Scamfluencers

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.

Dive into the chilling tale of Yolanda Saldívar, a devoted fan turned dangerous manipulator in Selena Quintanilla's life. Explore the toxic dynamics of their relationship, marked by betrayal and escalating control. Discover how Yolanda's obsession spiraled, leading to devastating consequences and a violent confrontation. The podcast also highlights the cultural ramifications of Selena's tragic death and the courtroom drama that followed. This story serves as a powerful reminder of the fine line between admiration and obsession.

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.

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.