Scamfluencers

Dive into the intriguing life of François-Marie Banier, who rose from a troubled childhood to become a prominent figure in the Parisian art scene. His close relationship with L’Oréal heiress Liliane Bettencourt sparks questions of manipulation and true intentions. As gifts and affection flow, concerns arise from Liliane’s daughter about François-Marie's influence. Tensions intensify, leading to legal battles and a web of scandal that captures the attention of the nation. Join this tale of ambition, art, and the blurry lines of friendship within wealth.

Molly’s journey begins with a cancer diagnosis that prompts her to leave her stale marriage behind in search of adventure. She shares funny and poignant tales of dates, including a wild encounter with 'Toyota Guy' and a chaotic rendezvous in a parked car. The stories highlight both the hilarity and vulnerability of modern dating. As she navigates these escapades, deeper themes of healing, forgiveness, and making the most of life unfold, leaving listeners reflecting on their own experiences.

Explore the rise and fall of Conrad Black, who transformed a Canadian newspaper into a global media giant. Discover his extravagant lifestyle, marked by lavish parties and elite connections with figures like Margaret Thatcher. Learn about the shady business practices that led to scrutiny and betrayal from his partner. Delve into the intense courtroom drama as Black battles legal troubles, all while navigating the moral implications of ambition and privilege in the media world. The hosts reflect on the allure of luxury versus the charm of ordinary life.

Dive into the riveting tale of Lee Israel, a writer turned forger, who finds herself in a precarious world of deception and ambition. Uncover her crafty schemes to sell forged celebrity letters, all while grappling with ethical dilemmas and personal turmoil. The thrilling dynamics of her forgeries lead to unexpected confrontations and eventual legal troubles. Explore the complexities of creativity versus integrity in a narrative filled with dark humor and the harsh realities of a life built on lies.

Kat Torres has the insta-perfect life. She is rich, gorgeous and not ashamed to share it. Her posts about witchcraft and “alien baths” drew in over a million followers, all chasing the dream of a lifestyle like hers. But as she gathers more followers around her, the secrets beneath her fame grow darker and more dangerous.   One woman sets out to bring back her best friend who has fallen under the spell of this modern-day guru.   And what begins as a search for a missing friend soon puts her on a collision course with Kat. Based on the hit Brazilian podcast, journalist Chico Felitti uncovers a gripping story of influence, control, and those who dare to fight back.Listen to Don’t Cross Kat: Wondery.fm/DontCrossKat See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dive into the wild world of Giancarlo Parretti, the Italian businessman who tried to acquire MGM through elaborate scams and falsified loans. Explore his rise from a waiter to a Hollywood mogul, navigating legal troubles and chaotic takeovers. Discover the turbulent partnerships and moral dilemmas in a glamorous yet shady film industry. As the tale unfolds, laugh along with humorous Italian cultural references while pondering the thin line between ambition and ethics in creative fields. Get ready for a captivating journey!

Billy Mitchell's reign as the 'King of Kong' faces scrutiny as suspicions of cheating arise. The rivalry between him and up-and-coming gamers adds fuel to the fire, revealing the dark side of competitive gaming. A humorous animated parody escalates into a legal battle, showcasing the absurdity of public personas in gaming culture. As accusations swirl, the emotional fallout and the struggle for legitimacy reshape the landscape of arcade competitions. The push for a more enjoyable gaming community highlights the importance of shared experiences over cutthroat competition.

We’ll be back next week with all-new episodes but in the meantime we’re bringing back a very timely episode. In 2024, President Biden commuted the sentences of nearly 1,500 people in one day… including one of our very own Scamfluencers. Rita Crundwell had horse girl dreams, and she used her job as comptroller of a small Illinois town to pull off a colossal fraud. She poured millions into showing quarter horses and lived extravagantly… until one nosy co-worker unraveled the entire scheme. Rita bankrupted an entire town in what became the biggest case of municipal embezzlement in U.S. history. 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.

The Matharoo sisters have gone from globe-trotting tastemakers to detained prisoners. Stuck in an airport hotel without their passports or phones, they decide to take matters into their own hands – and hatch a bold escape plan. Before long, their story goes from local gossip fodder to an international scandal. 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.

Two Canadian sisters, Kiran and Jyoti Matharoo, become embroiled in a bizarre scandal involving a fake apology video linked to their controversial gossip blog in Nigeria. As they navigate the world of fame, they reveal the darker side of influence and the high stakes of social media. Their whirlwind lifestyle is filled with luxury, but public scrutiny takes a toll. Amidst rumors and a tense encounter with Nigerian police, the sisters learn about identity and authority, uncovering the complexities of their glamorous yet precarious existence.