Scam Goddess is a podcast dedicated to fraud and all those who practice it! Each week host Laci Mosley (aka Scam Goddess) keeps listeners up to date on current rackets, digs deep into the latest scams, and breaks down historic hoodwinks alongside some of your favorite comedians! It's like true crime only without all the death! True fun crime!
What’s poppin’ con-gregation? This week, SuChin Pak & Kulap Vilaysack join the show to discuss Mark Roy Anderson, serial con artist spanning nearly 50 years of scams. Stay Schemin’!
This was originally recorded on April 15th, 2024.
Pre-Order Laci’s book “Scam Goddess: Lessons from a Life of Cons, Grifts and Schemes.” https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/laci-mosley/scam-goddess/9780762484652/?lens=running-press
Check out SuChin and Kulap’s podcast Add to Cart, everywhere you listen to podcasts!
Follow on Instagram:
Scam Goddess Pod: @scamgoddesspod
Laci Mosley: @divalaci
SuChin Pak: @suchinpak
Kulap Vilaysack: @iamkulap
Add To Cart: @addtocartpod
Research by Kaelyn Brandt.
Sources:
https://people.com/calif-con-artist-bilked-18-million-victims-peddling-fake-cannabis-farm-8628598
https://www.thedailybeast.com/con-man-mark-roy-anderson-swindled-birdman-williams-and-many-others
https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2023-05-23/hemp-scam-mark-roy-anderson-fbi
https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2024-04-06/beverly-hills-scammer-pleads-guilty-to-18-million-cannabis-con
Happy Friday, Con-gregation! This week, we revisit our episode with Nora McInerny who brushes up on her dentistry scams with the story of a doctor (dentist) who rode his hoverboard around the office and then straight into a courtroom. Stay schemin’!
This episode was originally released October 06, 2020.
Pre-Order Laci’s book “Scam Goddess: Lessons from a Life of Cons, Grifts and Schemes.” https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/laci-mosley/scam-goddess/9780762484652/?lens=running-press
Follow on Instagram:
Scam Goddess Pod: @scamgoddesspod
Laci Mosley: @divalaci
Nora McInerny: @noraborealis
Research by Sharilyn Vera
Sources:
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/18/us/alaska-dentist-hoverboard.html
What’s poppin’ con-gregation? This week, comedian Mel Mitchell joins the show to discuss how over the course of five days, a group of teenage hackers tried to take MGM, Las Vegas’ fourth most profitable casino, for $30 million. Stay Schemin’!
This was originally recorded on April 09, 2024.
Pre-Order Laci’s book “Scam Goddess: Lessons from a Life of Cons, Grifts and Schemes.” https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/laci-mosley/scam-goddess/9780762484652/?lens=running-press
Follow on Instagram:
Scam Goddess Pod: @scamgoddesspod
Laci Mosley: @divalaci
Mel Mitchell: @itsmelmitch
Research by Kaelyn Brandt.
Sources:
https://www.kolide.com/blog/what-everyone-got-wrong-about-the-mgm-hack
https://www.wsj.com/tech/cybersecurity/mgm-hack-casino-hackers-group-0366c641
https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/05/business/mgm-100-million-hit-data-breach/index.html
We come in peace this Friday, con-gregation! This week, we revisit our episode with Arden Myrin, dissecting the story of a miner who claimed to be Hitler AND plotting a spaceship revolt. Yep!
This was originally released Sept. 22nd, 2020.Pre-Order Laci’s book “Scam Goddess: Lessons from a Life of Cons, Grifts and Schemes.”https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/laci-mosley/scam-goddess/9780762484652/?lens=running-pressFollow on Instagram:Scam Goddess Pod: @scamgoddesspodLaci Mosley: @divalaciArden Myrin: @ardenmyrin
Research by Sharilyn Vera.
Sources:
https://www.thedailybeast.com/the-kentucky-miner-who-scammed-americans-by-claiming-he-was-hitler-and-plotting-a-revolt-with-spaceships
https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/md-politics/former-baltimore-mayor-catherine-pugh-to-be-sentenced-in-healthy-holly-scandal/2020/02/26/6a20c9dc-58c6-11ea-9b35-def5a027d470_story.html
What’s Poppin’ Con-gregation? This week comedian Kate Willett joins the show to discuss Sam Israel III, who ran a hedge fund that “accidentally” turned into a scam with Sam “accidentally” finding himself in the plot of a spy movie. Stay schemin’!
This was originally recorded on Tues. April 16, 2024.
Pre-Order Laci’s book “Scam Goddess: Lessons from a Life of Cons, Grifts and Schemes.” https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/laci-mosley/scam-goddess/9780762484652/?lens=running-press
Check out Kate Willett’s Comedy Special entitled “Loopholes” coming out April 23rd on Prime Video and Apple TV.
Follow on Instagram:
Scam Goddess Pod: @scamgoddesspod
Laci Mosley: @divalaci
Kate Willett: @kate.willett
Research by Kaelyn Brandt.
Sources:
https://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/the-big-sell-20120806-23op3.html
https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna26560577#.V0MHDryMB0s
https://www.cnbc.com/2010/01/27/Suicide-is-Painless:-The-Fall-of-Samuel-Israel-III.html
https://web.archive.org/web/20220712132642/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-crime-samuel-israel/bayou-hedge-funds-samuel-israel-who-ran-big-ponzi-scheme-fails-to-win-freedom-idUSKBN1YD2E3
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/moslive/article-2185981/Samuel-Israel-Staged-murders-bogus-London-traders-million-dollar-deals.html
Top of the Friday to you, con-gregation! We re-visit one of our many episodes with Nicole Byer where we break down the fake Irish heiress who scammed her way into a pot of gold worth around ninety thousand dollars. Plus, the car actually appreciates when you drive it off the lot if you didn’t pay for it. Stay schemin'!
This was originally released Sept. 15th, 2020.
Pre-Order Laci’s book “Scam Goddess: Lessons from a Life of Cons, Grifts and Schemes.” https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/laci-mosley/scam-goddess/9780762484652/?lens=running-press
Follow on Instagram:
Scam Goddess Pod: @scamgoddesspod
Laci Mosley: @divalaci
Nicole Byer: @nicolebyer
Research by Sharilyn Vera.
Sources:
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/mar/20/fake-irish-heiress-arrested-fraud-uk
https://apnews.com/article/convicted-scammer-fake-heiress-united-kingdom-extradition-5b723e9c5e8a78f23b8e1920535df819#:~:text=Among%20those%20fleeced%20was%20Johnathan,about%20two%20years%20in%20jail.
What's Poppin' Con-gregation? This week, Tre Stewart joins the show to discuss Arlan Galbraith, who for seven years was the reigning Pigeon King of Canada. But his kingdom fell when it was discovered his pigeons were useless. Stay Schemin’! This was originally recorded on April 02, 2024. Pre-Order Laci’s book “Scam Goddess: Lessons from a Life of Cons, Grifts and Schemes.” https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/laci-mosley/scam-goddess/9780762484652/?lens=running-pressFollow on Instagram:Scam Goddess Pod: @scamgoddesspodLaci Mosley: @divalaci Tre Stewart: @trestewart1
Research by Kaelyn Brandt.Sources:https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-22613247https://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/05/magazine/the-pigeon-king-and-the-ponzi-scheme-that-shook-canada.htmlhttps://www.wellingtonadvertiser.com/pigeon-king-international-owner-arlan-galbraith-charged-with-fraud/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pigeon_racinghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Don%27t_be_evil#:~:text=%22Don't%20be%20evil%22,its%20corporate%20code%20of%20conduct.
It's Fraud Friday! This week, we revisit our episode with Sasheer Zamata where she and Laci expose the man who told people he was a government spy who needed money and those people were like “sure.” Stay schemin’!This was originally released Sept. 8, 2020.Pre-Order Laci’s book “Scam Goddess: Lessons from a Life of Cons, Grifts and Schemes.” https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/laci-mosley/scam-goddess/9780762484652/?lens=running-press
Follow on Instagram:Scam Goddess Pod: @scamgoddesspodLaci Mosley: @divalaciSasheer Zamata: @thesheertruth
Research by Sharilyn Vera.Sources:
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.cbsnews.com/amp/news/former-dea-spokesman-garrison-courtney-guilty-plea-cia-operative-4-4-million-fraud-scheme/
https://www.google.com/amp/s/federalnewsnetwork.com/people/2020/06/ex-federal-worker-pretended-to-be-cia-to-steal-millions-2/amp/
What's Poppin' Con-gregation? This week, Josh Gondelman joins the show to discuss the cons for conferences. First, we discuss the ridiculously underwhelming Wonka experience in Glasgow, Scotland followed by the unorganized beauty conference TanaCon hosted by YouTube beauty influencer Tana Mongeau in Anaheim, CA in 2018. Stay Schemin' and let the scam find you!
This was recorded on April 01, 2024.
Check out Josh Gondelman at the Bell House in NYC on June 21st! For tickets: https://www.joshgondelman.com/
Pre-Order Laci’s book “Scam Goddess: Lessons from a Life of Cons, Grifts and Schemes.” https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/laci-mosley/scam-goddess/9780762484652/?lens=running-pressFollow on Instagram:Scam Goddess Pod: @scamgoddesspodLaci Mosley: @divalaci Josh Gondelman: @joshgondelmanResearch by Kaelyn Brandt.Sources:https://www.the-sun.com/news/10564213/billy-coull-willy-wonka-experience-glasgow/
https://www.theguardian.com/film/2024/mar/05/glasgow-willy-wonka-experience-horror-film-ai
https://time.com/6836088/willy-wonka-event-scandal-glasgow-refunds-police/
https://news.stv.tv/west-central/willy-wonka-chocolate-experience-boss-truly-sorry-after-chaos
https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2018/07/203726/tanacon-controversy-explained-what-happened-after
https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2018/06/what-happened-at-tanacon.html
https://www.theverge.com/2018/6/26/17500590/tanacon-disaster-fyre-fest-tana-mongeau-youtuber
https://www.forbes.com/sites/tomward/2018/06/21/watch-out-vidcon-tana-mongeau-isnt-letting-anyone-stand-in-her-way/?sh=5f0b7c652b0f
Happy Fraud Friday, Con-gregation! This week we are revisiting our episode with Joel Kim Booster to dissect a surgeon who not only was a pathological liar but also had multiple families. Trash! Always get a second opinion, and stay schemin!This was originally released on September 01, 2020.
Pre-Order Laci’s book “Scam Goddess: Lessons from a Life of Cons, Grifts and Schemes.” https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/laci-mosley/scam-goddess/9780762484652/?lens=running-press
Follow on Instagram:Scam Goddess Pod: @scamgoddesspodLaci Mosley: @divalaciJoel Kim Booster: @ihatejoelkimResearch by Sharilyn Vera.Sources:
https://www.theguardian.com/money/2020/jun/21/scammers-target-hot-tub-buyers-as-coronavirus-surges
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2017/sep/01/paolo-macchiarini-scientist-surgeon-rise-and-fall
https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2016/01/celebrity-surgeon-nbc-news-producer-scam
https://www.cnn.com/2019/12/10/us/the-knot-wedding-scheme-sentence/index.html
This week, comedian and writer Laurie Kilmartin joins the show to discuss Jeff Carpoff, a free-wheeling drug dealer who rose to become a millionaire by dealing in solar generators that were sold everywhere from NASCAR to Hollywood. Stay Schemin’!
This episode was recorded on Tues. March 26th, 2024.
Pre-Order Laci’s book “Scam Goddess: Lessons from a Life of Cons, Grifts and Schemes.” https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/laci-mosley/scam-goddess/9780762484652/?lens=running-press
Check out Laurie Kilmartin’s Comedy Special Cis Woke Grief Slut: https://www.comedydynamics.com/catalog/laurie-kilmartin-cis-woke-grief-slut/
Follow on Instagram:Scam Goddess Pod: @scamgoddesspodLaci Mosley: @divalaci Laurie Kilmartin: @anylaurie16
Research by Kaelyn Brandt.
SOURCES:
https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2023/06/dc-solar-power-ponzi-scheme-scandal/673782/
https://www.justice.gov/usao-edca/pr/dc-solar-owner-sentenced-over-11-years-prison-billion-dollar-ponzi-scheme
https://robbreport.com/lifestyle/news/jeff-carpoff-fraud-solar-panels-1234842072/
https://www.wsj.com/articles/owners-of-solar-company-that-swindled-berkshire-hathaway-admit-to-running-ponzi-scheme-11579907951
What’s poppin’, con-gregation? This week we revisit our episode where Vicky Vox and Laci expose the conman who pocketed over $250,000 from a government biofuel program. But to be fair, he did have three wives to feed. In other polygamy news, they cover another Mormon mastermind who tried to give his parole the slip. Stay schemin’!
This episode was originally released on August 11th, 2020.
Pre-Order Laci’s book “Scam Goddess: Lessons from a Life of Cons, Grifts and Schemes.” https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/laci-mosley/scam-goddess/9780762484652/?lens=running-press
Follow on Instagram:Scam Goddess Pod: @scamgoddesspodLaci Mosley: @divalaciVicky Vox: @thevickyvox
Research by Sharilyn Vera.
Sources:https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2020-02-16/utah-trial-of-prominent-member-of-secretive-polygamist-sect-and-a-los-angeles-businessman-has-international-implications
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.courthousenews.com/california-businessman-found-guilty-in-1-billion-tax-fraud-scheme-with-polygamists/
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/jul/12/lyle-jeffs-mormon-utah-fbi-escape-olive-oil
What's poppin, con-gregation? This week we revisit our episode with Brandon Kyle Goodman! Brandon joins the show to discuss an attorney who went from defending drug possession cases to conning millions from Columbian drug lords. Plus, a lawsuit claiming Subway's sandwiches have no tuna or fish! Stay schemin!This episode was originally recorded on April 6th, 2021.Follow on Instagram:Scam Goddess Pod: @scamgoddesspodLaci Mosley: @divalaci Brandon Kyle Goodman: @brandonkylegoodman
Research by Sharilyn Vera.
