Easy Prey

The world of art theft looks glamorous in the movies, but the reality is far more complicated. From multi-million dollar forgery schemes to undercover FBI operations recovering stolen national treasures, art crime is a global industry hiding in plain sight. 
This conversation digs into how these crimes actually play out and why the people who pull them off often end up stuck with the very pieces they thought would make them rich.
My guest today is Robert Wittman, a former FBI special agent and the founder of the FBI's Art Crime Team. Over a 20-year career, he worked undercover in more than 20 countries and helped recover over $300 million in stolen art and cultural property. He's also the author of Priceless, where he shares stories from those investigations and what really goes on behind the scenes.
We discuss the movie version of art crime and how it actually works. Whitman explains why most stolen masterpieces are nearly impossible to sell, how insider access plays a role in many museum thefts, and why forgery and fraud now make up the bulk of the market. There's also a practical side to it. Whether it's fine art, prints, or even sports memorabilia, the same patterns show up again and again. People trust the wrong details, skip the research, and get pulled in by what feels like a deal. The takeaway is pretty straightforward. Slow down, check what you're buying, and don't assume something is real just because the story sounds convincing.
Show Notes:
[01:06] Robert Wittman introduces his FBI career and explains how he founded the Art Crime Team, leading investigations across 20 countries and recovering over $300 million in stolen art.
[04:01] He shares how he ended up in art crime almost by accident, getting assigned museum theft cases early in his career when no one else wanted them.
[07:00] We get a breakdown of the art crime industry, including how much of it is driven by forgery and fraud versus outright theft.
[10:00] Whitman explains why stolen high-value artwork is extremely difficult to sell and often becomes a liability for the criminals who take it.
[13:43] A reality check on museum security, comparing Hollywood portrayals to how thefts actually happen in the U.S. and abroad.
[16:18] The conversation shifts to jewelry theft and why stolen gems are far easier to break down and resell than famous works of art.
[19:19] He walks through a major forgery case involving a well-known New York gallery that unknowingly sold millions of dollars in fake paintings.
[22:55] Practical advice for everyday buyers on how to avoid getting scammed when purchasing art or collectibles online.
[26:34] One of the most fascinating recoveries: an original copy of the Bill of Rights stolen in the 1800s and tracked down over a century later.
[30:20] A much smaller but equally interesting case involving ancient cylinder seals and how they were unknowingly brought back from Iraq.
[32:30] The risks in the sports memorabilia market, including widespread forgery and why authentication matters more than ever.
[35:37] Final advice on protecting yourself as both a buyer and seller by doing basic research and understanding the true value of what you have.
Thanks for joining us on Easy Prey. Be sure to subscribe to our podcast on iTunes and leave a nice review. 
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Robert Wittman
Robert Wittman - LinkedIn
FBI Art Crime Team
Priceless
The Devil's Diary

We make predictions all the time including about the weather, about traffic, about what someone is going to say next. It feels natural, even rational. But when algorithms start making predictions about us, whether we'll repay a loan, reoffend after prison, or respond to a medical treatment, something fundamental shifts. The forecast stops being a guess and starts becoming a verdict.
My guest today is Carissa Veliz, a philosopher and associate professor at the University of Oxford, where she also researches at the Oxford Internet Institute. Her work focuses on the ethics of technology, privacy, and artificial intelligence, and she advises companies and governments around the world on these issues. She's the author of the widely acclaimed book Privacy is Power, The Ethics of Privacy and Surveillance, and her new book, Prophecy: Prediction, Power, and the Fight for the Future, from Ancient Oracles to AI, is out now.
We talk about how the role of prophet has simply changed costumes throughout history  from oracles and astrologers to economists and now tech executives and why that matters more than most people realize. Carissa explains how predictions about human beings are fundamentally different from predictions about the weather, why so many AI-driven forecasts are closer to commands than hypotheses, and what it actually looks like to take back your agency in a world increasingly shaped by algorithms.
Show Notes:
[01:13] Carissa Veliz shares her background in philosophy, ethics, and advising companies and governments on technology and data.
