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
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.
Feb 19, 2024 • 42min
The Shark Tank Charlatan | 93
A charismatic salesman turns to fraud after finding success on 'Shark Tank.' Preying on vulnerable women, he manipulates and exploits them for personal gain. Through a police sting operation, the extent of his deception is revealed, leading to justice for his victims.
Feb 12, 2024 • 45min
Death Becomes Him | 92
Alexandre Despallieres gets to live out his lifelong fantasy of recording a pop song when he’s just 19 years old. He thinks it’s his chance to achieve everything he’s always wanted, including music industry stardom. But when the single falls flat, Alexandre will have to find other ways of becoming rich and famous – even if it means lying, committing crimes, and swindling the wealthy benefactors who fall in love with him.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.
Jan 8, 2024 • 38min
Martha Stewart: The Homemaker Hustler Part 1 | 87
Martha Stewart, successful entrepreneur, builds a lifestyle empire and faces an insider trading scandal. Her upbringing, early career, and challenges as a woman in business are discussed. The podcast also covers illegal insider trading, media frenzy, and the fallout on her business empire.
