Fraudsters
Fraudsters is a true-crime comedy docuseries. Comedians Seena Ghaznavi, JD, Justin Williams, PhD, and Ariel Leaty bring you the scams you love from the fraudsters we hate. Our show merges the chat-cast and the deep-dive to take a humorous look at fraudsters that abuse trust, distort reality, and take advantage of vulnerable people financially. Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Fraudsters ad-free. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
S5 E25 · Tue, February 25, 2025
Stoned as Can Be with Tommy and Paris Chong
For our very last bonus episode of Season 5, we have an interview with Tommy and Paris Chong. And for the kids listening to the show, Tommy Chong is a Canadian-American comedian, actor, and activist, mostly known for his weed humor with comedian Cheech Marin and their classic stoner movies like Up in Smoke and Nice Dreams. In this interview, you’ll hear how Tommy got into comedy, what it was like for Paris to grow up as Tommy Chong’s son, and how they got into the business of selling bongs together, which of course led to Tommy’s arrest in 2003, as part of Operation Pipe Dreams. It’s a wild one, man! Follow The Show: Twitter: https://twitter.com/fraudstersLPN Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fraudsterslpn/ Discord: https://discord.gg/WRZ8zgusPT Website: https://fraudsters.fm/ Follow the Hosts: https://www.instagram.com/seenanow/?hl=en https://www.instagram.com/justin_williams_comedy https://twitter.com/arielleaty Follow our Guests: https://www.instagram.com/heytommychong/?hl=en https://www.instagram.com/paristchong/?hl=en Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Fraudsters ad-free. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
S5 E24 · Tue, February 18, 2025
Diving Deep into the Kids for Cash Scandal with Marsha Levick
This week’s bonus episode is an interview with Marsha Levick, the co-founder and Chief Legal Officer of the Juvenile Law Center. We dive into the infamous Kids for Cash scandal—how it was exposed, the fight for justice, and the larger patterns of corruption that allow people to profit from locking up kids. We also explore the devastating impact of the War on Drugs on juvenile incarceration, the dehumanization of youth in the system, and how policing and policy have evolved from Reagan to today. Where have we made progress, and what work still needs to be done? Follow The Show: Twitter: https://twitter.com/fraudstersLPN Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fraudsterslpn/ Discord: https://discord.gg/WRZ8zgusPT Website: https://fraudsters.fm/ Follow the Hosts: https://www.instagram.com/seenanow/?hl=en https://www.instagram.com/justin_williams_comedy https://twitter.com/arielleaty Follow our Guest: https://x.com/marshalevick?lang=en Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Fraudsters ad-free. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
S5 E23 · Tue, February 11, 2025
The Criminalization of Black Youth, Mass Incarceration, and Undoing the Damage with Kris Henning
Blume Professor of Law and Director of the Juvenile Justice Clinic and Initiative at Georgetown Law, Kris Henning, sat down with us over Zoom in the summer of 2024 to talk about the War on Drugs. She spoke about what led to her writing her book, “The Rage of Innocence: How America Criminalizes Black Youth,” how drug policies have affected kids in juvenile court and detention centers, the importance of language, and the role dehumanization plays in the War on Drugs. Follow The Show: Twitter: https://twitter.com/fraudstersLPN Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fraudsterslpn/ Discord: https://discord.gg/WRZ8zgusPT Website: https://fraudsters.fm/ Follow the Hosts: https://www.instagram.com/seenanow/?hl=en https://www.instagram.com/justin_williams_comedy https://twitter.com/arielleaty Follow our Guest: https://x.com/profkrishenning https://www.instagram.com/profkrishenning/ Check out ‘The Rage of Innocence: How America Criminalizes Black Youth’ by Kris Henning here: https://www.amazon.com/Rage-Innocence-America-Criminalizes-Black/dp/1524748900 Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Fraudsters ad-free. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
S5 E22 · Tue, February 04, 2025
Policing, Prisons, and Policy with the ACLU’s Yasmin Cader
In this week’s bonus interview, we sit down with Yasmin Cader, Deputy Director of the ACLU and Director of the Trone Center for Justice and Equality, to explore the lasting impact of the War on Drugs on the U.S. criminal justice system. Yasmin shares what led her to become a public defender and her experiences practicing in D.C., NYC, and L.A. at the height of mass incarceration. We dive into the role of punitive drug laws, racial disparities in enforcement, police militarization, and the myths surrounding mass incarceration. Finally, we discuss the critical work being done to challenge the prison industrial complex and explore real solutions for drug policy reform. Follow The Show: Twitter: https://twitter.com/fraudstersLPN Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fraudsterslpn/ Discord: https://discord.gg/WRZ8zgusPT Website: https://fraudsters.fm/ Follow the Hosts: https://www.instagram.com/seenanow/?hl=en https://www.instagram.com/justin_williams_comedy https://twitter.com/arielleaty Follow our Guest: https://www.instagram.com/yasmin_cader/?hl=en Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Fraudsters ad-free. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
S5 E21 · Tue, January 28, 2025
‘The Harm Reduction Gap’ with Dr. Sheila Vakharia
This week, we’re talking all things drug policy, harm reduction, and the lingering effects of the War on Drugs with our special guest, Dr. Sheila Vakharia. Dr. Vakharia is the Deputy Director of Research and Academic Engagement at the Drug Policy Alliance, which is a fantastic organization that addresses the harms of drug use and drug criminalization through policy solutions, organizing, and public education. Dr. Vakharia is also a harm reductionist, social worker, and author of “The Harm Reduction Gap”. Listen as Dr. Vakharia shares stories from her book and personal experiences, including working at a Syringe Service Program and the challenges of advocating for harm reduction in a system designed to perpetuate stigma. And we take a look at what’s next: progressive decriminalization efforts, lessons from Oregon’s missteps, and how the average person can make a difference. Follow The Show: Twitter: https://twitter.com/fraudstersLPN Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fraudsterslpn/ Discord: https://discord.gg/WRZ8zgusPT Website: https://fraudsters.fm/ Follow the Hosts: https://www.instagram.com/seenanow/?hl=en https://www.instagram.com/justin_williams_comedy https://twitter.com/arielleaty Follow our Guest: https://www.instagram.com/myharmreduction/?hl=en https://x.com/myharmreduction Check out The Harm Reduction Gap by Dr. Sheila Vakharia: https://www.routledge.com/The-Harm-Reduction-Gap-Helping-Individuals-Left-Behind-by-Conventional/Vakharia/p/book/9781032294735 Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Fraudsters ad-free. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
S5 E20 · Tue, January 21, 2025
'The Boogeyman' with Montel Williams
Welcome to the land of bonus episodes, where we release long-form interviews with a variety of guests about the war on drugs that we recorded in the summer of 2024. Here is our interview with Montel Williams. Now the host of Let’s Be Blunt, the number one rated Cannabis podcast in 2023, Montel Williams was a Marine and Navy officer where he undertook rescue missions and earned multiple medals of distinction. He then transitioned into the world of television where he became a household name with The Montel Williams Show, winning an Emmy in 1996 for Outstanding Talk Show Host. As you’ll hear in this interview, his show often tackled tough, controversial subjects, including the war on drugs and CIA involvement. We’ll hear about his transition from military service to talk show host, how his MS diagnosis led him to become an advocate of cannabis, and how the US used racism to perpetuate the war on drugs. Follow The Show: Twitter: https://twitter.com/fraudstersLPN Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fraudsterslpn/ Discord: https://discord.gg/WRZ8zgusPT Website: https://fraudsters.fm/ Follow the Hosts: https://www.instagram.com/seenanow/?hl=en https://www.instagram.com/justin_williams_comedy https://twitter.com/arielleaty Check out Let’s Be Blunt with Montel Williams: www.letsbebluntmontel.com Follow our Guests: https://www.instagram.com/montel_williams/?hl=en https://x.com/Montel_Williams Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Fraudsters ad-free. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
S5 E19 · Tue, January 14, 2025
Where Are We Now?
In the final episode of our series on the war on drugs, we take a look at the present and future of this crisis with some help from Montel Williams and Dr. Sheila Vakharia. Yasmin Cader (ACLU) and Kris Henning (Georgetown Law) return for a roundtable discussion to offer their insight on the current state of the war on drugs and offer a hopeful outlook. From policy failures to glimmers of reform, we wonder, where do we go from here? Stay tuned for bonus content with full interviews! Follow The Show: Twitter: https://twitter.com/fraudstersLPN Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fraudsterslpn/ Discord: https://discord.gg/WRZ8zgusPT Website: https://fraudsters.fm/ Follow the Hosts: https://www.instagram.com/seenanow/?hl=en https://www.instagram.com/justin_williams_comedy https://twitter.com/arielleaty Check out The Harm Reduction Gap by Dr. Sheila Vakharia and Let’s Be Blunt with Montel Williams Follow our Guests: https://www.instagram.com/montel_williams/?hl=en https://x.com/Montel_Williams https://www.instagram.com/myharmreduction/?hl=en https://x.com/myharmreduction https://www.instagram.com/yasmin_cader/?hl=en https://x.com/profkrishenning Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Fraudsters ad-free. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
S5 E18 · Tue, January 07, 2025
Operation Pipe Dreams and the Take Down of Tommy Chong
What, you thought we were done talking about The War on Drugs?! Well, think again! We’re back with a special epilogue and we're diving into Operation Pipe Dreams, the infamous federal investigation that led to the arrest of Tommy Chong. Join us as we explore how this operation led by John Ashcroft and Mary Beth Buchanon targeted businesses selling drug paraphernalia across the country. We sit down with journalist Brian Conway for an in-depth look at the operation's impact, and Tommy Chong himself alongside his son, Paris, who share their experience getting busted and reflect on the evolving war on drugs. It's a wild ride through one of the most notable moments in the history of drug enforcement. Follow The Show: Twitter: https://twitter.com/fraudstersLPN Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fraudsterslpn/ Discord: https://discord.gg/WRZ8zgusPT Website: https://fraudsters.fm/ Follow the Hosts: https://www.instagram.com/seenanow/?hl=en https://www.instagram.com/justin_williams_comedy https://twitter.com/arielleaty Follow our Guests: https://www.instagram.com/heytommychong/?hl=en https://www.instagram.com/paristchong/?hl=en https://www.instagram.com/elbrayanmiguel/ https://www.instagram.com/pghindependent/ Sources: https://www.laweekly.com/chong-family-values/ https://www.justice.gov/archive/opa/pr/2003/February/03_crm_106.htm https://www.huffpost.com/entry/operation-pipe-dream-10-y_b_2745740 https://collider.com/the-wolf-of-wall-street-jordan-belfort-tommy-chong/ https://finance.yahoo.com/news/real-wolf-wall-street-lived-190304316.html?guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAALUINWjWcu9pmFFwl1XO5zewBMO7I0sXu_qS8YEWYEixh5aJ4UDIIqFJdR06DFb2gbD5B6i09_gPwroh-Z6gvveQYz2JQMzRKxBYKyTtQKjnya-3ud1iCd6YPnkTIzjIKrkT8MC94tyWOl1vH0xVd2-vAjm1HMR1xk70YEw7Mmh2&guccounter=2 https://www.legistorm.com/stormfeed/view_rss/385742/organization/95775/title/operations-pipe-dreams-and-headhunter-put-illegal-drug-paraphernalia-sellers-out-of-business.html https://www.c-span.org/program/news-conference/anti-drug-initiatives/123135 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihDXmNzc9JA&t=40s Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Fraudsters ad-free. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
S5 E17 · Tue, December 03, 2024
A Tale of Two Fraudsters: John Kapoor and The Sacklers
It’s the season finale of Fraudsters, and we’re reluctantly exploring the grim origins of America’s opioid crisis. From the Sackler family’s OxyContin empire, built on shameless marketing, fake science, and philanthropy-as-image-laundering, to John Kapoor’s Insys Pharmaceuticals, a scrappy underdog peddling fentanyl sprays, we unravel the fraud that fueled this epidemic. With half a million deaths, shattered communities, and contrasting fates for these corporate villains, it’s a class war in a pill bottle. Who paid the price—and who walked free? Follow The Show: Twitter: https://twitter.com/fraudstersLPN Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fraudsterslpn/ Discord: https://discord.gg/WRZ8zgusPT Website: https://fraudsters.fm/ Follow the Hosts: https://www.instagram.com/seenanow/?hl=en https://www.instagram.com/justin_williams_comedy https://twitter.com/arielleaty Sources: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/feb/13/meet-the-sacklers-the-family-feuding-over-blame-for-the-opioid-crisis https://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/01/business/01sackler.html https://www.esquire.com/news-politics/a12775932/sackler-family-oxycontin/ https://theconversation.com/a-dangerous-method-in-defence-of-freuds-psychoanalysis-5989#:~:text=According to Freud's theory%2C mental,caused by early childhood trauma . https://www.bmj.com/content/suppl/2005/07/18/331.7509.DC1 https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/12-napp-pharmaceutical-holdings-rhmq8hnpfgx https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/sackler-family-oxycontin-opioid-drug-scandal-british-connection-q3wd30s35 https://lithub.com/on-terminal-pain-and-the-origins-of-the-end-of-life-movement/ https://www.nytimes.com/1987/05/27/obituaries/dr-arthur-sackler-dies-at-73-philanthropist-and-art-patron.html https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/19/business/ray
S5 E16 · Tue, November 26, 2024
Profiting Off Punishment: The Kids for Cash Scandal
Get ready for one of the most sinister and heartbreaking frauds this week – the Kids for Cash scandal. Judges Mark Ciavarella and Michael Conahan turned Pennsylvania’s juvenile justice system into their very own cash cow, sentencing kids to private detention centers they secretly profited from. How else are you gonna clear $330,000 of credit card debt…? From denying legal representation to forcing minors into facilities over petty offenses, their scheme destroyed lives for kickbacks. Join us as we unravel their twisted web of greed and power with guests Marsha Levick co-founder of the Juvenile Law Center and Corene Kendrick of the ACLU. Follow The Show: Twitter: https://twitter.com/fraudstersLPN Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fraudsterslpn/ Discord: https://discord.gg/WRZ8zgusPT Website: https://fraudsters.fm/ Follow the Hosts: https://www.instagram.com/seenanow/?hl=en https://www.instagram.com/justin_williams_comedy https://twitter.com/arielleaty Follow Our Guests: https://x.com/ck94117 https://x.com/marshalevick?lang=en Sources: https://www.congress.gov/congressional-record/volume-152/issue-30/extensions-of-remarks-section/article/E330-1 https://ursdayton.org/about/ https://thearc.org/ https://www.timesleader.com/archive/330195/news-local-news-523246-ciavarellas-wife-files-for-divorce-2 https://www.timesleader.com/top-stories/816416/ciavarella-denied-compassionate-release https://www.bop.gov/inmateloc/ https://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/21/us/21judge.html?searchResultPosition=1 https://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/12/us/12brfs-JUDGESARECHA_BRF.html?searchResultPosition=13 https://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/28/us/28judges.html https://graphics8.nytimes.com/packages/pdf/national/20090328_judges_charges.pdf https://www.newspapers.com/image/535978548/ https://www.newspapers.com/image/508543336/ https://jlc.org/news/lessons-kids-cash-part-2-all-children-must-have-access-legal-representation-court https://jlc.org/cases/am-v-luzerne-county-juvenile-detention-center https://www.newspapers.com/image/504007342/ Clips: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xO-bXCdZpMw https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jdhsf1u3JVY Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Fraudsters ad-free. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
S5 E15 · Tue, November 19, 2024
It’s a Bird, It’s a Plane, It’s the Superpredator Myth!
Picture this: it’s the mid-'90s. Coolio’s Gangsta’s Paradise dominates the airwaves, and America’s crime hysteria is peaking. It’s the perfect time for a new villain to emerge: the “superpredator.” Tune in as we unravel the fear-mongering myth born from flawed statistics, Ivy League arrogance, and moral panic—spearheaded by Princeton professor John DiIulio. We explore how this theory intersected with the 1994 Crime Bill, fueling mass incarceration and devastating policies, with guests Kris Henning (Director of the Juvenile Justice Clinic at Georgetown Law) and Yasmin Cader (Deputy Director at the ACLU). Through stories like Terrance Lewis’s—wrongfully imprisoned for 22 years—we reveal the human cost of a lie that reshaped America’s justice system. Follow The Show: Twitter: https://twitter.com/fraudstersLPN Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fraudsterslpn/ Discord: https://discord.gg/WRZ8zgusPT Website: https://fraudsters.fm/ Follow the Hosts: https://www.instagram.com/seenanow/?hl=en https://www.instagram.com/justin_williams_comedy https://twitter.com/arielleaty Follow Our Guests: https://x.com/profkrishenning https://www.instagram.com/yasmin_cader/?hl=en Sources: https://www.newsweek.com/did-liberals-put-black-america-behind-bars-297096[↩︎](about:blank#fnref1) Martinson, R. "What works?—questions and answers about prison reform". Public Interest 1974↩︎ https://www.nytimes.com/2018/12/03/us/politics/bush-willie-horton.html[↩︎](about:blank#fnref3) https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/1992-democratic-party-platform[↩︎](about:blank#fnref4) https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/analysis-opinion/1994-crime-bill-and-beyond-how-federal-funding-shapes-criminal-justice[↩︎](about:blank#fnref5) https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2019/6/20/18677998/joe-biden-1994-crime-bill-law-mass-incarceration[↩︎](about:blank#fnref6) Clips: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3HY45DY2B8w&t=356s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izRCGHJmg0M&t=1568s https://www.pbs.org/video/retro-report-on-pbs-season-1-episode-8-correcting-myth-superpredator/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j0uCrA7ePno Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Fraudsters ad-free. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
S5 E14 · Tue, November 12, 2024
One Bag of Crack for Bush Senior, Please!
In the summer of 1989, President George H.W. Bush’s War on Drugs needs a dramatic touch for his first national address: a bag of crack cocaine bought steps from the White House. The DEA zeroes in on Keith Jackson, an unsuspecting young dealer, luring him into a dangerous setup to secure the president’s controversial prop. As Bush’s speech electrifies the nation, Keith faces life-altering consequences, sparking questions about political theater, selective justice, and a deeply flawed system. Tune in now as we dive into the chilling tactics used in America’s zero-tolerance crusade with the help of our guest, journalist Jefferson Morley. Follow The Show: Twitter: https://twitter.com/fraudstersLPN Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fraudsterslpn/ Discord: https://discord.gg/WRZ8zgusPT Website: https://fraudsters.fm/ Follow the Hosts: https://www.instagram.com/seenanow/?hl=en https://www.instagram.com/justin_williams_comedy https://twitter.com/arielleaty Follow our guest: https://x.com/jeffersonmorley Sources: https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/local/longterm/tours/scandal/bushdrug.htm https://dcplislandora.wrlc.org/islandora/object/dcplislandora%3A347387#page/27/mode/1up https://file.notion.so/f/f/35cc2dfe-904c-4092-bad6-96c81acda7c4/dcc370ec-f359-4283-9c22-a5758bb6310a/D.C._STUDENT_IS_GIVEN_10_YEARS_IN_DRUG_CASE_-_The_Washington_Post.pdf?table=block&id=f1fbb853-ea9e-4704-b9ac-aa8350205be6&spaceId=35cc2dfe-904c-4092-bad6-96c81acda7c4&expirationTimestamp=1731456000000&signature=nN7Cu00VPq-ylGpJjuj5KroddB_75ZbPMeXMrcoDxus&downloadName=D.C.+STUDENT+IS+GIVEN+10+YEARS+IN+DRUG+CASE+-+The+Washington+Post.pdf https://file.notion.so/f/f/35cc2dfe-904c-4092-bad6-96c81acda7c4/09fe9751-0988-45e8-8b6c-e25736ed042c/isikoff-0922_1989-full-text.pdf?table=block&id=f872be3d-4ad7-40f3-b412-fa8fa2e85de4&spaceId=35cc2dfe-904c-4092-bad6-96c81acda7c4&expirationTimestamp=1731456000000&signature=1wED3CdhQbVdtakW4sOFmGvfGaI2ElYLF9pJx-NjmOs&downloadName=isikoff-0922_1989-full-text.pdf Clips: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mtlkyBk6rcc&t=1471s Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Fraudsters ad-free. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
S5 E13 · Tue, November 05, 2024
The Rise and Fall of the Bank of Credit and Commerce International
This week we’re taking a step back to Miami, 1987. South Beach is buzzing, and the Bank of Credit and Commerce International (BCCI) looks like any other bank—until you take a closer look. BCCI was no ordinary financial institution. It was a global hub for money laundering, arms deals, and shady alliances with everyone from Columbian drug lords to CIA operatives. In this episode, we unravel the rise and fall of BCCI, led by Agha Hasan Abedi. From secretive offshore accounts to "rent-a-face" deals with Arab monarchs, this was a bank that did it all...until it all fell apart. Tune in now to catch the full story! Follow The Show: Twitter: https://twitter.com/fraudstersLPN Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fraudsterslpn/ Discord: https://discord.gg/WRZ8zgusPT Website: https://fraudsters.fm/ Follow the Hosts: https://www.instagram.com/seenanow/?hl=en https://www.instagram.com/justin_williams_comedy https://twitter.com/arielleaty Sources: A Full Service Bank: How BCCI Stole Billions Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Fraudsters ad-free. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
S5 E12 · Tue, October 29, 2024
This is Your Brain on Anti-Drug Propaganda
Get ready for a deep dive into America’s anti-drug propaganda! This week, we’re tackling everything from Nancy Reagan’s “Just Say No” crusade to McGruff the Crime Dog and the DARE program. We’re digging up the roots of these campaigns, exploring how they reshaped public perception and exposing the contradictions of Nancy’s White House role. From the scare tactics of Harry Anslinger to those unforgettable ‘80s and ‘90s PSA (“This is Your Brain on Drugs” and so much more) we break down how these campaigns blamed users while ignoring the real issues behind addiction. Follow The Show: Twitter: https://twitter.com/fraudstersLPN Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fraudsterslpn/ Discord: https://discord.gg/WRZ8zgusPT Website: https://fraudsters.fm/ Follow the Hosts: https://www.instagram.com/seenanow/?hl=en https://www.instagram.com/justin_williams_comedy https://twitter.com/arielleaty Sources for this episode: https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1987/03/06/971087.html?pageNumber=103 https://www.popsci.com/science/article/2013-03/science-psas-do-anti-drug-ads-keep-kids-drugs/ https://www.marketplace.org/2019/03/26/advertisings-war-drugs-also-failed/ https://www.npr.org/2013/04/28/179658317/anti-drug-psas-do-they-work https://www.wnycstudios.org/podcasts/takeaway/segments/how-nancy-reagan-shaped-war-drugs https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1447241/ Clip Links: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GOnENVylxPI https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aB4rVJsy8z8 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQXgVM30mIY&t=233s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hivkBw2JKfY&t=35s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7KCAGzNv_QI https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LSFaDeRpSHA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJcbSbpr8w4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rb8z2BMrd60 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nFE86cyltmU https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ISXS5c5Cnk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2oqCf9i3rc&t=2542s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQEG8j0lgeE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5EjUzterCf4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHQQwp_MpvU https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LOcNXoYsnWU https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PnHCnGRz7i4 https://www.uppermichiganssource.com/video/2024/06/11/return-dare-how-curriculum-has-changed-up-schools/ Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Fraudsters ad-free. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
S5 E11 · Tue, October 22, 2024
Locked and Loaded: Reagan’s Crack Offensive
We're not done with Reagan just yet! This week, we’re honing in on the crack epidemic and its devastating impact on Black communities. We unpack the 1980s shift in American politics, where Reagan's policies expanded Nixon's "War on Drugs" and utilized racially coded language to criminalize Black Americans. We’ve got expert guests, Yasmin Cader, Dr. Sheila Vakharia, and Professor Anne Foster on the show to talk through the anti-drug legislation that introduced harsh mandatory minimums and sentencing disparities, targeting crack cocaine users disproportionately over powdered cocaine users. Hmmm… I wonder why…. All that and we touch on the media’s role in sensationalizing the “crack epidemic,” Congress’s bipartisan support for punitive policies, and all of the devastating consequences of Reagan’s militarization of the War on Drugs. Follow The Show: Twitter: https://twitter.com/fraudstersLPN Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fraudsterslpn/ Discord: https://discord.gg/WRZ8zgusPT Website: https://fraudsters.fm/ Follow the Hosts: https://www.instagram.com/seenanow/?hl=en https://www.instagram.com/justin_williams_comedy https://twitter.com/arielleaty Follow Our Guests: https://x.com/alfhistory https://www.instagram.com/myharmreduction/?hl=en https://x.com/myharmreduction https://www.instagram.com/yasmin_cader/?hl=en Sources for this episode: https://www.brown.edu/Research/Understanding_the_Iran_Contra_Affair/v-on16.php[↩︎](about:blank#fnref1) https://millercenter.org/president/reagan/essays/reagan-1981-firstlady[↩︎](about:blank#fnref2) https://www.newspapers.com/image/313590547/[↩︎](about:blank#fnref3) https://www.reaganfoundation.org/ronald-reagan/nancy-reagan/her-causes/[↩︎](about:blank#fnref4) https://www.nytimes.com/1987/06/23/world/from-an-iranian-middleman-his-side-of-the-story.html[↩︎](about:blank#fnref5) https://www.teenvogue.com/story/what-was-iran-contra[↩︎](about:blank#fnref6) https://www.c-span.org/video/?c4475045/user-clip-neat-idea[↩︎](about:blank#fnref7) https://theconversation.com/ronald-reagans-westminster-speech-why-it-is-still-relevant-40-years-later-183684[↩︎](about:blank#fnref8) https://www.brown.edu/Research/Understanding_the_Iran_Contra_Affair/iran-contra-affairs.php[↩︎](about:blank#fnref9) https://nsarchive2.gwu.edu/NSAEBB/NSAEBB2/storm.htm[↩︎](about:blank#fnref10) https://www.texasmonthly.com/news-politics/the-rise-and-fall-and-rise-and-fall-of-ricky-ross/[↩︎](about:blank#fnref11) Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Fraudsters ad-free. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
S5 E10 · Tue, October 15, 2024
Reagan’s Drug War: Are You Better Off Than You Were 43 Years Ago?
