"Financial Columnist Charlotte Cowles' $50,000 Scam Shock"
New York magazine's financial columnist Charlotte Cowles fell victim to an elaborate scam, losing $50,000 to con artists posing as Amazon, FTC, and CIA agents who convinced her she was under investigation for money laundering. Despite her financial acumen, Cowles was manipulated into withdrawing the money and handing it over to a stranger, feeling violated and questioning her own judgment. Her detailed account serves as a cautionary tale about how even the most financially aware individuals can be deceived by scammers.