10 chapters across the catalog
The hosts discuss a new payment system called Wise (formerly TransferWise) used by a donor. They compare the fees of various systems, noting that traditional wire transfers often incur a $20 incoming fee, making small transfers inefficient. They advise listeners to avoid sending small amounts via wire or PayPal to ensure the show actually receives the value.
A Senate hearing highlights a sophisticated phone scam where fraudsters convince seniors their Social Security numbers are linked to drug cartels. One couple reported losing $150,000 after being instructed to wire their life savings to an offshore account for "protection."
Baronet Circumvent the Law, International Wire Transfers
A donor using the pseudonym "Circvent the Law" contributes $500 in Australian "dollar-roos" via a wire transfer service. The process of using TransferWise for international donations is discussed as an alternative to traditional banking. The donor is bestowed the title of Baronet and requests specific Trump-related audio jingles.
The podcast explores Pop Money as a viable alternative to PayPal for listener donations, noting that many users avoid PayPal due to its past actions against WikiLeaks. The system functions similarly to a direct deposit or ACH transfer, allowing for lower fees on large transactions.
John Dixon, Financial Fraud and Eastern European Hacker Gangs
John Dixon describes the tactics used by Eastern European criminal organizations to steal money from U.S. companies through wire transfer fraud. He shares an anecdote about a water utility company that lost funds after a payment processor's computer was compromised by a botnet. Dixon explains the difficulty of prosecution when attackers use multiple "hops" through shell accounts in different jurisdictions to cover their tracks.
International Wire Transfer Troubles and Terrorist Suspicion
Adam Curry recounts a personal ordeal attempting to wire $500 to his daughter in the Netherlands via Chase Bank. The transfer was flagged and rejected by the "wire department" for "suspected terrorist activity" because of the Dutch word "overbooking" (meaning transfer) in the memo. He notes that several Dutch banks are simultaneously claiming to be under cyber attack, which he suspects is a cover for systemic issues.
Executive Producer David Horbeck III requests the full version of a jingle regarding World Trade Center Building 7. The hosts discuss the upcoming 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks and provide instructions for international listeners to donate via wire transfers or physical checks.
No Agenda Value-for-Value Model, Direct Deposit Options
The hosts explain the listener-supported funding model, comparing the cost of the show to the price of movie tickets. New donation methods are being introduced, including direct deposit and wire transfers for listeners who prefer not to use PayPal or reside in countries like India where the service is limited.
Executive Producers, International Wire Transfer Donations
Adam Miller, Ralph Nelson, and Luke Vanderhelm are credited as executive producers for the episode. The hosts discuss the logistics of international donations, noting that some producers are opting for wire transfers to avoid PayPal's interface and fees.
Financial Telex Systems, Boeing Transactions, and SWIFT Codes
The Economist reports that a small number of financial institutions still use Telex systems for high-value settlements, such as Euroclear and Boeing aircraft sales. These closed-loop systems provide a level of security for "wiring" money that modern retail banking lacks. The hosts explain the origin of the term "wire transfer" and the role of SWIFT codes in government tracking of international funds.