This week, we’re finally taking on Reagan and his starring role in the War on Drugs—there’s so much to unpack, we had to make it a two-parter. Reagan tackled the drug problem with the subtlety of a sledgehammer, ramping up incarcerations for nonviolent offenses and turning the fight against drugs into a military operation. In part one, we dive into Iran-Contra, Regan’s "October Surprise," Oliver North’s CV, and Freeway Ricky Ross—talking about how it all helped fuel the crack epidemic of the '80s. Follow The Show: Twitter: https://twitter.com/fraudstersLPN Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fraudsterslpn/ Discord: https://discord.gg/WRZ8zgusPT Website: https://fraudsters.fm/ Follow the Hosts: https://www.instagram.com/seenanow/?hl=en https://www.instagram.com/justin_williams_comedy https://twitter.com/arielleaty Sources for this episode: https://www.brown.edu/Research/Understanding_the_Iran_Contra_Affair/v-on16.php[↩︎](about:blank#fnref1) https://millercenter.org/president/reagan/essays/reagan-1981-firstlady[↩︎](about:blank#fnref2) https://www.newspapers.com/image/313590547/[↩︎](about:blank#fnref3) https://www.reaganfoundation.org/ronald-reagan/nancy-reagan/her-causes/[↩︎](about:blank#fnref4) https://www.nytimes.com/1987/06/23/world/from-an-iranian-middleman-his-side-of-the-story.html[↩︎](about:blank#fnref5) https://www.teenvogue.com/story/what-was-iran-contra[↩︎](about:blank#fnref6) https://www.c-span.org/video/?c4475045/user-clip-neat-idea[↩︎](about:blank#fnref7) https://theconversation.com/ronald-reagans-westminster-speech-why-it-is-still-relevant-40-years-later-183684[↩︎](about:blank#fnref8) https://www.brown.edu/Research/Understanding_the_Iran_Contra_Affair/iran-contra-affairs.php[↩︎](about:blank#fnref9) https://nsarchive2.gwu.edu/NSAEBB/NSAEBB2/storm.htm[↩︎](about:blank#fnref10) https://www.texasmonthly.com/news-politics/the-rise-and-fall-and-rise-and-fall-of-ricky-ross/[↩︎](about:blank#fnref11) Clip Links: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ip-tN81yrWg&t=33s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tWEm6g0iQNI&t=2506s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Km3dx7wppA&t=49s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ld2KOv_zWWw&t=23s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLWcgt55sgQ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ct3UxB696D4&t=87s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PhtE70ucKOY&t=332s Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Fraudsters ad-free. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
S5 E9 · Tue, October 08, 2024
‘Tricky Dick’ Nixon’s Public Enemy No. 1
In this episode, we’re diving deep into the art of linguistic manipulation with a profile on one of America’s most racist presidents: Richard Nixon. Last week, we covered how the war on drugs helped fuel a system of police corruption. This week, we’re looking at how Nixon used clever rhetoric and dog-whistle politics to push forward an agenda that has left a lasting impact in the US. We’re talking all things “Law and Order, ” “Southern Strategy,” and Black Capitalism. Tune in to hear how these phrases became instruments of control and deception– tools that are still in use today. It is just as horrific as it sounds! Follow The Show: Twitter: https://twitter.com/fraudstersLPN Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fraudsterslpn/ Discord: https://discord.gg/WRZ8zgusPT Website: https://fraudsters.fm/ Follow the Hosts: https://www.instagram.com/seenanow/?hl=en https://www.instagram.com/justin_williams_comedy https://twitter.com/arielleaty Check out Let’s Be Blunt with Montel Williams: www.letsbebluntmontel.com Follow Our Guests: https://x.com/alfhistory https://www.instagram.com/myharmreduction/?hl=en https://x.com/myharmreduction https://www.instagram.com/montel_williams/?hl=en https://x.com/Montel_Williams Sources for this episode: https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2018-05/Early Years p 12-29.pdf[↩︎](about:blank#fnref1) https://www.nixonfoundation.org/2016/06/26404/[↩︎](about:blank#fnref2) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8TGLLQlD9M[↩︎](about:blank#fnref3) https://www.vox.com/2016/3/29/11325750/nixon-war-on-drugs[↩︎](about:blank#fnref4) https://mashable.com/article/nixon-war-on-drugs[↩︎](about:blank#fnref5) https://harpers.org/archive/2016/04/legalize-it-all/[↩︎](about:blank#fnref6) https://archive.org/details/4731750.197
S5 E8 · Tue, October 01, 2024
Frank Serpico and the Terrible, No Good, Very Corrupt NYPD
This week we’re diving deep into the sick and twisted and well, corrupt underbelly of the NYPD during the 1960s and 70s. It was a simpler time when cops and criminals were one and the same. And the best part? Everyone knew about it and almost no one cared! That is until Frank Serpico came around. He was an idealistic young officer who refused to play along and take part in petty bribes, payoffs, and organized protection rackets and narcotics schemes. His desire to do the right thing is what led to the Knapp Commission and almost cost him his life. He’s not like other cops! Tune in and we’ll tell you all about it!!! Show Notes: Follow The Show: Twitter: https://twitter.com/fraudstersLPN Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fraudsterslpn/ Discord: https://discord.gg/WRZ8zgusPT Website: https://fraudsters.fm/ Follow the Hosts: https://www.instagram.com/seenanow/?hl=en https://www.instagram.com/justin_williams_comedy https://twitter.com/arielleaty Sources for this episode: The Knapp Commission Report on Police Corruption https://www.nytimes.com/1970/04/25/archives/graft-paid-to-police-here-said-to-run-into-millions-survey-links.html https://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/24/nyregion/24serpico.html https://www.nytimes.com/1970/06/20/archives/how-2-policemen-decided-to-fight-graft.html https://www.nytimes.com/1970/06/19/archives/policeman-tells-trial-of-payoffs-says-members-of-bronx-unit-got-700.html?searchResultPosition=3 https://www.nytimes.com/1971/02/20/archives/two-are-killed-in-gunfight-here-patrolman-dead-2d-hurt-drug-suspect.html?searchResultPosition=2 https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-9571337/Hero-detective-Frank-Serpicos-son-41-dies-apparent-drug-overdose-Manhattan-apartment.html Clip Links: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NSSc2Co05Og https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0skFrMe8Us https://www.
S5 E7 · Tue, September 24, 2024
Playboy Panel: The Drug Revolution Remix (Fraudsters Edition)
In this week’s episode, we bring to life a 1970 panel discussion hosted by Playboy magazine, where key figures from law enforcement, academia, medicine, and counterculture clash over cannabis. The debate features Harry Anslinger (J-L Cauvin), William Burroughs (Jim Taylor), Baba Ram Dass (Grant Gordon), John Finlator (Holden McNeely), Joel Fort (Greg Carere), Alan Watts (Ryan Feyk), Joseph Oteri (Jack Stansbury), and our Playboy Moderator (Amber Nelson). They really get into it and address claims that cannabis causes psychosis, and talk through its religious significance, the spread of drug disinformation, and so much more. Alongside segments from the original Playboy conversation, Seena, Ariel, and Justin chime in with modern commentary, turns out this decades-old debate is still extremely relevant! Turn on, tune in, drop out!! Follow The Show: Twitter: https://twitter.com/fraudstersLPN Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fraudsterslpn/ Discord: https://discord.gg/WRZ8zgusPT Website: https://fraudsters.fm/ Follow The Hosts: https://www.instagram.com/seenanow/?hl=en https://www.instagram.com/justin_williams_comedy https://twitter.com/arielleaty Follow Our Guests: https://x.com/JLCauvin?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor https://www.instagram.com/jlcauvin/?hl=en https://www.instagram.com/gograntgordon/?hl=en https://x.com/holdenators https://www.instagram.com/ryanfeyk/?hl=en https://www.instagram.com/ambersmelson/?hl=en https://x.com/jackstansburyvo?lang=en Sources for this episode: https://realitystudio.org/images/bibliographic_bunker/mens_mags/pdf/1970.02.playboy.pdf Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Fraudsters ad-free. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
S5 E6 · Tue, September 17, 2024
Billie Holiday vs. The Haters
God Bless the Child that tunes into Fraudsters this week! In this episode, we’re diving deep into the story of Billie Holiday. Using three pivotal arrests from her life, we explore how systemic racism and unjust drug enforcement left Billie Holiday as a public target amidst Harry Anslinger and George Hunter White’s war on drugs. From her traumatic childhood to struggles with addiction, Billie’s fight for survival reflected larger issues of government surveillance, a general sense of apathy towards addiction, and the harsh realities of being a Black artist during this era. Follow The Show: Twitter: https://twitter.com/fraudstersLPN Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fraudsterslpn/ Discord: https://discord.gg/WRZ8zgusPT Website: https://fraudsters.fm/ Follow the Hosts: https://www.instagram.com/seenanow/?hl=en https://www.instagram.com/justin_williams_comedy https://twitter.com/arielleaty Sources for this episode: https://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/pdf/10.2105/AJPH.62.7.995 https://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2015/01/drug-war-the-hunting-of-billie-holiday-114298/ https://time.com/5638316/war-on-drugs-opium-history/ National Archives: The United States vs. Billie Holiday Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Fraudsters ad-free. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
S5 E5 · Tue, September 10, 2024
Mind Control, LSD, and the CIA - George Hunter White Part II
In this week’s episode, we dive deeper into the sick and twisted mind of George Hunter White. We’re talking Operation Midnight Climax and everything that led up to the CIA’s most disturbing experiments. And of course, this includes a primer on “Poisoner in Chief” Sidney Gottlieb, who also enjoyed conducting LSD experiments on unsuspecting patients. They sprayed harmful chemicals over San Francisco and dosed prisoners for months, permanently altering the lives of many, including the Unabomber. And that’s all before we even get to Operation Midnight Climax – a freaky experiment to study mind control and sex. Nothing pervy going on here… Follow The Show: Twitter: https://twitter.com/fraudstersLPN Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fraudsterslpn/ Discord: https://discord.gg/WRZ8zgusPT Website: https://fraudsters.fm/ Follow the Hosts: https://www.instagram.com/seenanow/?hl=en https://www.instagram.com/justin_williams_comedy https://twitter.com/arielleaty Sources for this episode: A Terrible Mistake: The Murder of Frank Olsen by HP Albarelli CIA's Secret Cold War Experiments, Drugs as Weapons Against Us by John Potash Acid Dreams The Complete Social History of LSD by Martin Lee and Bruce Shlain Chasing the Scream by Johann Hari Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Fraudsters ad-free. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
S5 E4 · Tue, September 03, 2024
George Hunter White Part I - The Ox with Piercing Blue Eyes
In this week’s episode, we’re talking all things George Hunter White – an agent at the Federal Bureau of Narcotics and a monster! Maybe the two are synonymous… He infiltrated drug syndicates, tested truth serums, and eventually found his passion venturing into mind control and interrogation techniques for the government. We’ll get into the twists and turns of George Hunter White’s life – from being a crime-chasing journalist to a narcotics agent to an OSS trainer, to coming to terms with the fact that he wasn’t a Chinese man, this guy’s lived a life and done some horrible things along the way! Follow The Show: Twitter: https://twitter.com/fraudstersLPN Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fraudsterslpn/ Discord: https://discord.gg/WRZ8zgusPT Website: https://fraudsters.fm/ Follow the Hosts: https://www.instagram.com/seenanow/?hl=en https://www.instagram.com/justin_williams_comedy https://twitter.com/arielleaty Sources for this episode: A Terrible Mistake: The Murder of Frank Olsen by HP Albarelli CIA's Secret Cold War Experiments, Drugs as Weapons Against Us by John Potash Acid Dreams The Complete Social History of LSD by Martin Lee and Bruce Shlain Chasing the Scream by Johann Hari Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Fraudsters ad-free. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
S5 E3 · Tue, August 27, 2024
Harry Anslinger Part II - For All My Dogs
We’re wrapping up the story on Harry Anslinger with the help of some incredible guests this week. We’ve got the voices of Harry Anslinger (J-L Cauvin), Dr. Woodward (Ryan Feyk), Representative McCormack (Marcus Parks), and Dr. Munch (Henry Zebrowski) to help us get across the absurdity that was the Marijuana Tax Act hearing. Let’s just say it involved a lot of talk about injecting weed into the brains of dogs. The Marijuana Tax Act furthered Harry’s anti-drug agenda which also involved him manipulating science and the media for decades and included a friendship with Joseph McCarthy. How does he do it all?! We also have the one and only, Montel Williams, host of the Let’s Be Blunt podcast, on to help us fill in the gaps with more context alongside Professor Anne Foster, and Dr. Sheila Vakharia. This one’s a doozy; you'll have to hear it to believe it! Follow The Show: Twitter: https://twitter.com/fraudstersLPN Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fraudsterslpn/ Discord: https://discord.gg/WRZ8zgusPT Website: https://fraudsters.fm/ Follow the Hosts: https://www.instagram.com/seenanow/?hl=en https://www.instagram.com/justin_williams_comedy https://twitter.com/arielleaty Check out Let’s Be Blunt with Montel Williams: www.letsbebluntmontel.com Follow Our Guests: https://x.com/alfhistory https://www.instagram.com/myharmreduction/?hl=en https://x.com/myharmreduction https://www.instagram.com/montel_williams/?hl=en https://x.com/Montel_Williams Sources for this episode: The Long War on Drugs by Anne Foster Chasing the Scream by Johann Hari The Protectors by John Williams https://www.case.org/system/files/media/file/Penn Stater Harry Anslinger.pdf[↩︎](about:blank#fnref1) https://journals.psu.edu/pmhb/article/download/44423/44144[↩︎](about:blank#fnref2) https://medium.com/timeline/harry-anslinger-racist-war-on-drugs-prison-industrial-complex-fb5cbc281189[↩︎](about:blank#fnref3) https://www.newspapers.com/image/17583610/[↩︎](about:blank#fnref4) https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/237233/first-drug-czar-targeted-illegal-narcotics-in-racing[↩︎](about:blank#fnref5) https://museum.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2021-09/Standing in the Shadows 10152014--Accessible.pdf[↩︎](about:blank#fnref6) https://time.com/5638316/war-on-drugs-opium-history/[↩︎](about:blank#fnref7) https://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2015/01/drug-war-the-hunting-of-billie-holiday-114298/[↩︎](about:blank#fnref8) Media Links: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGxzuTQVZYo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGxzuTQVZYo Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Fraudsters ad-free. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
S5 E2 · Tue, August 20, 2024
Harry Anslinger Part I - Meet Our First Villain
Harry Anslinger has now entered the chat. Meet the villainous mind who helped get us to where we are today in this one-sided “war” on drugs. This guy’s got it all: a strong anti-drug stance likely related to childhood trauma, racist tendencies and he’s a failed jazz musician – throw in some intense xenophobia and you’ve got the first commissioner of the Federal Bureau of Narcotics! Tune into this episode to hear more about this man’s hobbies, like his obsession with racehorse doping and manipulating the media to spread misinformation. Follow The Show: Twitter: https://twitter.com/fraudstersLPN Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fraudsterslpn/ Discord: https://discord.gg/WRZ8zgusPT Website: https://fraudsters.fm/ Follow the Hosts: https://www.instagram.com/seenanow/?hl=en https://www.instagram.com/justin_williams_comedy https://twitter.com/arielleaty Follow Our Guests: https://x.com/alfhistory https://www.instagram.com/myharmreduction/?hl=en https://x.com/myharmreduction Sources for this episode: The Long War on Drugs by Anne Foster Chasing the Scream by Johann Hari The Protectors by John Williams https://www.case.org/system/files/media/file/Penn Stater Harry Anslinger.pdf[ https://journals.psu.edu/pmhb/article/download/44423/44144 https://medium.com/timeline/harry-anslinger-racist-war-on-drugs-prison-industrial-complex-fb5cbc281189 https://www.newspapers.com/image/17583610/ https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/237233/first-drug-czar-targeted-illegal-narcotics-in-racing https://museum.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2021-09/Standing in the Shadows 10152014--Accessible.pdf https://time.com/5638316/war-on-drugs-opium-history/ https://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2015/01/drug-war-the-hunting-of-billie-holiday-114298/ Media Links: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_vo0UEteKU Music Credit and Sound Fx:https://twitter.com/gograntgordon Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Fraudsters ad-free. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
S5 E1 · Tue, August 20, 2024
The War Before The War on Drugs
We’re back and better than ever baby! We’re shaking things up this time around and dedicating this entire season to breaking down the systemic fraud that is The War on Drugs. Would you believe us if we told you that this “war” has cost over a trillion dollars?? AND has ruined the lives of many in countless ways?! But before we get there, jump into the Introduction to Season 5 where our guest, Professor Anne Foster, author of “The Long War on Drugs,” helps us wade through the historical context of it all. It turns out people have been using drugs for medicinal use AND as a means of discrimination and control for thousands of years! Who would’ve thought!! Follow The Show: Twitter: https://twitter.com/fraudstersLPN Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fraudsterslpn/ Discord: https://discord.gg/WRZ8zgusPT Website: https://fraudsters.fm/ Follow the Hosts: https://www.instagram.com/seenanow/?hl=en https://www.instagram.com/justin_williams_comedy https://twitter.com/arielleaty Follow Our Guest: https://x.com/alfhistory Check out Professor Anne Foster’s book: The Long War on Drugs Music Credit and Sound Fx:https://twitter.com/gograntgordon Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Fraudsters ad-free. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
Trailer · Tue, August 13, 2024
Season 5 - Trailer: The War on Drugs
August 20th we're beginning our latest season - all on the War on Drugs! Subscribe now to get all the latest episodes every Tuesday! Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Fraudsters ad-free. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
S4 E112 · Tue, October 10, 2023
Milli Vanilli Pt II - Hot Man Delusions