[02:35] She explains how prediction has existed throughout human history, from survival instincts to ancient prophecy.
[03:49] The role of "prophets" evolves over time—from oracles and astrologers to economists, data scientists, and tech leaders.
[07:05] Predictions about people differ from predictions about nature because they can influence outcomes and become self-fulfilling.
[07:55] Many modern predictions, especially from tech leaders, function more like commands than neutral observations.
[10:13] Carissa outlines key questions to ask when evaluating any prediction, including who benefits if it comes true.
[10:13] She argues society has been overly naive about predictions, often mistaking power plays for objective knowledge.
[14:18] AI systems are designed to please users, which can conflict with truth-seeking and scientific rigor.
[14:54] Growing superstitions around AI include attributing agency, intention, or even spirituality to algorithms.
[15:47] People begin trying to "please the algorithm," creating a modern version of superstition in digital systems.
[19:55] The lack of regulation in AI places the burden of understanding risks entirely on individuals.
[19:55] Carissa argues the real issue isn't just bias, but whether predictions about people should be used at all.
[24:49] Insurance shifts from pooling risk across populations to targeting individuals, increasing inequality and personal burden.
[27:02] Self-fulfilling prophecies in medicine and decision-making can hide their own failures by erasing alternative outcomes.
[30:25] Predictive systems risk limiting human potential by filtering out those who don't fit expected patterns.
[30:25] Society thrives when individuals can defy expectations, something prediction-heavy systems may suppress.
[35:21] Algorithms reduce exposure to randomness, while real-world interactions create unexpected opportunities and insight.
[36:11] Over-reliance on AI can replace human relationships and narrow life experiences.
[36:11] Carissa reframes uncertainty as a positive force that enables freedom, choice, and democratic possibility.
[36:11] She encourages treating predictions as possibilities to question—not instructions to follow.
Thanks for joining us on Easy Prey. Be sure to subscribe to our podcast on iTunes and leave a nice review. 
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Carissa Veliz
Carissa Veliz - LinkedIn
How Privacy Can Save Your Life | Carissa Véliz | TEDxPorto
Prophecy: Prediction, Power, and the Fight for the Future, from Ancient Oracles to AI
Oxford Handbook of Digital Ethics
Privacy is Power: Why and How You Should Take Back Control of Your Data
The Ethics of Privacy and Surveillance

Online security advice often sounds simple until you actually try to follow it. Between password managers, privacy settings, and data brokers, protecting yourself can start to feel like a full-time job. That gap between what sounds easy and what's actually realistic is where a lot of people get stuck.
My guest today is Yael Grauer, a freelance investigative technology reporter who covers privacy, security, digital freedom, hacking, and mass surveillance. She also works as a program manager of cybersecurity research at Consumer Reports, where she manages Security Planner, a free resource that provides customized guidance to help people stay safe online.
We discuss what actually matters when it comes to protecting yourself, why so much of the responsibility ends up on individuals, and how to approach security in a way that's realistic. She explains where the biggest risks tend to come from, what people often overlook, and how to make practical decisions without turning it into something that takes over your time.
Show Notes:
[01:02] Yael explains her role at Consumer Reports and how she moved from investigative reporting into security and privacy work.
[04:26] Long lists of security steps can overwhelm people, often leading to inaction.
[06:52] Real progress requires pressure on companies and policymakers, not just individuals.
[09:41] Security advice quickly becomes outdated as platforms and settings constantly change.
[12:34] App permissions and privacy settings are often confusing and inconsistent across platforms.
[16:30] Panic and stress can make even simple security decisions harder in the moment.
[19:50] A practical approach is focusing on the risks most likely to affect you first.
[20:19] Media and pop culture create unrealistic expectations about hacking and surveillance.
[25:22] Yael shares personal examples of falling for phishing attempts despite her expertise.
[27:30] Timing and context can make anyone vulnerable, even those who understand the risks.
[30:00] The way you pay matters, with credit cards offering better protection in many cases.
[33:24] Social media platforms often fail to respond effectively to compromised accounts.
