176 Don’t Get Fooled: The Dirty Secrets of Podcast Scams and How to Spot Them

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In this eye-opening episode of Podtastic Audio, I’m diving into the underbelly of podcasting scams and sharing everything I wish I’d known when I started. From personal stories—like my sister’s recent, gut-wrenching $15,000 loss to scammers—to the crafty tricks targeting new podcasters, this episode is packed with insights to keep your podcast and hard-earned cash safe.

I break down the major scams hitting our community, from fake “listener boost” services to phony sponsorships and sketchy guest booking offers. You’ll learn the classic red flags, the psychology behind these scams, and why legitimate growth takes time and authenticity. Plus, I’m sharing practical, scam-free strategies to help you build a successful podcast that lasts. If you’re a new or independent podcaster eager to grow, don’t miss this episode—it might just save you from becoming the next target!

Chapters / Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction to podcasting scams targeting newcomers.

01:19 – The allure of fast podcast growth and the dangers of "too good to be true" offers.

02:01 – Personal story: my sister’s $15,000 scam experience.

03:24 – Breaking down how scammers pressure with urgency and fear tactics.

08:01 – Recognizing general scam tactics and emotional manipulation.

10:25 – Fake listener boost services: How they lure podcasters and the risks involved.

13:39 – Emphasizing that podcast growth takes time and dedication.

14:25 – Bogus sponsorship offers and red flags to identify them.

17:22 – Why legitimate sponsors don't ask for personal financial details.

19:14 – Guest booking scams targeting new podcasters.

21:59 – Avoiding payment requests for guest appearances.

24:01 – Promotion and marketing scams promising unrealistic reach.

27:24 – Practical, genuine strategies for promoting your podcast.

30:09 – Final tips on verifying offers and avoiding scams in podcasting.

Podgagement® (formerly “My Podcast Reviews”) is all about simplifying your podcasting and helping you engage your audience and grow your podcast!

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