Join us for our last episode of season four as we close out the story of Milli Vanilli! We pick up right where we left off last week with the infamous track slip during Milli Vanilli’s live show that actually ended up making them MORE popular. Pretty soon after that, it became public knowledge that Rob and Fab were never the voices behind Milli Vanilli and they started on their journey to become real singers. This journey involved singing coaches, a returned Grammy, press conferences, and trying to prove to the public that they were more than just pretty faces who could dance. It’s a story with lots of highs and lows, and lots of… commercials? Listen now for all the juicy deets!!! Follow The Show: Twitter: https://twitter.com/fraudstersLPN Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fraudsterslpn/ Discord: https://discord.gg/WRZ8zgusPT Website: https://fraudsters.fm/ Follow the Hosts: https://twitter.com/seenanow https://www.instagram.com/justin_williams_comedy https://twitter.com/arielleaty YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQwl8sDTVEAxhwJdYgm-yrgIntro Music Credit and Sound Fx: https://twitter.com/gograntgordon Season Cover Art by: https://comedyartwork.com/ Media Links: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jOT2otX4oYI https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OvxOKDzuS6U&t=239s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GTtAHbqEPzg https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NyqRvp8RGtI&t=1s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=po3bLGgL6Lc https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2gdFFAWtuVM https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EAeIOFO-78U https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ViP87WipSm0&t=1s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9r8JmjK22Y&t=1s Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Fraudsters ad-free. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
S4 E111 · Tue, October 03, 2023
Girl You Know It’s– Milli Vanilli Pt I
Girl you know it’s - girl you know it’s - girl you know it’s all about Milli Vanilli this week!!! We dive deep into the tragic story of the band and the producer behind it all, Frank Farian. Sure, Frank set himself up for success, but Rob Pilatus and Fab Morvan, the faces of the group… eh, not so much. Those two were famously just the faces of Milli Vanilli, no matter how hard they pushed Frank to let them sing, he quite literally never gave them a voice. Maybe he had a reason maybe he didn’t, that’s for you to decide!!! We dive into Frank’s background, what led him to create Milli Vanilli, and the gold prison Rob and Frank found themselves stuck inside. That’s showbiz baby!!! Follow The Show: Twitter: https://twitter.com/fraudstersLPN Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fraudsterslpn/ Discord: https://discord.gg/WRZ8zgusPT Website: https://fraudsters.fm/ Follow the Hosts: https://twitter.com/seenanow https://www.instagram.com/justin_williams_comedy https://twitter.com/arielleaty YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQwl8sDTVEAxhwJdYgm-yrgIntro Music Credit and Sound Fx: https://twitter.com/gograntgordon Season Cover Art by: https://comedyartwork.com/ Media Links: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hGLje8G0zLk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7MZiB3Nqc68 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k614Yh8Wl60&t=60s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JooTnKvr36Q https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=16y1AkoZkmQ&t=50s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ddCfmnwuBbs&t=12s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NyqRvp8RGtI https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XRBrC_4CCGI&t=1s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NEUX-HYRtUA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mNJYZypHFjk&t=114s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k3
S4 E110 · Tue, September 26, 2023
Rod Blagojevich Pt III - Caught Rod-Handed
This week, our journey with the former governor of Illinois comes to an end. Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened!! In this episode, we dive into our favorite crimes he committed and interview Rod’s attorney, Sam Adam Jr. We can all agree Rod’s accomplished quite a lot throughout his life. We wrap up his story by hitting some of the highlights talking through his trials, from attempting to sell a Senate seat and getting caught in extortion schemes. But much like a phoenix, he rose from the ashes after Trump commuted his prison sentence and then naturally, became a podcast host. At the end of the day Rod just wanted illegal campaign contributions like everyone else and to be adored by the people of Illinois, is that so bad?! Follow The Show: Twitter: https://twitter.com/fraudstersLPN Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fraudsterslpn/ Discord: https://discord.gg/WRZ8zgusPT Website: https://fraudsters.fm/ Follow the Hosts: https://twitter.com/seenanow https://www.instagram.com/justin_williams_comedy https://twitter.com/arielleaty YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQwl8sDTVEAxhwJdYgm-yrgIntro Music Credit and Sound Fx: https://twitter.com/gograntgordon Season Cover Art by: https://comedyartwork.com/ Media Links: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JquRjP9UoAs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8tB0KhxGvGg https://open.spotify.com/episode/3ndqgRy3l1FkvIKQXtcSRI?si=77c3e34baf8c41b6 Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Fraudsters ad-free. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
S4 E109 · Tue, September 19, 2023
Rod Blagojevich Pt II - You can’t spell Fraud without ROD
This week we’re back with more Blago, baby!! Rod Blagojevich is just the gift that keeps on giving– from Elvis impersonations to leaked angry phone calls to many, many, many talk show appearances. Rod’s given us a lot to work with, and for that we’re grateful!! In this episode, we not only talk Rod, but we try to untangle the web of corruption that was Chicago politics in the early aughts. Let’s just say it involves the FBI, bi-partisanship, and… Papa John’s? There’s nothing more Chicago than that!! This week we’re back with more Blago, baby!! Rod Blagojevich is just the gift that keeps on giving– from Elvis impersonations to leaked angry phone calls to many, many, many talk show appearances. Rod’s given us a lot to work with, and for that we’re grateful!! In this episode, we not only talk Rod, but we try to untangle the web of corruption that was Chicago politics in the early aughts. Let’s just say it involves the FBI, bi-partisanship, and… Papa John’s? There’s nothing more Chicago than that!! Follow The Show: Twitter: https://twitter.com/fraudstersLPN Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fraudsterslpn/ Discord: https://discord.gg/WRZ8zgusPT Website: https://fraudsters.fm/ Follow the Hosts: https://twitter.com/seenanow https://www.instagram.com/justin_williams_comedy https://twitter.com/arielleaty YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQwl8sDTVEAxhwJdYgm-yrgIntro Music Credit and Sound Fx: https://twitter.com/gograntgordon Season Cover Art by: https://comedyartwork.com/ Media Links: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ev3XTA_ow0&t=105s https://www.wbez.org/shows/public-official-a/09be1fbf-e991-4627-88ed-0004c94b48f6 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Dp6EaJCOWs&t=416s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzmZ6ezXXJU&t=109s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_01wjK8BDY&t=42s https://www.cc.com/video/ggjbye/the-daily-show-with-jon-stewart-rod-blagojevich <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=
S4 E108 · Tue, September 12, 2023
Rod Blagojevich Pt I - Hot Rod
This week we begin our journey covering the one and only, Rod Blagojevich. Rod is the epitome of the American Dream– the son of Yugoslavian immigrants, he came from humble beginnings, shining shoes, delivering pizza, working as a… bookie. He worked himself all the way up to Congress and the story does not stop there! He ran for Governor of Illinois and won on an anti-corruption platform. Spoiler alert: he was corrupt!!! Rod was on the up and up, sneaking in bits of corruption here and there, that is until he tried to sell then-President-elect Barack Obama's Senate seat. He flew too close to the sun and can you blame him?! There’s so much more to the story and it only gets better (worse) from here!! Follow The Show: Twitter: https://twitter.com/fraudstersLPN Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fraudsterslpn/ Discord: https://discord.gg/WRZ8zgusPT Website: https://fraudsters.fm/ Follow the Hosts: https://twitter.com/seenanow https://www.instagram.com/justin_williams_comedy https://twitter.com/arielleaty YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQwl8sDTVEAxhwJdYgm-yrgIntro Music Credit and Sound Fx:https://twitter.com/gograntgordon Season Cover Art by:https://comedyartwork.com/ Media Links: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qre7DzEtxyc&t=50s https://www.c-span.org/video/?74609-1/democratic-convention-afternoon-session https://www.c-span.org/video/?74883-1/illinois-5th-district https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9T_Scmgc6Q0&t=103s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lo29Q3gfJnQ&t=84s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V03szmwwCBg&t=1s https://www.c-span.org/video/?174596-1/illinois-gubernatorial-inaugural https://www.c-span.org/video/?298903-1/david-axelrod-conversation-james-warren https://www.c-span.org/video/?194711-1/illinois-gubernatorial-debate https://www.wbez.org/shows/public-official-a/09be1fbf-e991-4627-88ed-0004c94b48f6 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pOKg9pbHIpY&t=87s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ANe8f1ElZFs Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Fraudsters ad-free. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
S4 E107 · Tue, September 05, 2023
Jen Shah Pt II - Shah-rrested!
We’re back to finish off the story of Jen Shah. In this episode, comedian and Emmy-nominated TV writer, Rae Sanni, serves as our Real Housewives expert helping us dig into Jen’s time on the Real Housewives of Salt Lake City. Jen Shah is nothing if not ambitious, she chose to be on national TV while actively running a telemarketing scheme that targeted the elderly. She’s sick and twisted and at the end of the day that’s actually what reality TV is all about!! She wasn’t our most strategic fraudster– her time on the show allowed the feds to grow their case against her and she was famously arrested during the filming of Season 2, which actually makes for great reality TV (toxic!!!). We talk about how she’s doing in prison, and Rae helps us envision the Real Housewives of Salt Lake City’s future without Jen. Spoiler alert: with Jen in prison, it’ll be boring. Follow The Show: Twitter: https://twitter.com/fraudstersLPN Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fraudsterslpn/ Discord: https://discord.gg/WRZ8zgusPT Website: https://fraudsters.fm/ Follow the Hosts: https://twitter.com/seenanow https://www.instagram.com/justin_williams_comedy https://twitter.com/arielleaty Follow Our Guest: https://twitter.com/raesanni https://www.instagram.com/raesanni87/?hl=en YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQwl8sDTVEAxhwJdYgm-yrgIntro Music Credit and Sound Fx: https://twitter.com/gograntgordon Season Cover Art by: https://comedyartwork.com/ Clips Pulled From: Real Housewives of Salt Lake City S1E1 Real Housewives of Salt Lake City S2E9 Clip Links: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1488529711334463 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dr6aSTPzTt0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mPF74wkNuWc https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CIqVnmznKuo&t=1s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U54biR9Dk9U&t=401s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFnrNYk4jmY&t=89s <a href="https://ww
S4 E106 · Tue, August 22, 2023
Jen Shah Pt I - A Woman in SCAM
What’s the one place riddled with fraud that we just don’t talk about enough? That’s right, it’s reality TV baby!!! This week we’re talking all about Jen Shah from the Real Housewives of Salt Lake City. And there’s a lot to talk about. From her very Mormon childhood growing up in Utah to meeting her husband and converting to Islam, to when she started dipping her toe in the pool of defrauding the elderly to her actually becoming a fraudster herself (girlboss!), we cover it all. It’s the circle of life and it’s nothing if not beautiful!! And absolutely twisted!!! What’s the one place riddled with fraud that we just don’t talk about enough? That’s right, it’s reality TV baby!!! This week we’re talking all about Jen Shah from the Real Housewives of Salt Lake City. And there’s a lot to talk about. From her very Mormon childhood growing up in Utah to meeting her husband and converting to Islam, to when she started dipping her toe in the pool of defrauding the elderly to her actually becoming a fraudster herself (girlboss!), we cover it all. It’s the circle of life and it’s nothing if not beautiful!! And absolutely twisted!!! Follow The Show: Twitter: https://twitter.com/fraudstersLPN Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fraudsterslpn/ Discord: https://discord.gg/WRZ8zgusPT Website: https://fraudsters.fm/ Follow the Hosts: https://twitter.com/seenanow https://www.instagram.com/justin_williams_comedy https://twitter.com/arielleaty YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQwl8sDTVEAxhwJdYgm-yrgIntro Music Credit and Sound Fx: https://twitter.com/gograntgordon Season Cover Art by: https://comedyartwork.com/ Clips Pulled From: Real Housewives of Salt Lake City S1E1 Hulu Documentary: Housewife and the Shah Shocker YT Links: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pgWLa12SfYQ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zxlyg0HVf1Q Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Fraudsters ad-free. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
S4 E105 · Tue, August 15, 2023
Elijah Muhammad Pt II - The NOI vs The World
This week we’re back with more on Elijah Muhammad and the NOI! But of course, we can’t talk about the NOI without at least mentioning Malcolm X and his influence and then ultimately his breaking away from the group. What led to this you ask? Well, it maybe had something to do with Elijah Muhammad’s complicated relationships, financial improprieties, revelations of pregnancies, affairs, and blackmail – classic! We talk about the financial dealings of the NOI and the internal conflicts that led to its fragmentation. But don’t worry, the Nation of Islam is still out there, being led by the one and only Louis Farrakhan!! Listen now for all the juicy details!! This week we’re back with more on Elijah Muhammad and the NOI! But of course, we can’t talk about the NOI without at least mentioning Malcolm X and his influence and then ultimately his breaking away from the group. What led to this you ask? Well, it maybe had something to do with Elijah Muhammad’s complicated relationships, financial improprieties, revelations of pregnancies, affairs, and blackmail – classic! We talk about the financial dealings of the NOI and the internal conflicts that led to its fragmentation. But don’t worry, the Nation of Islam is still out there, being led by the one and only Louis Farrakhan!! Listen now for all the juicy details!! Follow The Show: Twitter: https://twitter.com/fraudstersLPN Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fraudsterslpn/ Discord: https://discord.gg/WRZ8zgusPT Website: https://fraudsters.fm/ Follow the Hosts: https://twitter.com/seenanow https://www.instagram.com/justin_williams_comedy https://twitter.com/arielleaty YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQwl8sDTVEAxhwJdYgm-yrgIntro Music Credit and Sound Fx: https://twitter.com/gograntgordon Season Cover Art by: https://comedyartwork.com/ YouTube Links: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4_fPCT0Vd4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2RaSWS5VBX4&t=1s https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=214086604119059 Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Fraudsters ad-free. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
S4 E104 · Tue, August 08, 2023
Elijah Muhammad Pt I - Praise Be Upon His Fraud
Our Fraudster du jour is none other than the honorable Elijah Muhammad paired with the Nation of Islam. As always we are setting up the fraud with some good ole fashioned background info. We go from Elijah’s turbulent childhood and upbringing to his days as an alcoholic, to the moment he found God… or Wallace Fard, who interestingly enough claimed to be the Mahdi and founded the Nation of Islam. Ooookay, sounds legit! Like any good fraudster, Elijah went through many iterations of his name and title. And you know what, his antics were working!!! He was raking in new followers and new haters and that’s actually #goals because all press is good press baby!!!! Our Fraudster du jour is none other than the honorable Elijah Muhammad paired with the Nation of Islam. As always we are setting up the fraud with some good ole fashioned background info. We go from Elijah’s turbulent childhood and upbringing to his days as an alcoholic, to the moment he found God… or Wallace Fard, who interestingly enough claimed to be the Mahdi and founded the Nation of Islam. Ooookay, sounds legit! Like any good fraudster, Elijah went through many iterations of his name and title. And you know what, his antics were working!!! He was raking in new followers and new haters and that’s actually #goals because all press is good press baby!!!! Follow The Show: Twitter: https://twitter.com/fraudstersLPN Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fraudsterslpn/ Discord: https://discord.gg/WRZ8zgusPT Website: https://fraudsters.fm/ Follow the Hosts: https://twitter.com/seenanow https://www.instagram.com/justin_williams_comedy https://twitter.com/arielleaty YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQwl8sDTVEAxhwJdYgm-yrgIntro Music Credit and Sound Fx: https://twitter.com/gograntgordon Season Cover Art by: https://comedyartwork.com/ YouTube Links: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JgWiJ5DK-z8 Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Fraudsters ad-free. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
S4 E103 · Tue, August 01, 2023
Jim Traficant Part II - Beam Me Up!
This week we’re back with more Jim Traficant tales to tell with some help from Senator Bob Hagan. Traficant was a complicated man, a hero to some, and a fraudster to… everyone else. We take a walk down memory lane (CSPAN) to look at some of Traficant’s most memorable one-minute speeches AND his frauds from his time in Congress. Eventually, an FBI-led mob investigation brought him down. He represented himself in court (heroic), was expelled from Congress, and then sent to prison. Despite all of Traficant’s wrongdoings, he never forgot his roots at the height of his career. He continued to honor Crimetown, USA by… well… committing crimes. And if that’s not the American spirit, we don’t know what is! This week we’re back with more Jim Traficant tales to tell with some help from Senator Bob Hagan. Traficant was a complicated man, a hero to some, and a fraudster to… everyone else. We take a walk down memory lane (CSPAN) to look at some of Traficant’s most memorable one-minute speeches AND his frauds from his time in Congress. Eventually, an FBI-led mob investigation brought him down. He represented himself in court (heroic), was expelled from Congress, and then sent to prison. Despite all of Traficant’s wrongdoings, he never forgot his roots at the height of his career. He continued to honor Crimetown, USA by… well… committing crimes. And if that’s not the American spirit, we don’t know what is! Follow The Show: Twitter: https://twitter.com/fraudstersLPN Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fraudsterslpn/ Discord: https://discord.gg/WRZ8zgusPT Website: https://fraudsters.fm/ Follow the Hosts: https://twitter.com/seenanow https://www.instagram.com/justin_williams_comedy https://twitter.com/arielleaty YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQwl8sDTVEAxhwJdYgm-yrgIntro Music Credit and Sound Fx: https://twitter.com/gograntgordon Season Cover Art by: https://comedyartwork.com/ Video Links: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLlKvytNBvQ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zo13S2IDGTE&t=1s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vSIIXbz-O78&t=1s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pPrLALmtdaU <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0
S4 E102 · Tue, July 25, 2023
Jim Traficant Part I - Welcome to Crimetown, USA!
