Yolanda Saldívar’s whole life is Tejano music, especially the genre’s biggest rising star: Selena Quintanilla. Yolanda works her way into Selena’s inner circle, first as leader of her fan club and eventually more like a second mother. Then she abuses her power, terrorizing staff and stealing from Selena and her family. But when Selena catches onto her schemes, Yolanda senses that her time in the spotlight may be coming to an end, and she makes a desperate and deadly decision.Listen 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.

Matthew Cox's journey from aspiring real estate mogul to fugitive showcases the slippery slope of ambition turning into deception. He navigates a web of identity theft and mortgage fraud, all while grappling with familial pressures and public perception. After serving time, he pivots to true crime storytelling, using his past for entertainment. The podcast dives into the moral complexities of exploiting a criminal history and the psychological motivations behind such schemes. It’s a thrilling glimpse into the mind of a self-proclaimed scammer turned content creator.

Garth Drabinsky's rise to fame in theater is both inspiring and controversial. From staging mega-hits like Phantom of the Opera to facing intense financial pressures, his journey is riddled with ambition and deception. The podcast dives into the darker side of theater management, showcasing the struggles of producers and the unethical choices made under financial duress. It also touches on the personal cost of ambition and the quest for redemption in a cutthroat industry. Trust issues and questionable practices in entertainment are explored, revealing a world ripe for scandal.

Dive into the controversial world of Richard Bandler, a self-help guru who combined psychology with hypnotism. Discover how he created Neuro-Linguistic Programming amid personal chaos fueled by addiction and insecurity. The podcast unpacks his rise to fame, the ethical dilemmas of his methods, and the darker consequences of his influence, including a tragic murder trial. It also examines how NLP's principles have spiraled into manipulative tactics in self-help circles, revealing the thin line between empowerment and exploitation.

A notorious crypto couple spills the beans on their audacious $4.5 billion Bitcoin heist and the chaotic life that followed. Their story features a cringe-worthy lifestyle revealed through social media, culminating in an FBI raid. Delve into their whirlwind romance as ambitions clash, and witness their chaotic apartment search for hidden contraband. Explore the vibrant contrasts of their lavish wedding against impending legal doom, all while navigating the slippery world of cryptocurrency crime and the lessons learned from misguided social media fame.

Jason Kurland, a former Long Island real estate lawyer, represented lottery winners before his fall from grace. He dives into the pitfalls of sudden wealth and the dark side of financial advice. Kurland shares his ambitious journey, tainted by greed, leading to his involvement in fraudulent schemes. As his clients' fortunes turned into curses, the harsh realities of mismanaged lottery wins unfold. The conversation unveils shocking truths about trust and deception, highlighting the high stakes in the world of lottery winners.

Kate Conger and Ryan Mac, New York Times reporters and co-authors of 'Character Limit: How Elon Musk Destroyed Twitter', dive deep into the chaotic saga of Musk's $44 billion Twitter acquisition. They explore how Musk's tech prowess led to a wild buyout spree and the subsequent fallout. The discussion touches on the challenges faced during the acquisition, the emotional aftermath for laid-off employees, and the shifting public perception of Musk. The episode raises critical questions about influence, accountability, and the very nature of social media.

Jack Abramoff, a former lobbyist infamous for his manipulative career and dramatic downfall, shares his controversial journey through Washington politics. He reflects on the risks of exposing corruption and the tension between personal integrity and lobbying practices. Abramoff details his tumultuous Senate testimony and the backlash from former allies. He candidly discusses his quest for redemption in evolving political landscapes, despite ongoing legal troubles and the impact of his actions on indigenous communities.

Jack Abramoff got his start bending the rules while he was still in elementary school… and never stopped. At first, he works to advance right-wing causes he believes in. Jack’s principles start to fade once he finds his true calling: using pay-to-play politics to amass wealth and power for himself and his friends. Years before calls to drain the swamp, Jack Abramoff was The Swamp Thing.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this insightful discussion, ski enthusiast Bill Stenger, who aims to revitalise a Vermont mountain town, joins his business partner Ariel. They reveal their ambitious plan to transform a ski resort into a bustling year-round destination. The conversation uncovers how they tapped into the EB-5 visa program, promising jobs and investment. However, millions go unaccounted for, leading to a rollercoaster of financial mismanagement and fraud as troubled investors band together. The fallout exposes ethical dilemmas and the dark side of ambitious development.