SOURCES:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2019/10/31/texas-dwi-dude-scammed-colombians-turned-into-feds/
https://www.justice.gov/usao-edtx/pr/central-texas-lawyer-guilty-swindling-colombian-drug-trafficking-clients
https://www.washingtonpost.com/food/2021/01/27/subway-tuna-lawsuit/
https://www.eater.com/22254819/subway-lawsuit-alleged-fake-tuna
What’s up, con-gregation? This week we revisit our episode when Trixie Mattel scammed her way onto the podcast to discuss a man scammin’ on the gram. We’re all for a flex but it’s harder to flex from prison. Plus, Laci and Trixie talk about the hero using government contracts to scam the government. Stay schemin’, but maybe don’t post about it!
NOTE: @hushpuppi, aka Ramon Olorunwa Abbas featured in this historic hoodwink, is no longer available on Instagram. You will find many photos of hushpuppi if placed in the search. This episode was originally released on July 28th, 2020.Follow on Instagram:Scam Goddess Pod: @scamgoddesspodLaci Mosley: @divalaciTrixie Mattel: @trixiemattelResearch by Sharilyn Vera.Sources:
https://www.insider.com/fbi-used-hushpuppis-instagram-to-charge-him-with-money-laundering-2020-7
https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.cnn.com/cnn/2020/07/12/us/ray-hushpuppi-alleged-money-laundering-trnd/index.html
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.bbc.com/news/amp/world-africa-53361490
https://www.instagram.com/hushpuppi/?hl=en
https://www.expressnews.com/news/local/article/San-Antonio-event-planner-who-won-lucrative-15291382.php
What’s poppin’ con-gregation? This week, comedian and bishop to show, Chris Gethard joins us to discuss Oscar Hartzell, a farmer who rose to riches after using the story of a 16th century knight to scam the Midwest United States. Stay Schemin’!
This was recorded on Feb. 05, 2024.
Check out Chris’s ebook and audiobook titled Dad at Peace at https://www.everand.com/audiobook/701237001/Dad-at-Peace
Check out Chris’s non-profit, Laughing Together, an organization that help bring arts programming into schools. https://laughingtogether.org/
Follow on Instagram:
Scam Goddess Pod: @scamgoddesspodLaci Mosley: @divalaciChris Gethard: @chrisgeth
Research by Kaelyn Brandt.Sources:
https://archives.newyorker.com/newyorker/2002-04-22/flipbook/160/
https://thecrimewire.com/money/Pirate-Gold-Swindle
It’s Friday, con-gregation! This week, we revisit our episode with Yassir Lester all about the Fyre Festival. Yassir and Laci break down false promises, class action lawsuits, and of course, that infamous “take one for the team” incident surrounding the infamous Fyre Festival. Plus a bonus music industry scam. Stay schemin!
This episode was originally released on July 21st, 2020.
Follow on Instagram:
Scam Goddess Pod: @scamgoddesspod
Laci Mosley: @divalaci
Yassir Lester: @yassir_lester
Research by Sharilyn Vera.
Sources:
https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-46904445
https://www.cnbc.com/2019/08/18/how-fyre-festivals-organizer-scammed-investors-out-of-26-million.html
https://www.netflix.com/title/81035279 – Netflix Documentary FYRE: The Greatest Party That Never Happened
What’s Poppin’ Con-gregation? This week, comedian Seth Morris joins the show to discuss Adelheid Spitzeder, a womanizing actress who became known not for her talent on the stage, but for conducting history’s first recorded Ponzi scheme. Stay Schemin’!
This was recorded on January 9th 2024.
Follow on Instagram:Scam Goddess Pod: @scamgoddesspodLaci Mosley: @divalaciSeth Morris: @sethismorris
Sources:
https://www.aier.org/article/adele-spitzeder-the-queen-of-confidence-tricksters/
“Foreign exchange rates 1804–1914” by Håkan Lobell
https://www.riksbank.se/globalassets/media/forskning/monetar-statistik/volym1/6.pdf
https://books.google.com/books?id=4ySERiKHkb4C&pg=PA291#v=onepage&q&f=false
https://www.science.org/content/article/scienceshot-did-lead-poisoning-bring-down-ancient-rome#:~:text=When%20in%20ancient%20Rome%2C%20don,and%20hastened%20the%20empire's%20fall.
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2014/apr/21/ancient-rome-tap-water-contaminated-lead-researchers#:~:text=Ancient%20Rome's%20tap%20water%20heavily%20contaminated%20with%20lead%2C%20researchers%20say,-This%20article%20is&text=Tap%20water%20in%20ancient%20Rome,local%20spring%20water%2C%20researchers%20say.
https://www.wineenthusiast.com/culture/wine/lead-toxicity-wine-history/
Happy Friday, con-gregation! This week, we revisit our episode with Meatball. Meatball and Laci break down the teenage scammer who was accused of stealing 23 million dollars but still probably couldn’t get a date to prom. Plus, the scammer employed by stealing from unemployment. Stay schemin!
This episode was originally released on August 4th, 2020.
Follow on Instagram:
Scam Goddess Pod: @scamgoddesspod
Laci Mosley: @divalaci
Meatball: @spiciestmeatball
Research by Sharilyn Vera.
Sources:
https://www.thedailybeast.com/trump-had-kushner-push-the-national-enquirer-to-probe-scarborough-murder-conspiracy-in-2017?ref=scroll
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8351735/High-schooler-termed-Baby-Al-Capone-allegedly-hacked-phones-pull-23-8-million-crypto-heist.html
https://nypost.com/2020/05/23/baby-al-capone-ellis-pinsky-pulled-off-a-23-8-million-crypto-heist/
What’s Popping Con-gregation? This week, Amber Wallin joins to discuss the viral 52-part TikTok series from a woman who goes by Reesa, about how she “met, dated, married and divorced a real pathological liar.” Plus, actress Danielle Pinnock scams her way on the show to discuss her campaign to play Reesa in a movie. Stay Schemin’!
This was recorded on Tues. Feb. 27th, 2024.
Follow on Instagram:Scam Goddess Pod: @scamgoddesspod
Laci Mosley: @divalaci
Amber Wallin: @burr_iam
Danielle Pinnock: @bodycourage
Research by Kaelyn Brandt.
Sources:
TikTok user Reesa Teesa: https://www.tiktok.com/@reesamteesa
https://www.nbcdfw.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/untangling-the-50-part-who-tf-did-i-marry-tiktok/3470041/#:~:text=Well%2C%20TikToker%20ReesaTeesa%20has%20captivated,began%20the%20lengthy%20video%20series.
https://www.distractify.com/p/who-tf-did-i-marry-tiktok-husband
https://www.vibe.com/news/entertainment/man-blasted-50-part-who-tf-did-i-marry-tiktok-series-responds-1234853563/
It’s Friday, con-gregation! This week, we revisit our episode with Gianni Paolo to expose the Brazilian man who never played football, but did play the football league system. Plus, the importance of calculus to scammers. Stay schemin’!
This episode was originally released on July 14th, 2020.
Follow on Instagram:
Scam Goddess Pod: @scamgoddesspodLaci Mosley: @divalaciGianni Paolo: @giannivpaolo
Research by Sharilyn Vera.
Sources:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carlos_Kaiser_(footballer)
https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2017/apr/26/the-forgotten-story-of-carlos-kaiser-footballs-greatest-conman
https://www.theguardian.com/football/video/2018/oct/24/pure-lies-an-exclusive-look-at-kaiser-the-greatest-footballer-never-to-play-football-video
https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/6798246/carlos-kaiser-farce-footballer-documentary-brazil/
https://www.vice.com/en_au/article/yw7gmm/the-incredible-story-of-the-greatest-footballer-to-never-play-football
https://www.indystar.com/story/news/crime/2019/08/22/indianapolis-crime-ebay-ryan-allen-walker/2055408001/
What’s Poppin Con-gregation? This week, The Daily Show correspondent Dulcé Sloan joins the show to discuss how journalist Charlotte Cowles recounts how she was scammed into putting $50,000 in a shoe box. Stay Schemin’!
This was researched by Kaelyn Brandt.
Sources:
https://www.thecut.com/article/amazon-scam-call-ftc-arrest-warrants.html
Happy Friday, con-gregation! This week, we revisit our episode with Lamorne Morris on the pod to talk about the man who was so good at scheming that Spielberg made a movie about it. Plus, the girl who “does braces.” Stay schemin!
This episode was originally released on July 7th, 2020.
Follow on Instagram:
Scam Goddess Pod: @scamgoddesspodLaci Mosley: @divalaciLamorne Morris: @lamorne
Research by Sharilyn Vera.
Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_Abagnale
https://www.biography.com/personality/frank-abagnale
https://www.aarp.org/podcasts/the-perfect-scam/
https://www.bostonmagazine.com/news/2020/04/24/covid-19-scams/
What’s poppin’ Con-gregation? This week, writer and former military member Dylan Park-Pettiford joins the show to share his personal scam story. He, alongside another former-military writer, wrote on an American military comedy-drama called “68 Whiskey.” However, this former ex-Marine Captain turned out to be not entirely who she claimed to be. Stay Schemin’!
This was recorded on January 30, 2024.
Follow on Instagram:Scam Goddess Pod: @scamgoddesspodLaci Mosley: @divalaciDylan Park-Pettiford : @dyllypResearch by Kaelyn Brandt.Sources:
@dyllyp
https://cheezburger.com/15350533/dylan-park-shares-insane-story-about-fake-marine-who-conned-her-way-into-the-writers-room
Good Friday, con-gregation! This week, we’re taking it back in time and revisiting an episode with Laci and special guest Chrissie Fit. They discuss a scammer from the early 1900’s who tricked her way into the history books. Plus, the DIY AirBnB that left a scammer’s victims SOL. Stay Schemin’!
This episode was originally released on June 30th, 2020.
Follow on Instagram:
Scam Goddess Pod: @scamgoddesspodLaci Mosley: @divalaciChrissie Fit: @chrissiefit
Research by Sharilyn Vera
Sources:
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/author/karen-abbott/
https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/man-arrested-for-renting-arlington-homes-he-did-not-own_dallas-fort-worth/7755/
What’s Poppin’ Con-gregation? This week, Erin Whitehead joins the show to discuss Lezlie Manukian, a financial black widow who traveled the world scamming lover after lover into investing into bunk restaurants. She didn’t get caught until she messed with the wrong family. Stay Schemin’!
This episode was recorded Tuesday, January 23, 2024.Follow on Instagram:Scam Goddess Pod: @scamgoddesspodLaci Mosley: @divalaciErin Whitehead @girlwithatail
Research by Kaelyn Brandt
Sources:
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-09-03/con-artist-love-fraud-victims-investigate-lezlie-manukian/11300436
“Unravel True Crime”: Snowball, podcast
https://www.flashpack.com/us/solo/relationships/women-happier-single-men/#:~:text=Naturally%2C%20the%20truth%20is%20rather,and%20married%20women%20with%20children
https://archive-yaleglobal.yale.edu/content/should-women-stay-single
It's Friday! Privyet, con-gregation! We revisit our episode with Ify Nwadiwe to spill the Russian tea on an Olympic doping scandal that gave Russian athletes a scandalous advantage at the Sochi Games. Plus, some good old fashioned Nigerian internet scams!This was originally released on June 23, 2020.
Research by Sharilyn Vera
Sources:
https://www.npr.org/2018/03/05/590869276/how-icarus-accidentally-exposed-a-major-ocean-s-eleven-style-doping-scheme
https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2016/12/09/504937994/more-than-1-000-russian-athletes-benefited-from-doping-conspiracy-report-says
https://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/13/sports/russia-doping-sochi-olympics-2014.html
https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-putin-olympic-doping-whistle-blower-rodchenkov-a-jerk/29007755.html
https://www.newsweek.com/how-russia-got-away-doping-until-it-didnt-482709
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-36833962
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/may/12/russian-doctors-athletes-evaded-doping-tests
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/jul/18/russia-doping-scandal-five-things-wada-report
https://www.vulture.com/2017/12/icarus-bryan-fogel-russia-doping-scandal-olympics-netflix.html
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/russian-doping-whistleblower-grigory-rodchenkov-countersues-three-athletes-n870136
https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2018/01/russia-doping-rodchenkov/551183/
https://www.cnn.com/2019/08/23/us/nigeria-romance-scam-arrests/index.html?utm_term=link&utm_content=2019-08-24T04%3A46%3A04&utm_source=twCNN&utm_medium=social
https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2019-08-22/fbi-takes-down-nigerian-fraudsters-in-46m-case-based-in-los-angeles
What's poppin' Con-gregation? This week, writer-director Laura Chinn joins the show to discuss how during the rise of a million crypto companies, a life-time scammer from Miami, Florida entered the race and made out with millions before his fake company was caught. Stay Schemin'!
This was recorded Friday, February 2nd, 2024.
Check out Laura Chinn’s film SUNCOAST in theaters now and streaming on Hulu on Feb. 9th, 2024.
Follow on Instagram:
Scam Goddess Pod: @scamgoddesspodLaci Mosley: @divalaciLaura Chinn @laurachinnnnResearch by Kaelyn Brandt
Sources:
“Bitconned”, a Netflix documentary directed by Bryan Storkel
https://decider.com/2024/01/03/ray-trapani-netflix-bitconned-movie-now-sobre-sharma/
https://cointelegraph.com/news/third-co-founder-of-centra-tech-charged-with-25-mln-securities-fraud
https://protos.com/bitconned-the-story-of-miami-crypto-bros-facing-100-years-in-prison/
https://www.sfgate.com/business/article/How-Floyd-Mayweather-helped-young-guys-from-Miami-12321281.php
https://www.sec.gov/news/press-release/2018-268
It’s Friday con-gregation! This week, we revisit our episode with Tawny Newsome where we hear the sales pitch of star fraud salesman Don Lapre. Plus, more proof that love is blind (and expensive!)
