Scamfluencers
Wondery
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jan 6, 2025 • 49min
Joe Francis: Indie Sleaze | 140
Jamila Wignot, an Emmy-nominated director known for her work on "Girls Gone Wild: The Untold Story," joins to dissect the troubling legacy of Joe Francis and his infamous brand. They delve into the controversial filming practices and the exploitation of young women. Wignot reveals the darker side of spring break culture and the psychological impact on participants. The conversation critically addresses consent, ethical filmmaking, and the shifting public perception of Francis, painting a complex picture of fame, legal troubles, and societal change.
10 snips
Dec 31, 2024 • 38min
ENCORE: Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker: The God Fraud | Part 2 | 139
In a riveting tale, Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker navigate their post-scandal lives. Tammy reinvents herself as a beloved TV personality, while Jim returns to televangelism with a twist—selling apocalypse products. Legal battles and personal crises shape their paths, revealing their complex legacies. From courtroom drama to Tammy's rise as a queer icon and Jim's dubious health claims, the podcast explores the absurdity and tragedy of their journeys. Tune in for insights on survival humor and the ethical dilemmas of faith exploitation.
Dec 30, 2024 • 40min
ENCORE: Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker: The God Fraud | Part 1 | 138
Explore the captivating rise and fall of Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker, from their early days in Christian broadcasting to their transformation into television superstars. The couple’s struggles with scandal, their ambitious Heritage USA theme park, and Tammy's empathetic outreach during the AIDS crisis reveal both their charm and controversies. As legal troubles mount and financial misconduct is exposed, their opulent lifestyle unravels, showcasing the moral complexities faced by religious figures in the spotlight.
Dec 23, 2024 • 43min
ENCORE: Dr. Oz: Supplement Spin Doctor | 137
Dr. Oz's transformation from a well-respected heart surgeon to a controversial television personality is explored. His rise to fame, driven by Oprah's endorsement, faced a chaotic fallout over dubious health claims. The ethical dilemmas surrounding his promotional tactics and the intense scrutiny he faced during Senate hearings are examined. As he pivoted into politics, his journey raises questions about integrity in health media. The duality of ambition and notoriety paints a complex picture of a man constantly navigating fame's pitfalls.
Dec 16, 2024 • 37min
ENCORE: The Great Syrup Swindle | 136
Discover the jaw-dropping tale of the Great Syrup Swindle, where over 6 million pounds of maple syrup vanished in Canada. Delve into the secretive world of the Quebec Maple Syrup Producers, where illegal trades and heists unfold amidst strict regulations. The podcast blends humor with intrigue, showcasing wild heist tactics and courtroom drama. Unpack the cultural fallout and health issues from stolen syrup, and enjoy humorous tales of friendship and betrayal, all set against the backdrop of a uniquely Canadian scam.
14 snips
Dec 9, 2024 • 45min
John Gluck: Santa Claus is Coming to Con | 135
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.
7 snips
Dec 2, 2024 • 53min
All Or Nothing: The Rise of Sports Betting | 134
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.
Nov 25, 2024 • 46min
The Scamfluencers Holiday Special | 133
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.
Nov 18, 2024 • 35min
Bob Menendez: Bad Romance Part 2 | 132
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.
Nov 11, 2024 • 44min
Bob Menendez: Bad Romance Part 1 | 131
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.
