Delve into the bizarre tale of John Gluck, who turned answering Santa letters into a lavish con. His Santa Claus Association, initially charming, soon became a front for his greed. Explore his chaotic journey from a caring youth to a deceptive leader, even as he tried to invoke peace during World War I. The podcast reveals the tangled web of charity, ethics, and corruption in early 20th-century New York, culminating in Gluck's dramatic downfall and the fight for accountability in philanthropy.

Sports betting is booming across America, but with it comes a wave of scams. Hear about an accountant who duped an NFL team and a baseball interpreter who betrayed a star player. The episode uncovers the dark side of legalized gambling, featuring shocking stories of addiction, embezzlement, and ethical dilemmas within the NFL. The rise of betting apps blurs the lines of responsibility, leading to tragic outcomes for individuals caught in their grip. It's a thrilling exploration of greed, risk, and the integrity crisis in sports.

Come join Sarah and Scaachi for a very Scamfluencers holiday special. We’ll give thanks to the scammers we’ll never forget, review our naughty and slightly-less-naughty list, and roast the ones who deserve it… along with chestnuts on the open fire. We’ve got updates on some of our most infamous scammers, and we name a few scammers-to-be who we hope get indictments in their stockings. We’re making like Grinches crashing a Whoville party and toasting to the most American thing of all: scamming!  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.

A senator and his wife face serious bribery charges, leading to a dramatic courtroom showdown. As the senator turns on his co-conspirators, including his wife, tensions rise amidst swirling media scrutiny. Personal tragedies complicate their legal battles, with a history of fatal accidents adding weight to their story. Witness testimonies reveal shocking truths about political corruption. The saga reflects a volatile political climate and the complex interplay of love, loyalty, and justice in the face of scandal.

Bob Menendez rode an anti-corruption reputation to the highest levels of the New Jersey political machine. But as he ascends to the U.S. Senate, he realizes he can raise money the good old-fashioned way: through bribes. By the time he meets his one true love, Nadine Arslanian, Bob is no stranger to corruption, and as a senior member of the senate, he’s more than happy to use his influence to make his new girlfriend happy.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.

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.

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.