This recording was first published on June 9th, 2020.
Research by Sharilyn Vera
Sources:
https://thegrio.com/2020/05/10/jenifer-lewis-victim-of-con-artist-nearly-400000-scheme/amp/
https://ktla.com/news/local-news/santa-monica-man-allegedly-conned-4-women-including-actress-jenifer-lewis-out-of-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWSCOQlicoU
What’s poppin’ Con-gregation? This week, Marie Faustin, Demi Adejuyigbe & Kiran Deol join Laci for Scam Goddess Live at Sketchfest 2024. In the sold-out Cobb’s Comedy Club, they regale alleged scams surrounding Cesar Piña and New York radio host DJ Envy’s real estate ventures and seminars.
This was recorded Sunday, Jan 21st, 2024
Follow on Instagram:
Scam Goddess Pod: @scamgoddesspodLaci Mosley: @divalaciMarie Faustin: @reeezyDemi Adejuyigbe: @electrolemonKiran Deol: @shitfromkiran
Research by Kaelyn Brandt, Emily Jones and Laci Mosley
Sources:
https://www.inquirer.com/business/nj-ponzi-scheme-fraud-dj-envy-20231020.html
https://www.npr.org/2023/10/28/1208863327/breakfast-club-host-dj-envy-is-being-sued-for-alleged-investment-fraud
https://www.complex.com/music/a/markelibert/how-dj-envy-involved-cesar-pina-real-estate-scam
https://www.justice.gov/usao-nj/pr/new-jersey-real-estate-investor-and-online-influencer-charged-multimillion-dollar
https://www.billboard.com/business/legal/dj-envy-breakfast-club-real-estate-scam-lawsuits-explained-1235440769/
Happy Friday con-gregation! This week, we revisit our episode with Diona Reasonover. We break down the OG influencer LonelyGirl15, and can we just say, it’s an honor to be part of The Order. Stay schemin!
This was recorded on February 25th, 2021
Research by Sharilyn Vera
Sources:
https://www.lancs.live/news/lancashire-news/dishonest-baker-who-warmed-freshly-19447322
https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/9524664/bruno-mars-impersonator-scams-texas-woman-out-of-100000
https://www.tmz.com/2021/02/10/bruno-mars-catfish-texas-100k-money/
What’s Poppin’ Con-gregation? This week, Comedian Roz Hernandez joins the show to discuss the many alleged schemes and scams of French-Arab rapper Swagg Man aka Rayan Sanches aka Iteb Zaibet. Stay schemin’!
Check out Roz’s TV series “Living for the Dead” on Hulu and Disney Plus. Also, check out Roz’s podcast “Ghosted! by Roz Hernandez.”
This was recorded on Nov. 14th 2023.
Follow on Instagram:
Scam Goddess Pod: @scamgoddesspodLaci Mosley: @divalaciRoz Hernandez: @rozhernandez
Research by Kaelyn Brandt
Sources:
https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-features/rapper-swagg-man-accused-scamming-fans-what-happened-1234771874/
https://www.wired.com/story/chat-gpt-crypto-botnet-scam/?redirectURL=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wired.com%2Fstory%2Fchat-gpt-crypto-botnet-scam%2F
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mi695iT5jNU
Joyeux vendredi, con-gregation! We go back to our episode with Baron Vaughn on ze podcast. We discuss ze French imposter who scammed his way into millions. Très wild, non? Hon hon hon. Stay schemin!
This was recorded on December 3rd, 2020.
Research by Sharilyn Vera
Sources:
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-48510027
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/11/world/europe/france-identity-fraud-le-drian.html
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/how-scammers-used-a-silicone-mask-and-skype-to-impersonate-a-french-minister-and-steal-90-million/2019/06/20/601ca6ac-9375-11e9-b72d-d56510fa753e_story.html
https://www.intheknow.com/2020/11/02/influencer-hamptons-squat/
https://www.instagram.com/marisahochberg/
What’s poppin’ congregation? This week, comedian Beth Stelling joins the show to discuss Carl Erik Rinsch who sold a sci-fi series. Netflix paid more than $50 million for a show, but it never existed. Stay Schemin’!
Check out Beth Stelling’s Netflix special entitled Beth Stelling: If You Didn’t Want Me Then. https://www.netflix.com/title/81713592 It’s real and it’s really funny.
Follow on Instagram:
Scam Goddess Pod: @scamgoddesspod
Laci Mosley: @divalaci
Beth Stelling: @bethstelling
Research by Kaelyn Brandt
SOURCES
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/22/business/carl-rinsch-netflix-conquest.html
Happy Fraud Fridays Con-gregation! We revisit our episode with the Emmy Award winning comedian and actor Sam Richardson about a bogus UK baker with no oven and a fake government scam. Also, a Bruno Mars catfish story gone wrong. Stay Schemin'!This was recorded March 1st, 2021.Research by Sharilyn VeraSources:
https://www.lancs.live/news/lancashire-news/dishonest-baker-who-warmed-freshly-19447322
https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/9524664/bruno-mars-impersonator-scams-texas-woman-out-of-100000
https://www.tmz.com/2021/02/10/bruno-mars-catfish-texas-100k-money/
What’s Poppin’ Congregation? This week, Scam Goddess is Live from the Den Theatre in Chicago. Comedians Sydnee Washington, Skyler Higley and Ashley Ray help break down the man whose scam that took the windy city and the nation by storm, Jussie Smollett. Stay Schemin’!
This was recorded at Nov. 11th 2023.
Research by Kaelyn Brandt, Emily Jones and Laci Mosley
Sources:
https://nationalpost.com/news/man-arrested-after-faking-20-heart-attacks-to-avoid-paying-restaurant-bills#:~:text=A%2050%2Dyear%2Dold%20man,newspaper%20El%20Pais%20and%20EFE.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/arts-entertainment/2021/11/30/jussie-smollett-hate-crime-trial/
https://www.cnn.com/2022/03/10/us/jussie-smollett-sentencing-trial/index.html#:~:text=Former%20%E2%80%9CEmpire%E2%80%9D%20actor%20Jussie%20Smollett,hate%20crime%20in%20January%202019
https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-viz-jussie-smollett-incident-night-details-htmlstory.html
https://people.com/crime/jussie-smollett-wears-rope-around-his-neck-police-video-footage/
https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/tv/story/2023-03-03/jussie-smollett-appeal-conviction-sentencing
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/28/us/jussie-smollett.html
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-47711535
https://www.vox.com/2019/2/17/18228444/jussie-smollett-attack-hate-crime-arrest-hoax-empire
https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/jessie-smollett-letter-brothers-attack/
https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-commentary/jussie-smollett-hero-hoax-hate-crime-sentencing-1318293/
https://www.al.com/news/2021/12/jussie-smollett-testifies-he-did-drugs-made-out-with-abimbola-osundairo.html
It’s Fraud Fridays! We revisit our episode with comedian Yvonne Orji to discuss the Aretha Franklin impostor who found herself performing as the Quasi Queen of Soul. Plus, a woman is finally arrested after twenty-two attempts to sneak on flights. Stay schemin!
Research by Sharilyn Vera.
SOURCES:
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/counterfeit-queen-soul-180969340/
https://www.todayifoundout.com/index.php/2020/04/the-bizarre-story-of-the-imitation-queen-of-soul/
https://www.sfgate.com/travel/article/Woman-with-history-of-airliner-stowaways-arrested-16033015.php
What's poppin, con-gregation? Jack O'Brien joins the show to discuss an actor who hoodwinked millions from movie investors. Plus, MAGA supporters get conned by the Trump campaign. Stay schemin!
Research by Sharilyn Vera
SOURCES
https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2021-04-06/hollywood-actor-zach-avery-ponzi-scheme-arrest
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4878976/
https://www.cnn.com/2021/04/07/business/zach-avery-actor-alleged-ponzi-scheme/index.html
https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2021/04/trumps-campaign-scammed-donors-auto-checked-box.html
What's poppin' con-gregation? This week, we revisit our episode with comedian Rosebud Baker discussing a teenage nightclub owner who used a ponzi scheme to try and keep his business afloat. Plus, Fox News promotes livestock deworming medication (Ivermectin) as a cure for covid...it's definitely not. Stay Schemin'!
Research by Kaelyn Brandt
Sources:
https://www.vice.com/en/article/avyygg/the-connecticut-nightclub-guru-accused-of-running-a-ponzi-scheme-as-a-teenager-1111
https://www.newstimes.com/local/article/Feds-say-convicted-Danbury-club-owner-still-9199854.php?_ga=2.171789024.1346735586.1629584209-1373168516.1629584209#taboola-1
https://www.ctpost.com/local/article/Out-of-jail-Ian-Bick-wants-to-get-back-in-the-13590198.php#photo-16877686
https://www.newstimes.com/news/article/Young-entrepreneur-has-vision-for-city-s-future-5084022.php
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/21/world/ivermectin-fda-covid-19-treatment.html
What's poppin' con-gregation? This week, we have Larry Owens discussing John Duval Gluck, the conman who popularized writing letters to Santa Claus in the beginning of the 20th century. Plus, investors involved in the "Evolving Apes" NFT project learned that scams are very fungible. Stay Schemin'!
Research by Kaelyn Brandt
SOURCES
https://www.vice.com/en/article/y3dyem/investors-spent-millions-on-evolved-apes-nfts-then-they-got-scammed
https://nypost.com/2015/09/20/meet-the-con-artist-who-popularized-writing-to-santa-claus/
https://www.historyextra.com/period/20th-century/the-con-man-who-saved-christmas/
https://ny.curbed.com/2015/11/30/9895926/the-strange-story-of-nycs-santa-claus-building-that-never-was
Happy Fraud Friday! This week, we revisit our episode with comedian James Mastraieni where we first learn the epic tale of a Dallas bank robber who fooled authorities throughout the 90s dressed as a cowboy. Plus, a mother of three sues a woman who used her children as props in a crowdfunding scheme generating hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Research by Kaelyn Brandt
Sources:
https://www.texasmonthly.com/articles/the-last-ride-of-cowboy-bob/
https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/503647/cowboy-bob-mysterious-middle-aged-bank-robber-who-fooled-fbi
https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2005/may/06/bank-robber-shot-dead-in-texas/
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/53001390/peggy-jo-tallas
What’s Poppin’ Con-gregation? This week, KaMillion and Jonica Booth, stars from the hit HBO show Rap Sh!t join the show. They discuss rapper Teejayx6, one of the many rappers out of Detroit who have created a sub-genre of hip-hop: scam rap. Stay Schemin’!
Recorded on Monday, December 11th, 2023.
Research by Kaelyn Brandt
Sources:
https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/nielaorr/drake-city-girls-summer-scammers-period
https://pitchfork.com/news/city-girls-jt-released-from-prison-drops-new-song-jt-first-day-out-listen/
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2022/03/11/magazine/scam-rap.html
https://www.wired.com/story/teejayx6-scam-rap/
https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/detroit-city/2019/03/07/feds-throw-shade-indicted-detroit-rapper-selfmade-kash/3091388002/
https://www.michigandaily.com/arts/teejayx6-shittyboyz-and-rise-scam-rap/
https://www.vice.com/en/article/kz4qn9/what-is-scam-rap-detroit-teejayx6-selfmade-kash
https://www.vulture.com/2018/11/city-girls-on-scamming-drake-and-jt-going-to-prison.html
https://www.thecut.com/2018/09/city-girls-are-more-like-you-than-you-think.html
https://www.foxla.com/news/edd-rapper-who-bragged-about-unemployment-fraud-sentenced-to-6-years-in-prison
Happy Fraud Fridays! This week, we revisit our episode with Jenny Yang who joins us to discuss Action Park, an amusement and water park that was extremely dangerous and the home to a series of money laundering schemes, shady money and scams. Plus, a man is accused of stealing expensive caviar meant for research for lunch among co-workers. Stay Schemin'!Researched by Kaelyn BrandtSOURCES:
Class Action Park, a documentary by Seth Porges and Chris Charles Scott III
https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2001-jun-05-sp-6678-story.html
https://thecinemaholic.com/is-eugene-mulvihill-still-alive/
Exactly Right Network’s My Favorite Murder, Episode 193
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/feb/12/sturgeon-wisconsin-state-biologist-caviar-scam
https://fox11online.com/news/crime/dnrs-koenigs-pleads-not-guilty-to-blocking-sturgeon-caviar-investigation
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sturgeon
What’s Poppin’ Con-gregation? This week, Danielle Pinnock & Jack Wallace join the show to discuss how Bill Pallot, one of the most famous men in the French furniture world, admitted to police that he had forged at least four chairs built for France’s royal household. Stay Schemin’!
