them.
Sources:
https://www.fraud.com/post/nft-scams-a-real-life-story
https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/lifestyle/art-plus-design/most-expensive-nft-artworks-ever-sold/
https://www.endlessdomains.io/blog/posts/hard-wallets-vs-soft-wallets
Duration: 00:09:53Subscription Traps
Nov 14, 2025This week, we discuss subscription traps and the ones that we have been stuck in. Remember to rate and review!
Check us out online at @BCSI.Investigations or on our website, picanada.ca, if you have been affected by a scam or need a private investigation.
Sources:
https://competition-bureau.canada.ca/en/fraud-and-scams/tips-and-advice/subscription-traps
https://www.canada.ca/en/competition-bureau/news/2020/03/subscription-traps-no-strings-attached-trial-offers-could-leave-you-with-your-hands-tied.html
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c07nlvmyl05o
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/20/learning/the-great-subscription-trap.html
https://www.nbc26.co...
Duration: 00:18:24Smart Home Hackers
Nov 07, 2025This week, we discuss smart home systems and how they can be vulnerable to hacking. Listen to learn the signs that you've been hacked and how to protect yourself.
If you enjoyed Scams 360, please leave five stars and a review :)
Sources:
https://www.businessinsider.com/hacker-breaks-into-smart-home-google-nest-devices-terrorizes-couple-2019-9#:~:text=Millions%20of%20users%20have%20signed,Google
https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/google-home-speakers-allowed-hackers-to-snoop-on-conversations/
https://www.datapacific.com/9-signs-that-your-smart-home-device-has-been-hacked/
Duration: 00:18:09Crypto Scams
Oct 24, 2025This week, we discuss the seizure of $15 billion worth of Bitcoin and someone being scammed out of $230 million. Crypto scams are becoming more prevalent every day, so listen to find out how to protect yourself!
Sources:
https://www.foxbusiness.com/fox-news-crime/billions-bitcoin-seized-doj-massive-pig-butchering-crypto-scam-cambodia
https://www.foxnews.com/us/dea-fbi-seize-10-million-cryptocurrency-directly-linked-sinaloa-cartel
https://markets.financialcontent.com/wral/article/breakingcrypto-2025-10-15-federal-authorities-seize-staggering-15-billion-in-bitcoin-unmasking-global-pig-butchering-crypto-scam
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pr-LPmg9oxQ
https://www.secretservice.gov/investigations/investmentfraud-pigbutchering
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/crypto-atms-profit-as-scammers-run-wild/ar-AA1Osz...
Duration: 00:14:35Facebook Marketplace Scams
Oct 17, 2025This week, we discuss Facebook Marketplace and the common scams that occur when selling or buying on there.
Sources:
https://www.reddit.com/r/toronto/comments/1iatqqu/new_facebook_marketplace_scam/
https://www.ctvnews.ca/montreal/article/how-could-this-happen-to-me-fraud-victims-left-reeling-as-scams-cost-canadians-638m/
https://www.reddit.com/r/PersonalFinanceCanada/comments/1g8xvnv/warning_lost_2000_to_a_td_bank_transfer_scam_when/
https://www.facebook.com/help/1156544111079919/
https://www.td.com/ca/en/personal-banking/advice/day-to-day-banking/services/etransfer-fraud
Duration: 00:17:20Event Ticket Scams
Sep 26, 2025This week, we discuss how ticket scams affect Canadians. After the number of scams the Eras Tour brought out, we wanted to prepare our listeners for the upcoming FIFA World Cup. Listen to us discuss our own encounters with scammers and resellers and how to identify and avoid ticket scams.
Sources:
https://www.ticketleap.com/blog/how-to-avoid-ticket-scams/
https://www.the-independent.com/life-style/coldplay-concert-ticket-scam-facebook-b2633601.html
Duration: 00:13:06Ponzi Scheme
Sep 19, 2025This week, we dive deep into Charles Ponzi's life and how the Ponzi schemes were invented. We discussed a new Ponzi Scheme that happened in Alberta and BC.
Sources:
https://www.investopedia.com/terms/p/ponzischeme.asp
https://globalnews.ca/news/9929191/edmonton-kelowna-ponzi-scheme-charges/
https://www.squamishchief.com/highlights/alleged-bc-ponzi-scheme-fraudster-identified-as-drowning-victim-9168281
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/ponzi-scheme-charges-stayed-against-183916036.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Ponzi
https://marriott.byu.edu/magazine/faculty-research/how-to-spot-a-ponzi
https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/sin/fraud-data-breaches.html
Duration: 00:22:24The Kingdom of Canada Cult
Sep 12, 2025This week, we are switching things up! We are discussing the Queen of Canada, her group, and her arrest. Scams come in different forms, even cults.
Sources:
https://globalnews.ca/news/11403316/queen-of-canada-freed-bail/
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatchewan/queen-of-canada-richmound-school-ndp-review-1.7629335
https://www.ctvnews.ca/regina/video/2025/09/10/sask-ndp-calling-for-queen-of-canada-govt-response/
https://globalnews.ca/news/11403316/queen-of-canada-freed-bail/
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatchewan/village-residents-divided-as-queen-of-canada-cult-remains-in-richmound-sask-1.7238282
https://globalnews.ca/news/11391128/saskatchewan-rcmp-richmound-investigation/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romana_Didulo
Duration: 00:32:22AI Love Scams
Sep 05, 2025This week, we will discuss AI chatbots and how people are falling in love with them. Then, we dive into how they can be used for scams and how to protect yourself when dating online.
Remember to rate, review, and subscribe!
Sources:
https://www.msn.com/en-ca/news/world/she-looked-like-kendall-jenner-whispered-sweet-nothings-and-lured-a-new-jersey-retiree-to-his-death/ar-AA1KDHtM?ocid=msedgdhp&pc=DCTS&cvid=68a0a7e8d35344d9af4f5ef221cd9488&ei=9
https://www.ussfcu.org/media-center/security-corner/blog-detail-security-corner.html?cId=96630&title=ai-powered-romance-scams-how-to-spot-and-avoid-them
Duration: 00:25:32
Smishing
Aug 29, 2025This week, we learn all about smishing. Listen to hear what messages we get all the time and what to look out for!
Sources:
https://globalnews.ca/news/11331071/scam-text-messages-canada-smishing/?utm_source=onesignal&utm_medium=push&utm_campaign=2025-08-12-got-a-scam-text
https://www.aura.com/learn/can-you-get-hacked-by-responding-to-a-text-message#:~:text=Don't%20Panic!-,No%2C%20you%20can't%20get%20hacked%20by%20responding%20to%20a,be%20much%20harder%20to%20evade.
Duration: 00:14:13Sextortion
Aug 22, 2025This week, we discuss heavy topics such as suicide. Please reach out to the National Suicide Help Line at 988 or online at 988lifeline.org for messaging if you are experiencing any problems. Kids Help Phone is also available for minors at 1-800 – 668 – 6868 or text 686868
We are discussing sextortion and how it has taken the lives of many young boys. Listen for information on how to handle these situations.
Sources:
https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/health-wellness/2025/02/25/teenage-boys-mental-health-suicide-sextortion-scams/78258882007/
https://www.missingkids.org/gethelpnow/cybertipline#bythenumbers
Duration: 00:21:49AI Real Estate Scams
Aug 15, 2025This week, we are talking about buying houses and how AI can be used to scam you out of your own house!
Sources:
https://fct.ca/inside-fct/fct-in-the-news-ai-is-driving-a-new-wave-of-real-estate-fraud#:~:text=The%20article%20highlights%20key%20findings,create%20highly%20convincing%20fake%20documents
https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/canada-housing-market-artificial-intelligence-ai-scams
https://realestatemagazine.ca/ai-is-driving-a-new-wave-of-real-estate-fraud-report/
https://globalnews.ca/news/9437913/homeowner-impersonators-lined-32-fraud-cases-ontario-bc/
Travel Scams
Aug 08, 2025This week, we tell two stories of people being scammed into booking travel, then talk about personal experiences and give recommendations for safe travel.
Sources:
https://www.ctvnews.ca/toronto/article/nearly-one-third-of-canadians-have-fallen-victim-to-travel-scams-survey/
https://www.ctvnews.ca/toronto/article/i-felt-like-crying-ontario-family-loses-17500-to-online-flight-ticket-scam/
https://www.ctvnews.ca/toronto/article/ontario-family-forced-to-pay-nearly-24k-out-of-pocket-after-ticket-broker-ghosts-them-overseas/
https://vancouver.citynews.ca/2025/07/31/bbb-bc-warns-against-travel-scam/
https://vancouver.citynews.ca/2025/07/06/bc-ferries-scams-warning/
https://vancouversun.com/travel/5-tips-avoid-vacation-scams
Duration: 00:20:23
Government Imposters
Aug 01, 2025This week, we discuss Government impostor scams. Listen to learn about tarriff scams, the AI Mark Carney scam, and how to stay safe!
Sources:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/british-columbians-our-governments/services-policies-for-government/information-management-technology/information-security/information-security-awareness/avoid_telephone_scams_infosheet.pdf
https://www.ctvnews.ca/barrie/article/beware-of-fraudulent-calls-impersonating-rcmp-opp-and-canadian-anti-fraud-centre/
https://www.freep.com/story/money/personal-finance/susan-tompor/2025/07/23/scam-tariffs-immigration-drug-trafficking/85307398007/
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/more-fake-cbc-ads-investigation-1.7494923
Duration: 00:13:18Point of Sale Scams
Jul 25, 2025This week, we discuss POS terminals and how people can use those and card skimmers to scam you.
Sources:
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/beach-bia-warns-point-of-sale-scam-thousands-stolen-1.7583825
https://www.cp24.com/local/toronto/2025/07/03/it-was-a-shock-toronto-business-owner-says-customer-used-point-of-sale-terminal-to-issue-himself-2000-refund/
https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/scams-and-safety/common-frauds-and-scams/skimming
https://www.volantesystems.com/blog/pos-theft-10-immediate-actions-to-protect-your-business/
Duration: 00:09:47SIM Swapping
Jul 18, 2025This week, we discuss SIM swapping and how to protect yourself.
Don't forget to leave a 5-star rating!
Sources:
https://www.msn.com/en-ca/news/canada/b-c-woman-lost-over-500k-in-bitcoin-in-2021-sim-swap-fraud-scheme-lawsuit-alleges/ar-AA1I7cGo?ocid=msedgdhphdr&cvid=f43fbdc7b0aa45a2cd807334e964f3a3&ei=11
https://www.mapleridgenews.com/news/bc-woman-claims-bitcoin-now-worth-more-than-18m-stolen-in-sim-swap-scam-8110242
https://www.ctia.org/protecting-against-sim-swap-fraud
https://securityscorecard.com/blog/sim-card-hacking-what-it-is-how-it-works-and-how-to-protect-yourself/
Duration: 00:14:20Romance Scams
Jul 11, 2025This week, we discuss romance scams. Listen to learn about two cases in which women lost their money and, finally, a case in which a scammer was caught.
Sources:
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/alberta-romance-fraudster-declared-a-dangerous-offender-locked-up-indefinitely-1.7574949
https://globalnews.ca/news/11217545/alberta-romance-scam-td-bank/
https://abc7ny.com/post/7-side-woman-loses-1m-romance-scam-she-shares-red-flags-missed/15876494/
Duration: 00:30:07Scam Trafficking
Jul 04, 2025This week, we introduce you to Denis Gagnon, the president of BCSI. Then, you hear a story about what can go wrong when applying for jobs online.
Sources:
IJMUK.org
IJM.org
Duration: 00:19:22