Scamfluencers
Audible
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. 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.Audible subscribers can listen to all episodes of Scamfluencers ad-free right now. Join Audible today by downloading the Audible app.
Episodes
Mentioned books
11 snips
Mar 3, 2025 • 37min
ENCORE: Gossip Girls | Part 1 | 148
Two Canadian sisters, Kiran and Jyoti Matharoo, become embroiled in a bizarre scandal involving a fake apology video linked to their controversial gossip blog in Nigeria. As they navigate the world of fame, they reveal the darker side of influence and the high stakes of social media. Their whirlwind lifestyle is filled with luxury, but public scrutiny takes a toll. Amidst rumors and a tense encounter with Nigerian police, the sisters learn about identity and authority, uncovering the complexities of their glamorous yet precarious existence.
8 snips
Feb 24, 2025 • 53min
Priscila Barbosa: The Rideshare Robinhood | 147
Priscila Barbosa's journey from Brazil to Boston takes a wild turn as she tries to pay off debts by driving for rideshare services. Frustrated with her earnings, she joins forces with other undocumented immigrants to create an illicit rideshare ring. The narrative explores her glamorous online persona, which masks the moral complexities of her actions. As Priscila balances survival and exploitation, her risky maneuvers ultimately lead to her capture, revealing the intricate dance between ambition and ethics in a world filled with scams.
42 snips
Feb 17, 2025 • 46min
Brian Wansink: Guess Who’s Conning to Dinner | 146
Explore the rise and fall of Brian Wansink, the 'food psychologist' whose questionable research practices sparked major controversy. Dive into the flaws of misleading studies like those comparing calorie counts in well-known cookbooks. Hear about the impact of sensationalism in culinary science and the ethical dilemmas surrounding academic integrity. Discover the tension between public recognition and health concerns in nutrition, while advocating for a more mindful approach to food amidst prevalent misinformation.
22 snips
Feb 10, 2025 • 55min
The Hitler Hoax | 145
In a wild tale from the early 80s, a forger conjures fake diaries of Adolf Hitler, feeding the media's insatiable hunger for sensationalism. The absurdity peaks as journalists chase a story too implausible to be true, driven by the allure of Nazi memorabilia and deceitful nostalgia. As the hoax unravels, ethical dilemmas surrounding authenticity and credibility take center stage. Chaos ensues, revealing a labyrinth of deception intertwined with a bizarre obsession for historical artifacts and the dark side of journalism.
13 snips
Feb 3, 2025 • 52min
Eike Batista: Brazillionaire Boys Club | 144
Explore the rise and fall of Brazilian billionaire Eike Batista, a larger-than-life figure whose extravagant lifestyle was marred by corruption and scandal. As his ambitious oil ventures faced fierce scrutiny, the intertwining tales of personal turmoil and legal battles unfold. Discover the intricate web of deceit involving bribery and high-profile political alliances that rocked Brazil. The chaos following arrests reveals the absurdities of wealth and power, leaving a lasting impact on society amidst a backdrop of ambitious dreams gone awry.
9 snips
Jan 27, 2025 • 44min
Take the Monopoly Money and Run | 143
Uncover the surprising origin of Monopoly amid the Great Depression, spotlighting Charles Darrow's rise and the overshadowed contributions of original creator Lizzie Maggie. Explore an individual’s bold legal fight against corporate giants, marked by a quirky pre-deposition sandwich. Delve into the cultural impact of the game, the struggles for recognition, and Ralph's creation of Anti-Monopoly, advocating for fairness. The podcast weaves personal stories with a critique of capitalism through the lens of this iconic board game.
15 snips
Jan 20, 2025 • 54min
Frédéric Bourdin: No Country For Old Men | 142
A woman believes she's reunited with her long-lost son, only to discover he's a notorious French imposter. As Frédéric Bourdin weaves a web of deception, the mystery of the real Nicholas Barclay deepens. The psychological implications of his identity manipulation come to light, leaving family and investigators reeling. Emotional reunions become fraught with tension as the truth unfolds. Amidst false identities and painful discoveries, the story questions the nature of belonging and the lengths to which one will go for safety.
13 snips
Jan 13, 2025 • 50min
Apollo Nida: It’s Too Late to Apollo-gize | 141
Apollo Nida's tumultuous journey from reality TV star to notorious scammer unfolds with shocking revelations. Explore his complex relationship with Phaedra Parks, marked by romance and legal turmoil. The podcast dives into the dark world of identity theft and fraud, highlighting the pressures of fame that led to Apollo's downfall. Tensions rise as personal struggles intersect with public personas, creating a gripping narrative of betrayal and consequences that even reality TV can't fully capture.
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.