Recorded on November 06, 2023
Research by Kaelyn Brandt
Sources:
https://www.gqmagazine.fr/pop-culture/gq-enquete/articles/bill-pallot-gentleman-arnaqueur/52117
https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2018/07/how-a-sneaky-furniture-expert-tricked-versailles
https://www.appraiseyourart.com/caroline-ashleighs-blog/600-the-scandal-that-rocked-the-french-art-world.html
https://www.moxieservices.com/blog/5-facts-you-may-not-know-about-mice/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-WluxOBmo6s
https://www.forbes.com/sites/brittanyanas/2023/10/31/an-actress-on-strike-started-doing-parisian-bed-bug-skits-on-instagram-and-inspired-a-hilarious-halloween-costume-trend/?sh=402525cb564a
It's Fraud Friday! This week, we revisit our Britney Spears Episode! Comedians Tess Barker and Babs Gray, hosts of the Toxic: The Britney Spears Story podcast, join us to discuss the scam that is the Britney Spears' conservatorship. Plus, a Danish museum is duped by a concept artist, who literally took the money and ran!This was recorded on Oct. 1st 2021.Research By Kaelyn BrandtSOURCES:
https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2021/07/10589818/britney-spears-money-conservators-jamie-spears-return
https://www.vulture.com/2021/06/britney-spears-petition-to-end-conservatorship-guide.html
https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2021/06/10545139/britney-spears-conservatorship-legal-abuse-dangerous
https://www.newyorker.com/news/american-chronicles/britney-spears-conservatorship-nightmare
https://variety.com/2021/music/news/britney-spears-full-statement-conservatorship-1235003940/
https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/9445409/britney-spears-conservatorship-timeline/
https://www.forbes.com/sites/maddieberg/2021/02/17/britney-spears-net-worth-revealed--and-its-shockingly-low-compared-to-her-pop-peers/?sh=67fbdfb618ac
https://www.nytimes.com/live/2021/09/29/arts/britney-spears-conservatorship
https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/heidiblake/conservatorship-investigation-free-britney-spears
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/toxic-the-britney-spears-story/id1565880473
https://937theriver.iheart.com/content/2021-09-29-take-the-money-run-museum-gives-artist-84k-gets-blank-canvases/
What’s Poppin Con-gregation? This week, Jennifer Welch & Angie Sullivan, hosts of the I’ve Had It Podcast, join us for an update on some of our favorite scammers: Rep. George Santos, Sam Bankman-Fried, Shaun King and Bishop Lamor Whitehead. They have been busy and you don’t want to miss where they are now! Stay Schemin’!
NOTE: On Friday, Dec. 1st, 2023, The House of Representatives voted to expel Congressman George Santos over ethics violations.
This episode was recorded Nov. 29th, 2023.
Research by Kaelyn Brandt.
Sources:
https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/new-resolution-filed-expel-gop-rep-george-santos/story?id=104973663
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/12/nyregion/george-santos-donors-fund-raising.html#:~:text=The%20Mysterious%2C%20Unregistered%20Fund%20That,afoul%20of%20campaign%20finance%20rules.
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/16/nyregion/george-santos-ethics-committee.html
https://www.reuters.com/legal/ftx-founder-sam-bankman-fried-thought-rules-did-not-apply-him-prosecutor-says-2023-11-02/
https://www.businessinsider.com/ftx-ftx-trading-fish-in-prison-for-services-crypto-2023-11
https://www.cnn.com/2023/11/02/business/ftx-sbf-fraud-trial-verdict/index.html#:~:text=Sam%20Bankman%2DFried%20was%20found,counts%20of%20fraud%20and%20conspiracy.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/hamas-releases-two-hostages-american-mother-and-daughter-judith-and-natalie-raanan/
https://www.tmz.com/2023/10/21/shaun-king-claim-help-free-american-hostages-hamas-family-pushback/
https://www.thecity.nyc/2023/05/01/bishop-lamor-whitehead-accused-deed-theft-church/
https://gothamist.com/news/bishop-lamor-whitehead-robbery-case-turns-awkward-after-guilty-plea-pulled
Happy Fraud Friday! This week, we revisit one of our favorite episodes with My Favorite Murder Co-Host Georgia Hardstark. We discuss LuLaRoe, the women’s clothing company embroiled in over 50 lawsuits, unsold leggings and many of their consultants left in crippling debt. Plus, two Chicago women fall victim to a scam leaving one jobless and the other heartbroken.
Recorded on October 12th, 2021.
Research by Kaelyn Brandt
SOURCES:
LulaRich, a documentary directed by Jenner Furst and Julia Willoughby
https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/stephaniemcneal/lularoe-millennial-women-entrepreneurship-lawsuits
https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2021/09/amazon-lularoe-documentary-lularich
https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/tv/a37543989/lularoe-true-story-now-lularich-amazon/
https://totallythebomb.com/how-to-have-the-money-to-be-a-lularoe-consultant
https://www.usnews.com/news/us/articles/2021-02-01/lularoe-to-pay-475m-to-settle-pyramid-scheme-lawsuit
https://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/lularoe-pay-475-million-resolve-ag-ferguson-s-lawsuit-over-pyramid-scheme
https://chicago.cbslocal.com/2021/09/22/con-artist-employment-scam-summit-woman-michigan-woman/
What’s poppin’ con-gregation? This week, Diallo Riddle is back to discuss Jon Oliver aka Jody Francis Oliver. Throughout Jody’s life, he was a police officer, cruise ship captain, friend of two British prime ministers, and a Swedish-speaking car expert. It was revealed his life was based on a lie. Stay Schemin’ !Check out Diallo’s new podcast with Blake "Luxxury" Robin called ONE SONG. It's available for SiriusXM subscribers on Kevin Hart’s Laugh Out Loud Radio or download it anywhere you get your podcasts.
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/one-song/id1696154359?app=podcast
Follow on Instagram:Laci Mosley @divalaci Scam Goddess Podcast @scamgoddesspodDiallo Riddle @diallo
Research by Kaelyn Brandt
Sources:
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/the-seven-astonishing-lives-of-the-2m-fraudster-85mdvmxvs
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12481525/Fraudsters-seven-fake-lives-revealed-Conman.htm
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/112_(emergency_telephone_number)
Happy Fraud Fridays! This week, we revisit our show with Nava Kavelin and Sophie Ansari. They discuss William Mize, who created a family business of staging car accidents. Plus, a California Tiktoker is alleged to have broken the state’s cottage law for selling homemade pickled goods. Stay Schemin!Recorded on January 05, 2023.Research by Kaelyn BrandtSources:
https://nymag.com/intelligencer/article/staged-car-crashes-insurance-fraud.html
https://www.nbcnews.com/pop-culture/pop-culture-news/tiktok-creator-homemade-pickled-products-spark-online-conversation-rcna63406
What's poppin' con-gregation? For this holiday, we are revisiting our episode with showrunner for HBO’s Insecure, Prentice Penny. We discuss the viral meat connoisseur “Salt Bae,” and the accusations of scamming surrounding his restaurants. Plus, the FBI catches an artist allegedly selling fake works from his friend and mentor Raymond Pettibon. Stay Schemin'!This was recorded October 19th, 2021.Research by Kaelyn BrandtSources:https://www.miamiherald.com/miami-com/miami-com-news/article225807840.html
https://nypost.com/2021/04/13/salt-bae-hit-with-5m-copyright-suit-over-artwork-of-chef/
https://www.eater.com/2018/1/26/16932642/salt-bae-nurs-et-new-york-city-restaurant-reviews
https://www.eater.com/2019/8/28/20836960/salt-bae-nusr-et-steakhouse-tip-pooling-lawsuit-miami?_gl=1*12xzkg9*
https://boston.eater.com/2020/9/28/21459657/salt-bae-steakhouse-boston-shut-down-opening-week-news?_gl=1*cck5cq*
https://www.miamiherald.com/article239104028.html
https://www.sportskeeda.com/pop-culture/salt-bae-s-london-restaurant-menu-prices-leaves-internet-scandalized
https://www.the-sun.com/entertainment/1549436/salt-bae-nusret-gokce-restaurant-locations-new-york/
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/meet-salt-bae-turkish-chef-whose-signature-move-made-him-n716406
https://news.artnet.com/opinion/history-zombie-formalism-1318352
https://news.artnet.com/art-world/wet-paint-christian-rosa-raymond-pettibon-1940051
It's Fraud Friday! This week, we revisit our episode with Solomon Georgio. We discuss Sarma Melngailis, a business woman who went from the “Queen of Vegan Cuisine" to the “Vegan Bernie Madoff”. Plus, pet scams have become such a problem in Michigan that the Michigan Attorney General released a video warning residents. Stay Schemin'!
This was recorded on March 3rd, 2022.
Research by Kaelyn Brandt.
Sources:
https://people.com/food/bad-vegan-fame-fraud-fugitives-true-story/
https://people.com/crime/fugitive-former-vegan-restaurant-owner-caught-after-ordering-dominos-pizza/
https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2016/11/how-sarma-melngailis-became-a-runaway-fugitive
https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2022/03/sarma-melngailis-netflixs-bad-vegan-stares-down-her-past-and-future
Netflix’s documentary, Bad Vegan
https://www.intheknow.com/post/dog-breeder-scam/
What’s poppin’ Con-gregation? Live from the Bell House theatre in Brooklyn New York, Laci welcomes comedians Alex English, Punkie Johnson, Marie Faustin and Sydnee Washington to regale the story behind the most famous psychic from the 90s, Ms. Cleo and the Psychic Readers Network. Stay Schemin!
Recorded October 8th 2023.
Follow on Instagram:
Alex English @alex3nglish
Punkie Johnson @punkiejohnson
Marie Faustin @reeezy
Sydnee Washington @justsydbw
Laci Mosley @divalaci
Scam Goddess Podcast @scamgoddesspod
Research by Kaelyn Brandt, Emily Jones and Laci Mosley.
Sources:
“Call Me Miss Cleo” - a Max documentary directed by Celia Aniskovich and Jennifer Brea
https://www.advocate.com/politics/commentary/2006/09/25/miss-cleo-comes-out
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2016/12/21/magazine/the-lives-they-lived-miss-cleo.html
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/call-me-miss-cleo-tv-psychic-hotline-scam-hbo-b2252107.html
It's Fraud Fridays! We return to our episode with special guest Sam Sanders, regaling all about Bishop Lamor Whitehead who garnered initial sympathy for being robbed during a livestream of his sermon. But later, his integrity was questioned after past crimes have surfaced. Stay Schemin’!Recorded on August 09, 2022.Research by Kaelyn Brandt.Sources:https://www.thecity.nyc/brooklyn/2022/7/29/23284458/brooklyn-pastor-lamor-whitehead-pleads-for-sympathy
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/04/nyregion/lamor-whitehead-bishop-robbed.html
https://www.curbed.com/2022/07/bishop-lamor-whitehead-real-estate-holdings-default.html
https://bestlifeonline.com/news-robbed-pastor-whitehead-life-details/
https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/tiktok-viral-pink-sauce/
https://www.eater.com/23284219/pink-sauce-tiktok-color-expert-reactions
What’s poppin’ Con-gregration? This week, comedian Jason Mantzoukas joins the show to discuss Lisette Lee, an heiress, actress, pop singer, and drug-trafficking gangster of Beverly Hills. However, the pot princess of Los Angeles turns out to have been more of a Cinderella. Stay Schemin’!
On Nov. 16th, 2023, Scam Goddess Live will be at The Den Theatre in Chicago! Tickets are available at thedentheatre.com or by calling (773) 697-3830.
Check out Jason Mantzoukas on the How Did This Get Made Tour! Go to https://hdtgm.com/ for tickets!
Follow on Instagram:Laci Mosley @divalaciScam Goddess Podcast @scamgoddesspod
Research by Kaelyn Brandt.
Sources:
https://nypost.com/2015/03/19/how-i-got-suckered-into-smuggling-3-5-tons-of-weed-with-the-pot-princess-of-beverly-hills/
https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-news/the-gangster-princess-of-beverly-hills-190793/
https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/airport-security-returns-freddie-gibbs-weed-with-note-cmon-son-119440/
Happy Fraud Fridays! This week we revisit our episode with comedians Ira Madison III, Oscar Montoya, AND Siobhan Thompson where they discuss Spain’s Sweetheart Hilaria Baldwin. Stay schemin’. Chao!
This was originally released on January 26th, 2021.
Research by Sharilyn Vera.
What’s poppin’ Con-gregation? In a first in Scam Goddess history, we have the scammer who was a part of the scam on the show! Sam Lipman-Stern, Creator, Executive Producer and Director of the HBO hit Documentary “Telemarketers,” recounts the wild story of how he worked for Civic Development Group (CDG) who used fraudulent telemarketing practices to get money for charities and police organizations. Stay Schemin’!
@ 1:22:14 Sam mentions Nomorobo.com, an app that helps catch scamming telemarketing calls.
This was recorded on September 18th, 2023.
Follow on Instagram:Sam Lipman-Stern @sam_lipmansternLaci Mosley @divalaci Scam Goddess Podcast @scamgoddesspod
Research by Kaelyn Brandt
SOURCES:
HBO’s docuseries “Telemarketers”
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-fundraisers-scampacs-side/how-scam-pacs-fall-through-the-cracks-of-u-s-regulators-idUSKBN1ZS29B
https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2010/03/nj_telemarketers_hit_with_reco.html
https://www.browardpalmbeach.com/news/will-high-society-boca-couple-keep-their-mansion-after-legal-loss-6439765
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/10/arts/television/telemarketers-hbo-documentary.html
https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2010/03/new-jersey-based-telephone-fundraisers-banned-soliciting-donations-will-pay-188-million-violating
https://www.music-jobs.com/usa/jobtypes/orchestra-assistant-jobs-408212.php
What’s Poppin’ Con-gregation? Ashley Ray joins the show to dissect how so called civil rights activist, writer, and company founder Jeffrey Shaun King is still out here scamming. Also, a worker in Chile accidentally got paid 286 times his salary. Stay Schemin’!
Research by Kaelyn Brandt
Sources:
https://www.blackenterprise.com/shaun-king-daughter-kendi-has-a-word-family-move/
https://www.blackenterprise.com/calvin-crime-black-twitter-rips-shaun-king-after-he-begs-for-money-for-new-fashion-line/
https://twitter.com/MrErnestOwens/status/1407733142769831944?s=20&t=XD6Se6jkQmSc6OPoI2L_bw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jwxI_DE4S0A
https://jezebel.com/samaria-rice-asks-shaun-king-accused-grifter-how-the-1847160251
https://www.blackenterprise.com/grifter-or-nah-shaun-king-lives-it-up-in-luxe-jersey-estate-while-begging-for-money-for-his-wife/
https://www.yahoo.com/video/shaun-king-asks-assistance-move-153036273.html
https://www.newsonyx.com/update-shaun-king-accused-of-clothing-line-scam/
https://scoop.upworthy.com/his-company-accidentally-paid-him-286-times-his-salary-so-he-promptly-resigned-and-disappeared
What’s Poppin’ Con-gregation? This week, comedian, writer and podcast host Kid Fury joins the show to discuss Maverick Miles Nehemiah aka Derek Andre Kelly who allegedly scammed the US government out of $20 million through forging savings bonds in the 1990s and went on to bigger scams that revealed Maverick’s true identity and crimes. Stay Schemin!
