

PRETEND
Creative Babble, LLC
PRETEND is an investigative true crime podcast about real people who lie for a living — con artists, scammers, and the victims caught in their web.
Hosted by journalist Javier Leiva, PRETEND exposes the human psychology behind deception and fraud. Each episode follows a real case of manipulation — from financial scams and Ponzi schemes to digital hoaxes and emotional cons.
PRETEND explains how and why deception works without shaming victims, combining ethical journalism with cinematic storytelling.
Featured in lists of the best podcasts about con artists and scams, PRETEND investigates crimes of persuasion, trust, and betrayal. New episodes drop regularly with stories that reveal how manipulation shapes modern life, both online and off.
PRETEND is produced by Creative Babble, LLC.
© 2025 Creative Babble LLC
[CLAIM:B6BT3XC4]
Hosted by journalist Javier Leiva, PRETEND exposes the human psychology behind deception and fraud. Each episode follows a real case of manipulation — from financial scams and Ponzi schemes to digital hoaxes and emotional cons.
PRETEND explains how and why deception works without shaming victims, combining ethical journalism with cinematic storytelling.
Featured in lists of the best podcasts about con artists and scams, PRETEND investigates crimes of persuasion, trust, and betrayal. New episodes drop regularly with stories that reveal how manipulation shapes modern life, both online and off.
PRETEND is produced by Creative Babble, LLC.
© 2025 Creative Babble LLC
[CLAIM:B6BT3XC4]
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 10, 2023 • 41min
1411: The Lost and Found part 2 (Rudy Farias)
On the next episode of Pretend, we investigate the perplexing case of 17-year-old Rudy Farias. While he was presumed missing for eight years, an unexpected twist raised suspicions of a hoax. Our investigation uncovers a trail of fraud linked to Rudy's mother, Janie Santana, spanning decades. This includes multiple marriages, charity scams, a fabricated cancer diagnosis, and even laying claim to the house of a late sheriff's deputy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 3, 2023 • 25min
1410: The Lost and Found part 1 (Rudy Farias)
Missing teen is found. From Heartwarming Reunion to 'Wait, What?' Hoax ClaimsSo, here's a plot twist for you: Rudy Farias, the Houston teen who was reported missing in 2015, returned after eight years. Instead of celebration and joyful tears, rumors were swirling about possible deception. Where was Rudy Farias hiding? This is not your typical missing person's case. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 26, 2023 • 29min
1409: The Shit Show (plus Stalker update)
Subscribe to the Ponzi Playbook podcast:https://linktr.ee/ponziplaybook Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 19, 2023 • 33min
1408: The Digital Pickpocket part 2
James Freedman: Unmasking the Modern-Day PickpocketIn a world where the hustle and bustle of everyday life increasingly revolves around smartphones and digital wallets, the age-old craft of pickpocketing has found new avenues to thrive. Enter James Freedman, a British entertainer and professional pickpocket who has chosen a unique and unexpected path. Rather than succumbing to a life of crime, Freedman employs his extraordinary skills to aid law enforcement in apprehending criminals.The notion that pickpocketing is a vanishing art form is a misconception. Instead, it has evolved and adapted to the digital age. Today, we delve into the intriguing world of modern pickpocketing with James Freedman, who will unveil the intricate techniques behind the art of "tapp, dip, and swipe."Links:James Freedman: https://www.jamesfreedman.com/CNET's Best Password Managers:https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/best-password-manager/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 12, 2023 • 27min
1407: The Digital Pickpocket part 1
Pickpockets in the Digital Age: The Evolution of a Timeless CrimeIn a world where technology reigns supreme, the art of pickpocketing has not vanished into history's annals.While traditional pickpocketing still thrives in popular European tourist destinations like Barcelona, Prague, and Rome, the game has evolved. In an era where wallets bulging with cash have been replaced by minimalist essentials - a smartphone and keys - cunning thieves have adapted to exploit new opportunities. In this eye-opening interview with James Freedman, we delve into the world of pickpocketing in the digital age with a master of the craft, exploring a spectrum that spans from the classic pocket-wallet dip to the intricacies of credit card swipes and other forms of digital fraud that may leave you astonished—technology changes, as do the tactics of those seeking to exploit it.Listen to part 2 (early and ad-free):Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/channel/pretend/id6443456985Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pretendradioLinks:James Freedman: https://www.jamesfreedman.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 5, 2023 • 8min