We’re traveling all the way to Youngstown, Ohio this week to bring you all the hot goss on Fraudster, Jim Traficant. But context is everything, so before we get to the complicated Ohio Congressman, Seena goes over some history and how the rust belt got RUSTY, with the help of our guest, Senator Bob Hagan. Jim Traficant aka Jimbo, was a star college quarterback who could’ve played in the NFL, but instead somehow became the Sheriff of the Mahoning Valley. This man lived quite the life– he was indicted for racketeering, caught in a bribery scheme involving the Pittsburgh and Cleveland mob, and later caught in a civil case against the IRS for - you guessed it - not paying his taxes. Against all odds, he went on to become a Congressman. Nevertheless, he persisted!! We’re traveling all the way to Youngstown, Ohio this week to bring you all the hot goss on Fraudster, Jim Traficant. But context is everything, so before we get to the complicated Ohio Congressman, Seena goes over some history and how the rust belt got RUSTY, with the help of our guest, Senator Bob Hagan. Jim Traficant aka Jimbo, was a star college quarterback who could’ve played in the NFL, but instead somehow became the Sheriff of the Mahoning Valley. This man lived quite the life– he was indicted for racketeering, caught in a bribery scheme involving the Pittsburgh and Cleveland mob, and later caught in a civil case against the IRS for - you guessed it - not paying his taxes. Against all odds, he went on to become a Congressman. Nevertheless, he persisted!! Follow The Show: Twitter: https://twitter.com/fraudstersLPN Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fraudsterslpn/ Discord: https://discord.gg/WRZ8zgusPT Website: https://fraudsters.fm/ Follow the Hosts: https://twitter.com/seenanow https://www.instagram.com/justin_williams_comedy https://twitter.com/arielleaty YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQwl8sDTVEAxhwJdYgm-yrgIntro Music Credit and Sound Fx: https://twitter.com/gograntgordon Season Cover Art by: https://comedyartwork.com/ Video links: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rPI8nwPQRVU https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WplyOgCeyEg https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gukT_aKSXWM <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i
S4 E101 · Tue, July 18, 2023
Fugees Part III - Pras Michel, The Third One
We are back with the last installment of our series on the Fugees to talk about the other guy… Pras Michel. As we learned in our last episode, dealing with money was Pras’s “niche” and it all makes sense now! We untangle the web of Pras’s finance fraud in this episode walking through his relationship with billionaire, Jho Low, the 1MDB scandal (a massive embezzlement scheme that toppled the Malaysian government- no big deal!!), and his latest convictions: money laundering, illegal lobbying, witness tampering, and campaign finance violations. We also have special guest and comedian, Gastor Almonte on to roast Pras and talk Fugees fraud. Buckle up and get ready to LOL! We are back with the last installment of our series on the Fugees to talk about the other guy… Pras Michel. As we learned in our last episode, dealing with money was Pras’s “niche” and it all makes sense now! We untangle the web of Pras’s finance fraud in this episode walking through his relationship with billionaire, Jho Low, the 1MDB scandal (a massive embezzlement scheme that toppled the Malaysian government- no big deal!!), and his latest convictions: money laundering, illegal lobbying, witness tampering, and campaign finance violations. We also have special guest and comedian, Gastor Almonte on to roast Pras and talk Fugees fraud. Buckle up and get ready to LOL! Follow The Show: Twitter: https://twitter.com/fraudstersLPN Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fraudsterslpn/ Discord: https://discord.gg/WRZ8zgusPT Website: https://fraudsters.fm/ Follow the Hosts: https://twitter.com/seenanow https://www.instagram.com/justin_williams_comedy https://twitter.com/arielleaty Follow Our Guest: https://twitter.com/gastoralmonte YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQwl8sDTVEAxhwJdYgm-yrgIntro Music Credit and Sound Fx: https://twitter.com/gograntgordon Season Cover Art by: https://comedyartwork.com/ YouTube Sources: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FmGNya0j8d4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jysYLcLo1AA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q08zb3_FAQg&t=16s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_n_HRhy2
S4 E100 · Tue, July 11, 2023
Fugees Part II - Lauryn Hill, The Talent
The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill? More like the Miseducation of Lauryn Hill filing her taxes! [cough] SO the joke here is that Lauryn Hill, the only truly talented member of the Fugees, intentionally did not file taxes for FIVE years, which is bad. On the bright side, she got to go to the famous prison from Orange Is the New Black. Tax evasion isn’t all we cover in this episode, in fact, there’s so much more… Lauryn Hill wanted to do good, but sometimes life (Wyclef) just gets in the way. This episode has it all— a love triangle, a big ego getting in the way of true potential, and a few lawsuits here and there! The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill? More like the Miseducation of Lauryn Hill filing her taxes! [cough] SO the joke here is that Lauryn Hill, the only truly talented member of the Fugees, intentionally did not file taxes for FIVE years, which is bad. On the bright side, she got to go to the famous prison from Orange Is the New Black. Tax evasion isn’t all we cover in this episode, in fact, there’s so much more… Lauryn Hill wanted to do good, but sometimes life (Wyclef) just gets in the way. This episode has it all— a love triangle, a big ego getting in the way of true potential, and a few lawsuits here and there! Follow The Show: Twitter: https://twitter.com/fraudstersLPN Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fraudsterslpn/ Discord: https://discord.gg/WRZ8zgusPT Website: https://fraudsters.fm/ Follow the Hosts: https://twitter.com/seenanow https://www.instagram.com/justin_williams_comedy https://twitter.com/arielleaty YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQwl8sDTVEAxhwJdYgm-yrgIntro Music Credit and Sound Fx: https://twitter.com/gograntgordon Season Cover Art by: https://comedyartwork.com/ Youtube Sources: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OaEH1e_DLm0&t=180s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MhRItXb5EKI&t=301s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=54WECf1ioeY&t=1643s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bcJ5YuIB_MY https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3OvBuFkqYJg https://www.youtube.com/w
S4 E99 · Tue, July 04, 2023
Fugees Part I - Zaddy Wyclef Jean
Musicians can be Fraudsters too! In this episode, we focus on Haitian-American Wyclef Jean of the Fugees and dive into his many frauds… many many… many many…. you get it. We start off with how the band came to be and the significance of their success, before the trio’s inevitable downfall. But most importantly, we talk the twists and turns of Wyclef’s Yele Foundation/scam. It’s a tale as old as time– you see your country crumbling, you create an NGO, you spend $400,000 of $1.2 million dollars on Haiti, you make empty promises to build schools, hospitals, and homes, you use $50k to fly celebrities to look at Haiti, you get caught for misusing funds, and then you run for president of the country you don’t live in. It could happen to anyone really!!!! Listen now for all the juicy details! Musicians can be Fraudsters too! In this episode, we focus on Haitian-American Wyclef Jean of the Fugees and dive into his many frauds… many many… many many…. you get it. We start off with how the band came to be and the significance of their success, before the trio’s inevitable downfall. But most importantly, we talk the twists and turns of Wyclef’s Yele Foundation/scam. It’s a tale as old as time– you see your country crumbling, you create an NGO, you spend $400,000 of $1.2 million dollars on Haiti, you make empty promises to build schools, hospitals, and homes, you use $50k to fly celebrities to look at Haiti, you get caught for misusing funds, and then you run for president of the country you don’t live in. It could happen to anyone really!!!! Listen now for all the juicy details! Follow The Show: Twitter: https://twitter.com/fraudstersLPN Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fraudsterslpn/ Discord: https://discord.gg/WRZ8zgusPT Website: https://fraudsters.fm/ Follow the Hosts: https://twitter.com/seenanow https://www.instagram.com/justin_williams_comedy https://twitter.com/arielleaty YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQwl8sDTVEAxhwJdYgm-yrgIntro Music Credit and Sound Fx: https://twitter.com/gograntgordon Season Cover Art by: https://comedyartwork.com/ Youtube Sources: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=inMnJmA-dr8&t=56s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5AKTs4aewUc&t=4070s <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xM1OdDoSHaw
S4 E98 · Tue, June 27, 2023
George Santos Part III - Chaos Chronicles
George Santos has no shame and he will not be stopped. After diving into his origin story and legal crimes we finish this wild ride with his moral crimes. Which crime is worse? Posing as a puppy charity and stealing money from both veterans and Amish people?! But the Amish make such nice furniture! Then he skims ATMs. Is this another dark art taught by Mom? It doesn’t end there as Seena, Justin, and Ariel run down the list of other Georgie Truths from suspicious muggings, alleged employees gunned down at Orlando’s Pulse club, and dubious campaign loans. We wash it all down with clips from George’s public access show “Talking GOP”. By the end of this episode, will you still be part of the The George Santos Fan Club? It ain’t Mar-A-Lago but there’s an all-you-can-eat scam buffet. Listen now! Follow The Show: Twitter: https://twitter.com/fraudstersLPN Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fraudsterslpn/ Discord: https://discord.gg/WRZ8zgusPT Website: https://fraudsters.fm/ Follow the Hosts: https://twitter.com/seenanow https://www.instagram.com/justin_williams_comedy https://twitter.com/arielleaty YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQwl8sDTVEAxhwJdYgm-yrgIntro Music Credit and Sound Fx:https://twitter.com/gograntgordon Season Cover Art by:https://comedyartwork.com/ Youtube Sources: CNN https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g4h3DzrbmJs ABC7 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bN2P_rafpxI&t=51s CNN https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FE3hWw1xN5U&t=15s Political Personalities with Skye https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E20WpTB4ZgA&t=149s Rachel Maddow https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8V43vAK0TNE&t=74s Piers Morgan https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7p-6HHUgl4&t=1317s Talking GOP https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_uHTJZ8tWZ0&t=64s Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Fraudsters ad-free. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
S4 E97 · Tue, June 20, 2023
George Santos Part II - Elections Have Consequences
Welcome to Part 2 of George Santos! We deep dive into the recent indictment of Anthony George Devolder Califragilistic Expeala Santos and his merry band of frauds. We uncover the 13 counts of wire fraud, money laundering, theft of public funds, and false statements he's been charged with. From fraudulent political contribution schemes to unemployment insurance fraud, Santos keeps on scammin’. But how did this indictment come about? We take you through Santos's political runs and his connections to a Florida-based investment firm called Harbor City Capital, which turned out to be a - yup - ponzi scheme. But Georgie doesn’t stop even when a research group finds his skeletons: He forms his own charity, runs for office, and starts a talk show. Get ready for a few facepalms as we unravel the web of scams and wait with bated breath if George Santos gets 20 years in prison…or 20 years in the House of Represantives. And he’s only been in office for a few months. Listen now to Part 2 - Elections Have Consequences! Follow The Show: Twitter: https://twitter.com/fraudstersLPN Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fraudsterslpn/ Discord: https://discord.gg/WRZ8zgusPT Website & Merch: https://fraudsters.fm/ Follow the Hosts: https://twitter.com/seenanow https://www.instagram.com/justin_williams_comedy https://twitter.com/arielleaty YouTube Clips referenced in the episode: CNN: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VGDc2piXflo WHAS11: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tbx0BtefEdw Harbor City Capital: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YsmKaf99tas MSNBC: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mb8F1Xb5t4Y Talking GOP: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vaj2m9veifQ&t=2s FreedomnewsTV: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IM2QC_TWVuI Stefanik: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JLsJUyQZA5Q&t=2s CBS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZT55NiL0e0A&t=2s Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Fraudsters ad-free. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
S4 E96 · Tue, June 13, 2023
George Santos Part I - The Wander Years
Welcome to Season 4! From outrageous lies to check fraud and even a stint as a drag queen, we delve into the jaw-dropping tales of this larger-than-life Congressman who's done more with the delete key than anyone in history: George Santos. This rollercoaster begins with George of the Bungle's origin story starting in Queens NY, to a sudden move to Brazil and then back again to begin a string of evictions and schemes for money. In between are the epic lies. From changing his name multiple times to being Jew-ish and fabricating stories about his education and his mother's tragic death in 9/11...or from 9/11? The deceit knows no bounds and it’s only the beginning. Strap in and get ready for a wild journey through the lies, frauds, and unexpected twists in the early life of Congressman George Santos. Don't hit delete! Listen now to Part One: The Wander Years! Follow The Show: Twitter: https://twitter.com/fraudstersLPN Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fraudsterslpn/ Discord: https://discord.gg/WRZ8zgusPT Website: https://fraudsters.fm/ Follow the Hosts: https://twitter.com/seenanow https://www.instagram.com/justin_williams_comedy https://twitter.com/arielleaty YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQwl8sDTVEAxhwJdYgm-yrgIntro Music Credit and Sound Fx:https://twitter.com/gograntgordon Season Cover Art by:https://comedyartwork.com/ Youtube Sources: Piers Morgan: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7p-6HHUgl4 CNN: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6W2Bxk18ms&t=1s MSNBC: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/7URMsvzn8Hk CBS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Y-3N-ac9Ok TIK TOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@azi.paybarah/video/7179016359634799914?_r=1&_t=8cNBWekd8ah Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Fraudsters ad-free. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
Bonus · Mon, June 12, 2023
BONUS: Tell Us Your Fraud Story
Welcome to our pre-Season 4 Red Flag Bonus episode! We got friends like Lamont King and Erin and Jason Saenz telling us their personal stories of not seein' red flags and gettin' scammed. It'll leave you givin some side eye to gift cards and plane tickets. We also talk to Kelly Richmond Pope, author of "Fool Me Once", about the red flags to spot and how when we're at our most vulnerable. Make sure to follow us so you don't miss our Season 4 premiere that drops tomorrow! Welcome to our pre-Season 4 Red Flag Bonus episode! We got friends like Lamont King and Erin and Jason Saenz telling us their personal stories of not seein' red flags and gettin' scammed. It'll leave you givin some side eye to gift cards and plane tickets. We also talk to Kelly Richmond Pope, author of "Fool Me Once", about the red flags to spot and how when we're at our most vulnerable. Make sure to follow us so you don't miss our Season 4 premiere that drops tomorrow! Follow The Show: Website: https://fraudsters.fm/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/fraudstersLPN Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fraudsterslpn/ Follow on Discord: https://discord.gg/WRZ8zgusPT Our hosts: https://twitter.com/seenanow https://www.instagram.com/justin_williams_comedy https://twitter.com/arielleaty ; Follow our Guests: Kelly Richmond Pope https://www.kellyrichmondpope.com/ allthequeenshorsesfilm.com Lamont King: Twitter @MrLamontKing Erin Saenz: IG: @erinmcgown Jason Saenz: IG: @jasoncsaenz Music Credit and Sound Fx: https://twitter.com/gograntgordon Season Cover Art by: https://comedyartwork.com/ Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Fraudsters ad-free. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
S3 E94 · Fri, May 26, 2023
Bonus: Shocking Not Shocking IRS Audits Black People More + Special Guests Langston Kerman and David Gborie
This week we welcome Langston Kerman and David Gborie from the podcast My Momma Told Me! We chat about conspiracies, a little Shaun King, a bit about Dr. Umar Johnson, and more. Plus, are you a melanated person? Because Starry is for you and that knock on your door might be the IRS. Listen now! This week we welcome Langston Kerman and David Gborie from the podcast My Momma Told Me! We chat about conspiracies, a little Shaun King, a bit about Dr. Umar Johnson, and more. Plus, are you a melanated person? Because Starry is for you and that knock on your door might be the IRS. Listen now! Follow Us: https://twitter.com/seenanow https://www.instagram.com/justin_williams_comedy Watch Fraudwire on Twitch until Season 4 premieres on June 13th: https://www.twitch.tv/lastpodcastnetwork https://twitter.com/arielleaty Follow this episode's guests: https://www.instagram.com/coolguyjokes87/ https://www.instagram.com/langstonkerman/ Follow the show on Discord: https://discord.gg/WRZ8zgusPT Website: https://fraudsters.fm/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/fraudstersLPN Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fraudsterslpn/ Music Credit and Sound Fx: https://twitter.com/gograntgordon Season Cover Art by: https://comedyartwork.com/ Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Fraudsters ad-free. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
Fri, May 12, 2023
Fraudwire: George Santos, Liz Holmes, BooHoo
On this week's episode of Fraudwire, we welcome guests Amber Nelson and Ed Larson from The Brighter Side for our live stream! It's a busy fraud week with George Santos' indictment and fraudulent spending habits, Elizabeth Holmes' voice changed so we can trust her now, right? And that clothing sale ad on Instagram is a scam. Plus we share our own recent scam stories so listen now! Follow Us: https://twitter.com/seenanow https://www.instagram.com/justin_williams_comedy Watch Fraudwire on Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/lastpodcastnetwork https://twitter.com/arielleaty Follow the show on Discord: https://discord.gg/WRZ8zgusPT Website: https://fraudsters.fm/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/fraudstersLPN Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fraudsterslpn/ Music Credit and Sound Fx: https://twitter.com/gograntgordon Season Cover Art by: https://comedyartwork.com/
S3 E92 · Fri, April 14, 2023
Bonus: Kanye's Donda Academy, Mystery Meat, Frank and the Biggest US Lottery Scam
In this week's episode of Fraudwire, we welcome Travis Irvine from Abe Lincoln's Top Hat to chat with Seena and Ariel! What's the latest on Kanye's - ahem Ye's (pronounced YAY for those 30+ year olds) - fake school? Well they got sushi. Plus, more of the latest fraud news and the most important question of our era: What mystery food will you eat? Then we have Iowa State Auditor Rob Sand to talk about his book "The Winning Ticket" and how he uncovered the biggest US lottery scam. And there's Big Foot. Big Foot? Listen to the show now! Follow Us: https://twitter.com/seenanow https://www.instagram.com/justin_williams_comedy https://twitter.com/arielleaty https://twitter.com/TravisIrvineUSA Check out our guest's book "The Winning Ticket: Uncovering America's Biggest Lottery Scam "https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09JSHNDVZ/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&&btkr=1 Follow the show on Discord: https://discord.gg/WRZ8zgusPT Website: https://fraudsters.fm/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/fraudstersLPN Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fraudsterslpn/ Music Credit and Sound Fx:https://twitter.com/gograntgordon Season Cover Art by:https://comedyartwork.com/ Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Fraudsters ad-free. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
Fri, March 31, 2023
Fraudwire: ChatGPT, Tiktok, Cash App & Interview with a Victim of a Hollywood Ponzi Scheme
Welcome to Fraudwire! Before Fraudsters Season 4 begins your hosts Seena, Justin, and Ariel broadcast via Twitch every other Monday riffing on recent fraudsters in the news. On this episode we welcome special guest Henry Zebrowski to talk about ChatGPT, Tiktok, and how Jack Dorsey's multi-billion dollar Cash App is systematically taking advantage of the people it claims to help. But Jack loves it when rappers reference it in their songs plus it IS super convenient for all your drug and prostitution needs. Win win, right? Later we have special guest Paul Martino on to talk about being a victim of a nearly $70 million Hollywood ponzi scheme. Find out how he brought the two Producers to justice with a little help from the FBI! Who knew Hollywood could be so scammy? Listen now because ChatGPT won't do it for you! Follow Us: https://twitter.com/seenanow https://www.instagram.com/justin_williams_comedy https://twitter.com/arielleaty https://twitter.com/HenryLovesYou Check out Special Guest Paul Martino's indie film (about a scam!) https://www.insidegamemovie.com/ Follow the show on Discord: https://discord.gg/WRZ8zgusPT Website: https://fraudsters.fm/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/fraudstersLPN Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fraudsterslpn/ Music Credit and Sound Fx:https://twitter.com/gograntgordon Season Cover Art by:https://comedyartwork.com/
S3 E90 · Tue, March 14, 2023
Alex Mashinsky and Celsius Part II
We are joined by Youtube Crypto personality and fellow Celsius victim Tiffany Fong! She explains how and why she gave a chunk of money to Mashinsky's yield ponzi scheme and all she got was a pic with Joe Biden at the White House. Worth it, right? She also spills the tea (or her cocktail) on how she bagged an interview with Sam Bankman-Fried aka SBF of FTX. And with the gift of hindsight and a good ol' pat on the back for those who didn't invest we look at some scammy clips of Mashinsky. Not your keys not your coins or whatever but listen now! Follow Us: https://twitter.com/seenanow https://www.instagram.com/justin_williams_comedy https://twitter.com/arielleaty Follow the show on Discord: https://discord.gg/WRZ8zgusPT Website: https://fraudsters.fm/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/fraudstersLPN Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fraudsterslpn/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQwl8sDTVEAxhwJdYgm-yrgIntro Music Credit and Sound Fx: https://twitter.com/gograntgordon Season Cover Art by: https://comedyartwork.com/ Youtube Sources: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OOUQ3qtASTw https://youtu.be/Sg6KV9JZESU https://youtu.be/OBohJXhpRHU https://youtu.be/DbcGDxQfsnM Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Fraudsters ad-free. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
S3 E89 · Tue, March 07, 2023
Alex Mashinsky and Celsius Part I
Last season our most controversial episode was when Seena shared how he got scammed in crypto. We open this week with the follow up and what exactly he got from that scam, and it's not nothing! It's… three images of…apes. But OOPS he did it again, this time in a different project with money he really did not to lose. We welcome special guest Jackie Zebrowski of LPN as she along with Ariel and Justin ROAST Seena big time. Because it's not just investing in fake apes that Ariel coulda photoshopped it's also about investing in ANOTHER scam called, Celsius, where Alex Mashinsky the CEO orchestrated ponzi scheme that left thousands of investors out in zero degrees celsius. Listen now and we can't promise this episode is not a scam! Follow Us: https://twitter.com/seenanow https://www.instagram.com/justin_williams_comedy https://twitter.com/arielleaty https://www.twitch.tv/ohnoitsjackie Follow the show on Discord: https://discord.gg/WRZ8zgusPT Website: https://fraudsters.fm/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/fraudstersLPN Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fraudsterslpn/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQwl8sDTVEAxhwJdYgm-yrgIntro Music Credit and Sound Fx:https://twitter.com/gograntgordon Season Cover Art by:https://comedyartwork.com/ Sources: https://youtu.be/m1Zqx618Tvg https://youtu.be/BhFwiIOGJ-E https://youtu.be/dv6_57Bowhs https://www.primetrust.com/ https://www.coindesk.com/business/2022/08/23/bankrupt-crypto-lender-celsius-sues-prime-trust-over-17m-in-tokens/ https://ag.ny.gov/press-release/2023/attorney-general-james-sues-former-ceo-celsius-cryptocurrency-platform-defrauding https://www.coindesk.com/policy/2022/08/09/canadian-regulators-investigating-crypto-lender-celsius-collapse-alongside-us-report https://www.coindesk.com/business/2022/07/14/celsius-acknowledges-12b-hole-in-balance-sheet/ https://cases.stretto.com/celsius https://pacer-documents.s3.amazonaws.com/115/312902/126122257414.pdf https://iapps.courts.state.ny.us/nyscef/ViewDocument?docIndex=RvF30Mz2IZW63s1mjjau2Q== https://www.coindesk.com/business/2022/07/04/crypto-lender-celsius-cuts-150-jobs-amid-restructuring-report/ https://www.reuters.com/technology/who-is-alex-mashinsky-man-behind-alleged-celsius-crypto-fraud-2023-01-05/ https://www.coindesk.com/business/2022/06/24/goldman-sachs-raising-funds-to-buy-celsius-assets-sources/ Page 20, https://ag.ny.gov/sites/default/files/mashinsky_complaint.pdf Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Fraudsters ad-free. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
S3 E88 · Tue, February 28, 2023
Sunny Balwani Part II - It's Always Sunny in Balwani
We wrap up our series on Sunny Balwani with Ariel Leaty giving you Big Hinge Sunny Energy reading his and Elizabeth Holmes' text messages. Later, find out what it was like working at Theranos when you're super smart and your boss isn't. We got - our resident Bill Nye The Science Guy - former Chief Science Officer Seth Michelson giving us the scientific skinny working at the doomed start-up before it imploded. Listen now! We wrap up our series on Sunny Balwani with Ariel Leaty giving you Big Hinge Sunny Energy reading his and Elizabeth Holmes' text messages. Later, find out what it was like working at Theranos when you're super smart and your boss isn't. We got - our resident Bill Nye The Science Guy - former Chief Science Officer Seth Michelson giving us the scientific skinny working at the doomed start-up before it imploded. Listen now! Follow Us: https://twitter.com/seenanow https://www.instagram.com/justin_williams_comedy https://twitter.com/arielleaty Follow the show on Discord: https://discord.gg/WRZ8zgusPT Website: https://fraudsters.fm/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/fraudstersLPN Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fraudsterslpn/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQwl8sDTVEAxhwJdYgm-yrgIntro Music Credit and Sound Fx: https://twitter.com/gograntgordon Season Cover Art by: https://comedyartwork.com/ Sources: https://files.cand.uscourts.gov/files/18-CR-258%20USA%20v.%20Holmes/Trial%20Exh.%205387F/Trial%20Exh.%205387F%20Text%20Messages.pdf To read about Stanford's latest breakthrough referenced in the interview: https://www.chemistryworld.com/news/analysing-blood-chemistry-from-a-single-drop/4016940.article Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Fraudsters ad-free. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
S3 E87 · Tue, February 21, 2023
Sunny Balwani Part I - It's Always Sunny in Balwani
Everyone talks about Elizabeth Holmes building up then bringing down Theranos but what about her other fraud half Ramesh aka "Sunny" Balwani? She was the black-turtle-neck-Steve-Jobs-face of the company while he was the acid-wash-jeans-creep-at-the-club-in-Gucci-loafers-wearing-too-much-cologne pulling the levers. Where did this guy come from and would Elizabeth have gotten as far without him? Also we got Fraudster Exclusive footage of Sunny that may or may not be from the TV show Lost. Listen now about how to level up your fraudulent tech company with just one drop of blood and a machine that doesn't work! Follow Us: https://twitter.com/seenanow https://www.instagram.com/justin_williams_comedy https://twitter.com/arielleaty Follow the show on Discord: https://discord.gg/WRZ8zgusPT Website: https://fraudsters.fm/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/fraudstersLPN Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fraudsterslpn/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQwl8sDTVEAxhwJdYgm-yrgIntro Music Credit and Sound Fx:https://twitter.com/gograntgordon Season Cover Art by:https://comedyartwork.com/ Sources: Carreyrou, J. (2022). Sunny. In Bad blood: Secrets and lies in a Silicon Valley startup (Kindle, pp. 67–80). essay, Vintage Books. https://fortune.com/2022/12/07/sunny-balwani-sentencing-theranos-fraud-trial-elizabeth-holmes-how-much-prison-time/ https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndca/us-v-elizabeth-holmes-et-al https://www.axios.com/2022/12/07/sunny-balwani-theranos-sentence-13-years The Wall St Journal did the most investigation into Theranos than any other news agency that I can find. Here is a link to their collection of articles on Theranos (not Balwani specifically but contains good investigative details about the company and its downfall) https://www.wsj.com/news/collection/theranos-coverage-ea13b200 https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/tv/a26838289/who-is-ramesh-sunny-balwani/ https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndca/pr/theranos-chief-operating-officer-ramesh-sunny-balwani-found-guilty-conspiracy-wire SEC v. Ramesh “Sunny Balwani” 2018 https://www.sec.gov/litigation/complaints/2018/comp-pr2018-41-balwani.pdf Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Fraudsters ad-free. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