Recorded October 17th, 2023. Follow on Instagram:Kid Fury @kidfury
The Read Podcast @thisisthereadLaci Mosley @divalaci Scam Goddess Podcast @scamgoddesspod
Research by Kaelyn Brandt
Sources:
https://premeditatedshooter.tumblr.com/ (“Maverick’s” personal blog)
https://dockets.justia.com/docket/california/cacdce/2:2023cv07430/898580
https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-features/maverick-miles-nehemiah-true-story-1234820794/
Happy Fraud Fridays! This week we revisit our episode with Ashley Ray-Harris talking about a true scamming King, Shaun King. Stay schemin!
This was originally released on August 25th, 2020.
Research by Sharilyn Vera.
What’s poppin’ Con-gregation? This week, comedian Jared Goldstein joins the show to discuss Arthur Lee Cofield Jr., a man who stole more money from behind bars than any inmate in American history. His primary tools: cell phones and some good friends. Plus, a former Amazon operations manager has been sentenced to 16 years in federal prison for stealing nearly $10 million from the company. Stay Schemin!
Recorded September 18th, 2023.
Follow on Instagram:Jared Goldstein @heyjaredhey Laci Mosley @divalaci Scam Goddess Podcast @scamgoddesspod
Research by Kaelyn Brandt
Sources:
https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/how-a-man-in-prison-stole-millions-from-billionaires
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/10/16/us/georgia-inmate-scam-billionaire.html
https://www.entrepreneur.com/business-news/amazon-manager-stole-nearly-10m-from-company-went-shopping/455572
https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga/pr/mastermind-10-million-amazon-fraud-scheme-sentenced-16-years-federal-prison
Happy Fraud Fridays! Fraud Fridays is where we bring back your favorite episodes from behind the paywall. Straight from the Scam Goddess vault is the re-release of our episode with comedian Dave Schilling. We discuss how a fake high school, Bishop Sycamore High, ended up playing against an elite football program on ESPN. Plus, a total of 15 former NFL players pled guilty to healthcare fraud. Stay Schemin'!
This was recorded on November 01, 2021.
Research by Kaelyn Brandt
Sources:
https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/highschool/2021/09/10/bishop-sycamore-football-whats-next-questionable-ohio-school/5774700001/
https://www.complex.com/sports/bishop-sycamore-lies-espn-play-on-national-tv
https://awfulannouncing.com/espn/we-learned-more-about-how-bishop-sycamore-ended-up-playing-on-espn-and-its-only-getting-shadier.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter
https://awfulannouncing.com/high-school/bishop-sycamore-head-coach-we-are-not-a-school-but-a-post-grad-football-academy.html
https://awfulannouncing.com/high-school/prep-gridiron-logistics-bishop-sycamore-message-boards.html
https://awfulannouncing.com/high-school/bishop-sycamore-scandal-2021-football-opponents-canceled-game.html
https://www.wpxi.com/sports/high-school-football/ohio-football-team-allegedly-lied-its-way-onto-espn-played-sto-rox-days-earlier/DO4MFXBN6RFAJIYX2MSA3UUDSU/
What’s poppin’ Con-gregration? This week, comedian Morgan Jay joins the show to discuss Michael Protzman, the leader of a QAnon cult who recently passed away. His life and perhaps even his death contributed to scam after scam, earning him a rabid and well-paying following. Also, find out the falsehood that was the basis of the June 2023 Supreme Court ruling that a Christian graphic artist could refuse to make wedding websites for gay couples on the basis of the First Amendment. Stay Schemin’!
CW @41:10 – mention of Antisemitism
This episode was recorded on September 11, 2023.
Follow on Instagram:Morgan Jay @morganjay Laci Mosley @divalaciScam Goddess Podcast @scamgoddesspod
Research by Kaelyn Brandt
Sources:
https://www.vice.com/en/article/88x8b4/michael-protzman-negative48-jfk-qanon-dead
https://www.vice.com/en/article/akew5p/qanon-jfk-crypto?utm_source=vicenewsfacebook&fbclid=IwAR2dlTdPfkz7ORqZTTibN3bVgoW16ns5FSfKpgLIAtPEF_0G6XzHFvbEOCw
https://www.vice.com/en/article/qjb8mv/qanon-jfk-cult-tearing-families-apart
https://www.vice.com/en/article/g5qpe7/qanon-dallas-jfk-michael-brian-protzman-negative48
https://www.vice.com/en/article/xgd85a/qanon-dallas-jfk-trump
https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-gay-rights-website-designer-aa529361bc939c837ec2ece216b296d5
https://www.npr.org/2023/07/01/1185632827/web-designer-supreme-court-gay-couples
https://www.complex.com/life/a/tracewilliamcowen/video-man-failing-rob-nail-salon-ignore-him
What’s Poppin’ Congregation? Today, Sarah Marshall is back to discuss Teal Swan, a 38-year-old self-proclaimed spiritual leader whose practices have led some of her followers to self-harmful behaviors. She denies that “she is in any way a cult leader.” Plus, a bible salesman has been accused of orchestrating a multi-million dollar fraud in a scheme that spans almost a decade. Stay Schemin’!
Research by Kaelyn Brandt
SOURCES
https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2018/08/205915/the-gateway-teal-swan-youtube-cult-jennings-brown
https://www.eonline.com/news/1335268/inside-the-deep-end-the-rise-of-teal-swan-and-her-controversial-completion-process-program
https://medium.com/the-conscious-way/the-deep-end-why-teal-swan-is-a-spiritual-narcissist-6e0fc407000f
https://www.salon.com/2022/05/19/is-teal-swan-the-controversial-spiritualist-or-scammer-in-the-deep-end/
What’s Poppin’ Con- gregration? This week, comedian Eric Andre joins the show to discuss Ferdinand Waldo Demara, a man of many trades, master of perhaps a few, with the credentials of none. Plus, a team of two computer science students have recently tried to determine if their AI-generated images of women were realistic enough to trick paying customers. Stay Schemin’!
“Bombing with Eric Andre'' is part of Will Ferrell’s and iHeartMedia’s Big Money Players Network and link to the following: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-bombing-with-eric-andre-120233938/
To See Eric Andre on tour to go: https://www.ericandretour.com/tour
SCAM GODDESS LIVE On Oct. 8th In NYC.
For tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/scam-goddess-live-tickets-716150414167?aff=odwdwdspacecraft
Follow on Instagram:
Eric Andre @ericfuckingandreLaci Mosley @divalaci Scam Goddess Podcast @scamgoddesspod
Research by Kaeyln Brandt.
Sources:
https://archive.vanityfair.com/article/2021/3/dial-c-for-con-artist
https://www.bustle.com/entertainment/where-is-the-hollywood-con-queen-now-anand-sippy-hargobing-tahilramani
ABC News’ Nightline: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8FEKG99Hnk&t=479s
HBO Max’s Generation Hustle: Season 1, Episode 1
https://newstalkkzrg.com/2023/08/16/oklahoma-police-capture-teenage-con-artist/
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/aug/12/tyrese-gibson-sues-home-depot-racial-discrimination
What’s Poppin’ Con-gregration? This week, Franchesca Ramsey & De’Lon Grant join the show to discuss an update on the Hollywood Con Queen, an exceptionally talented catfish who conned hundreds of people in the film industry over the phone. Plus, a teenage con artist has been arrested after allegedly defrauding a car dealership out of almost $100,000. Stay Schemin’!
Follow on Instagram:
Franchesca Ramsey @chescaleigh
De’lon Grant @thedelondotcom
Laci Mosley @divalaci
Scam Goddess Podcast @scamgoddesspod
Research by Kaelyn Brandt
Sources:
https://archive.vanityfair.com/article/2021/3/dial-c-for-con-artist
https://www.bustle.com/entertainment/where-is-the-hollywood-con-queen-now-anand-sippy-hargobing-tahilramani
ABC News’ Nightline: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8FEKG99Hnk&t=479s
HBO Max’s Generation Hustle: Season 1, Episode 1
https://newstalkkzrg.com/2023/08/16/oklahoma-police-capture-teenage-con-artist/
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/aug/12/tyrese-gibson-sues-home-depot-racial-discrimination
What’s poppin’ Con-gregration? This week, we have comedian Adam Conover giving us an update on the WGA/SAG strike. We also discuss Rita Crundwell, who drained tens of millions of dollars from the rural city of Dixon, Illinois to spend money on hundreds of luxury horses. Plus, find out how the DEA accidentally sent $55,000 in crypto it had seized to a cryptocurrency scammer. Stay Schemin’!
Follow on Instagram:
Adam Conover @adamconoverLaci Mosley @divalaci Scam Goddess Podcast @scamgoddesspod
Check out Adam’s stand-up comedy tour in a city near you. Go to adamconover.net for more info!
Researched By Kaelyn Brandt
SOURCES
https://www.forbes.com/sites/thomasbrewster/2023/08/24/dea-accidentally-sends-50000-in-drug-proceeds-to-crypto-scammer/?sh=354650c63d12
https://www.insideedition.com/5814-she-lived-like-a-queen-by-scamming-an-entire-city
https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2023/05/12/dixon-illinois-city-fraud-betrayal-00075869
https://gohorseshow.com/2011/10/darcy-and-jonathans-favorite-congress-stalls/
http://galleries.apps.chicagotribune.com/chi-120727-crundwell-luxury-motor-home-pictures/
What’s poppin’ con-gregation? This week, actress, producer and creator Alesha Reneé joins the show to discuss Charlie Javice, a businesswoman who sold her fast-growing tech startup to JP Morgan for $175 million, only to have partners realize she made up most of her success. Plus, a Chicago rapper has agreed to plead guilty to wire fraud and lying to federal agents. Stay schemin’!
Follow on Instagram:
Alesha Reneé @iamalesharenee
Laci Mosley @divalaci
Scam Goddess Podcast @scamgoddesspod
Check out "Unleash For Love" on Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/Unleash-for-Love-Audiobook/B0CB9FYCV3?qid=1689358839&sr=1-1&ref=a_search_c3_lProduct_1_1&pf_rd_p=83218cca-c308-412f-bfcf-90198b687a2f&pf_rd_r=2KW0AGES9C467X5989WV&pageLoadId=Bp8khEy2uajOMeuU&creativeId=0d6f6720-f41c-457e-a42b-8c8dceb62f2c
Research by Kaelyn Brandt
SOURCES:
https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/criminal-justice/ct-g-herbo-chicago-rapper-pleads-guilty-federal-fraud-charges-20230719-o33a2tgmrvbr5cqwu7vg2m4r7q-story.html
https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/g-herbo-chicago-rapper-plead-guilty-fraud-scheme-1234792168/
https://apnews.com/article/frank-founder-charlie-javice-lawsuit-5e990e78598507a08863836648d29aad
https://www.forbes.com/sites/alexandralevine/2023/01/19/charlie-javice-jp-morgan-frank-lawsuit/?sh=abe21a51f647
https://www.forbes.com/sites/brianbushard/2023/05/22/frank-founder-charlie-javice-pleads-not-guilty-to-fraud-over-jpmorgan-sale/?sh=2e2608b2139e
https://www.reuters.com/legal/startup-founder-accused-defrauding-jpmorgan-is-indicted-2023-05-18/
https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/tv/a38955743/tinder-swindler-simon-leviev-true-story-where-is-he-now/
What’s Poppin’ Con-gregation? This week, we welcome comedians Josh Brekhus, Kimia Behpoornia, James Mannion, and Mary Anthony. Along with Laci, they’re a part of the UCB improv group LEROY. They discuss David Saffron, a part-time BDSM club owner and crypto Ponzi schemer. Plus, we explore how one of Twitter’s most quickly-growing viral left-wing voices has turned out to perhaps be a total fake. Stay Schemin’!
This episode was recorded on July 26th, 2023.Follow on Instagram:
Josh Brekhus @jbrekhus
Kimia Behpoornia @childclown
James Mannion @pizzamannion (ON TWITTER AKA X)
Mary Anthony @maryeanthony
Laci Mosley @divalaci
Scam Goddess Podcast @scamgoddesspod
Researched by Kaelyn BrandtSources:https://www.thedailybeast.com/sandm-scammer-david-saffron-charged-with-bitcoin-ponzi-scheme
https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2023/07/04/twitter-erica-marsh-suspended/
https://www.neopets.com/jubjub/
What’s Poppin’ Con-gregation? This week, comedian Jamie Loftus joins the show to discuss John Wojtowicz, a con man who made international headlines after robbing a bank and creating a hostage situation “for love.” His story inspired the Academy Award Winning film “Dog Day Afternoon” starring Al Pacino. Plus, a California Instagram “momfluencer” was sentenced to 90 days in prison after falsely reporting that a couple had attempted to kidnap her two children. Stay Schemin’!
This episode was recorded on July 25th, 2023.
Follow on Instagram:
Jamie Loftus @jamiechristsuperstarLaci Mosley @divalaci Scam Goddess Podcast @scamgoddesspod
Research by Kaelyn Brandt
SOURCES
https://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/news/ex-sonoma-county-mom-influencer-katie-sorensen-sentenced-to-30-days-in-cu/
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/06/30/us/katie-sorensen-fake-kidnapping-california-jail.html
https://allthatsinteresting.com/john-wojtowicz
https://www.insideedition.com/how-the-bungled-brooklyn-bank-robbery-that-inspired-dog-day-afternoon-made-1-man-a-household-name
https://books.google.com/books?id=5VYEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA66#v=onepage&q&f=false
https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-31457718
https://slate.com/business/2023/06/shein-influencer-fast-fashion-hauls.html
What’s poppin’ Con-gregation? This week, comedian Sasheer Zamata joins the show to discuss Thomas Justice, a once-promising cyclist prodigy turned bank robber when his Olympic dreams were no longer viable. Plus, one woman from East Bay, California, was targeted by a phone scammer, and her bank let it happen. Stay Schemin’!
