Scamfluencers

When Jan Lewan escapes to the United States from Poland in the 1970s, he uses his musical talent to become a larger than life polka star and pursue the American dream. Fueled by his charm and charisma, he performs for presidents, gets nominated for a Grammy, and attracts a devoted following. But like any good showbiz story, there’s a dark underbelly to Jan’s world: he uses his fanbase to fuel a Ponzi scheme. But when his wife’s pageant competition gets mired in a mysterious scandal, Jan’s shady dealings come to light, and his career unravels in bitterness and tragedy. Until, that is, a legit Hollywood star steps in to give him an unlikely third act.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.

By the late 1980s, Christian Karl Gerhartsreiter is now known as New York City bond trader Christopher Crowe. But even the Wall Street lifestyle is not quite glamorous enough for him. So he decides to transform once again, this time into a billionaire heir: a Rockefeller. With his new last name, he meets the woman of his dreams and settles into the leisurely life he’s always wanted. But when his past catches up with him — skeletons and all — it’ll all go up in flames. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In a thrilling tale, Christian Karl Gerhartsreiter transforms from a Bavarian boy into a master conman, adopting the identity of Clark Rockefeller. He cleverly navigates high society with charisma and deceit, weaving a web of intricate lies that ensnare unsuspecting women. As his facade crumbles, dark secrets emerge, revealing the disturbing lengths he went to belong in America. The narrative entwines themes of love, identity, and manipulation against a backdrop of family turmoil and wedding intricacies, keeping listeners on the edge of their seats.

George Santos' wild fabrications captivated the nation, raising questions about his life story and political ambitions. From flamboyant drag performances to scandalous campaign financing, his journey is a rollercoaster of deceit. Legal troubles culminated in his expulsion from Congress and guilty pleas for wire fraud and identity theft. The podcast unveils the bizarre anecdotes and morally questionable actions that characterized Santos' chase for fame, highlighting the unsettling intersection of truth and falsehood in modern politics.

Amidst Erika Jayne’s rising stardom, her husband Tom Girardi's legal troubles deepen, raising concerns over finances and ethics. A chaotic baby shower mixes glitz with rivalry as lawyers clash over high-stakes cases. Lavish lifestyles are juxtaposed with the dire consequences faced by clients left in limbo. Scandals involving extramarital affairs and misappropriated funds complicate their lives. As legal battles intensify, the fallout threatens their reputations, marriages, and freedom in a world where fame and deceit intertwine.

Dive into the chaotic world of the AOL-Time Warner merger, one of the most infamous corporate disasters. Discover the rollercoaster of emotions as initial excitement crashes into stock downturns. Explore the desperate measures taken by AOL's team to chase ad revenue before the merger deadline. Tensions soar as executives grapple with investor confidence and the future of their ambitious dream. This riveting tale unveils the complexities and ethical dilemmas behind monumental business decisions.

Dive into the enticing world of Tom Girardi, a once-revered attorney whose glamorous life with pop star Erika Jayne masks a realm of legal turmoil. As the narrative unfolds, explore the contrasts between fame and the dark secrets that surface, revealing a dramatic backdrop where a celebrated lawyer's questionable ethics collide with a reality star's quest for identity. The podcast melds legal high-stakes drama with personal journeys, challenging notions of justice within a glittering facade that’s far from the ideal.

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.

Discover the tumultuous journey of Guo Wengui, a former billionaire who flees China only to thrive in the U.S. under a cloak of activism. Explore his dual life—portrayed as a whistleblower while manipulating investors through dubious ventures. Delve into his lavish lifestyle and the shocking betrayal of a devoted follower who breaks free from his grip. Legal troubles mount as his empire unravels, revealing a darker side to his charismatic facade. This captivating tale of ambition, deception, and the quest for truth will leave you questioning everything.

Pras Michel, co-founder of the Fugees, finds himself tangled in a web of crime after meeting Malaysian billionaire Jho Low. What starts as a quest for political connections spirals into a global scandal involving far-right figures and hostage negotiations. The lavish lifestyle and extravagant requests lead Pras down a dark path as he grapples with ethical dilemmas and legal challenges. The narrative dives deep into the complexities of fame, ambition, and the perilous world of international intrigue.