[36:27] Concerns about surveillance often center on location tracking and shared data.
[39:38] Tools meant for serious crimes can gradually be used for less critical enforcement.
[43:15] Clear, readable privacy policies help people make informed decisions about their data.
[45:08] Privacy isn't gone, but maintaining it requires ongoing effort and awareness.
[47:20] Data broker opt-out tools show progress, though they don't fully solve the problem.
[52:00] Different state laws create inconsistent protections and added complexity.
[55:13] Final advice focuses on taking small, practical steps instead of trying to do everything at once.
Thanks for joining us on Easy Prey. Be sure to subscribe to our podcast on iTunes and leave a nice review. 
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Yael Grauer
Yael Grauer - LinkedIn
Yael Grauer - Consumer Reports
Yael Grauer - Instagram

It's easy to think scams only work when someone misses something obvious. In reality, most of them don't look obvious at the start. They show up as normal situations with just enough friction to notice, but not enough to stop. That small gap is where people tend to move forward instead of stepping back.
My guest today is Tali Sharot, a cognitive neuroscientist who studies how we form beliefs and make decisions. She's known for her research on the neural basis of human optimism, and her work has been published in leading journals. In her books, The Optimism Bias and The Science of Optimism, she explains why we expect things to work out and how that tendency can quietly expose us to risk.
We discuss what's happening in those in-between moments, why a situation can feel slightly off and still seem reasonable enough to continue, and how past experience lowers our guard without us noticing. We also look at that brief internal hesitation people tend to override, and why it's often the most useful signal they have. By the time something clearly crosses the line, the decision has usually already been made.
Show Notes:
[01:14] Tali explains her background as a cognitive neuroscientist and how her work blends psychology, brain science, and behavior.
[01:48] Her interest in the field began with a simple question about how the brain drives thoughts, emotions, and actions.
[03:00] She shares a personal story about renting out her apartment that turned into a scam.
[04:30] Early warning signs show up right away, including unusual requests and meeting conditions.
[05:30] Despite noticing those signals, she moves forward and hands over the keys.
[08:43] Looking back, she explains how she rationalized each red flag instead of acting on it.
[10:02] That uneasy gut feeling is often based on real information your brain is processing quickly.
[11:40] Repeated positive experiences can lower your guard and make risky situations feel familiar.
[12:30] The "truth bias" leads people to assume others are being honest unless something clearly proves otherwise.
[14:00] There's often a gap between what you feel in the moment and how you explain it afterward.
[17:45] The emotional impact of being scammed can linger long after the financial loss is resolved.
[20:47] The brain constantly predicts what should happen next and reacts when something doesn't fit.
[21:30] Subtle cues like timing, tone, and facial expression can signal deception without you realizing it.
[24:58] Repetition makes scammers more convincing by smoothing out inconsistencies in their story.
[26:18] Online communication removes many of the signals people rely on to judge trustworthiness.
[27:59] Setting simple personal rules can help you avoid engaging with common scam tactics.
[31:00] People are more vulnerable when they want something to be true, especially in relationships or opportunities.
[34:30] Even basic checks, like verifying an email address, can stop many scams early.
[36:43] A lot of scams succeed because people don't pause long enough to look closely.
[38:19] Familiar situations lead to less attention over time, making it easier to miss important details.
s on Easy Prey. Be sure to subscribe to our podcast on iTunes and leave a nice review. 
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Tali Sharot - Affective Brain Lab
Tali Sharot - MIT
Tali Sharot - The Optimism Bias
The Optimism Bias
The Science of Optimism
Books by Tali Sharot

Most scams leave a digital trail. A fake email, a spoofed number, a fraudulent website. You can trace them, report them, sometimes even reverse them. But what happens when the scam has no digital trail at all, because it isn't happening on a screen? What happens when the con is standing right in front of you, making you laugh, meeting your friends, and planning a future with you?
 My guest today is Tracy Hall. She's an author, keynote speaker, and senior marketing executive with over 25 years at some of the world's most recognizable tech companies including eBay, Virgin, GoDaddy, and Afterpay. She is sharp, successful, and by every measure, exactly the kind of person you'd assume would see it coming. She didn't. And neither would you.