Check out Sasheer’s Comedy Special “First Woman” on 800 Pound Gorilla on August 15th and YouTube on August 29th. https://800poundgorillamedia.com/products/sasheer-zamata-the-first-woman
Follow on Instagram:
Sasheer Zamata @thesheertruth
Laci Mosley @divalaci
Scam Goddess Podcast @scamgoddesspod
Research by Kaelyn Brandt
Sources:
https://www.chicagomag.com/chicago-magazine/february-2019/bicycle-bank-robber-tom-justice/
https://www.bicycling.com/news/a26081001/cyclist-turned-bank-robber-tom-justice/
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-6655303/The-extraordinary-story-Olympic-track-cycling-hopeful-turned-serial-bank-robber.html
https://abc7news.com/bank-impostor-scam-wells-fargo-wire-transfer-fraud-scammer-pretends-to-be/13407340/
What’s Poppin’ Con-gregation?This week, we release the Scam Goddess Live Show! Comedians Paul F. Tompkins, Sydnee Washington, Jacquis Neal, Oscar Montoya, and Jon Gabrus join the show to discuss Stockton Rush, the CEO of OceanGate and scammer behind the tragedy of the OceanGate Submarine implosion! Plus, they regale some hilarious scammer in what’s hot in fraud. Stay Schemin’!
CW: There is mention of animal abuse and bestiality.
Follow on Instagram:
Laci Mosley @divalaci
Paul F. Tompkins @pftompkins
Sydnee Washington @justsydbw
Jacquis Neal @jacquisneal
Oscar Montoya @ozzymo
Jon Gabrus @gabrus
Scam Goddess Podcast @scamgoddesspod
Sources:
What’s Hot in Fraud
https://www.local10.com/news/local/2023/05/01/fraudster-wearing-smiley-face-shirt-takes-puppy-to-bank-fraud-heist-deputies-say/
https://media.nbcmiami.com/2023/06/060823-edmanuel-victoria.jpg?quality=85&strip=all&w=1200
https://www.foxnews.com/us/louisiana-bank-robber-video-trips-getaway
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4jCtZI3dJYM&t=2s
https://cbs12.com/news/local/week-in-review-hunt-for-okeechobee-coach-covid-19-fraud-travis-rudolph-sea-turtle-found-on-beach-shots-fired-at-walmart-florida-june-10-2023
Ocean Gate:
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/oceangate-suspends-exploration-commercial-operations-titan-implosion-rcna92912
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/stockton-rush-titan-submersible-implosion-b2378494.html
https://twitter.com/vbspurs/status/1671335053140414464?s=42&t=It0tsDV2jx-FO52zBe5saQ
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12215003/OceanGate-REFUSED-independent-inspection-missing-sub-fired-worker-raised-safety-concerns.html
https://twitter.com/901lulu/status/1671687619351117824?s=42&t=It0tsDV2jx-FO52zBe5saQ
https://twitter.com/mailonline/status/1671774677109440514?s=42&t=It0tsDV2jx-FO52zBe5saQ
Hallelujah Con-gregation! We’re celebrating the 200th episode of Scam Goddess with Amber Ruffin and Lacy Lamar. They discuss how one of the most expensive and rare pink diamonds was stolen from one of the wealthiest and most powerful men in the Middle East. Plus, a 68-year-old Los Angeles native has been indicted on five counts of wire fraud related to a fake hemp scheme as he was finishing up a 135-month house arrest for fraud. Stay Schemin’!
This was recorded June 12, 2023.
Research by Kaelyn Brandt
Sources:
https://www.vice.com/en/article/93kk3y/psychic-diamond-heist-john-lee-hamad-bin-jassim-bin-jaber-al-thani
https://www.forbes.com/sites/anthonydemarco/2022/12/08/1315-carat-pink-diamond-pulled-from-christies-auction-was-allegedly-stolen/?sh=147b08464182
https://www.courthousenews.com/serial-beverly-hills-fraudster-accused-of-starting-9-million-hemp-scam-during-house-arrest/
Check out The Amber & Lacey, Lacey & Amber Show on iHeartMedia and Will Ferrell's Big Money Players Network. https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-the-amber-lacey-lacey-amb-112881431/
Follow on Instagram:
Amber Ruffin @amberruffin
Lacey Lamar @laceylamar1
Laci Mosley @divalaci
Scam Goddess Podcast @scamgoddesspod
What’s Poppin’ Con-gregation? This week, comedian Punkie Johnson joins the show to discuss Daniel Spence, a charming scam artist conning people close to him out of hundreds of thousands of dollars including men he met on Grindr. Plus, a Florida man is arrested after being accused of running scams that involved persuading victims that he was a family member and needed money or gift cards to be sent through the mail. Stay Schemin’!“Love Thang with Punkie Johnson" airs on Kevin Hart’s Laugh Out Loud Network on SiriusXM and can be streamed on all podcast platforms. Check it out here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/love-thang/id1690695573
Note: This was recorded on 06/27/23.Sources:
https://observer.com/2019/06/northside-media-scam-artist-daniel-spence-grindr-grifter/
https://apnews.com/article/anna-delvey-sorokin-podcast-interview-2a694e71f19f30c0b7e8a37816db8e2b
https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/04/14/81-year-old-florida-man-accused-in-nationwide-fraud-scheme-falls-for-romance-scam-police-say/
Follow on Instagram:
Punkie Johnson @punkiejohnson
Laci Mosley @divalaci
Scam Goddess Podcast @scamgoddesspod
What’s Poppin’ Congregation? This week, we have comedian Kevin Fredericks to discuss the baddest bitches of pirating to have ever sailed the ocean blue, Anne Bonny and Mary Read. Plus, a family of scammers from Queens, New York, who stole a house from a dead man in 2010 are finally caught. Stay Schemin’!
This episode was recorded 05/24/22 and originally published 6/21/2022.
Research by Kaelyn Brandt.
Sources:
https://queensda.org/family-of-alleged-scam-artists-charged-with-numerous-crimes-including-grand-larceny-identity-theft-tax-fraud/
https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/nyc-crime/ny-queens-scammer-family-busted-da-says-20220504-2od542b3ovdh5ndntouziy6rai-story.html
https://allthatsinteresting.com/anne-bonny-mary-read
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/women-pirates-anne-bonny-mary-read-lgbt-statue-b1725018.html
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/if-theres-a-man-among-ye-the-tale-of-pirate-queens-anne-bonny-and-mary-read-45576461/
What’s Poppin’ Con-gregation? This week, comedian London Hughes takes over the show to discuss the Fox sisters, who during the 19th century made the spiritual movement popular and became the world’s first ever celebrity mediums. Plus, one Minnesota man who claims he was the victim of political vandalism and harassment has been sentenced to prison after it was discovered it was he, not Antifa, who damaged his property. Stay Schemin’!
OFTV's Creative Fund: Comedy Edition - https://of.tv/creators/creative-fund/
Research By Kaelyn Brandt
Sources:
Nickell, J. (2018, July). A skeleton’s tale: the origins of modern spiritualism. Skeptical Inquirer, 32(4), 17–20.
https://www.theparisreview.org/blog/2016/11/04/in-the-joints-of-their-toes/
https://www.americanheritage.com/they-spoke-dead
https://www.whitehousehistory.org/seances-in-the-red-room
https://www.history.com/news/ghost-hoax-spiritualism-fox-sisters
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/minnesota-man-claimed-camper-was-set-fire-due-trump-flag-staged-attack-rcna38009
https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/denis-molla-prison-fraud-faking-politically-motivated-attack-trump-flag/
What’s poppin’ con-gregation? This week, Chris Gethard joins the show to discuss Steven Jay Russell, a notorious conman, fraudster, and hopeless romantic who’s known for walking out the front door of prisons, driven by his desire to be with the love of his life. His life inspired the movie I Love You Phillip Morris staring Jim Carrey and Ewan McGregor. Plus, an Arizona mom claims that scammers used AI to clone her daughter’s voice so they could demand a $1 million ransom from her while she was safe on a ski trip. Stay Schemin’!Research by Kaelyn Brandt.
Sources:
https://nypost.com/2023/04/12/ai-clones-teen-girls-voice-in-1m-kidnapping-scam/
https://www.theguardian.com/film/2009/sep/06/steven-russell-elizabeth-day-jim-carrey
https://www.grunge.com/468449/the-man-who-escaped-prison-by-simply-walking-out-the-door/
https://www.npr.org/2010/12/03/131783406/con-king-steven-russell-he-still-loves-phillip-morris
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/steven-russell-prison_n_5b731d07e4b025e3596b7af7
https://solitarywatch.org/2014/12/08/voices-from-solitary-the-life-of-an-escape-artist/
https://www.todayifoundout.com/index.php/2020/06/king-con-the-conman-who-simply-walked-out-of-prison-four-times/
What’s Poppin’ Con-gregation? This week, Josiah Johnson joins the show to discuss Sam Bankman-Fried, once considered the biggest wunderkind of crypto, establishing his crypto currency exchange only for it to collapse in November 2022. Plus, find out which celebrity was served with a lawsuit for promoting FTX. Stay Schemin’!Research by Kaelyn Bryant.
Sources:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/sarahemerson/2022/11/22/sam-bankman-fried-ftx-bahamas/?sh=1104083853ac
https://nypost.com/2022/12/07/how-ftx-brass-racked-up-a-55k-debt-at-margaritaville-resort-in-bahamas/
https://www.investopedia.com/what-went-wrong-with-ftx-6828447#:~:text=FTX's%20collapse%20took%20place%20over,the%20native%20token%20of%20FTX.
https://www.theverge.com/2022/11/10/23451484/ftx-customer-funds-alameda-research-sam-bankman-fried
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/10/technology/ftx-binance-crypto-explained.html
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/16/business/ftx-exchange.html
https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidjeans/2022/11/12/the-devil-in-nerds-clothes-how-sam-bankman-frieds-cult-of-genius-fooled-everyone/?sh=6c991c921d26
https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidjeans/2022/11/18/queen-caroline-the-risk-loving-29-year-old-embroiled-in-the-ftx-collapse/?sh=24342d43791f
https://www.vox.com/the-goods/23458837/sam-bankman-fried-ftx-sbf-downfall-explained
https://www.cnbc.com/2022/11/13/sam-bankman-frieds-alameda-quietly-used-ftx-customer-funds-without-raising-alarm-bells-say-sources.html
https://www.cnbc.com/2023/03/30/sam-bankman-fried-pleads-not-guilty-to-latest-round-of-federal-fraud-charges.html
https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2022/12/sam-bankman-fried-has-been-arrested.html
https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2023/04/shaquille-oneal-just-got-served-in-an-ftx-fraud-lawsuit.html
What’s poppin’ con-gregation? This week, Oscar Montoya joins the show to discuss David Hampton, who became infamous for claiming to be the son of Sidney Poitier, conning his way into the upper echelon of New York City society in the 1980’s. It’s giving Six Degrees of Separation. Plus, Milo Yiannopoulos has been accused of using a Congresswoman’s campaign credit card to purchase a website domain for Kanye West’s 2024 presidential campaign. Stay Schemin’!
Scam Goddess Live @ the Elysian Theatre on Thursday, June 22, 2023 in Los Angeles @ 7:30pm PST. Live TICKETS SOLD OUT. To livestream go: https://www.moment.co/scamgoddess
Research by Kaelyn Brandt
SOURCES
https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2003-jul-20-me-hampton20-story.html
https://books.google.com/books?id=9ugCAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA40#v=onepage&q&f=false
https://www.nytimes.com/2003/07/19/nyregion/about-new-york-he-conned-the-society-crowd-but-died-alone.html
https://people.com/movies/about-six-degrees-of-separations-david-hampton-who-conned-people-about-being-sidney-poitiers-son/
https://www.forbes.com/sites/saradorn/2023/05/09/milo-yiannopoulos-accused-of-using-marjorie-taylor-greenes-money-for-kanye-west-campaign-the-credit-card-fiasco-explained/?sh=44dd08566a4a
What’s poppin’ Con-gregation? This week, we are joined by actor-comedian Cameron Esposito to dig into the bisexual DoorDash delivery scammer Joshua Hall, who committed wire fraud by pretending to be multiple family members of the Trump family. Plus, one California-based tattoo studio has been accused by two customers and counting of being scammed out of thousands of dollars for a bad tattoo. Stay Schemin’!
Scam Goddess Live @ the Elysian Theatre on Thursday, June 22, 2023 in Los Angeles @ 7:30pm PST. Live TICKETS SOLD OUT. To livestream go to: https://moment.co/scamgoddess
Research by Kaelyn Brandt
SOURCES:https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/08/technology/trump-family-impersonator.html
https://www.forbes.com/sites/alisondurkee/2021/06/08/feds-charge-22-year-old-for-impersonating-trump-family-in-gays-for-trump-scam/?sh=73a22c6148a9
https://lawandcrime.com/high-profile/pennsylvania-man-who-threatened-california-democratic-congressman-impersonated-trump-family-members-sentenced-to-prison/
https://www.dailydot.com/news/woman-scammed-4000-tattoo/
What’s poppin’ Con-gregation? This week Franchesca Ramsey is back on the show to regale the dangerous diet plans of former fitness influencer Brittany Dawn, who was sued by the state of Texas over harmful claims of her online fitness brand. Plus, the “TikTok Trickster” of the South has been arrested after stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from women across several states. Stay Schemin’!
