Digital Age Predators

True Crime
Technology
Society & Culture

An investigative podcast series examining real cases of technology-enabled predatory behavior in the modern era. Through a dynamic conversation between two expert hosts, each episode dissects specific cases of digital crimes, exploring the technological methods used by predators, the devastating impact on victims, and the challenges in achieving justice.

The Instagram Impersonator: How a Stolen Identity Became a Weapon

Our hosts examine the chilling 2019 case of Sarah Mitchell, whose stolen social media photos were used to create dozens of fake dating profiles targeting vulnerable individuals. The episode details how the predator used sophisticated data scraping tools to build a complete digital clone of Sarah's life, leading to a year-long campaign of harassment affecting both Sarah and secondary victims who were scammed using her identity. Through digital forensics analysis, we explore how the perpetrator exploited Instagram's image metadata and location tagging features, while examining the legal challenges that arose when the crimes crossed multiple state jurisdictions.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Deepfake Extortion: When AI Becomes a Weapon

This episode investigates a groundbreaking 2022 case where a cybercriminal used deepfake technology to create false video evidence of a tech executive in compromising situations, leading to a sophisticated extortion scheme. We analyze how the perpetrator combined publicly available corporate videos with AI-generated content to create convincing false narratives, and examine the technological arms race between deepfake creators and detection tools. The hosts explore the psychological manipulation tactics used in the extortion campaign and discuss the emerging legal framework for prosecuting AI-enabled crimes.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Smart Home Stalker: IoT Devices as Tools of Terror

Our hosts analyze a disturbing 2021 case where a domestic abuser weaponized smart home technology to terrorize their former partner. The episode reveals how the perpetrator exploited vulnerabilities in connected devices to manipulate lights, temperatures, security cameras, and door locks, creating an environment of constant surveillance and control. We examine the digital evidence trail left by IoT devices, the challenges in proving unauthorized access, and the emerging legal precedents around smart home abuse. The conversation includes crucial insights into how domestic abusers are adapting traditional control tactics to new technologies.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Dating App Predator: Location Data as a Hunting Ground

The finale examines a sophisticated 2023 case where a predator exploited dating app location data to systematically target victims across multiple platforms. Through detailed analysis, we reveal how the perpetrator combined information from various apps to track potential victims' movements and routines, while using social engineering to bypass platform safety features. The hosts dissect the technical methods used to extract and correlate location data, the failure points in app security measures, and the complex investigation that finally led to the predator's identification. Special attention is given to how dating platforms are responding to evolving predatory tactics and the development of new safety protocols.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Cyberbully: Social Media as a Battlefield

In this episode, we delve into the dark side of social media, examining how it can be used as a tool for cyberbullying. We'll explore a real-life case where a predator used social media platforms to emotionally terrorize their victim, discussing the psychological tactics employed, the profound impact on the victim's life, and the legal hurdles faced in bringing the predator to justice.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Dark Web Hunter: Unseen Threats in the Internet's Shadows

In this episode, we delve into the clandestine corners of the internet known as the Dark Web. We explore a chilling case where a predator used this unregulated digital frontier to stalk and terrorize their victims. We'll discuss the nature of the Dark Web, the tools used by predators within it, and the difficulties law enforcement face when trying to bring these hidden criminals to justice.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Crypto Crimes: Blockchain and the New Age of Digital Fraud

In this episode, we delve into the world of cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology to expose a new breed of digital predators. We'll explore real cases of crypto fraud, the tactics used by these tech-savvy criminals, the impact on unsuspecting victims, and the complexities law enforcement face in tracking and prosecuting these crimes.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Gaming Ghouls: The Hidden Dangers of Online Multiplayer Platforms

In this episode, we delve into the often overlooked realm of online gaming platforms, where predators lurk in the shadows of multiplayer games. We'll explore real-life cases of exploitation, manipulation, and cyberbullying, discussing the unique challenges in monitoring and regulating these virtual playgrounds. We'll also discuss the psychological tactics employed by these predators and the lasting impact on the victims.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Phishing Frenzy: The Art of Deceptive Emails

In this episode, we delve into the world of email scams, a common yet often overlooked form of digital predation. We'll explore real cases where phishing emails have led to devastating consequences, the psychological tactics employed by these digital con artists, and the countermeasures that can be taken to protect oneself. Join us as we unravel the intricate web of deception spun by these digital age predators.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Virtual Reality Villains: The Emerging Threat of VR Crimes

In this episode, we delve into the uncharted territory of Virtual Reality (VR) crimes. We explore real cases where the immersive world of VR has been exploited by predators, discussing the innovative methods they use, the profound effects on victims, and the legal and ethical complexities in prosecuting such cases. Join us as we navigate this new frontier of digital predation.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.