
Scamfluencers
You never really know someone…especially online. In today’s world, the power of influence can be the quickest path to money and fame, and it often ends in ruin. These are the stories of the world’s most insidious Scamfluencers. And we are their prey. On Wondery’s new weekly series, join co-hosts Scaachi Koul and Sarah Hagi as they unpack epic stories of deception from the worlds of social media, fashion, finance, health, and wellness. These influencers claim to be everything from charismatic healers to trusted financial insiders to experts in dating. They cast spells over millions. Why do we believe them, and how does our culture allow them to thrive? From Black Swan Murder to a fake social media influencer to an audacious Hollywood Ponzi schemer, each season will take the listener along the twists and turns, the impact on victims, and what’s left when the facade falls away.Need more Scamfluencers? With Wondery+, enjoy exclusive episodes, early access to new ones, and they’re always ad-free. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/scamfluencers/ now.
Latest episodes

Sep 2, 2024 • 46min
Kingdom Con: The Vermont Ski Scam | 121
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.

Aug 26, 2024 • 48min
Abby Lee Miller: Scam Like Nobody's Watching | 120
In this captivating discussion, Abby Lee Miller, the notorious reality TV star and dance teacher from 'Dance Moms,' shares her tumultuous journey from bankruptcy to overnight fame. She reveals the unexpected clash between her public persona and personal financial struggles. Listeners will find out how her reality show obscured richer complexities of her life, including her tumultuous legal battles and the impact of her behavior on others. Abby reflects on her controversial legacy and the ethical dilemmas of reality television.

Jul 29, 2024 • 45min
Lance Armstrong: Tour De Fraud | 116
In this engaging conversation, Lance Armstrong, the controversial former professional cyclist, opens up about his tumultuous journey through fame, triumph, and scandal. He shares insights into his determination to win, the secret world of doping, and the intimidation tactics he used against whistleblowers. Armstrong reflects on the moral dilemmas of his choices and the emotional toll of his downfall. The discussion also touches on his public apologies and the ongoing impact of his legacy on the sport and himself.

Jul 22, 2024 • 43min
The Great British Post Office Scandal | 115
Discover how the UK Post Office system covered up glitches, blaming small shop owners for losses. Follow the fight for justice by a team of owners, journalists, and a TV producer, exposing the biggest government scam in UK history.

Jul 15, 2024 • 43min
Barbie's Schemehouse | 114
Ruth Handler is a mom and small business owner when a sex doll gives her inspiration for a toy that will change everything: Barbie. She becomes the proto-Girl Boss who’s willing to lie, cheat and steal to make Mattel the biggest toy company in the world. And she’s having a good day every day, until shareholders and the SEC catch her making pretend with business documents.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.

Jul 8, 2024 • 45min
Allen Stanford: The Lord of the Lies | 113
A man named Allen Stanford, bankrupted in Texas, starts an off-shore bank in Antigua, using client money for personal luxuries like private planes. He bullies coworkers, makes blood oaths with regulators, and faces reality during the 2008 financial crisis

Jun 10, 2024 • 47min
Steve Madden: The Cobbler Con | 109
Steve Madden transforms from Long Island screw-up to fashion icon thanks to an eye for fashionable footwear and an addiction to work. But to get his shoe brand off the ground, Steve got entangled with one of the Wolf of Wall Street himself, Jordan Belfort. And Steve’s dealings with Jordan — including wild parties and stock manipulation — won’t stay secret forever. When Jordan’s scam spirals out of control, Steve’s left on his back foot.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.

12 snips
Apr 15, 2024 • 44min
Leona Helmsley: The Art of the Steal Part 1 | 101
Billionaire real estate magnate Leona Helmsley, known as the Queen of Mean, rises to power through manipulation and aggressive tactics. Her extravagant lifestyle and ruthless leadership style earn her both fame and resentment. Leona's financial deception and questionable practices attract IRS scrutiny, leading to a downfall in high society. The podcast delves into her tumultuous rise to prominence and the call for tips from listeners.

Apr 8, 2024 • 40min
Have Your Cake and Eat It, Too | 100
A tale of embezzlement and deception in a small town where gossip rules. Sandy Jenkins, a fruitcake factory worker, lives a lavish lifestyle by cooking the books. FBI raids, fleeing to Santa Fe, and legal troubles unravel the Jenkins' fraudulent schemes. Explore the downfall of Sandy and Kay as their ill-gotten wealth leads to imprisonment and tragic consequences.

Mar 25, 2024 • 39min
Dial M for Mom | 98
When ex-cop Chris Butler opens a private investigation agency, he recruits some unlikely employees: good-looking soccer moms. His agency starts garnering tons of positive press and even gets a reality T.V. deal. It all seems too good to be true, but Butler is hiding a dirty secret. Pretty soon, his P.I. agency will become the subject of a different kind of investigation – this time, by the Department of Justice.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.