1405: The Pests part 5
In this bonus episode, we pick up where we left off, diving into the events leading up to the much-anticipated August 24th contempt of court hearing involving Patrick Tomlinson.In our previous episode, we shared the suspenseful build-up to this critical date, where Patrick faced potential jail time for failing to pay the legal fees of the opposing party. In our last interview. Patrick had made it clear that he had no intention of making the required payment.So, what happened on August 24th contempt of court hearing? Patrick showed up with his attorney, and so did one of his relentless tormentors, Dan Mullen, who shared his account of a tense courtroom encounter.Intriguingly, Patrick filed a motion just days before the hearing, outlining his demands to the court. He requested a postponement and a closed, private hearing held over video conferencing due to safety concerns. This was in response to online chatter suggesting some of his foes planned to attend in person.But the drama didn't end there. Patrick made a bold claim in his motion, alleging the identity of his online nemesis, "quasi101," and hinting at a familial connection to a federal judge, all without providing any evidence.However, the outcome of the hearing surprised many. Both sides agreed on a payment, and Patrick paid the court-ordered debt, amounting to $32,709.80, satisfying this particular legal obligation.The big question now: Does this payment signify a truce in this long-standing online feud? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aug 29, 2023 • 29min
Criminal Conduct Season 4 - Getting Away with Murder
A mother's anguish resurfaces as her son's convicted killer is set free due to a jury verdict reversal by a judge. This is the story of Pravin Varughese.Binge all 9-episodes ad-free:Patreon: https://patreon.com/CriminalConductPodcast PRETEND+ Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/channel/pretend/id6443456985 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aug 22, 2023 • 53min
1404: The Pests part 4
There are always two sides to every story. In part 4, listen to my interview with the online forum administrator. We discuss the ongoing legal battle with Patrick Tomlinson and why Patrick may go to jail over this feud._____________Binge all 9-episodes of CRIMINAL CONDUCT ad-free:Patreon: https://patreon.com/CriminalConductPodcastPRETEND+ Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/channel/pretend/id6443456985 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aug 15, 2023 • 34min
1403: The Pests part 3
This podcast explores the challenges of online harassment and the legal obstacles faced by Patrick Tomlinson, a sci-fi writer. It delves into the disturbing experiences of swatting and bomb threats endured by Patrick and Nikki Tomlinson. The host also discusses a bomb threat at a music event involving Patty Lebel and their ongoing feud. The podcast touches on the gameplay of the detective game June's Journey and the battle against online harassment. It includes an exploration of identity confusion and payments, as well as a contempt of court hearing for Patrick Tomlinson. Stay tuned for part four where the pests share their side of the story.

Aug 8, 2023 • 31min
1402: The Pests part 2
WARNING: This episode contains language and disturbing content. Listener discretion is advised. Police Storm Sci-fi Writer's Home 42 Times in "Swatting" CampaignWisconsin science fiction author Patrick Tomlinson and his wife have been living a nightmare, enduring years of terror as cyber stalkers repeatedly sent police to their doorstep in a relentless "swatting" campaign. The couple, who claim to have experienced this terrifying ordeal 42 times, describes the chilling encounters with officers storming their home with guns drawn, handcuffing Tomlinson in his front yard, and even alleging that he had killed his wife. The reason for this campaign of terror, they say, stems from a trivial online criticism of the late comedian Norm Macdonald, leading to a series of threatening messages encouraging the author to take his own life.Listen to all 4 episodes early and ad-free:PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/pretendradioPRETEND+ (Apple Podcast): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/channel/pretend/id6443456985 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices


