In the Chair

Monica Whitty is a Professor and Director of the Cyber Security Hub at Monash University, specialising in cybercrime, online deception, and the psychology behind scams.In this episode, Prof. Whitty reveals the expert evidence she provided to save an Australian woman from death row. She discusses the personality traits of romance scam victims and identifies the strongest predictors of vulnerability to these scams. Prof. Whitty also offers practical advice for banks and dating apps on protecting their users, along with expert guidance on what to do (and avoid) if someone you know is caught in a romance scam.Learn more about Monica Whitty: Monash University Profile

In this episode, we speak with “John” (name changed to protect his identity), a man who fell victim to an elaborate investment scam that began on LinkedIn and unfolded over an extended period. Losing over $1 million to the scheme, he shares his harrowing story of trust, deception, and financial devastation. With his name and voice altered for anonymity, John takes us through how the scam was orchestrated, the red flags he overlooked, and the profound impact it had on his life. This episode offers a sobering insight into the tactics scammers use and valuable lessons to help others avoid a similar fate.

Chris Howie is the CEO of the RMA Network, a leading organisation serving Australia's agricultural industry by connecting rural businesses, agents, and communities.In this episode, Chris shares his story of navigating the devastating impact of a business email compromise scam, resulting in a significant financial loss. His experience offers valuable lessons for anyone managing technology in today’s digital landscape.Learn more about RMA Network:www.rma.com.au