S3 E86 · Tue, February 14, 2023
Lou Pearlman Part III - Big Poppa's Final Ponzi Scheme
It's time to say Bye Bye Bye to our final deep dive into Fraudster Lou Pearlman. He was a blimp scammer, a boy band scammer, and now he's a talent scout scammer. Just fork over the dough and he'll glamour shot you to stardom. Also, Lou creates 84 businesses to create the largest ponzi scheme to rip off retirees of their savings before Madoff ever did. Listen now to how it all comes crashing down on Big Poppa as he's sent to the Big House! Follow Us: https://twitter.com/seenanow https://www.instagram.com/justin_williams_comedy https://twitter.com/arielleaty Follow the show on Discord: https://discord.gg/WRZ8zgusPT Website: https://fraudsters.fm/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/fraudstersLPN Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fraudsterslpn/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQwl8sDTVEAxhwJdYgm-yrgIntro Music Credit and Sound Fx:https://twitter.com/gograntgordon Season Cover Art by:https://comedyartwork.com/ Sources: Documentary: The Boy Band Con: The Lou Pearlman Story. (2019). YouTube. Retrieved December 23, 2022, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CcCRs0Ic3FI. Book: Gray, T. (2008). The Hit Charade: Lou Pearlman, Boy Bands, and the Biggest Ponzi Scheme in U.S. History . Harper Collins. Articles: https://vault.si.com/vault/1993/01/25/baron-blimp-lou-pearlman-head-of-airship-international-ltd-is-fulfilling-adolescent-dreams-of-glory https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/lou-pearlman-backstreet-boys-nsync-remembrance-7480300/ https://abcnews.go.com/US/lou-pearlman-backstreet-boys-nsync-lure-people-massive/story?id=67630954 https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2019/03/13/lou-pearlman-was-disgraced-mogul-who-defrauded-s-boy-bands-then-came-million-ponzi-scheme/ https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2007/11/pearlman200711 https://www.vice.com/en/article/g5qgey/that-time-lou-pearlman-tried-to-send-a-boy-band-to-space https://www.newyorker.com/culture/culture-desk/we-live-in-the-pop-culture-world-that-lou-pearlman-created https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/n-sync-slapped-with-150-million-lawsuit-255197/ https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/backstreet-boys-sue-pearlman-trans-continental-1403688/ Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Fraudsters ad-free. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
S3 E85 · Tue, February 07, 2023
Lou Pearlman Part II - The 6th Teen Heartthrob
It's the late '90s. Backstreet Boys and NSync are at the height of their fame. Little do they know that both groups have a sixth member - dreamy heartthrob con Lou Pearlman. Find out how exactly Lou conned the boys out of their money and how he took advantage of them in other inappropriate ways. *Trigger Warning* This episode talks about predatory sexual harassment of minors. It's the late '90s. Backstreet Boys and NSync are at the height of their fame. Little do they know that both groups have a sixth member - dreamy heartthrob con Lou Pearlman. Find out how exactly Lou conned the boys out of their money and how he took advantage of them in other inappropriate ways. *Trigger Warning* This episode talks about predatory sexual harassment of minors. Follow Us: https://twitter.com/seenanow https://www.instagram.com/justin_williams_comedy https://twitter.com/arielleaty Follow the show on Discord: https://discord.gg/WRZ8zgusPT Website: https://fraudsters.fm/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/fraudstersLPN Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fraudsterslpn/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQwl8sDTVEAxhwJdYgm-yrgIntro Music Credit and Sound Fx: https://twitter.com/gograntgordon Season Cover Art by: https://comedyartwork.com/ Sources: ABC 20/20 Report https://youtu.be/cJe2Q5_x72o https://youtu.be/1ml5RmrpozQ Wallstreet Journal https://youtu.be/MuyYhrCEU6A Access Hollywood https://youtu.be/PtcO5KUu4g8 Mail Online https://youtu.be/jftld4xvH14 O Town Making the Band https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLr6p2OgTtUvWfJ5dj_IvKCp9I3A9atKdd Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Fraudsters ad-free. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
S3 E84 · Tue, January 31, 2023
Lou Pearlman Part I - Big Poppa and Blimps Before the Boys
Did you know that Lou Pearlman was in the *blimp* business? Before he was Big Poppa he crashed his first blimp only a mile away from where the Hidenberg went down. He entire empire started with insurance fraud and was amplified by Art Garfunkel - found out way on the show. And we get a guest appearance from our writer Nick Turner to play the Name Game: Lou Pearlman artist or dot come bubble business? Listen now cause we know you want it that way. Did you know that Lou Pearlman was in the *blimp* business? Before he was Big Poppa he crashed his first blimp only a mile away from where the Hidenberg went down. He entire empire started with insurance fraud and was amplified by Art Garfunkel - found out way on the show. And we get a guest appearance from our writer Nick Turner to play the Name Game: Lou Pearlman artist or dot come bubble business? Listen now cause we know you want it that way. Follow Us: https://twitter.com/seenanow https://www.instagram.com/justin_williams_comedy https://twitter.com/arielleaty Follow the show on Discord: https://discord.gg/WRZ8zgusPT Website: https://fraudsters.fm/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/fraudstersLPN Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fraudsterslpn/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQwl8sDTVEAxhwJdYgm-yrgIntro Music Credit and Sound Fx: https://twitter.com/gograntgordon Season Cover Art by: https://comedyartwork.com/ Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Fraudsters ad-free. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
S3 E83 · Tue, January 24, 2023
Fake Abortion Centers: Where You Can Order a Latte with Your Pap Smear
We continue our series on Fake Abortion Centers - not clinics! - who fraudulently represent as medical health care services to pregnant women. How do these fraudsters get away with it? We interview two people who help us get answers and explain these centers’ mind-melting con tactics. First we speak to the author of the Reproductive Care Act, current San Francisco City Attorney David Chiu. He explains how the bill went from providing women factual information to the Supreme Court ruling in favor of (misleading) free speech. Then we talk to Ashley Underwood the Director of Equity Forward whose activism and research reveals who's behind these multi-million dollar state funded centers. Finally, Ariel and Seena comment on a few fraud centers’ TikTok clips. Good luck ordering your latte with a pap smear because this “coffee shop” has none. Listen now! Follow Us:https://twitter.com/seenanow https://www.instagram.com/justin_williams_comedy https://twitter.com/arielleaty Follow the show on Discord: https://discord.gg/WRZ8zgusPT Website: https://fraudsters.fm/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/fraudstersLPN Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fraudsterslpn/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQwl8sDTVEAxhwJdYgm-yrgIntro Music Credit and Sound Fx:https://twitter.com/gograntgordon Season Cover Art by:https://comedyartwork.com/ Clips: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wbOpK7rh3a4 TikTok: @hopeplacefordyce @freepregnancyhelp_tx @thebollmanbunch @radiancewomencentertx Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Fraudsters ad-free. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
S3 E82 · Tue, January 17, 2023
Diamonds are for Fraudsters Part III - Put a Ring On It
Have you put a ring on it, yet? We wrap up our series on the Diamond Industry cartel talkin about peacocks! More like Zahavi's Handicap principle (which is basically about peacocks) helps humans (men) send signals (DIAMONDS) to con women into trusting it as a symbol of love. Plus get ready to rumble with Colonel Debeers, listen to an Oppenheimer side step pesky questions about fair trade, Elizabeth Taylor's friends wear diamonds while raising money, and remember that classic '90s Debeers commercial? We do! The '90s was a weird time so tell her you'd marry her all over again and listen now! Follow Us: https://twitter.com/seenanow https://www.instagram.com/justin_williams_comedy/ https://twitter.com/arielleaty Follow the show on Discord: https://discord.gg/WRZ8zgusPT Website: https://fraudsters.fm/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/fraudstersLPN Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fraudsterslpn/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQwl8sDTVEAxhwJdYgm-yrgIntro Music Credit and Sound Fx: https://twitter.com/gograntgordon Season Cover Art by: https://comedyartwork.com/ "Stoned: Jewelery, Obsession, and How Desire Shapes the World" by Aja Raden Clips: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_sjecH8D20M https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=whvTnvXeitM https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=725sVNEkNEE&t=2810s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DOXp1iUvYvE https://youtu.be/iigEiW8abJk Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Fraudsters ad-free. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
S3 E81 · Tue, January 10, 2023
Diamonds are for Fraudsters Part II - Oppenheimer Cartel
A Diamond is Forever! We continue our series on the diamond industry with the world's favorite family the Oppenheimers! Together with De Beers they created a cartel that controls the entire diamond market. We discuss how female Don Drapers launched an advertising campaign right after WWII (who needs a sandwich when you can have a diamond?) and created the most successful ad slogan of the 20th century. With the help of an ad agency, De Beers became the original Jacob the Jeweler and outfitted celebrities, films, and tv shows with as many diamonds as they could. The cultural cachet of diamonds got baked into the fabric of our culture. From women buying men diamonds in the 80s to now we all NEED engagement rings. Listen now to see how we've all been artfully conned into believing diamonds are YOUR best friend. Follow Us: https://twitter.com/seenanow https://www.instagram.com/justin_williams_comedy/ https://twitter.com/arielleaty Follow the show on Discord: https://discord.gg/WRZ8zgusPT Website: https://fraudsters.fm/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/fraudstersLPN Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fraudsterslpn/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQwl8sDTVEAxhwJdYgm-yrgIntro Music Credit and Sound Fx:https://twitter.com/gograntgordon Season Cover Art by:https://comedyartwork.com/ Resources: https://www.npr.org/transcripts/205839105 https://www.timemaps.com/history/south-africa-1871ad/ https://brilliantmaps.com/africa-1914/ https://mapoftheday.quickworld.com/posts/africa-in-1965 https://www.africaguide.com/afmap.htm https://www.capetowndiamondmuseum.org/about-diamonds/south-african-diamond-history/ https://www.gia.edu/gems-gemology/summer-2019-kimberlites-earths-diamond-delivery-system https://www.britannica.com/place/Kimberley-South-Africa https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/1982/02/have-you-ever-tried-to-sell-a-diamond/304575/ https://www.debeersgroup.com/about-us/our-operations/sales https://pages.stern.nyu.edu/~lcabral/teaching/debeers3.pdf https://www.debeersgroup.com/about-us/our-operations/sales Calderisi, R. (2021). Cecil Rhodes and Other Statues: Dealing Plainly with the Past (Kindle). Gatekeeper Press. Rhodes, The Life & Legend ’90’s TV Series via Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@wvanderzalm Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Fraudsters ad-free. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
S3 E80 · Tue, January 03, 2023
Diamonds are for Fraudsters Part I - Cecil Rhodes
We’re headed to Jared! We begin our multi-part series on the Diamond Industry and the imperialist who started it all: Cecil Rhodes. His entrepreneurial ambitions made him walk 14 hours in a day to conquer a mine that would later become the international diamond corporation known as De Beers. How does this English kid with a heart of an 80 year old build a diamond monopoly off the backs of millions of Africans, have a country named after him, start the Rhodes Scholarship, and create so much power and wealth that he helped orchestrate South Africa’s colonization? The classic fraudster grit that's how! Later Seena and Ariel react to clips from “The Life & Legend of Cecil Rhodes” a British TV series from the ‘90s that is so ‘90s we tried to cancel the younger versions of ourselves. Listen now, guard your jewels, and take care of your feet! Follow Us: https://twitter.com/seenanow https://www.instagram.com/justin_williams_comedy/ https://twitter.com/arielleaty Follow the show on Discord: https://discord.gg/WRZ8zgusPT Website: https://fraudsters.fm/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/fraudstersLPN Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fraudsterslpn/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQwl8sDTVEAxhwJdYgm-yrgIntro Music Credit and Sound Fx: https://twitter.com/gograntgordon Season Cover Art by: https://comedyartwork.com/ Resources: https://www.npr.org/transcripts/205839105 https://www.timemaps.com/history/south-africa-1871ad/ https://brilliantmaps.com/africa-1914/ https://mapoftheday.quickworld.com/posts/africa-in-1965 https://www.africaguide.com/afmap.htm https://www.capetowndiamondmuseum.org/about-diamonds/south-african-diamond-history/ <a href="https://www.gia.edu/gems-gemology/summer-2
S3 E79 · Tue, December 20, 2022
Race Hustlers Part III - Candace Owens - Simply Awful
We’ve reached the end of our Candace Owens series (or is it?). In this episode we talk about how much she got paid while at Blexit and how she collaborated with Kanye. And we’ll show you that Candace Owens’s promoted Freedom Phone is definitely NOT just an Android with an American Flag wallpaper. She also explains how George Floyd was a bad person and therefore deserved to die at the hands of police while she harassed his family. Finally, Candace sees herself in “White Lives Matter”…because she wore the t-shirt? Listen to our latest episode… it’s sad, you’ll laugh, she’s a dumpster fire. Follow Us:https://twitter.com/seenanow https://www.instagram.com/justin_williams_comedy/ https://twitter.com/arielleaty Follow the show join the discord: Discord: https://discord.gg/WRZ8zgusPTWebsite: https://fraudsters.fm/Twitter: https://twitter.com/fraudstersLPN Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fraudsterslpn/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQwl8sDTVEAxhwJdYgm-yrgIntro Music Credit and Sound Fx:https://twitter.com/gograntgordon Season Cover Art by:https://comedyartwork.com/ Resources: https://newsone.com/3848636/candace-owens-receipts-con-artist/https://blexitfoundation.org/ https://www.insidehook.com/daily_brief/news-opinion/candace-owens-used-run-liberal-leaning-website https://www.businessinsider.in/politics/world/news/the-life-and-career-of-candace-owens-the-black-conservative-activist-who-attacked-black-lives-matter-and-said-george-floyd-was-aposnot-a-good-personapos/amp_slidelist/76358604.cms https://www.adweek.com/performance-marketing/social-autopsy-a-platform-for-online-shaming-and-mob-rule/ https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2016/04/how-social-autopsy-fell-for-gamergate-trutherism.html https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/youtube-tested-trump-approved-how-candace-owens-suddenly-became-loudest-n885166 https://www.newsweek.com/fact-check-did-candace-owens-run-liberal-blog-before-becoming-conservative-1573008 https://www.salon.com/2017/09/25/candace-owens-red-pill-black-youtube/ https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/annehelenpetersen/charlie-kirk-candace-owens-turning-point-usa-montana https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/youtube-tested-trump-approved-how-candace-owens-suddenly-became-loudest-n885166 https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/2013/jun/05/harry-alford/nra-founded-fight-kkk-black-leader-says/ https://anncoulter.com/2012/04/18/negroes-with-guns/ https://www.prageru.com/video/dear-celebrities-no-one-cares-what-you-think https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/youtube-tested-trump-approved-how-candace-owens-suddenly-became-loudest-n885166 https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Blackout/Candace-Owens/9781982133276 https://www.forbes.com/sites/morgansimon/2018/11/21/will-the-real-blexit-please-stand-up/?sh=290d6fb740e7 https://www.dailywire.com/news/breaking-candace-owens-is-join
S3 E78 · Tue, December 13, 2022
Race Hustlers Part II - Candace Owens Just Loves America
Part 2 of our Race Hustlers Series - we’re learning more about Candace than we ever thought. We’ll track how she goes from Turning Point USA to a teeth-sucking worthy testimony before Congress, and her initial collaboration with Kanye– Blexit. From her fried hair to her love of shrimp, we'll be covering it all. Tune in for a hilarious and eye-opening look at Candace’s reality distortion field. Follow Us: https://twitter.com/seenanow https://www.instagram.com/justin_williams_comedy/ https://twitter.com/arielleaty Follow the show join the discord: Discord: https://discord.gg/WRZ8zgusPT Website: https://fraudsters.fm/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/fraudstersLPN Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fraudsterslpn/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQwl8sDTVEAxhwJdYgm-yrg Intro Music Credit and Sound Fx: https://twitter.com/gograntgordon Season Cover Art by: https://comedyartwork.com/ Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Fraudsters ad-free. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
S3 E77 · Tue, December 06, 2022
Race Hustlers Part I - Candace Owens, Everything You Didn’t Want to Know
Candace Owens, conservative author, talk show host, political commentator, activist… but did you know she was a tech entrepreneur? We know - crazy, what a multi-talented person… … … Join us as we learn about Candace’s origin story, what her early projects were and how she was AS A DEMOCRAT. Ya think you know somebody… Follow Us: https://twitter.com/seenanow https://www.instagram.com/justin_williams_comedy/ https://twitter.com/arielleaty Follow the show join the discord: Discord: https://discord.gg/WRZ8zgusPT Website: https://fraudsters.fm/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/fraudstersLPN Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fraudsterslpn/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQwl8sDTVEAxhwJdYgm-yrg Intro Music Credit and Sound Fx: https://twitter.com/gograntgordon Season Cover Art by: https://comedyartwork.com/ Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Fraudsters ad-free. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
S3 E76 · Tue, November 29, 2022
Campaign Fraudsters Part IV - Prof. Lawrence Lessig guides us through Ted Cruz’s mayhem
It’s another week- come back onboard the crazy train! We keep grinding deeper into the journey of Mr. Cruz, the ultimate grifter and his bizarre world of deception and campaign fraud. Thankfully, we are joined by Professor Lawrence Lessig who helps us wrap our heads around how this all came to fruition. Follow Us: https://twitter.com/seenanow https://www.instagram.com/justin_williams_comedy/ https://twitter.com/arielleaty Follow the show join the discord: Discord: https://discord.gg/WRZ8zgusPT Website: https://fraudsters.fm/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/fraudstersLPN Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fraudsterslpn/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQwl8sDTVEAxhwJdYgm-yrg Intro Music Credit and Sound Fx: https://twitter.com/gograntgordon Season Cover Art by: https://comedyartwork.com/ Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Fraudsters ad-free. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
S3 E75 · Tue, November 22, 2022
Campaign Fraudsters Part III - Ted Cruz, the Darling of the Senate
Follow Us: https://twitter.com/seenanow https://www.instagram.com/justin_williams_comedy/ https://twitter.com/arielleaty Follow the show join the discord: Discord: https://discord.gg/WRZ8zgusPT Website: https://fraudsters.fm/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/fraudstersLPN Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fraudsterslpn/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQwl8sDTVEAxhwJdYgm-yrg Intro Music Credit and Sound Fx: https://twitter.com/gograntgordon Season Cover Art by: https://comedyartwork.com/ Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Fraudsters ad-free. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
S3 E74 · Tue, November 15, 2022
Campaign Fraudsters Part II - Trump Never Had a Diary
Follow Us: https://twitter.com/seenanow https://www.instagram.com/justin_williams_comedy/ https://twitter.com/arielleaty Follow the show join the discord: Discord: https://discord.gg/WRZ8zgusPT Website: https://fraudsters.fm/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/fraudstersLPN Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fraudsterslpn/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQwl8sDTVEAxhwJdYgm-yrg Intro Music Credit and Sound Fx: https://twitter.com/gograntgordon Season Cover Art by: https://comedyartwork.com/ Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Fraudsters ad-free. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
S3 E73 · Tue, November 08, 2022
Campaign Fraudsters Part I - The Trump Diaries
Hello Fraudstans! It’s voting day- let’s kick it off by diving into the bizarre world of Donald J. Trump and his campaign fraud. In this first episode we explore the insane journey via WWF wrestling and scams that catapulted Trump into the American mainstream to become the former President of the United States. We check in with @benkissel1 , @travisirvineusa , and @maelstronando of Abe Lincoln’s Top Hat to unravel Trump’s grand fraud journey….Welcome to the Woke Dome everybody. Follow Us: https://twitter.com/seenanow https://www.instagram.com/justin_williams_comedy/ https://twitter.com/arielleaty Follow the show join the discord: Discord: https://discord.gg/WRZ8zgusPT Website: https://fraudsters.fm/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/fraudstersLPN Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fraudsterslpn/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQwl8sDTVEAxhwJdYgm-yrg Intro Music Credit and Sound Fx: https://twitter.com/gograntgordon Season Cover Art by: https://comedyartwork.com/ Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Fraudsters ad-free. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
S3 E72 · Tue, November 01, 2022
Fake Abortion Clinics Part III - Fake Abortion Reversal Gets Real at Real
Follow Us: https://twitter.com/seenanow https://www.instagram.com/justin_williams_comedy/ https://twitter.com/arielleaty Follow the show join the discord: Discord: https://discord.gg/WRZ8zgusPT Website: https://fraudsters.fm/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/fraudstersLPN Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fraudsterslpn/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQwl8sDTVEAxhwJdYgm-yrg Intro Music Credit and Sound Fx: https://twitter.com/gograntgordon Season Cover Art by: https://comedyartwork.com/ Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Fraudsters ad-free. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
S3 E71 · Tue, October 25, 2022
Fake Abortion Clinics Part II - AdTech, Quizzes, and More
Follow Us: https://twitter.com/seenanow https://www.instagram.com/justin_williams_comedy/ https://twitter.com/arielleaty Follow the show join the discord: Discord: https://discord.gg/WRZ8zgusPT Website: https://fraudsters.fm/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/fraudstersLPN Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fraudsterslpn/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQwl8sDTVEAxhwJdYgm-yrg Intro Music Credit and Sound Fx: https://twitter.com/gograntgordon Season Cover Art by: https://comedyartwork.com/ Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Fraudsters ad-free. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
S3 E70 · Tue, October 18, 2022
Fake Abortion Clinics Part I - The Crisis of Fake Abortion Clinics
Follow Us: https://twitter.com/seenanow https://www.instagram.com/justin_williams_comedy/ https://twitter.com/arielleaty Follow the show join the discord: Discord: https://discord.gg/WRZ8zgusPT Website: https://fraudsters.fm/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/fraudstersLPN Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fraudsterslpn/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQwl8sDTVEAxhwJdYgm-yrg Intro Music Credit and Sound Fx: https://twitter.com/gograntgordon Season Cover Art by: https://comedyartwork.com/ Sources and References in Episode: PBS History of Abortion https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PB-zXDYCrzE Elie Mystal, “Allow me Retort” https://www.amazon.com/Allow-Me-Retort-Black-Constitution/dp/B09TCGZSDN/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=allow+me+to+retort+by+elie+mystal&qid=1664911698&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIxLjg4IiwicXNhIjoiMS42MiIsInFzcCI6IjEuNzUifQ%3D%3D&s=books&sprefix=allow+me+t%2Cstripbooks%2C120&sr=1-1 Report on CPCs https://prochoice.org/wp-content/uploads/cpc_report.pdf Yale Study on Reproductive Justice https://openyls.law.yale.edu/bitstream/handle/20.500.13051/7124/Resuscitating_the_Black_Body_Reproductive_Justice.pdf?sequence=2&isAllowed=y Pro-Life Journal https://web.archive.org/web/20200831230458/https://humanlifereview.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/2012-summer.pdf Gallup Polling on Abortion https://news.gallup.com/poll/1576/abortion.aspx Joint Statement of Elected Prosecutors https://fairandjustprosecution.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/FJP-Post-Dobbs-Abort
S2 E69 · Fri, October 07, 2022
Bonus: Good Morning Donda, Kim’s Crypto, Celebs Tax Fraud, Chess Cheaters and Morgan Good Fraud LLC
Welcome to our last Fraudwire before Season 3! This week Justin was on vacation, but we were able to invite Ariel Leaty back and Charles McBee. We had to bring up Ye again, because we couldn’t avoid talking about that mud-way Tecmo Bowl Balenciaga video? And staying within the family Kim Kardashian got fined by the SEC for pumping a crypto, and guess what, when the fine got announced, the crypto spiked! The irony of crypto markets continue… Then we run through a list of celebs who have got in trouble for tax evasion or tax fraud. Do you have a problem with tax fraud? Who’s the victim? Does it hit the same way as your granny gettin scammed? Also, there’s a stark difference between how black celebs are treated for tax crimes vs white celebs. And in the “this is too esoteric but the tea if delicious” news… chess phenom Hans Niemann has been kicked out chess competitions because champion Magnus Carlsen doesn’t trust him! Now they have metal detectors at chess tournaments… not for guns or bombs… but cheating devices. What has the world come to. We’ve got those stories and our guests share their scam stories on the latest Fraudwire! Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Fraudsters ad-free. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
S2 E68 · Fri, September 30, 2022
Bonus: Kanye West's Donda Academy, Le Trump, Maple Leaf Crypto, and Market Capicuolo
Rounding into October with another Fraudwire and this time we've got the great Ed Larson from The Bright Side joining us. This week we cover Kanye West's new Donda Academy - have you read their Non-Discrimination Policy? It's very robust! And who woulda thought that the NY Attorney General is serving up not only Trump but the entire family with a fraud investigation (of course everyone but Tiffany). As always we rock a crypto story and finish up with a delicious story about the deli in New Jersey that a $100 million market capitalization. Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Fraudsters ad-free. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
Fri, September 23, 2022
Fraudwire: Fundamentalist Mormons, COVID Scammers, and Ron DeSantis are awful to children
This week on Fraudwire we cover the subject of the Netflix doc "Be Sweet" about the Fundamentalist Church of Latter-day Saints and how they scammed their own followers into free labor and marrying their cousins (oof). Then we just got breaking news about the largest COVID scam to date out of Minnesota where a group was defrauding a program that was supposed to help feed needy children. And finally how can we miss talking about Ron DeSantis, and how he scammed migrants into getting on a plane with the promise of good jobs, and then dropped them off in Martha's Vineyard. Comedian Luke Thayer and attorney Mackenzie Brennan join Seena Ghaznavi and Justin Williams!