Scam Goddess Live @ the Elysian Theatre on Thursday, June 22, 2023 in Los Angeles @ 7:30pm PST. Live TICKETS SOLD OUT. To livestream go to: https://www.moment.co/scamgoddess
Research by Kaelyn Brandt
SOURCES
https://www.fox26houston.com/news/tiktok-trickster-wanted-for-scamming-women-arrested-in-kentucky
https://www.fox26houston.com/news/tiktok-trickster-wanted-for-scamming-women-and-stealing-thousands-of-dollars-across-several-states
https://nypost.com/2023/03/14/fitness-influencer-brittany-dawn-accused-of-scamming-clients-vows-to-fight-back/
https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/brittany-dawn-influencer-texas-b2011476.html
https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/kelseyweekman/brittany-dawn-trial-delay
https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/kelseyweekman/influencer-brittany-dawn-trial-what-to-know
https://www.distractify.com/p/brittany-dawn-homeless-man-tiktok
https://www.reddit.com/r/brittanydawnsnark/comments/134nhx0/settlement_agreement/
https://www.inquirer.com/news/nation-world/brittany-dawn-davis-lawsuit-explained-fitness-instagram-20230509.html
https://www.insider.com/christian-influencer-brittany-dawn-criticism-foster-parent-journey-2022-12
What’s poppin’ Con-gregation? Run the World actress Bresha Webb joins the show to discuss Jan Lewandowski, a polka star during the 80’s and 90’s who ran a Ponzi scheme robbing over 400 people of millions of dollars. Plus, one scammer made thousands of dollars off of Frank Ocean fans who bought fake songs generated by AI. Stay Schemin’ !
Scam Goddess Live @ the Elysian Theatre on Thursday, June 22, 2023 in Los Angeles. Live TICKETS SOLD OUT. To livestream go to: https://www.moment.co/scamgoddess
Research by Kaelyn Brandt
SOURCES
https://www.janlewandowski.com/about-me/
https://www.thedailybeast.com/the-polka-king-the-surreal-true-story-of-a-fame-hungry-ponzi-schemer
http://cosmopolitanreview.com/jan-lewan/
https://www.wptv.com/news/national/russia-ukraine-conflict/polka-king-jan-lewandowski-returns-home-to-palm-beach-county-after-visiting-poland-ukraine-border
https://www.timesleader.com/archive/1058732/polka-king-lewan-attacked-his-lawyer-criticizes-prison
https://apnews.com/article/84a47e4da19e036549d574b1ccb56215
https://www.timesleader.com/archive/1049699/lewan-pleads-guilty-in-fraud-case-the-polka-king-is-accused-of-selling-unregistered-securities-in-his-businessesto-many-investors
https://old.post-gazette.com/localnews/firstlight/20030313firstlightp2.asp
https://www.vice.com/en/article/z3mn75/scammer-made-thousands-selling-leaked-frank-ocean-tracks-that-were-fake-ai-generated-the-line-steer-it
What’s poppin’ Con-gregation? Brittani Nichols, producer and writer on Abbott Elementary joins us to discuss the fraud surrounding the WGA writers strike. Also, we discuss how a group of creators scammed their way into shooting a movie by staging a fake engagement. Plus, a man and woman in the U.K. defrauded 80 victims, mostly gay men, they met on dating apps over a 16-year period. Stay Schemin’!
Scam Goddess Live @ the Elysian Theater on Thursday, June 22, 2023 in Los Angeles. Get your tickets go to:
https://www.elysiantheater.com/shows/scamgoddess
Research by Kaelyn Brandt
SOURCES
https://www.advocate.com/crime/2023/1/03/couple-sentenced-after-scamming-over-400k-mostly-gay-men
https://www.vice.com/en/article/884gw5/these-artists-scammed-a-dollar36k-film-shoot-by-faking-an-engagement
https://letterboxd.com/film/cons-pros/
https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1GCEU_enUS890US892&q=kyla+pratt+little+mermaid&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwi987SZufj-AhXJJ0QIHYT7DE0Q0pQJegQIDBAB&biw=905&bih=775&dpr=1.1#imgrc=VxXjND0faDfgCM
Con-gregation! In a special What’s Hot in Fraud, comedian Mano Agapion returns to discuss our favorite CON-gressman George Santos being indicted. Also, Laci and Mano discuss Garrison Kenneth Courtney, a former government official who pretended to be a spy and scammed nearly $4.5 million. Plus, conservative media figurehead Alex Jones found himself the victim of an AI prank call. Stay Schemin’!
Scam Goddess Live @ the Elysian Theatre on Thursday, June 22, 2023 in Los Angeles. Get your tickets HERE.
Research by Kaelyn Brandt
SOURCES
https://gizmodo.com/alex-jones-ai-tucker-carlson-fox-news-infowars-1850410076
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/sandy-hook-alex-jones-tucker-carlson-prank-call-b2333520.html
https://www.thedailybeast.com/how-fake-cia-spy-garrison-courtney-fooled-everyone-and-swindled-millions
https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/legal-issues/garrison-courtney-fraud/2020/10/28/c033d122-fc4d-11ea-b555-4d71a9254f4b_story.html
https://www.oxygen.com/crime-news/garrison-courtney-convicted-of-wire-fraud-in-elaborate-spy-ruse
What’s Poppin’ Con-gregation? This week, comedians Michelle Buteau and Jordan Carlos join us to discuss Victor Lustig, a con artist of the 1920s who's notorious for selling the Eiffel Tower, twice. Plus, a German photographer has rejected an award from the Sony World Photography Awards after winning with an AI-generated “photograph.” Stay Schemin’!
Research by Kaelyn Brandt
SOURCES:
https://www.cnn.com/style/article/ai-photo-win-sony-scli-intl/index.html
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/the-smoothest-con-man-that-ever-lived-29861908/
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/man-who-sold-eiffel-tower-twice-180958370/
https://www.newspapers.com/image/147064321/
https://www.casino.org/blog/lustigs-money-machine-scam/
What’s Poppin’ Con-gregration? This week, Naomi Ekperigin & Andy Beckerman join us to discuss the film Landscape of Lies. Filmmaker Paul Knight was approached to do to the project not knowing it was created for fraud. Plus, fashion influencers have been accused of embezzlement and failure to pay suppliers and employees. Stay Schemin’!
Research by Kaelyn Brandt
https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/film/the-irish-actor-the-iraqi-producer-and-the-gangster-film-scam-1.2506809
https://www.theguardian.com/film/2013/aug/24/landscape-lies-blockbuster-tax-scam
https://www.townandcountrymag.com/society/money-and-power/a42199292/something-navy-business-is-failing/
https://www.independent.ie/entertainment/movies/movie-news/bonnie-and-clyde-aoife-maddens-landscape-of-lies-34388601.html
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2298937/A-Landscape-Of-Lies-Fraudsters-conned-Loose-Women-host-Andrea-McLean-3million-tax-scam-jailed.html
https://pagesix.com/2022/12/07/something-navy-ceo-denies-arielle-charnas-husband-embezzled-money/
Shout out to TikTok account @BullishStudio for reporting on Arielle Charnas.
What’s poppin’s con-gregation? This week, actor and comedian Carl Tart joins the show to discuss Artur Samarin, an immigrant college student who pretended to be a teenager and attended high school in hopes of achieving his NASA dreams. Plus, a 26-year-old has been sentenced to 14 years in prison after stealing $1.2 million from at least 50 people in an elaborate fraud scheme. Stay Schemin'!
Research by Kaelyn Brandt https://news.yahoo.com/texas-grifter-j-nicholas-bryant-041102482.html
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2018/05/artur_samarin_asher_potts_harr.html
https://www.gq.com/story/the-great-high-school-impostor
What’s poppin’ con-gregation? This week Vanessa Bayer and Jonah Bayer join the show to discuss Lady Bandit Pearl Hart, one of the wildest bandits in the Wild West. Plus, an investor attempted to purchase Manhattan’s iconic Flatiron Building for $190 million. Stay Schemin’!
Research by Kaelyn Brandt https://therealdeal.com/new-york/2023/03/24/meet-the-mysterious-buyer-of-the-flatiron-building/
https://time.com/4575757/pearl-hart-stagecoach-robber/
https://nypost.com/2021/10/30/the-wild-life-and-death-of-old-west-feminist-bandit-pearl-hart/
https://lithub.com/the-true-story-of-pearl-hart-straight-shooting-poetry-writing-woman-bandit/
Wildcat: The Untold Story of Pearl Hart, the Wild West’s Most Notorious Woman Bandit by John Boessenecker
What’s poppin’ con-gregation? This week, TV writer Kara Brown joins the show to discuss Threatin, a made up heavy metal band that toured 10 cities across Europe and eventually gained a cult following. Plus, an Italian man has pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud for a crime that has plagued the book publishing community for years. Stay Schemin’!Research by Kaelyn Brandt SOURCES
https://apnews.com/article/new-york-city-fraud-4832c57101d507d427ac4516d525e752
https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-features/threatin-metal-tour-fake-ticket-sales-hoax-767580/
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/11/16/style/threatin-fake-band-tour.html
https://www.metalsucks.net/2018/11/09/l-a-band-threatin-faked-a-fanbase-to-land-a-european-tour-no-one-attended/
https://www.metalsucks.net/2021/09/28/new-documentary-the-rise-and-fall-of-threatin/
Anomaly Documentaries' mini-doc: This Band Faked an International Tour
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7XG2ZmiBHQA&t=1148s
What’s poppin’ congregation? This week, actor Matt Shively joins the show to discuss the Antwerp Diamond Heist, in which a group of Italian thieves attempted to break into the world’s most impenetrable safe filled diamonds and jewels. Plus, the city of Newark, New Jersey was reportedly scammed into becoming a “sister city” with a fake Hindu nation. Stay Schemin’!
Research By Kaelyn Brandt
SOURCES:
https://www.wired.com/2009/03/ff-diamonds-2/
https://thecinemaholic.com/leonardo-notarbartolo-now-where-is-antwerp-heist-mastermind-today/
https://nbc24.com/news/nation-world/newark-nj-admits-it-fell-for-sister-city-scam-after-holding-official-ceremony-for-fake-country-kailasa-ras-baraka-swami-nithyananda
https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/newark-sister-city-scam-kailasa/
What’s poppin’ con-gregation? This week, Allison Raskin joins the show to discuss Crazy Eddie, a businessman who became popular during the 1970’s and 80’s for his outlandish commercials selling discount electronics. Eventually, he was exposed as the King of Fraud. Plus, a popular social media photographer recently confesses to using AI technology to gain followers. Stay Schemin’!
Research by Kaelyn Brandt
SOURCES:
https://petapixel.com/2023/02/21/popular-instagram-photographer-revealed-as-ai-fraud/
https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2023/02/viral-instagram-photographer-has-a-confession-his-photos-are-ai-generated/
https://www.newyorker.com/culture/culture-desk/remembering-crazy-eddie-his-prices-were-insane
https://nypost.com/2022/09/10/retail-king-crazy-eddie-antar-led-an-even-crazier-real-life/
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/09/books/review-retail-gangster-gary-weiss.html
What’s poppin’ con-gregation? This week, Amanda Montell & Isa Medina, host of the podcast Sounds Like a Cult, join Laci to discuss Danielle Miller, a former New York socialite turned influencer-scammer, who got mentored by Anna Delvey during her time at Rikers. Plus, a new way to scam takeout customers out of their Thai food and dollars. Stay Schemin’!
Research by Kaelyn Brandt
Sources:
https://nymag.com/intelligencer/article/danielle-miller-scammer.html
https://nymag.com/news/features/45592/
https://thecinemaholic.com/danielle-miller-where-is-the-con-artist-now/
https://www.bradenton.com/news/local/crime/article267793432.html
https://www.justice.gov/usao-ma/pr/miami-woman-indicted-wire-fraud-and-identity-theft-related-covid-19-pandemic
https://nypost.com/2022/02/15/horace-mann-con-artist-danielle-miller-looking-for-a-roommate/
https://nypost.com/2023/02/25/cory-doctorow-duped-by-fake-thai-restaurant-scam/
What’s poppin’ con-gregation? This week, Langston Kerman and David Gborie join the show to discuss James Stunt, a flashy, royalty-worshipping ex-billionaire who involved the now King of England in a multi-million-dollar art forgery scandal. Plus, a 69-year-old Californian woman has found herself short of $250,000 after being scammed by online romance scammers, twice. Stay Schemin’!
Langston and David host the podcast My Momma Told Me, which is part of Will Ferrell’s and iHeartMedia’s Big Money Players Network.
Research by Kaelyn Brandt
Sources:
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11533341/James-Stunt-faces-retrial-266m-dirty-money-scam.html
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/books/article-11603927/As-Tony-Tetro-discovered-fortune-forging-art-caught.html
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-leeds-64432146
https://archive.vanityfair.com/article/2020/4/the-prince-the-flash-and-the-forger
https://www.kcrw.com/news/shows/greater-la/holidays-art-radio-race/tony-tetro
https://bestlifeonline.com/news-woman-romance-con-artists/
What’s poppin’ con-gregation? This week, comedian Tone Bell joins the show to discuss a group of men in the 1980s who created a sweepstakes company that barely created any winnings. Plus, a 19-year-old has been caught after scamming $37,000 from 439 concerned donors after falsely claiming she had pancreatic cancer.
Research by Kaelyn Brandt
SOURCES
https://nypost.com/2023/01/31/madison-russo-19-charged-in-gofundme-cancer-scam/
https://www.newyorker.com/news/american-chronicles/donald-trump-and-the-sweepstakes-scammers
https://www.bizjournals.com/philadelphia/stories/2002/09/23/newscolumn2.html
https://www.upi.com/Archives/1989/09/29/Five-charged-in-corporate-sweepstakes-scam/5185623044800/
What’s poppin’ Con-gregation? This week, Kelsey McKinney, host of the podcast Normal Gossip joins the show to discuss Tina Duong, a romance scammer who thrives on using her lavish lifestyle to scam others. Plus, a 29-year-old woman has been arrested after enrolling and attending as a student at a New Brunswick, New Jersey high school. Stay Schemin’!
Research by Kaelyn BrandtSOURCES:
https://vietnam.postsen.com/trends/104163/What-does-the-boyfriend-in-the-case-Tina-Duong-accused-of-scamming-17-billion-VND-say.html
https://www.vice.com/en/article/88qj7z/anna-delvey-tina-duong-vietnam
https://vietbao.vn/anna-bac-giang-thua-nhan-lua-dao-hai-vu-dau-tien-388860.html
https://congthuong.vn/he-lo-ban-tuong-trinh-ve-dam-cuoi-trong-truyen-thuyet-cua-anna-bac-giang-222795.html
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/jan/28/woman-29-arrested-fake-high-school-student-new-jersey#:~:text=New%20Jersey-,Woman%2C%2029%2C%20arrested%20for%20allegedly%20posing%20as%20high,school%20student%20in%20New%20Jersey&text=A%2029%2Dyear%2Dold%20woman,arrested%2C%20authorities%20said%20this%20week.
What’s poppin’ con-gregation? This week, comedian Jay Jurden joins the show to discuss David Bunevacz, a frustratingly handsome man who ripped off the well-to-do in Los Angeles with his fake weed vape enterprise. Plus, a Canadian man was arrested shortly after being rescued by the Coast Guard from his capsized boat. Stay Schemin’!
Research done by Kaelyn Brandt.
SOURCES:
https://www.timescolonist.com/local-news/wanted-victoria-man-arrested-after-falling-into-sea-from-stolen-yacht-that-flipped-was-rescued-by-us-coast-guard-6487742
https://lawandcrime.com/crime/yacht-captain-rescued-amid-choppy-seas-is-allegedly-canadian-fugitive-wanted-for-leaving-a-dead-fish-at-the-goonies-house-but-canada-doesnt-want-him-back/
https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2023-02-01/david-bunevacz-marijuana-swindle-los-angeles
What’s poppin’ Con-gregation? For Valentine’s Day, we have the legendary Paula Poundstone on the show to discuss Susan Meachen, an independent romance novelist who faked her death in 2020, miraculously resurrecting in 2022. Plus, a Florida woman has been arrested after a 4-year-long romance scam that resulted in the defrauding of an 87-year-old Holocaust survivor. Stay Schemin’!
Research done by Kaelyn Brandt.
SOURCES:
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/16/health/fake-death-romance-novelist-meachen.html
https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-news/book-author-exposed-fake-suicide-facebook-group-1234655830/?fbclid=IwAR0T1Z8YBSGjkOmKkE2bqww-XVhj2142WqdD97YlxSd0QWLr_eCm8LSaJKc
https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/susan-meachen-author-fake-death-b2265223.html?r=21062
https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/kelseyweekman/susan-meachen-author-alleged-death-hoax
Twitter user @Draggerofliars thread: https://twitter.com/Draggerofliars/status/1610491152091717632
https://abcnews.go.com/US/woman-allegedly-steals-28-million-holocaust-survivor-romance/story?id=96673243
https://www.news4jax.com/consumer/2019/04/30/how-to-avoid-falling-for-fake-online-product-reviews/
What’s poppin’ con-gregation? This week, host of NPR’s It’s Been A Minute, Brittany Luse joins the show to discuss U.S. Rep. George Santos, who is making history as the most fraudulent politician to have been elected to Congress. Plus, a man who has been using Chance the Rapper’s name to scam two victims out of tens of thousands of dollars has been arrested. Stay Schemin’!
Research done by Kaelyn Brandt
SOURCES
https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/accused-con-artist-arrested-after-cbs-2-investigation/
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/12/nyregion/george-santos-donors-fund-raising.html
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/19/nyregion/george-santos-ny-republicans.html
https://www.forbes.com/sites/saradorn/2023/01/13/george-santos-everything-the-embattled-congressman-has-lied-about/?sh=357d28854557
https://nypost.com/2022/12/26/rep-elect-george-santos-admits-fabricating-key-details-of-his-bio/
https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2023/01/george-santos-the-luckiest-liar-in-politics.html
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/13/nyregion/george-santos-republicans-lies.html
https://www.latimes.com/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/story/2023-01-14/george-santos-election-fraud
https://www.npr.org/2023/01/17/1149491284/martin-luther-king-mlk-statue-boston-consternation-laughs-reaction-coretta
What’s poppin’ con-gregation? This week, Claire Fallon & Emma Gray join the show to discuss Edgar LaPlante, who impersonated a chief of the Cherokee Nation across countries during the turn of the 20th century. Plus, a young real estate agent’s reputation is on the line after his identity was stolen and used to stage a New Year’s Eve boat party that never happened. Stay Schemin’!Research done by Kaelyn Brandt.SOURCES:
https://www.museolombroso.unito.it/en/photographs-at-liberty-chief-white-elk-and-the-blackshirts-tuscany-1924/
https://www.nytimes.com/1929/09/20/archives/indian-chief-back-shorn-of-his-glory-says-false-claims-won-him.html
https://www.cbc.ca/radio/thecurrent/the-current-for-september-4-2018-1.4808812/king-con-man-successfully-impersonates-indigenous-leaders-his-whole-life-acquiring-riches-and-fame-1.4809858
https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/life/999371/edgar-laplante-conman-biography-chief-white-elk
https://thecrimewire.com/money/Edgar-LaPlante-Impostor
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11591199/Adelaide-New-Years-Eve-scam-Fake-party-boat-event-Glenelg-frauds-150-people-money.html
What's poppin, con-gregation? Anna Hossnieh joins us to talk about the arrest of Jen Shah, a The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City cast member accused of money laundering. Plus, a thieving travel agent who promises Hawaiian dream getaways that turn into vacation nightmares. Stay schemin!
Research by Sharilyn Vera.
Resources:
https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2021/04/after-jen-shahs-arrest-how-can-we-keep-enjoying-real-housewives
https://nypost.com/2021/03/31/jen-shahs-infamous-shah-ski-chalet-may-be-a-fraud-too/
https://www.travelpulse.com/news/impacting-travel/woman-scams-travelers-out-of-hundreds-of-thousands.html
http://www.thepostgame.com/features/201202/utahs-sharrieff-shah-goes-reporter-coach
https://www.womenshealthmag.com/life/a34620733/jen-shah-husband-sharrieff/
It's a feed drop Con-gregation! Check out a new Team Coco podcast called May I Elaborate: Daily Wisdom from JB Smoove. Every morning, JB breaks down an inspirational quote, like only he can, to help you achieve your highest potential. Plus, he’s not even asking for money! So, enjoy the show and Stay Schemin!
What's poppin, con-gregation? This week Miles Gray (The Daily Zeitgest) is on the pod to break down the greatest scheme in modern love. Honestly, this guy's amazing. We swipe right! Mazel!
What's up Con-gregation! Not gonna lie, this is one of our wildest episodes thanks to Ayo Edebiri (Sunnyside, Forbes) and dig deep into controversial tale of Linda Taylor, the Welfare Queen!
Research: Sharilyn Vera
SOURCES:
https://www.amazon.com/Queen-Forgotten-Life-Behind-American/dp/031651330X
https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/slate/the-queen
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/05/20/books/review/josh-levin-queen-linda-taylor.html
https://newrepublic.com/article/154404/myth-welfare-queen
Happy New Year Con-gregation! Scams are all about hindsight so we got together with our good friend Oscar Montoya (Spanish Aquí, Bless The Harts) to look at our favorite scammer of the decade, habitual political line-stepper and possibly my soulmate, Mina Chang!
Research: Sharilyn Vera
Sources:
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/ncna1080356
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vIhWGIUGboE
https://www.thecut.com/2019/11/unfortunately-i-love-mina-chang-state-department-scammer.html
https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/gyze3b/this-senior-state-department-officials-resume-was-extremely-bogus
https://www.businessinsider.com/who-is-mina-chang-from-state-department-career-2019-11
https://twitter.com/ksieff/status/1194342219664232454?s=20
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/how-did-mina-chang-get-state-department-job-first-place-n1091516
This episode is brought to you by Buffy Comforters.
What's good Con-gregation! Thanks to you Scam Goddess is catching that SHINE, scamming our way into Spotify Pick of the Year! What better to celebrate than with our hilarious friend Jonathan Braylock (Astronomy Club on Netflix December 6th!) as we uncover a legend from the birthplace of fraud, Nigeria's own Emmanuel Nwude!
Research Assistant: Sharilyn Vera
SOURCES:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emmanuel_Nwude
https://www.bosshunting.com.au/hustle/nigerian-fake-airport-scam
https://www.unilad.co.uk/life/nigerian-scammer-sold-fake-airport-for-242-million-to-international-bank/
https://www.flyertalk.com/articles/nigerian-scammer-sold-fake-airport-to-international-bank.html
https://www.ladbible.com/community/interesting-emmanuel-nwude-carried-out-the-biggest-scam-in-nigeria-20180825
This episode is brought to you by Pretty Litter (www.prettylitter.com code: SCAM) and Dashlane (www.dashlane.com/scam).
We back at it, Con-gregation! This is Scam Goddess, the #1 pod dedicated to all things fraud! This week Laci welcomes comedy’s #1 sleepy boy Andrew Ti (Mix-ish, Yo, Is This Racist?) to cover one of Silicon Valley’s finest, Elizabeth Holmes, the CEO of the now defunct Theranos.
Research Assistant: Sharilyn Vera
Sources:
https://www.businessinsider.com/theranos-founder-ceo-elizabeth-holmes-life-story-bio-2018-4#theranoss-business-model-was-based-around-the-idea-that-it-could-run-blood-tests-using-proprietary-technology-that-required-only-a-finger-pinprick-and-a-small-amount-of-blood-holmes-said-the-tests-would-be-able-to-detect-medical-conditions-like-cancer-and-high-cholesterol-13
https://www.thecut.com/2019/03/why-doesnt-elizabeth-holmes-blink-theranos.html
https://www.thedailybeast.com/hbos-the-inventor-how-theranos-elizabeth-holmes-pulled-off-the-scam-of-the-century
This episode is brought to you by Atlas Coffee Club (www.atlascoffeeclub.com/scam).
How we living, Con-gregation? Welcome back to Scam Goddess, the #1 pod dedicated to all things fraud! This week Laci chops it up with actor, comedian, & podcaster Jacquis Neal (Culture Kings, UCB). Together they discuss the curious case of the family who adopted a 9 year old Ukrianian orphan who might have secretly been a 22 year old adult.
Research Assistant: Sharilyn Vera
Sources:
https://www.thecut.com/2019/10/kristina-barnett-adopted-child-real-life-orphan.html [thecut.com]
https://www.elle.com/culture/celebrities/a29205646/kristine-barnett-natalia-grace-adoption/ [elle.com]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qMDBTcYo-ho
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7479061/Mom-claims-Ukrainian-daughter-9-adopted-really-22-year-old-dwarfism.html [dailymail.co.uk]
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7512143/Adoptive-parents-Ukrainian-girl-dwarfism-appear-court.html [dailymail.co.uk]
https://nypost.com/2019/09/23/couple-claims-their-abandoned-child-is-actually-a-scam-artist-with-dwarfism/ [nypost.com]
https://www.wishtv.com/news/crime-watch-8/parents-accused-of-abandoning-adopted-child-in-apartment-mom-says-its-a-scam/ [wishtv.com]
https://www.insider.com/ukrainian-orphan-natalia-barnett-new-family-report-2019-9 [insider.com]
https://www.oxygen.com/crime-time/michael-kristine-barnett-plead-not-guilty-in-ukranian-dwarf-adoption-case [oxygen.com]
https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/clarissajanlim/natalia-grace-ukranian-adoption-orphan [buzzfeednews.com]
This episode is brought to you by Dashlane (www.dashlane.com/scam code: SCAM).
Welcome back Con-gregation to Scam Goddess, the #1 pod dedicated to all things fraud! This week Laci is joined by stand up, actress, & podcaster Nicole Byer (Nailed It!, Best Friends Podcast) for a look at the many scams & lives of (fraudulent) “international” guy of grift-stery, Jeremy Wilson.Research Assistant: Sharilyn Vera Sources: https://www.gq.com/story/the-petty-grifter https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/08/nyregion/jeremy-wilson-con-artist-convicted.html https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/manhattan/fake-army-vet-man-stiff-prison-sentence-nyc-judge-article-1.3148604 This episode is brought to you by Upstart (www.upstart.com/goddess) and Dashlane (www.dashlane.com/scam code: SCAM).
What’s up Con-gregation & welcome Scam Goddess, the #1 pod dedicated to all things fraud! In this initial episode comedian, actor, and podcast papi Paul F. Tompkins joins host Laci Mosley for a deep dive into Anna Delvey aka Anna Sorokin the scam heiress; a fake German heiress turned Manhattan socialite who swindled dozens of people out of hundreds of thousands of dollars. Research assistant: Sharillyn VeraThis episode is brought to you by Pretty Litter ( www.prettylitter.com code: SCAM).
Scam Goddess is a podcast dedicated to fraud and all those who practice it! Each week host Laci Mosley (aka Scam Goddess) keeps listeners up to date on current rackets, digs deep into the latest scams, and breaks down historic hoodwinks alongside some of your favorite comedians! It's like true crime only without all the death! True fun crime! Premiering Tuesday, Oct. 1st.
Laci Mosley is a Black American actor, comedian, and podcaster. She performs improv comedy at UCB Los Angeles and is a series regular in Season 2 of HBO's "A Black Lady Sketch Show," and in the ShowMax comedy series "Florida Girls." She is also a cast member in Paramount+'s "iCarly" reboot and a contributor on ABC's "The Con."
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