Scamfluencers

Explore the rise and fall of Billy Mitchell, the self-proclaimed King of Kong, whose perfect Pac-Man score made him a legend. Delve into the scandal surrounding his Donkey Kong records and the controversies sparked by rival Steve Wiebe. Discover the intense scrutiny over his gameplay footage and the forensic analysis that uncovered discrepancies. The saga reveals how gaming fame can lead to legal battles and tarnished reputations, and offers insights into the darker side of competitive hobbies.

We’ll be back in two weeks with a brand new episode. In the meantime, here’s one of our favorites: an unlikely scam baked up in a small Texas town. Sandy Jenkins moves to the gossipy, small town of Corsicana, Texas to work in its world-famous fruitcake factory. Desperate to keep up with his cliquey neighbors, Sandy starts cutting himself checks to pay for jewelry, cars, a second home and private jet trips. But this half-baked scheme starts to crumble when a new employee takes a closer look at how Sandy cooks the books.Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterListen to Scamfluencers on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/scamfluencers/ now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We’ll be back soon with brand new episodes. In the meantime, we’re sharing an episode from our friends at Lawless Planet, hosted by Zach Goldbaum. Lawless Planet is a podcast about the scams, crimes, and cover-ups fueling the climate crisis, and the battle between those trying to save the planet…and those cashing in on its destruction.Today’s episode tells the story of the biggest biofuel scam in U.S. history. An unlikely duo – a polygamist cult leader and an Armenian mobster – spotted massive loopholes in America’s clean-energy tax credits and exploited them for over one billion dollars. They thought they’d pulled off the perfect con…until the FBI and EPA caught up, aided by a young woman who escaped the cult just in time.Special thanks to: Jeff Manuel, author of Ethanol: a Hemispheric History for the Future of Biofuels.Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterListen to Scamfluencers on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/scamfluencers/ now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For nearly a century the Cipriani family has served celebrities, royalty, and cultural icons. Since opening their first restaurant in Venice in 1931, they’ve helped shape fine dining and invent dishes that became global classics. But as the Cipriani empire expanded, so did the scandals – including union busting, tax evasion, and alleged mob connections. Turns out the Cipriani recipe for success included a lot more than just glitz, glamor, and champagne.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Calvin Darden Jr. was a master con artist, leveraging his charm and a fake celebrity network to swindle money from investors. His lavish lifestyle was built on forged documents and stolen funds, leading to millions in fraudulent earnings. After a brief prison stint, he returned to scamming, even impersonating his father to continue his deceit. The podcast unravels Calvin's audacious schemes, exploring why he kept taking risks despite numerous arrests and federal indictments. A fascinating glimpse into the mind of a smooth-talking hustler!

Dive into the audacious scheme of Clifford Irving, who faked interviews with the reclusive Howard Hughes for a tell-all biography, banking on Hughes's isolation to evade scrutiny. Discover how Irving’s obsession with fame led him to forge letters to secure a lucrative deal. As the hoax unravels, Hughes unexpectedly speaks up, casting doubt on Irving's narrative. The hosts explore the investigative efforts that expose the truth, culminating in legal consequences for Irving and a lasting impact on both their lives.

Alan Todd May's wild journey is a thrilling rollercoaster of deception. With charm and audacity, he posed as a wealthy Texas oilman, running elaborate scams, even from prison. His flee-from-the-law antics included a high-society reinvention in Palm Beach, complete with lavish parties. However, attention-seeking led to his downfall, as a simple photo exposed his true identity. The intricate web of lies finally unraveled, culminating in his arrest and sentencing. Tune in for a fascinating story of ambition, betrayal, and the high cost of greed.

Dive into the glamorous world of Studio 54, where the elite danced amid secrets of tax evasion. From its extravagant opening night, filled with celebrities, to the systematic cash-skimming schemes, the story unveils the rise and fall of this iconic nightclub. Explore how IRS raids and dubious legal tactics led to the downfall of its founders. The hosts also discuss their post-prison reinvention into boutique hotels and the lasting cultural impact of Studio 54 as a symbol of an era defined by excess and exclusivity.

Rick Ames, a mediocre CIA agent with a drinking problem, turned into a double agent, selling secrets to the KGB for nearly a decade. Joined by his wife, Rosario, they enjoyed a life of luxury while imperiling countless lives. Their betrayal had deadly consequences for many Soviet double agents. As suspicions grew, internal investigations linked their opulent lifestyle to espionage. Ultimately, both were caught, with Rick receiving a life sentence, leaving behind a legacy of greed and treachery in the intelligence community.

Delve into the glitzy world of the 1980s with the rise and fall of Michael Milken, the 'Junk Bond King.' Discover how his risky financing strategies transformed Wall Street and empowered corporate raiders like T. Boone Pickens. Learn about Milken's relentless ambition, his empire-building tactics in Los Angeles, and how his opaque practices led to investigations and his eventual downfall. Explore his brief prison stint, subsequent reputation rehab, and continued influence through philanthropy and conferences.