Scamfluencers

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.

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.

Priscila Barbosa's journey from Brazil to Boston takes a wild turn as she tries to pay off debts by driving for rideshare services. Frustrated with her earnings, she joins forces with other undocumented immigrants to create an illicit rideshare ring. The narrative explores her glamorous online persona, which masks the moral complexities of her actions. As Priscila balances survival and exploitation, her risky maneuvers ultimately lead to her capture, revealing the intricate dance between ambition and ethics in a world filled with scams.

Explore the rise and fall of Brian Wansink, the 'food psychologist' whose questionable research practices sparked major controversy. Dive into the flaws of misleading studies like those comparing calorie counts in well-known cookbooks. Hear about the impact of sensationalism in culinary science and the ethical dilemmas surrounding academic integrity. Discover the tension between public recognition and health concerns in nutrition, while advocating for a more mindful approach to food amidst prevalent misinformation.

In a wild tale from the early 80s, a forger conjures fake diaries of Adolf Hitler, feeding the media's insatiable hunger for sensationalism. The absurdity peaks as journalists chase a story too implausible to be true, driven by the allure of Nazi memorabilia and deceitful nostalgia. As the hoax unravels, ethical dilemmas surrounding authenticity and credibility take center stage. Chaos ensues, revealing a labyrinth of deception intertwined with a bizarre obsession for historical artifacts and the dark side of journalism.

Explore the rise and fall of Brazilian billionaire Eike Batista, a larger-than-life figure whose extravagant lifestyle was marred by corruption and scandal. As his ambitious oil ventures faced fierce scrutiny, the intertwining tales of personal turmoil and legal battles unfold. Discover the intricate web of deceit involving bribery and high-profile political alliances that rocked Brazil. The chaos following arrests reveals the absurdities of wealth and power, leaving a lasting impact on society amidst a backdrop of ambitious dreams gone awry.