Audiocasts
Scammed
October 5, 2026
Share
Listen & subscribe
Millions of Americans have fallen victim to a growing epidemic of online scams — from sextortion schemes aimed at teens, to crypto investment scams targeting seniors.
What’s behind the rise of these scams, and why do so few people ever get their money back?
A new investigation from FRONTLINE and The Associated Press investigates.
Your donation makes a difference
FRONTLINE’s investigative journalism, in documentaries and podcasting, questions, explains, and changes our world. And we answer to no one but you.
Sign up for FRONTLINE Dispatch Newsletter
Related Documentary
Scammed
How online scams steal billions of dollars and ruin victims’ lives
Related Stories
Searching for ‘Emilie’ — and Uncovering a Romance Scam Playbook
Could You Spot an AI-Powered Scam? See if You Can Tell What’s Real.
Scams in the US Are at a Record High. Yet Most Victims Get No Help and Some End Up Losing Even More
Inside the Scam
FRONTLINE Film Audio Track
Related Stories
Searching for ‘Emilie’ — and Uncovering a Romance Scam Playbook
Could You Spot an AI-Powered Scam? See if You Can Tell What’s Real.
Scams in the US Are at a Record High. Yet Most Victims Get No Help and Some End Up Losing Even More
Inside the Scam
FRONTLINE Film Audio Track
Explore
Policies
Teacher Center
Jon and Jo Ann Hagler on behalf of the Jon L. Hagler Foundation
Corey David Sauer
Koo and Patricia Yuen
FRONTLINE is a registered trademark of WGBH Educational Foundation. Web Site Copyright ©1995-2025 WGBH Educational Foundation. PBS is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization.
Funding for FRONTLINE is provided through the support of PBS viewers and by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, with major support from Ford Foundation, and Fialkow Family Foundation. Additional funding is provided the Abrams Foundation, John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, Park Foundation, Heising-Simons Foundation, and the FRONTLINE Trust, with major support from Jon and Jo Ann Hagler on behalf of the Jon L. Hagler Foundation, and Corey David Sauer, and additional support from Koo and Patricia Yuen. FRONTLINE is a registered trademark of WGBH Educational Foundation. Web Site Copyright ©1995-2026 WGBH Educational Foundation. PBS is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization.
