Australian Skeptics in the Pub - HOW SCAMS INFILTRATE OUR BRAINS

From Jonestown to Aunty Cath’s in Camberwell ... the evolution of AI has led to an explosion in convincing scams that affect us all. Scams infiltrate our brains and evade our defences, and intelligence is no protection.

Author, actor, facilitator and podcaster ANNIE McCUBBIN will examine why we sometimes make bad decisions and explains about the importance of learning about scams, particularly taking our time and double checking when making decisions involving financial institutions.

Annie is an expert in teaching critical thinking and highlighting the risks of cognitive flaws, making her a natural skeptical activist. Her books include Why Smart Women Make Bad Decisions and Why Smart Women Buy the Lies.
Her first book won Best Audio Book at the 2021 Australian Business Book Awards. Her podcast, the Why Smart Women Podcast is considered a significant contribution to skeptical thinking. She has also spoken at the Australian Skeptics annual conferences (SkeptiCon) in 2023 and 2024.

After the presentation:
Following the presentation and question time, we will hand the microphone over to one audience member for a 5 minute chat on a sceptical topic of their choice. It can be a news item, your own sceptical "special subject" or an encounter with everyday scepticism. If you're interested in sharing something with your fellow pubbers, contact us before the talk.
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On the first Thursday of each month, Australian Skeptics and friends get together for Skeptics in the Pub. People generally start arriving at around 6pm after work. The talk begins at 7pm and lasts for about 30 minutes. The night finishes when the last person leaves.

Enjoy a meal and a drink accompanied by lively discussion, free spoon bending lessons and the company of other sceptics, as we cover a variety of interesting topics.

There is no need to belong to Australian Skeptics - all are welcome. Bring friends too.

Please take a moment to read our Code of Conduct.

REMINDER - If you are feeling ill or showing any signs or symptoms of a possible COVID (or indeed any) infection, please do not attend.

Parking is available nearby at:

• 71 York Street Car Park (Wilson Parking)
• Landmark Car Park (Secure Parking), 24 York Street
• 321 Kent Street Car Park (Wilson Parking), ENTRY 86 Sussex Street
• Queen Victoria Building Car Park (Wilson Parking), 111 York Street