S2 E65 · Sat, September 17, 2022
Bonus: Farvrerer, Mother Theresa, Ernst Breaks Up and Steve Harvey is Publishers Clearing House
We're back with more Fraudwire! This week we cover Brett Farvre and the biggest welfare scam in Mississippi history, a woman in Florida who was deemed the Mother Theresa of her community when in reality she was running a nearly $200m ponzi scheme, EY is finally breaking up their auditing and consulting business, and we learned that if Steve Harvey isn't showing up at your door then it's NOT Publishers Clearing House! Seena Ghaznavi and Justin Williams are joined by comedian Brendan Fitzgibbons.Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Fraudsters ad-free. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
S2 E64 · Fri, August 19, 2022
Bonus: E-Growers Carried Interest for Your Fake Book Deal and Nick is an Uncle
Our latest Fraudwire before the end of summer break at LPN. This week we cover Juicyfields.io - a hybrid cannabis and crypto scam where people could "invest" in different grows of their favorite weed strains. There is a special place in hell for those that defraud around the sweet sinsemilla. And have you ever heard of the Carried Interest loophole? It's one of those things you hear in the news, but wtf is it all about? We do a quick dive into that and who is holding up congress for it. In phishing news, we found out that scammers have been impersonating HarperCollins editors and offering people book deals? WHY? WHY? So boring - but we'll tell you all about it on the show. Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Fraudsters ad-free. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
S2 E63 · Fri, August 12, 2022
Bonus: Seagal Reps Russia in Ukraine and Lions, Tornados, and Pink Sauce OH MY!
Breaking news from the #fraudwire discord - Steven Seagal is in east Ukraine repping the Russians and throwing shade on everyone but the fascists. We also cover a Trump-supporting clothing brand that was ripping tags off their clothing to restamp them as Made in America, and as always a bit from cryptoland - Tornado Cash is a mixer that was laundering money for North Korean hackers... WE ARE SHOCKED. And finally - we are ashamed we missed this story earlier, but we have a full update on PINK SAUCE... how it started as a meme, how it became a gross FDA violating side hustle, and how it's now gone.... legit. Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Fraudsters ad-free. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
S2 E62 · Fri, August 05, 2022
Bonus: Shady Boxes, Alzheimer's Big Scam, and Shaun King's Prize Dog That Wasn't
Who would've thought those loot boxes in video games that make kids (and many adults) dump millions to get the latest 'skin' - well the EU is looking at their exploitative practices. The big news though is from the scientific community where a foundational research paper for Alzheimer's turned out to be deliberately fraudulent. Shaun King is at it again, getting his progressive PAC to buy a $40,000 dog - too bad he returned it bc it had 'too much energy.' OR maybe the dog was asking for RECEIPTS Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Fraudsters ad-free. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
S2 E61 · Fri, July 29, 2022
Bonus: To Catch a Fraudster, PharmaBro goes Web3, and Miracle Cure Murder for Hire
We're back with another installment of our livestream. This week we are joined by our guests, Amber Nelson, co-host of The Brighter Side and Someplace Underneath podcasts, as well as Ariel Leaty comedian and fraud enthusiast! In this episode, we cover Jacob Wohl and Jack Burkman's latest scam... a To Catch a Predator show based in DC where they convinced an OnlyFans model to pose as underage girl in the hopes of catching one DC's elite - instead the production crew got marooned in an Airbnb and stiffed on payment. Martin Shkreli is back fresh off breaking his jailhouse girlfriend's heart with a totally legit Web3 platform that is trying to use the computing power of the blockchain to research cures for underserved communities. He's definitely a changed man... or not. And finally, Enochian BioSciences is the poor man's Theranos with a side of murder-for-hire. Probably the craziest fraud story coming out of the public markets this year. Be sure to find us on social @fraudsterslpn - we stream #Fraudwire live every Wednesday! Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Fraudsters ad-free. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
Fri, July 22, 2022
Fraudwire: Snyder Bots, Fake Cricket, and Vicious Vapes
Welcome to the off-season! Fraudwire is our way of giving you a little bit of Seena and Justin while we prepare for another season of deep-dives. These episodes are livestreamed weekly on Wednesdays with special guests. This week we had the father of Last Podcast Network - Henry Zebrowski on as well as stand-up comedian Gordon Baker-Bone. HERE’S the thing, if you were on the livestream you saw that Gordon’s audio was rough. We unfortunately had to edit him out of this episode because we were worried that your ears would bleed if you heard his distorted stream. We love Gordon and will definitely have him back. So please pardon us as we work out the kinks for this new live experience! Every week in the off-season we’ll talk about the top fraud stories on our mind right now. Enjoy!
S2 E59 · Tue, July 05, 2022
Wayne LaPierre Season Finale Part IV - Interview with The Good Liars and the message they sent
Jason Selvig (@JasonSelvig) and Davram Stiefler (@davramdavram) join Seena and Justin to talk about their time at the NRA convention where Wayne LaPierre was reelected this year despite all...that...fraud. The series wraps without anything close to a happy ending because this episode is coming out the day after July 4th where there were multiple shootings around the country. And every time it happens, people like Wayne LaPierre and the NRA get stronger. Doing comedy around the Second Amendment and the NRA may feel tone-deafwhen, but it's how we deal with the grotesque violence of our country, and learning about the details gives us strength in the inevitable fight ahead. Jason Selvig: http://twitter.com/jasonselvig Davram Stiefler: http://twitter.com/davramdavram Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Fraudsters ad-free. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
S2 E58 · Tue, June 28, 2022
Wayne LaPierre Part III - It's Wayne's World, we're just living in it... at gun point
This week Seena and Justin continue exploring the inner-workings of the NRA and Wayne LaPierre was able to consolidate power while getting private planes, trips to the Bahamas, and safaris around the world all paid by the NRA or gifted by NRA vendors... who were also paid by the NRA. Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Fraudsters ad-free. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
S2 E57 · Tue, June 21, 2022
Wayne LaPierre Part II - The NRA (re)Evolution and Mind Melds with the Supreme Court
Is the Second Amendment, a fraud? For this episode, we discuss how the Second Amendment has been distorted throughout the years. Also, we go through the NRA’s evolution and recall some of Wayne LaPierre's most memorable fraudster moves! Our guest is none other than writer, host and co-creator of Studio 360, and super New Yorker, Kurt Andersen, who shares with us how his book, Fantasyland: How America Went Haywire, became a reality. Tune in as we address how America got armed, how it happened, and when exactly did we lose control. TIMESTAMPS (3:30) - What is the NRA? How did it go from a training program for young men at the wake of the civil war to having legislative affairs? (9:07) - The 60’s, a decade where pivotal events for gun regulation occur. (16:07) - People are afraid of armed people! So, what do they do? Buy more guns. (18:22) - The beginnings of Wayne LaPierre. (20:51) - The Cincinnati Revolt of 1977 at the NRA convention. (26:17) - Kurt Andersen shares with us how his book Fantasyland came to be and how the NRA and guns are like a religion or a death cult. (33:05) - The evolution of the NRA according to Kurt Andersen. (38:54) - Take a look at Wayne LaPierre as head of the NRA and a fundraising letter he wrote when the Brady Bill got passed. (58:04) - What did the Chief Justice appointed by Nixon mean when he complained that the Second Amendment “has been the subject of one of the greatest pieces of fraud”? (1:04:28) - Stephen Halbrook and other examples of the type of writing that permeated the entire gun rights community. (1:16:13) - The distortion of the Second Amendment and melding with the Supreme Court. RESOURCES Jason Bellini on Linkedin Fantasyland: How America Went Haywire: A 500-Year History by Kurt Andersen Kurt Andersen’s website Kurt Andersen on Twitter Kurt Andersen on Facebook Allow Me To Retort by Elie Mystal Elie Mystal on Twitter Elie Mystal on LinkedIn www.oyez.org ( visit ) Frontline, NRA Under Fire Frank Smyth, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/The-NRA-Unauthorized-History/dp/B083QPPS46/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3UMWHBJ4MYLBL&
S2 E56 · Tue, June 14, 2022
Wayne LaPierre Part I - The Long Con of the Second Amendment
It’s the season finale series and we cannot get enough of Wayne LaPierre and the NRA! But first, let’s talk about the Second Amendment. What was its original intent? How did it get weaponized? We go through some of its backstory to understand where it all comes from, specifically how slavery was actually the real motivation behind the drafting of the Second Amendment. Also, we talk about militias. Who were these guys in the militias? Were they all Rambos? Why did they play a key role in the creation of the Second Amendment? Join us as we uncover the original fraud of the Second Amendment. TIMESTAMPS (1:39) - For our season finale we decided to for the Second Amendment’s case. How did it get weaponized? What was its original intent? Why has the Supreme Court’s interpretation of it shifted over time? (5:43) - The founding fathers were not fearless, they were fearful and so are current politicians! - How fear has acted as the great mover when an economic or social change is in sight. (9:44) - The north wants to abolish slavery, the south refuses this and slaves are rebelling. Heads are about to get chopped! (17:28) - Who participated in the militias? Well, just a collection of ordinary guys. Not soldiers, not marines but Yosemite Sam and Larry the cable guy. (22:16) - Welcome to the Richmond Conventions! On this side… the Federalists! On the other… the anti-federalists! A unique duel on what to do about the oh-so-powerful militias! (38:41) - It’s a wrap! The Constitution gets ratified and the anti-federalists lose. So, why did James Madison even bother doing the bill of rights? (49:17) - The truth about the Second Amendment…there is no right to bear arms in it! But it doesn’t fucking matter because the Supreme Court has voted that’s its meaning. RESOURCES Bless Elie Mystal and his recent book " Allow Me to Retort " which was the inspiration behind this episode. Carl Bogus, " The Hidden History Behind the Second Amendment " Paul Finkelman, " A Well Regulated Militia " New York City draft riots (visit article) Carl T. Bogus website Carl T. Bogus on Twitter Carl T. Bogus on LinkedIn Contact Fraudst
S2 E55 · Tue, June 07, 2022
uBiome the Poo-Poo Startup That Could... Poo
We are doing a whole episode on poop. Yes, you read that right, poop, and the startup built on it: uBiome. In this episode, we talk about how Jessica Richman and Zachary Apte scammed people with the promise of improving their health. The startup got to a point where it was worth $600 million dollars. Oh sh*t! But how did they manage to do it? Where did they get the money? How far can a pair of fraudsters go? Tune in and find out how data and citizen science can take a nasty turn if they fall into the wrong hands. TIMESTAMPS (03:16) - Our favorite topic, the grand democratizer… fraudulent capitalism: The power of data and citizen science. (05:04) - That’s right fellas, there’s a map for sewer system in NYC - Leif Percifield and the “Don’t Flush Me” project. (07:56) - Information: the currency for today’s economy and all about the startup that was built on shit (literally). (9:51) - How uBiome started off as a very well and civilized citizen science project in 2013 and funded their pilot project through Indie Gogo (the best and most honest crowdfunding platform…) (23:59) - Jessica Richman and Zachary Apte a pair of geniuses that know how to raise the money. (34:33) - “We’ve got this new microbiome that we can test for! Wanna get a retest?” - The various ways Jessica and Zachary cooked their numbers and kept the money coming in. (41:22) - A startup full of shit! The great unraveling of uBiome: from insurers flagging it to the vanishing of its founders. RESOURCES Leif Percifield on Twitter Leif Percifield on LinkedIn Jessica Richman’s Ted Talk - Could a citizen scientist win a Nobel Prize? Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Fraudsters ad-free. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
S2 E54 · Tue, May 31, 2022
Race Hustlers Part VI – #SitDownShaun
Sit down Shaun! In this episode, we continue talking about the “progressive” fraudster: Shaun King. Hidden behind an altruistic facade on social media, Shaun King manages to scam millions through ‘fundraising’ and ‘charitable causes’. Not only has he taken advantage of social movements but also cyberbullied people that questioned his actions. Journalist Ernest Owens tells us how King targeted him and several other colleagues. Join us as we try to find out what is the truth behind Shaun King, how he has become so powerful and how we can prevent this type of scam. TIMESTAMPS (3:53) - Who’s behind Shaun King’s Social Media? A woman, who accidentally ended up working for King, shares with us all the juicy little details about his scamming empire. (8:13) - #ShaunKingLetMeDown - The disappointment and sadness of his supporters, and the launching of his “full news website” The North Star. (22:49) - If there is one thing that Shaun King is famous for is being a cyberbully and falsely accusing people of horrible crimes. (26:29) - Clarissa Brooks questions King and gets attacked by his army of internet fans. Also, Ernest Owens shares with us his experience as one of King’s targets. (36:14) - #SitDownShaun - A bunch of leaders from various movements, journalists, and former members of justice together write an open letter to Shaun King telling him to stop. (39:14) - Shaun King CREATES his financial review board made up of his friends to overlook all of his finances from August 2014 to 2019. (44:49) - The “great” fundraiser - Claiming credit for things he didn’t do and money he didn’t raise. (50:10) - Our favorite recent Sean King scams: Asking for a donation so he could move houses, asking people to send money to his wife to “alleviate some pressure,” using Chadwick Boseman’s death to promote his book and starting his own fashion line. RESOURCES Ernest Owens on Twitter Ernest Owens on Instagram Ernest Owens on Facebook Clarissa Brooks on Twitter A Community Word About Shaun King: #SitDownShaun Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Fraudsters ad-free. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
S2 E53 · Tue, May 24, 2022
Race Hustlers Part V – Shaun King's Thin Mustache and Thinner Defense
In this Race Hustler series fifth episode we talk about everything that went wrong with Shaun King’s Justice Together donation management, delving on the former members’ open letters that revealed he tried to centralize donor support and accused every person who didn’t agree with him to be a white supremacist or a troll. Did he take accountability? How did he react? The answer is just absurd. TIMESTAMPS (4:20) - Picking up from where we left off: When Shaun King fundraised in the name of Tamir Rice without informing his family. (8:28) - Can someone please think about Wal-Mart? Discussing the Justice Together controversy and the need for rioting to get true law reform. (15:41) - JT30 open letter: The mission to ‘end police brutality in America’ and Shaun King’s lack of leadership. (23:56) - ‘Fool me once…’: Everything that went wrong with Shaun King’s donation management. (34:45) - shaunkingtruth.com (yes, this actually happened): How Shaun King reacted to the wave of accusations and open letters against him. (42:33) - The problem with Shaun King being the most visible fundraiser of the BLM movement (+ a tease for the upcoming episode). RESOURCES -Tamir Rice's Mother Blasts Shaun King for Fundraising Off Son's Death: 'You Are an Imposter' ( read ) -An Open Letter From Former Directors of Justice Together ( read ) -Shaun King Threatens to Sue Activists Who Accused Him on Twitter of Mishandling Fundraisers ( read ) Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Fraudsters ad-free. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
S2 E52 · Tue, May 17, 2022
Race Hustlers Part IV – Shaun King of Affinity Frauds
Presenting today’s race hustler Shaun King! With his altruistic personality and charitable causes, he will convince you to donate. But where is all this money going? Who is Shaun King? Where did he come from? How did he get to where he is? In this episode, we go through some of King’s most iconic scams! Such a professional in the field. From building a house in Haiti to raising money for a family that actually never got it. Join as we search for the Shaun King RECEIPTS! TIMESTAMPS (02:47) - Presenting today’s race hustler Shaun King! A self-proclaimed controversial Twitter activist and a New York Times bestselling author. (03:51) - Mike Brown’s Case microanalysis - King’s rise to prominence on Social Media. (06:53) - Where is the money going? - “The person who paints your house before he steals your car has still committed theft”. (10:33) - Who is Shaun King? Where did he come from? What happened before becoming an “advocate for African American people and part of the civil rights cause”. (18:15) - A home in Haiti - King going viral with Twit Change to raise money in support of a home in Haiti. (30:18) - Hope(Mob) - A non-profit crowdfunding platform where users could vote if they had enough points. And how did they get points? Signing up, donating, and sharing on Social Media. (35:09) - Life Goals University - For $49.99 Shaun King is going to help you organize your life! But if you really, really, reaaally want to get organized you can pay $350 or more! (42:41) - “Personally, I don’t know how you sleep at night” - King raises money for the Rice family but they never get it. (47:50) - How Shaun King actually creates value and wealth for himself. RESOURCES Hope(Mob) Forbes Article Life Goals University Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Fraudsters ad-free. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
S2 E51 · Tue, May 10, 2022
Race Hustlers Part III - Officer Seagal: Arrested Development
It’s our last episode about Steven Seagal, and honestly, we’re thrilled to be finally done with it! We don’t want to hear to another of his albums or watch one of his movies. It’s been three episodes on him when it was supposed to be one! Why? Well isn’t it clear? Tune in, because in this episode we listen to the exquisite lyrics from his second album and look back on his straight-to-DVD movies. Of course, Seagal is an equal opportunity cultural appropriator and we’ll see him as a Deputy Sheriff, Russian comrade, and Buddhist God. TIMESTAMPS (04:11) - It's the 2000s, and Seagal is having a bit of a midlife crisis. Why is that? Could it be that his movies are stuck to one narrative? The racist jokes? Police brutality? Hmmm… (07:56) - Urban Justice, a 2007 straight-to-DVD movie and Lightning Bolt an “Asian experience energy drink.” Imagine! Seagal packed across Asia in search of the drink ingredients! (13:04) - “She that pretty,” “talk to my ass,” “an alligator ass,” “the preacher stole my Cadillac” and some other exquisite lyrics that can be found on Steven Seagal’s second album: Mojo Priest. (16:25) - The name is Steven Seagal, that’s right, Steven Seagal Deputy Sheriff. He’s a cop! He.is.a.cop. (25:01) - “You gotta push the bullet to the target,” Rob from McDojoLife is back to talk about his favorite Steven Seagal bullshit teaching moment in The Lawman. (32:11) - The Buddhist God - Hazel had the chance to reach out to some folks who worked on The Lawman and ask how was their experience with Seagal. (38:55) - The Lawman was a success with 3.4 million viewers, the most ever for a premiere episode of any series on A&E up until that point. People fucking loved it. So, what went wrong? (41:48) - Lawman’s resurrection on the cable network Reelz and working with “the worst Sheriff in America.” (51:51) - “Zen master Steven Seagal to become the brand ambassador for Bitcoin to Jetmaster Zen mess” - Seagal promoting Bitcoin B2G and settling charges with the SEC. (54:40) - Steven Seagal, Governor of Siberia - Having Russian citizenship and the unfair U.S. propaganda about Russia. RESOURCES Out for Justice trailer Urban Justice trailer Lightning Bolt Ad Listen to Mojo Priest Lawman Show Season 1 Trailer Steven Seagal Lawman Shooting Practice McDojoLife on YouTube McDojoLife on Instagram McDojoLife on Facebook McDojoLife on Twitter
S2 E50 · Tue, May 03, 2022
Race Hustlers Part II – Steven Seagal is Not Alright
It’s the second part of our most quintessential race hustler, Steve Seagal. We start right where we left off: the 90s! Steven Seagal can do no wrong, all his movies are hits! In this episode, we see him as a director (we know, crazy!), a catastrophic SNL host, and singer. We’re reluctant to say it, but he might actually be good at the guitar. But this show is not about talent, it’s about race hustlers! So, what cultures will he appropriate this time? Tune in and find out! TIMESTAMPS (02:24) - It’s the 90s and Steven Seagal is doing incredibly well though getting repeatedly lambasted by journalists and hated by critics. (06:14) - Steven Seagal’s directorial *vomit* debut on Deadly Ground, with a humble budget of $50 million and leaning heavily on native (native according to Hollywood of course…) (16:11) - The SNL fiasco hosting experience and the true confessions from the SNL cast about having Steven Seagal on the show. (26:49) - Swords aren’t his only passion: In 2004, Seagal launches his debut album “Songs from the Crystal Cave.” Oh, and he is Jamaican now… (36:22) - “Ain’t no black and ain’t no white” - The colorblind blues from his second album and changing ethnicity agaiiin in 2006. (38:57) - Bobby Ferrazza tells us something that we might not like buuut it seems Steven Seagal might be a little talented after all. (44:21) - And he does it again! But this time he links his identity to an African-American one. Quite the cultural vulture! RESOURCES Deadly Ground Trailer SNL Show Seagal The Glimmer Man Trailer Steven Seagal’s first album Songs from the Crystal Cave. Seagal on Arsenio Hall Show for Mark of death Bobby Ferrazza Oberlin College and Conservatory website Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Fraudsters ad-free. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
S2 E49 · Tue, April 26, 2022
Race Hustlers Part I – Steven Seagal's Rise to Super-Stardom
