Soldier Scam

This episode of the "American Greed" podcast, presented by CNBC, delves into the world of online romance scams, specifically those involving individuals impersonating U.S. military personnel. The podcast highlights how scammers exploit the respect and admiration people hold for soldiers to swindle unsuspecting victims out of millions of dollars. It shares the stories of Lilo Schuster and Tracy Vassar, who were both targeted by these scams. Tracy Vassar then became a money mule, profiting from the scam by funneling money to Nigeria, even involving her mother. The episode also touches on the impact of image theft on real military members and the legal consequences faced by those who participate in these fraudulent activities, such as Tracy Vassar's prison sentence for racketeering.