Episode 344

Breaking Down a $45 Million Apple Product Return Scam

Published on: 6th February, 2025

Fraudology is presented by Persona.

The latest episode of Fraudology takes listeners on a journey through a multi-million dollar fraud case that spans continents and combines various scam techniques. This episode breaks down a plea agreement involving WeChat auctions of fraudulently obtained gift cards, elder fraud, romance scams, and large-scale Apple product fraud.

Karisse explains how criminals target states with no sales tax, like New Hampshire, to maximize profits and details the intricate process of purchasing genuine products with stolen gift cards, shipping them overseas, and returning counterfeit items for store credit. The podcast sheds light on the staggering scale of the operation, with over $45 million in genuine Apple products purchased and nearly 2,000 counterfeit devices returned. Hendrick also shares insights from industry professionals, discussing the challenges in detecting sophisticated counterfeit products and the complexities of cryptocurrency transactions in fraud schemes.

Don't miss this crucial exploration of modern fraud tactics and their far-reaching implications.

Fraudology is hosted by Karisse Hendrick, a fraud fighter with decades of experience advising hundreds of the biggest ecommerce companies in the world on fraud, chargebacks, and other forms of abuse impacting a company's bottom line.

Connect with her on LinkedIn

She brings her experience, expertise, and extensive network of experts to this podcast semi weekly, on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

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About the Podcast

Fraudology Podcast with Karisse Hendrick
Join Fraud Fighter Karisse Hendrick twice a week for deep dive interviews and weekly fraud news.
If you work in online fraud prevention, chances are you've caught the "bug". The bug that makes you passionate about identifying & preventing cybercriminals from getting away with stealing from your company, or your client's companies. Most people who have made cyber-fraud their career have the perfect balance of analytical and social skills, a strong sense of justice and the curiosity that will drive you to go down every path of information until you "crack the case".

Just like sociology is the study of social behavior, and psychology is the study of human behavior, Fraudology is the science and study of fraud.

On the Fraudology podcast, long-time online fraud expert, Karisse Hendrick will dive into all areas of Fraudology from the perspective of a fraud-fighter. With guests ranging from former cybercriminals to fraud-fighters at Fortune 500 companies to law enforcement and others, you will no doubt be entertained, while learning a lot about fraud & other forms of abuse prevention!

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About your host

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Karisse Hendrick