Matthew Cox | Inside True Crime Podcast

Hollywood Con Queen Exposed

Oct 29, 2025
Scott Johnson, an investigative journalist and author of The Hollywood Con Queen, delves into the bizarre case of a scam artist impersonating powerful Hollywood women. He shares the emotional fallout from one victim's life savings lost to a fake project and explains the psychological motivations behind the scam. With a thrilling account of how he tracked the scammer to Manchester and confronted them, Scott highlights the extensive investigative efforts and the criminal's chilling past, making for a gripping discussion on crime and deceit.
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INSIGHT

High Labor, Low Direct Profit

  • Most victims lost relatively small amounts, but the scam's labor intensity came from maintaining constant contact and control over many people.
  • The operation required 24/7 communication, repeated phone calls, and continual recruitment to sustain itself.
INSIGHT

A Global Web Of Victims

  • The scam's victims numbered in the hundreds across continents, making it a global, multi-jurisdictional case.
  • Scott noted victims existed on every continent except Antarctica, prompting FBI and international investigations.
ADVICE

Submit Detailed Evidence To Authorities

  • Report victims should submit detailed evidence to law enforcement portals to help cross-border investigations.
  • Scott notes the FBI created a portal collecting emails, dates, amounts, and documents from worldwide victims.
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