 In 2017, Tracy woke up to a Crime Stoppers video of an unidentified man being arrested outside a Sydney apartment. That man was her boyfriend of 18 months. Except he wasn't who she thought he was. The man she knew as Max Tevita a Bondi surfer, a finance executive, the person she was building a life with was actually Hamish McLaren, Australia's most infamous conman, a man who had been running long game cons for thirty years across multiple countries, stealing somewhere between eighty and a hundred million dollars from victims around the world.
 Tracy was his last victim before his arrest. He had stolen her entire life savings of $317,000 and far more than that. This is a story about what happens when the scam isn't a phishing email. It's a relationship. And it will change the way you think about trust, manipulation, and what any of us are actually capable of missing.
Show Notes:
[1:03] With 25 years as a senior marketing executive behind her, Tracy shares how a year after separating from her husband she began online dating, where she met a man calling himself Max Tevita.
[3:25] Presenting himself as a Bondi surfer and chief investment officer, Max spent 18 months slowly and methodically guiding Tracy to invest her entire life savings with him.
[5:55] A crime stoppers video changed everything. The man Tracy knew as her boyfriend was actually Hamish McLaren, a professional conman who had been defrauding victims globally for 30 years and stealing an estimated $80 to $100 million.
[7:36] A masterful shapeshifter, McLaren adjusted his persona in real time based on Tracy's reactions, including quietly getting rid of his five cars after she called him out on it.
[9:54] Tracy breaks down the psychological mechanics of the con, including similarity bias, mirroring, and how McLaren constructed a character she was essentially telling him she wanted.
[11:05] Through elaborate "movie sets and scenes," McLaren built layers of authority and confirmation bias over 18 months, making investing her life savings with him feel completely logical.
[14:21] Some moments only made sense in hindsight, including a childhood friend accidentally calling McLaren by his nickname "Ham Bone" and his instant, convincing cover story on the spot.
[18:22] Humans default to truth, and Tracy explains how that biological wiring makes us uniquely vulnerable to manipulation, especially around emotionally charged stories.
[19:29] Every victim got their own version of McLaren barrister, triathlete, business strategist as Tracy describes meeting others who had each been conned by an entirely different character.
[22:53] Learning to trust other people wasn't the hard part. Tracy reflects on why rebuilding faith in her own judgment was far more difficult, and how shame dominated the aftermath.
[25:21] Through professional help and a conscious daily decision not to let McLaren turn her into a cynical person, Tracy describes how she slowly rebuilt both her finances and her sense of self.
[27:05] Understanding the psychology behind scams, cognitive biases, invisible contracts of trust, emotional exploitation is the best defense we have, and Tracy breaks down exactly how it works.
[31:33] The medium may be different, but the tactics aren't — Tracy draws striking parallels between her in-person experience and digital romance baiting scams, showing how the emotional manipulation is nearly identical.
[34:00] There is no demographic, age group, or intelligence level that is immune. Tracy makes the case that scammers hunt for vulnerability, and at the right moment, we are all soft targets.
[36:12] By subtly discouraging Tracy from socializing with friends, McLaren was limiting outside scrutiny and Tracy explains why getting a new partner in front of your personal network as quickly as possible is one of the most important protective steps you can take.
[40:24] No digital footprint is a major red flag. Tracy outlines key warning signs to watch for and recommends reverse image searches as a basic but powerful verification step when meeting someone new.
[42:08] Every single time Tracy speaks publicly, someone approaches her afterwards with a story they have never told anyone a reminder that silence is exactly what these criminals depend on to keep operating.
[43:45] Now fully dedicated to education and awareness, Tracy introduces her memoir The Last Victim and explains how she has channeled her experience into a mission to help others recognize and recover from fraud.
Thanks for joining us on Easy Prey. Be sure to subscribe to our podcast on iTunes and leave a nice review. 
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Tracy Hall
The Last Victim
Who the Hell is Hamish? Podcast
King Con: The Life and Crimes of Hamish McLaren