We're kicking off this Race Hustlers series with the King of Appropriate, the Master of Elbow Breaks, and the Sultan of Lies - Steven Seagal! Tune in to find out who Seagal was before stardom, how he got to Hollywood, and the beginning of the end. Also, this episode’s guest is Rob from McDojoLife who explains to us the art of Aikido. This is the definitive Fraudsters breakdown of one of the world’s most recognizable action movie stars… who is completely full of it. TIMESTAMPS (02:56) - It’s all kicks, punches, and breaking of arms! Introducing to our race hustler series… Steven Seagal! Best known for his character Nico Toscani! (10:10) - Steven Seagal’s great odyssey to Japan, his path to learning martial arts, and other cinematic and unrealistic articles about him and his heroic actions. (22:20) - Above the Law and above the critics: The film turns out to be a box office smash hit in 1988. Also, Seagal to be the next great action superstar and launching his production company in 1990. (28:18) - The way Steven Seagal took method acting to a whole new level making him the Thanos of identities… (33:04) - Let’s start with the basics: the photo of a young Steven Seagal and his ambiguous looks. Going to Japan… at what year you ask? Well, it depended on the interview he is in now. (38:27) - Back in the ’90s Seagal was interviewed by David Letterman. Listen as the host tries to do everything he possibly can to get his Neanderthal guest to say anything compelling! (53:28) - “He once chased away a few drunks from the dojo. He was never involved with the Yakuza” - Meet Miyako Fujitani, Steven Seagal’s first wife. (1:03:33) - The big martial arts fraud - Rob from the YouTube channel McDojo life shares with us why Steven Seagal is a giant garbage piece of a human being. (1:08:52) - Aikido according to Seagal vs. what it actually means - Rob explains how this is a peaceful art that kind of simulates sword attacks but it is not badass stuff. (1:26:06) - The really scary stuff about Steven Seagal - Sexual abuse and using his fame as a martial artist to take advantage of people. (1:31:03) - Acupuncture, the way Steven Seagal met his third wife, how doing this type of eastern healing he would use to sexually assault actresses, and a little more about this shithead’s character. (1:39:11) - Steven Seagal, a manufactured, CIA agent, “slightly autistic” (his words) human being, and martial arts master to every powerful person you can think of gets exposed by journalist Alan Richman. (1:48:52) - Journalist John Conolly breaks down every part of Seagal’s story in his article Man of honor. RESOURCES Above the Law trailer Shadowman movie trailer The Late Show with David Letterman, Steven Seagal’s interview. <a hr
S2 E48 · Tue, April 19, 2022
Seena's NFT Rug Pull - A Warning to all Apes
If someone you love has gotten into NFTs, this is the Fraudsters episode for you. Seena shares his story of investing in an NFT and getting his money stolen. Yes there's a chance he may get his money back, but it could also NOT happen too! NFTs and crypto are a haven for fraudsters, while the underlying software may seem harmless and even altruistic in nature, the scammers use it to take advantage of millions. The entire crypto space is filled with scammers, and while there are rays of hope that the swamp will be drained... it may take a while because for crypto the swamp is as big as the seven seas. Special thanks to Mike_Cryptobull of Fight Back Apes, and John Kraski, and Justin Shenkarow of the NFT Heat podcast for sharing their expertise on this episode. And huge thanks to Last Podcast Network's own Jackie Zebrowski for doing the lords work. TIMESTAMPS (0:45) - This is an intervention - There is an unexpected guest at Fraudsters because sommmeoneee is buying too many NFTs. (4:52) - What are NFTs? Justin Schenkarow and John Kraski, founders of NFT Thought Leaders, tell us all the “sexy things” these assets have to offer. (16:20) - We spoke to @MikeCryptobull about falling into the cryptocurrency rabbit hole. Also, Mike and Seena tell us how they got to know Evolved Apes. (25:45) - What is minting? What is a secondary market? Why did Seena and Mike give money to Evil Ape and the Master? (34:38) - Buying apes and the crocodiles coming to drain the swamp - How Seena and Mike got scammed and how things started to fall down. (38:34) - @MikeCryptobull the detective! - Finding out it was a rug pull and the disappearance of $3.3 million. (44:20) - What can we do? Bringing a little bit of value back to the defrauded community and relaunching the whole thing. (38:16) - The Fight Back Apes! A 100 volunteers get together to build a new project. Also, Mike tells us about Fight Back Apes partnership with Daz3D, and becoming a real company. (59:53) - How can you find the Fight Back Apes? Can you join the community? Wanna get involved? (1:04:30) - So, Seena is investing more money into the same place that just took his money. Oh, and this is where it gets a little weird. What is a gas fee? (1:06:40) - Learning about the experience - people that got into the Evolved Apes rug pull share their stories. Also, it seems we will not get Seena back from the cryptocurrency rabbit hole. RESOURCES NFT Heat on Apple Podcasts NFT Heat on Spotify <a href="ht
S2 E47 · Tue, April 12, 2022
BitConnect Part II – The World's Worst Club Promoters
This is part two of BiiitConneeeeeeect! The WORLD is a Ponzi Scheme, not BitConnect… at least according to their promoters. In this episode, we will meet Glenn Arcano, one of the top promoters, his techniques for capturing people, and the terrible fate that awaits him. There is also the not-so-smart promoter Trevon James who didn’t have the best timing for joining BitConnect. And finally, we will know what happened to Carlos Mato. What is he up to now? TIMESTAMPS (03:08) - Previously on the BitConnect fraud: Satish Kumbanhi and his three frauds. The lending program, the Ponzi scheme (Ponzi would be so proud!), and the multi-level marketing scam. (07:54) - Glenn Arcaro one of the top promoters for BitConnect: How he would capture people and the evasive answers he would give when asked about the owner of BitConnect. (24:17) - The Cryptocurrency Certification Course by Glenn Arcano, where he taught how to invest in the lending program. Twenty thousand people took the course. TWENTY THOUSAND!!! (28:45) - “We are living in a Ponzi scheme” - Arcano’s opinion on what is a Ponzi scheme and defending BitConnect with the “everything is a scam” argument. (36:26) - 20 years in prison, $250,000 in fines, and four levies against him, among other bitter things that Arcano has to face. (39:16) - Trevon Brown, the “Doper” that got into BitConnect by “taking action.” But he took action at BitConnect’s downfall. (42:46) . Why isn’t Brown facing the same charges as Arcano? Also, we see him use the “everything is a scheme” argument too. (51:42) - What happened to Carlos? What has he been up to? Some people just don’t learn. RESOURCES Glenn Arcano's video about who owns BitConnect BitConnect Annual Ceremony Trevon on Twitter Confessions of the #1 BitConnect promoter - Trevon James Carlos Launching an NFT Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Fraudsters ad-free. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
S2 E46 · Tue, April 05, 2022
BitConnect Part I – Lending Programs & Referrals & Trading Bots, Oh My!
We are coming, and we are coming in waves with the BitConnect fraud! (We promise this will make sense later) Imagine thousands of dollars going into your account without doing anything. It’s just like how Don Corleone once said: “What have we done to deserve this generosity?” Well, nothing, because it always comes with a price. What is BitConnect? How does it work? Who is the man behind this fraud? We’ll also have the privilege to listen closely to why this scam is not new at all: it only has a huge, shiny tech wrap around. TIMESTAMPS (2:28) - We are covering the crypto scams! We listen to Carlos Matos’ video where he is drunk on the fiction money he is getting from cryptocurrency. (11:04) - Satish Kumbhani, the man behind BitConnect, a fraudulent cryptocurrency investment platform. (12:29) - BitConnect is nothing we haven’t seen before! This type of scam is called the Big Store Con and it began with Ben Marks and his little game Three-card Monte. (16:48) - Playing a man against the wall - The other approach to the Big Store Con and its resemblance to BitConnect. (19:14) - The first two major frauds: the security fraud with the lending program and the Ponzi Scheme run by the trading bot. (23:05) - The third major fraud: the multilevel marketing scheme to get more people in.This is the big part of the Big Store Con! (34:18) - Breaking down each of the major frauds that conformed BitConnect and spending Bitcoin to buy BitConnect, an explanation of its absurd mechanism. (31:49) - How did this crypto start? What is a high-frequency trader? A man just on his computer who blows his nose. (35:08) - Turning pollution into diamonds - The trading bot is “a safe way to earn high rate of return on your investment without having to undergo a significant amount of risk”. Red flaaags! (29:41) - An interview with Mr. Bad Liar: Satish Kumbhani. A YouTuber asks some basic questions to him but gets no real answers. (48:05) - From January 2017 to January 2018 BitConnect acquired 325,000 Bitcoins. What was Satish Kumbhani doing with all of this money? RESOURCES Video of Carlos Matos from Bitcoin Cryptogirl interviews Satish Kumbhani Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Fraudsters ad-free. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
S2 E44 · Tue, March 29, 2022
Nicole Daedone and OneTaste Part II – the Rise, (Climax), and Fall
It’s part two and we are taking a hard look at the orgasm… again! Dr. Jordan is back and we go through all the wildly offensive details on Nicole Daedone and One Taste. We won’t lie, things get a little dark here: sexual assaults, coercion sexual control, trauma, financial debts, and other horrors sponsored by One Taste. How did One Taste work? Where did the money come from? Why would people engage in it? Tune in to listen to the perfect intersection between scams and orgasmic meditations. It is all about power! TIMESTAMPS (2:04) - Dr. Jordan is back with us to help us finish with the One Taste’s Case and talk about the PhD in Sensuality or Lifestyles offered by Moore University. (15:44) - Meeting Reese Jones, the tech millionaire that was funding One Taste and all about Orgasmic Meditation. (19:54) - $499 for a weekend course! $12,000 for a coaching course! A $60,000 exclusive membership! Spoiler alert: this is where it gets really gross. (23:17) - Pussy noses, t-shirt slogans, and asking how’s your orgasm? - The sickening and coercive sales tactics used by One Taste. (29:57) - At this point, Scientology feels a little PG compared to these people! The violence and adding centers where vulnerable people show up and feel like they have a shelter. (35:52) - The perpetrator's profile: Likely people who have a history of engagement in prior violence or prior perpetrated behaviors and have been praised for it. (41:47) - The victims: Feeling ashamed, having power issues, PTSD, physiological trauma, debts and so many things that victims have to go through thanks to One Taste’s slavery system. (46:57) - The Fall: Bloomberg’s article, Daedone stepping down as CEO, believing her own lies, the FBI opening an investigation and closing all of One Taste’s offices. (54:07) - Groom your bush and play with your wood - The Land, or what might be the 2.0 version of One Taste. Will they ever stop? (58:48) - Why Daedone’s work is not new - Dr. Jordan shares with us some final thoughts about One Taste and how it is a cult. RESOURCES One Taste’s website Dr. Ruth on Twitter Dr. Ruth on Instagram Dr. Jordan Soper’s Website Dr. Jordan on Facebook Dr. Jordan on Linkedin Dr. Jordan on Instagram The Darkside of One Taste, the Orgasmic Meditation Company an article by Bloomberg <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-08-01/onetaste-ceo-steps-down-after-c
S2 E43 · Tue, March 22, 2022
Nicole Daedone and OneTaste Part I – The Seductive Power of a Guaranteed Orgasm
This episode is all about sex, orgasms, and pleasure! Did that get your attention? Well, this is the way One Taste would get the attention of their victims. It is our first wellness fraud and to help us navigate its turbulent waters we invited Dr. Jordan Soper a certified sex therapist to speak with us. What is One Taste? What is Orgasmic Meditation or OM? Witsho is Nicole Daedone and where did she get the inspiration for One Taste? In this episode, we see how the promise of pleasure can turn into a real nightmare where slavery, control, and harassment rule. Put your audio seat belt on because it’s about to get nasty! TIMESTAMPS (02:16) - It’s our first wellness fraud! The company: One Taste. The fraud: Orgasmic Meditation or OM. The core: a classical financial scheme. But first, what is OM? (07:24) - To help us navigate the turbulent waters of One Taste’s case, we invited Dr. Jordan Soper, a certified sex therapist. (09:26) - What is the pleasure gap? How the orgasm receives more attention rather than pleasure. (11:39) - Nicole Daedone, founder and CEO of One Taste, has a Ted Talk about the female orgasm. Let’s hear what she has to say about it and learn a little bit about her past. (24:46) - What makes an orgasm good? Thinking about orgasms from the clinical standpoint there are so many mechanisms involved. We need details guys, not generalizations! (27:50) - Learning from Victor Baranco - Founder of the Lafayette Morehouse, sex communes, and the model that Daedone later used for One Taste. (33:25) - Slavery, control, and hiding under “educational purposes” - The really creepy stuff that was going on at Lafayette Morehouse. (43:34) - Baranco’s target: young, naive, and new to the world. Also, other disgusting tales from the Lafayette Morehouse. RESOURCES Dr. Jordan Soper’s Website Dr. Jordan on Facebook Dr. Jordan on Linkedin Dr. Jordan on Instagram Nicole Daedone’s Ted Talk Lafayette Morehouse video Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Fraudsters ad-free. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
Bonus · Tue, March 15, 2022
BONUS: A Deep Dive on Felicity Huffman, Lori Loughlin, and Mossimo Giannulli
How far can a parent go for his/her kid? We’ve realized that we have a little bit of meat left on the old Rick Singer bone and that is why we decided to make a bonus episode! We cover the cases of actresses Felicity Huffman (Desperate Housewives), Lori Laughlin (Full House), and her husband Mossimo Giannulli (Yes, the 90s Mossimo jeans guy). It seemed like these celebrities made some generous “donations” to the Key Worldwide Foundation but in reality, they were paying to get their daughters into top universities. What led them to make those decisions? How did they all end up? Are they part of our beloved fraudsters? Tune in and discover with great details how far these celebs went for their kids! TIMESTAMPS (02:07) - We’re covering one of Hollywood’s scandals in hope that, maybe, we can figure out what led the people involved to make the decisions they did. Let’s start with Felicity Huffman! (08:40) - Art imitating life? Felicity’s career takes off with Desperate Housewives and her tendency to play the role of the well-intended mother. (13:37) - Freeze! Felicity is arrested in 2019 for giving $15K to the Key Worldwide Foundation to get her daughter the extra 400 points she needed for her SAT to audition for drama school. (23:52) - Doing the same scheme next year for her younger daughter, aborting the mission due to Huffman’s guilt which eventually helped her case (in addition to Eva Longoria’s support letter). (25:40) - Huffman’s lawyers argue that “she was being unfairly persecuted for being rich,” and the sentence she had to face. Also, what happened to Sofia? (29:46) - Introducing the fraudster couple: Actress Lori Laughlin and fashion designer Mossimo Giannulli. (38:33) - Let’s focus on Olivia Jade’s story because the scheme in her case is better and, well, more documented: The fake athletes and the sentences her parents had to face. (45:29) - “I’ve been to one class and I already want to die,” Olivia Jade on USC. Also, we talk with Melissa Korn and Jennifer Levitz about Olivia Jade on the Red Table Talk. RESOURCES Desperate Housewives, meet the housewives Olivia Jade on the Red Table Talk Unacceptable: Privilege, Deceit & the Making of College Admissions Scandal by Melissa Korn, Jennifer Levitz Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Fraudsters ad-free. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
S2 E41 · Tue, March 08, 2022
Anna Sorokin Update – Talking to Arian Moayed about "Inventing Anna," "Succession," Waterwell and More
We can’t get enough of Anna! In this episode, we continue our exploration of Anna Sorokin’s case and the show “Inventing Anna”. We had the opportunity to interview actor, writer, and director Arian Moayed. Arian shares with us a little bit of his story, his amazing project Waterwell and his experience playing Anna Delvey’s lawyer, Todd Spodek, in this Shondaland hit. We’re really grateful for the opportunity to meet and talk with such a great guy like Arian (Of Stewy fame from Succession!). Why does he play such shitty people? How is it to be on a Shonda Rhimes set? What is his perception of Anna Delvey’s case? Tune in and find out! TIMESTAMPS (01:33) - You’ve seen him in “Succession”, “Spider-man: No Way Home” and “Inventing Anna.” Ladies and gentlemen Arian Moayed! (10:48) - Arian talks to us about his amazing company Waterwell, an art and education civic-minded company. (19:08) - Ok now let’s get to the good part! - Arian shares with us his experience playing the role of Anna’s lawyer, Todd Spodek. (23:16) - Meeting the real Todd on the most crucial day of filming for Arian, the Brooklyn accent, and being in a Shonda Rhimes set. (32:15) - What is it about these types of stories that make us so attracted to them? Thinking Anna is not a victim? Or is she? Arian shares his thoughts on this. (39:27) - Rachel, the Queen of Missteps - The way the media is portraying Anna’s defrauded best friend. (44:02) - Succession - Being such a lovely man, how does Arian play such shitty people? Also, has Arian been a victim of fraud? RESOURCES Arian Moayed on Instagram Arian Moayed on Twitter Waterwell website Succession Trailer Spider-man: No Way Home Trailer Inventing Anna, breakdown jail scene (1x8) Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Fraudsters ad-free. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
S2 E40 · Tue, March 01, 2022
Anna Delvey Update – Talking to a Real Journalist about the Fake Heiress and “Inventing Anna”
We are going back to season one a little bit and talking about one of our favorite fraudsters, Anna Delvey! Who is Anna now? Also, our favorite New York Times reporter and our favorite reporter for the Anna Delvey story is back! We take a closer look at Shonda Rhimes’ dramatization of events: Inventing Anna, and the different efforts of media outlets to answer who Anna is. Has she changed? What is next for her? What has she been up to? It seems we’re still very interested in her and have soo many questions! Join us and satisfy your Anna Delvey intrigue with us! TIMESTAMPS (02:00) - Let’s talk about one of our favorite fraudsters Ana Sorokin aka Anna Delvey and go through some of the key moments from last season's episodes we did about her case. (07:34) - Who is Anna? The 60 minutes sit-down interview with Anna, her Instagram, and Shonda Rhymes’ dramatization of events, “Inventing Anna.” (13:45) - Emily Palmer is back! The journalist who covered Anna’s trial joins us one more time to talk about what Anna Delvey is like now. (22:23) - Inventing Anna - The 9-hour-long dramatization of Anna’s case. How accurate was the show? Was it a fair portrayal of Anna? (36:46) - Is she remorseful? Reinventing Anna, the changes Emily has been able to see about this fraudster and Anna saying “I’m not a good person.” (42:14) - What is she getting out of all this fanfare? Also, we take a look at the things we missed! And, what do Anna’s case and mediatic spotlight say about society? (55:51) - What is next for Anna in the upcoming months? What is next for Emily? What was Emily’s favorite part of the show? RESOURCES Inventing Anna, the official trailer Anna’s Instagram Emily Palmer on Twitter Emily Palmer on LinkedIn Emily Palmer on Instagram Emily Palmer on The New York Times Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Fraudsters ad-free. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
S2 E39 · Tue, February 22, 2022
Charles Ponzi – Italians, Coupons, Skin Transplants and Florida
It’s the Italian swindler of excellence! The Picasso of con artists! The king of kings of fraudsters Charles Ponzi! We’ve all heard about the Ponzi schemes but who was Ponzi? What did he do to have a scheme named after him? We invited Patrick O’Boyle to help us understand Charles Ponzi twisted and brilliant mind better. Also, Dr. Amir Mahan Ghaznavi (Yes, Seena’s brother) shares with us some useful information to prove that Ponzi’s redemption story was pure trash! In this episode, we learn who Charles Ponzi was before becoming the king of fraud, how he got to America, and his neverending scheme stories. Tune in and find out why he is the crème de la crème of fraudsters! TIMESTAMPS (02:10) - It’s the proto fraudster! The king of kings of frauds! The Italian immigrants' scam! The Lord and Savior Charles Ponzi! (07:54) - Patrick O’Boyle is here to help us illustrate and paint a more beautiful picture of what Ponzi actually is to the Italian people and who he was back then. (15:36) - Ponzi comes to America! Why Italians might have gravitated toward the banking center? Patrick O’Boyle shares his theory about it. (25:04) - Ponzi’s crime beginnings: Faking a check, his job as ‘Special Assistant to a prison warden at the Canadian Prison,’ becoming the Canadian Coyote, and more time in prison. (29:31) - Rebooting his image - Becoming a nurse at a mining camp and giving 50 inches of his skin to a fellow nurse. Is that even possible? Let’s see what Dr. Amir has to say… (37:36) - It's the beginning of his iconic fraud! The creation of The Securities Exchange Company which promised a 100% return on investment in his postal reply coupons in 90 days. (43:47) - Meet Charles Burelli and Andrea Luciana - Changing identities, faking deaths, and changing jobs. Scam and prison being the only constant things in Ponzi’s life. RESOURCES The Italian American Podcast website Patrick O’Boyle on Facebook Patrick O’Bolye on Instagram Dr. Amir Mahan Ghaznavi Cleveland Clinic’s Website Dr. Amir Mahan Ghaznavi on LinkedIn Dr. Amir Mahan Ghaznavi on Twitter Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Fraudsters ad-free. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
S2 E38 · Tue, February 15, 2022
Rick Singer Part III - Fraudsters Roulette "Varsity Blues Edition"
It’s our final episode on the College Admission Scandal where Rick Singer is the Michael Jordan of snitching! In this episode, we are having a little fun introducing the Fraudsters Roulette! There are around 40 parents to choose from and we are telling you, we are airing all their dirty laundry! Who are they? What did they do? Are they facing any sentences? And finally, we talk with Melissa and Jennifer about who the real victims of this fraud are. Don’t go anywhere because this final episode it’s gonna get hot and scammy. TIMESTAMPS (02:02) - If Rick Singer falls everyone falls with him! He has to win right? How Morrie Tobin flipped on Rick Singer and everything went down. (13:48) - Introducing the Fraudster’s Roulette for the Varsity Blues Scandal! We’ve got around 40 parents to choose from! The first one is Robert Flaxman. (18:54) - Our next lucky fraudsters of the day are: Gordon Ernst, Peter Jan Sartorio, and Robert Zangrillo! (31:33) - Red 18 is no other than Michelle Janavs! She is the heiress of the Hot Pockets empire and we’ll tell you, she would do anything for her kids. (35:46) - The complete absurdity of this case, how people threw their money away just for status ($50 million or not, the kid isn’t going to class anyway), and how this is a Nuveau Rich thing. (41:14) - Continuing with our Fraudster’s Roulette we talk about Jane Buckingham, just take that name in and imagine her…well it’s worst, it’s the complete dark side of this case. (50:23) - The final fraudsters from the Fraudster’s Roulette are…the Abbotts anddd Doug Hodge! (1:07:09) - Who were the real victims of this whole fraud? The real-life athlete kids whose photos were stolen and the intended beneficiaries. RESOURCES Hot Pockets commercial Jane Buckingham on Instagram Greg Abbott’s book I Wish I’d Never Met Rick Singer by Doug Hodge Unacceptable: Privilege, Deceit & the Making of College Admissions Scandal by Melissa Korn, Jennifer Levitz Jennifer Levitz on Twitter Jennifer Levitz on The Wall Street Journal Jennifer Levitz on LinkedIn Melissa Korn on The Wall Street Journal Melissa Korn on Twitter Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to
S2 E37 · Tue, February 08, 2022
Rick Singer Part II - FOMO & Fictional Students
