Scamfluencers Doris Payne: Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Grift | 170
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Aug 4, 2025 Doris Payne's life as a jewel thief is nothing short of fascinating. Starting her crime spree in her teens, she swiped an estimated $2 million worth of jewels over seven decades across nine countries. Her story dives into the societal challenges of race and gender that led her to crime, revealing a complex character behind her charming persona. Amid thrilling heists and narrow escapes, the humanity of her emotional struggles and personal loss becomes apparent, making her a captivating antihero in the world of theft.
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Doris's Childhood Theft Trigger
- Doris Payne's childhood was marked by witnessing domestic violence and racial humiliation. - A humiliating incident at a local store triggered her first act of petty theft, a watch she didn't return to the owner.
Early Power Plays in Theft
- Doris began testing her ability to steal watches at Woolworths by distracting the salesmen. - She never kept stolen items then, showing it was a power game more than crime initially.
First Real Heist With Partner
- Doris recruited a friend Judy to pose as a patient while she acted as her nurse to steal jewelry. - She pawned the jewels for a substantial sum, marking her first successful heist with a partner.
