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
Nov 4, 2024 • 44min
Yolanda Saldívar: Fan Fatale | 130
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.
Oct 28, 2024 • 47min
Matthew Cox: Main Character Syndrome | 129
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.
Oct 21, 2024 • 44min
There's No Business Like Scam Business | 128
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.
Oct 14, 2024 • 45min
Richard Bandler: The Self-Help Scammer | 127
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.
Sep 23, 2024 • 41min
Elon Musk: Too Big to Scam | 124
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.
Sep 16, 2024 • 40min
Jack Abramoff: Bringing Down the House Part 2 | 123
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.
Sep 9, 2024 • 43min
Jack Abramoff: Bringing Down the House Part 1 | 122
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.
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.