Rick Singer finally starts selling that one thing that makes every parent vulnerable: their children's future. In this episode, we see how he reaches the peak. Finally, he is the winner of all hustlers and liars! Melissa and Jennifer are back to give us some insights on the techniques and the mechanism of Singer’s scam. How did it work? Also, we learn about his two companies and the key role they played for the scam to work, and finally, we get to see how it all blew up. Tune in and find out why Rick Singer is the greatest rat of all time! TIMESTAMPS (02:03) - Our grooming fraudster decided it was time to make his move helping kids into the school of their dreams and published a book called “Getting in.” So kind of him! (10:56) - Launching the college counselor - A tight group of wealthy white elite people hires him in the early 90s. Also, Melissa and Jennifer share with us how he did business. (16:07) - The art of resume embellishment - Bold-faced lies and business growing. (FOMO, a hell of a drug and Singer’s business fuel!) (22:36) - A change of luck! His time working for call centers, India, and coming back to tell more lies than ever before! (33:36) - The Master Coach and his two companies: Edge College and Career Network, LLC, and The Key Worldwide foundation. A complete shit show! (37:29) - We listen to an actual conversation from Rick Singer getting hired. Also, Melissa and Jennifer give us a little more insight into the scam itself. (44:34) - Bribes and Cambodia - The Key Worldwide Foundation as an exempt organization under 501C3. What does that mean? How did Singer make it work? (56:37) - Melissa and Jennifer tell us how it all blew up: Rick Singer is a rat and he is the greatest rat of all time! RESOURCES The Key Worldwide Overview Unacceptable: Privilege, Deceit & the Making of College Admissions Scandal by Melissa Korn, Jennifer Levitz Jennifer Levitz on Twitter Jennifer Levitz on The Wall Street Journal Jennifer Levitz on LinkedIn Melissa Korn on The Wall Street Journal Melissa Korn on Twitter Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Fraudsters ad-free. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
S2 E36 · Tue, February 01, 2022
Rick Singer Part I - The Bobby Knight of College Counseling
Welcome to season 2 of your favorite fraudsters podcast! We would do anything for our children, who wouldn’t? So, let’s go into the Rick Singer College Admission Scandal! In this episode, we meet Rick Singer, the man, the coach, the fraudster! Where did he come from? What is his backstory? What led him to be the protagonist of the College Admission Scandal? Jennifer Levitz and Melissa Korn, authors of the New York Times Bestseller “Unacceptable,” join us to learn more about Singer and his story. Get it on! TIMESTAMPS (02:38) - Let’s get into the Rick Singer College Admission Scandal! Aka parents paying a bunch of money (on top of that you also have to pay the tuition) to get their kids into private schools. (07:46) - Jennifer Levitz and Melissa Korn, authors of the New York Times Bestseller “Unacceptable” are here to provide some wonderful background and insight on this case. (13:20) - Who was Rick Singer? Where did he grow up? A little bit of background on this fraudster. (18:07) - “I’m gonna be rich someday,” Singer’s drive to prove to other people how wrong they were about him and his big charisma. (27:13) - Singer getting triggered by goals, being always the winner, and becoming the coach with unorthodox motivation methods. (33:25) - The great epiphany - Singer realizes the kids needed to be mentored and guided on how to prepare themselves and get into college. RESOURCES Unacceptable: Privilege, Deceit & the Making of College Admissions Scandal by Melissa Korn, Jennifer Levitz Jennifer Levitz on Twitter Jennifer Levitz on The Wall Street Journal Jennifer Levitz on LinkedIn Melissa Korn on The Wall Street Journal Melissa Korn on Twitter Tab Cola “Beautiful People” Commercial (1978) Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Fraudsters ad-free. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
S1 E35 · Thu, April 22, 2021
Enron Part IV - Blowing the Whistle with Sherron Watkins [SEASON FINALE]
It’s our last episode for this season and for our big finale we talk about the sinking of the Titanic of companies: Enron! The tech bubble burst and changed the game. Journalists began to ask questions and Enron went from ferocious beast to wounded prey. We have our first whistleblower in the show, Sherron Watkins! Who is she? How did she get into Enron? How did she end up as a whistleblower? And finally, we see how white-collar crime can be life-threatening and extremely detrimental to its victims. TIMESTAMPS (03:36) - From predator to prey - Bethany McLean starts asking questions. Journalists and other investors are seeing blood and they are hungry. (12:26) - Introducing Sherron Watkins, who shares with us her experience at Enron. But first, who was Sherron before Enron? How was it like to work for Arthur Andersen? (19:57) - “Enron felt more sophisticated, a little more polished,” getting into Enron, her experience as a female executive and meeting the “big guys.” (28:31) - The bright and ambitious “buzz saw” Sherron Watkins tells us about the projects she worked on at Enron and running accross the raptors. (41:12) - Pointing the iceberg to the captain with selective blindness - The confusion, the letter, learning more about the fraud, getting evidence together and getting ignored… (50:53) - Becoming the Whistleblower - Who failed? How did her letter get published? How did it feel to become a troublemaker for her own tribe? (59:57) - The dog and pony show - Testifying in front of Jeff Skilling. “Things go wrong when smart people stop asking questions,” and some final words from Sherron. (1:07:23) - The level of evil - The catastrophic end of Enron and the inhumane priceacross the victims had to pay. RESOURCES Bethany McLean on Twitter Bethany McLean on LinkedIn The Smartest Guys in the Room by Bethany McLean Hotel Kenneth Laya lyrics Sherron Watkins website Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Fraudsters ad-free. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
S1 E34 · Thu, April 15, 2021
Enron Part III – The Original White Boy Summer
In today's episode we dig deeper into that California energy crisis and outline Enron's side hustle - broadband. Special thanks to Collin Whitehead, a former Real-Time Trader in Enron's Portland office, for speaking to us for this episode. Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Fraudsters ad-free. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
S1 E33 · Thu, April 08, 2021
Enron Part II –The Blackout Album
In Part II of our final series of the season, we show how a few inordinately bad actors and weak regulation lead to state-wide rolling blackouts and surging energy costs. Special thanks to Harvey Rosenfield, founder of Consumer Watchdog , for walking us through this dark saga. Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Fraudsters ad-free. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
S1 E32 · Thu, April 01, 2021
Enron Part I – Skilling, Lay, Fastow, and Causey, Four Horsemen of the Energypocalypse
20 years ago one of the largest corporations in the U.S - an energy trading corp. that boasted 750% annual growth – went down in flames. In 24 days it went from the pride of Houston to a stain on the country - pulling millions out of the economy, devastating its employees, and largely contributing to an energy crisis in California. In Part I of our final series of season 1, we talk about the men behind Enron Corp. Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Fraudsters ad-free. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
S1 E31 · Thu, March 25, 2021
Sir Gregor MacGregor, his Captain Crunch Army, and a Lotta Lucky Charms
Once upon a time there was a Scottish guy who failed up so hard that he got knighted. Then he sold boat rides to an island civilization populated only by malaria-carrying mosquitos. And because it was a long time ago and no one had phones, he got away with it. Don't believe me? Just listen. Bullshit really is timeless. Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Fraudsters ad-free. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
S1 E30 · Thu, March 18, 2021
Wirecard – A $2 Billion Donut Hole
Today we're diving into Wirecard, a fictitious and spurious payment processing company out of Germany. We ask tough questions like "why do all fraudsters wear black turtlenecks?" and "is Kraftwerk just robots?" Huge thanks to NYT reporter Christopher Schuetze (@CFSchuetze on Twitter) for speaking to us for this episode. Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Fraudsters ad-free. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
S1 E29 · Thu, March 11, 2021
Ruja Ignatova Part II – Jen McAdam Steps Up
For part II of our mini-series on Ruja Ignatova and OneCoin, we are joined by the amazing Jen McAdam, who founded a support group for victims of OneCoin after herself being defrauded of several thousands of dollars. Jen's story is so compelling that the rights to her forthcoming book 'Fake,' have already been purchased by MGM - Kate Winslet will play Jen in a movie directed by Scott Z. Burns and produced by Winslet and Jennifer Todd. First person accounts of the devastating effects of pyramid schemes and cults are hard to come by so be sure to follow Jen on Twitter @JenMcAdamUK for updates on the book and movie! Huge thanks to Jen for joining us for this episode. Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Fraudsters ad-free. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
S1 E28 · Thu, March 04, 2021
Ruja Ignatova Part I – The Rise and Fall of OneCoin
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S1 E27 · Thu, February 25, 2021
King Parker and Queen Chadwick of Fraudistan
This week Seena and Justin take a trip back-in-time to the late 1800s to find the origin of the phrase "if you believe that, then I have a bridge to sell you" and who was the person the media called, the Queen of Swindlers. Big thanks to author Tori Telfer and her book "Confident Women: Swindlers, Grifters, and Shapeshifters of the Feminine Persuasion". Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Fraudsters ad-free. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
S1 E26 · Thu, February 18, 2021
Steven Hoffenberg, the Unsung Villain of Fraudsters
You've heard of Jeffrey Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell, Rudy Giuliani, Paul Manafort, Roger Stone, Rupert Murdoch, and Trump but have you heard of Steven Hoffenberg? This man was involved in so much insidious shit his defense of himself was insisting that he was just running a ponzi scheme! All that and more on today's episode. Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Fraudsters ad-free. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
S1 E25 · Thu, February 11, 2021
❤️Valentines Day Special❤️ – Catfish
Happy Valentines Day! Today we're talking RoMaNcE fRaUd 😍 Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Fraudsters ad-free. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
S1 E24 · Thu, February 04, 2021
Race Hustlers Part V – Two Cooke’s Cook Up a Fraudulent Bank for Freedmen
This is our last installment of our Race Hustlers series. If you haven't heard of the Freedman's Bank, you need to listen to this episode. Special thanks to Mehrsa Baradaran for writing The Color of Money. Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Fraudsters ad-free. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
S1 E23 · Thu, January 28, 2021
Race Hustlers Part IV – White Ladies
We all remember the day Rachel Dolezal broke the internet in 2015, but at this point is it even surprising when we hear about a white lady pretending to be Black or Puerto Rican or Spanish? What drives a person to lie about something as fundamental as their racial or cultural identity? Today we're dissecting the appropriations and the non-apologies from Dolezal to Hilary "I vacationed once in Spain so I am Spanish" Baldwin - all for your listening pleasure. Huge thanks to all the wonderful guests who joined us for this episode!! Elena Romero - fashion, hip hop, and Latinx journalist. Elisa Prosperetti - visiting professor of history at Mount Holyoke College. Lauren Michele Jackson - author of White Negroes . Follow Lauren on Twitter @proseb4bros for more thoughts on culture and cultural appropriation. Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Fraudsters ad-free. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
S1 E22 · Thu, January 21, 2021
Race Hustlers Part III - Holy Hotepery! (still dr. umar)
Last week we looked at the claims and credentials of Dr. Umar Johnson–the Prince of Pan-Afrikanism, Frederick Douglass' great grand cousin, and blood relative of Ramses the II (according to a spiritual medium), etcetera, etcetera. Today we reflect on his influence and impact. Thanks to Mojak Lehoko for his thoughts for this episode. Huge thanks to Ebony Chappel–@ebonythewriter on social–for such a wonderful, thoughtful interview. Thanks to Lisa Kelly-Vance for helping us understand school psychology. Shout out to all the school psychologists for being awesome! Lastly, special thanks to YT's Make A Change, Lenon Honor, King Kong Crazy, Ms. Lauren, Anti Afro Svengalis, the "Dr. Umar is a Fraud" facebook group, and all the other folks on YT and social media who have been diligently documenting Dr. Umar's nonsense for years and years. You made this mini-series possible! Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Fraudsters ad-free. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
S1 E21 · Thu, January 14, 2021
Race Hustlers Part II – Dr. Umar, the PayPal Prince of Pan-Afrikanism
Part II of Race Hustlers features a new huckster: Dr. Umar Johnson – the self proclaimed Prince of Pan-Afrikanism and "most influential Black scholar in the world." While not yet convicted by a court of law, citizen journalists and Black media outlets have been speculating on and interrogating this man for years about his beliefs, his credentials, and the school that Dr. Umar has been fundraising for for nearly a decade. Will the Frederick Douglass Marcus Garvey RBG Leadership Academy for Black Boys ever materialize or is it just another con-artist's ruse to pocket good faith donations? Special thanks to Lisa Kelly-Vance for consulting on this episode. Thanks to all those who shared their Dr. Umar stories online and made this episode possible. Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Fraudsters ad-free. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
S1 E20 · Thu, January 07, 2021
Race Hustlers Part I — David Duke, Grand Wizard of Racism INC.
You know David Duke the racist, but do you know David Duke the con artist? What's that? You don't want to know David Duke at all? This is Part I of our newest mini-series, Race Hustlers , on con artists who leverage race as a part of their scams. Special thanks to Marilyn Mayo of the Anti Defamation League for sharing her wisdom with us for this episode. Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Fraudsters ad-free. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
S1 E19 · Thu, December 31, 2020
Barry Minkow Part III – All the Movie Magic in Hollywood Couldn't Save this Flick
Ever wondered what a real movie set is like? How about a movie set with mobsters, Star Wars, and a con-man at the helm? Tune in for the third installment of our mini-series on Barry Minkow and a behind the scenes look at possibly the worst movie ever made. Special thanks to Jonathan Meyer–script doctor and screenwriter–for his insider insights and hilarious anecdotes. Check out his awesome new radio serial on a serial killer: Midnight Tales From The Bluff City right after you listen to Fraudsters! Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Fraudsters ad-free. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
S1 E18 · Thu, December 24, 2020
Barry Minkow Part II – The Triple Double of Frauds
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S1 E17 · Thu, December 17, 2020
Barry Minkow Part I – ZZZZ Best Carpet Cleaning and ZZZZ Worst Fraudster
Episode 17 kicks off our mini-series on possibly our worst fraudster yet - Barry Minkow. Part I is devoted to his youth and only his youth. Barry as a teen committed more fraud than most could in a lifetime–from securities fraud to check kiting to credit card fraud to carpet cleaning cons–all while in the company of nazis and mobsters. Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Fraudsters ad-free. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
S1 E16 · Thu, December 10, 2020
Kevin Trudeau Part III — The Global Information Network of Illuminati and 14 CDs
On the final episode of our series on Kevin Trudeau, we delve into one of his most recent and most outrageous scam – a multi-level marketing company called the Global Information Network. It promised trade secrets of the illuminati, ferraris, and inner peace all for the low, low price of many thousands of dollars, recruiting your friends and family, and giving up things you love in order to become "coachable." Special thanks to Linnea, former GIN member, for sharing her experience. Special thanks to Professor Edward Balleisen, fraud expert and author of Fraud: An American History from Barnum to Madoff , for his historical contextualization of fraud and thoughtful insights. Special thanks to Cosmic Connie of Whirled Musings for sharing her wealth of knowledge on GIN with us. Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Fraudsters ad-free. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
S1 E15 · Thu, December 03, 2020
Kevin Trudeau Part II – A Colonic a Day Keeps the Doctor Away
In Part II of our series on the notorious infomercial scammer Kevin Trudeau we cover how to lose 300 pounds in 30 minutes, go to prison sleep-away camp, and get a presidential pardon! Special thanks to Howard Beales, Former Director of the Bureau of Consumer Protection at the FTC, for a wonderful conversation. Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Fraudsters ad-free. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
S1 E14 · Thu, November 26, 2020
Kevin Trudeau Part I — How to Get Banned from Infomercials
In Part I of our series on the notorious infomercial scammer Kevin Trudeau we cover how to give yourself mega-memory, break any addiction 100% of the time, and all the other things THEY don't want you to know about! Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Fraudsters ad-free. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
S1 E13 · Thu, November 19, 2020
Fraud Reich Part II – The Good Ole “Spear of Destiny”
In part I of Fraud Reich we brought you historical fiction—the story of the Hitler Diaries . Today we bring you a sci-fi thriller featuring Adolph Hitler, Hans Loads, David Bowie, and a fraudster named Trevor Ravenscroft. We’re talking the “Spear of Destiny” — the alleged source of Hitler’s power and rot. Special thanks to Marcus Parks, founding father of the Last Podcast Network, for a magical interview. Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Fraudsters ad-free. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
S1 E12 · Thu, November 12, 2020
Fraud Reich Part I – Hitler Fan Fiction (that everyone believed)
Dear Diary, Many historically significant figures generate lore. Some say Shakespeare had a ghostwriter. Some say Nikola Tesla designed blueprints for a "death ray" before his passing. Some say Thomas Jefferson drank breast milk! Few theories, however, are as wild and as widely entertained as the Hitler Diaries were. On the 12th episode of Fraudsters Season 1, we talk where the myth began and how it snowballed into 62 forged Hitler diaries lauded as true by some of the foremost historians and news outlets in Europe. So excited to share this episode with all the Spotifites out there. Love, Seena, Justin, Hazel, and Marie PS: I made up the breast milk myth Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Fraudsters ad-free. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
S1 E11 · Thu, November 05, 2020
Al Flores Breaks the Internet… in 1999
Remember when we actually said "world wide web?" Remember netscape? Remember the dot-com bubble? Remember Y2K? Remember when a car dealership company said it had the cure for AIDS and sold stocks for $9 through early internet message boards until someone from the FTC commented "hey, this isn't real?" No? On this weeks episode of Fraudsters we bring you Alfred Flores and Uniprime – a con on a .com two decades ago. Special thanks to John Reed Stark, cyber-cop extraordinaire, for a wonderful and nostalgic interview. Special thanks to Kai Elwood-Dieu for his wizardry on the website for this episode (http://uniprimeinc.com/). Special thanks to Joshua Sutherland for composing music for this episode. Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Fraudsters ad-free. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
S1 E10 · Thu, October 29, 2020
Anna Delvey Part II – Millenial Icarus
The second installment of our two part mini-series on Anna Delvey (Sorokin). We get into Anna's apprehension, the circus of the trial, and Anna's own reflections from Rikers. Special thanks to Emily Palmer for being such a wonderful guide throughout this series. You can find Emily on all social at @emilyepalmer. Special thanks to Todd Spodek a delightful interview. Special thanks to Joshua Sutherland for music for this episode. Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Fraudsters ad-free. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
S1 E9 · Thu, October 22, 2020
Anna Delvey Part I – Gossip Girl as Directed by Aaron Sorkin (no relation)
The first installment of our two part mini-series on Anna Delvey (Sorokin). We get into Anna's adolescence and designing "Delvey," her escalating frauds in its name, and the inevitable unraveling. Special thanks to Emily Palmer for guiding us throughout this series. You can find Emily on all social at @emilyepalmer. Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Fraudsters ad-free. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
S1 E8 · Thu, October 15, 2020
PTL and Jim Bakker Part III – Joining Gangs and Curing Coronavirus
Our final episode of the mini-series we walk you through justice finally being served in the case of Jim Bakker: How he went to prison for 25 years and came out as a reformed man who lived a quiet, secular life back in Michigan. Just kidding! He barely went to prison and wasn't humbled by it at all. On this final episode we spend more time talking about an incarcerated Jim Bakker than he spent in prison. We get into his prison hustles, his strange choice of friends, his post-release shenanigans and reflect on the series as a whole. Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Fraudsters ad-free. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
S1 E7 · Thu, October 08, 2020
PTL and Jim Bakker Part II – Finding Jesus, Pissing off Korea, and Falling from Grace
Part 2 of our mini-series on Praise the Lord and Jim Bakker. Special thanks to Joshua Sutherland for always making amazing music for us. Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Fraudsters ad-free. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
S1 E6 · Thu, October 01, 2020
PTL and Jim Bakker Part I – WAP for Christians
Part 1 of our mini-series on notorious televangelist Jim Bakker and his TV show Praise the Lord : a lesson in religion, television and of course–fraud. Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Fraudsters ad-free. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
S1 E5 · Thu, September 24, 2020
Jacob Wohl Part II – Wohlin', Trollin,' and Taking Advantage
In part 2 of our mini-series on Jacob Wohl, we pivot to his political frauds–covering his ploys to defame Dr. Fauci, Elizabeth Warren, and even Mayor Pete. While just as ludicrous as his earlier financial crimes, his political schemes seem to lack conviction–both in the sense that he no longer seems invested in sustaining charades longer than it takes to create chaos and because he isn't held responsible for them. Special thanks to Nancy Rommelmann for a delightful interview. Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Fraudsters ad-free. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
S1 E4 · Thu, September 17, 2020
Jacob Wohl Part I – The Wohl Story (it’s mostly fiction!)
This is an episode full of music and singing from our melodious voices, yay! Let’s give it a warm and cozy welcome to our latest professional Fraudster: Jacob Wohl. This is the first part of The Wohl Story, and we can’t help but wonder if this is fiction, crime or fraud: For the next episodes, you’ll be hearing about the tedious story of a young fraudster that, with less than 20 years old, already had a long fraud record history with hedge funds. We will remember Miss Cleo… but we’ll discover that fraudsters share some traits you would never imagine. So, let your imagination run wild, and discover the real reason why the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. TIMESTAMPS (01:57) With an introductory musical special, we present Jacob Wohl: our young criminal who committed several financial misdeeds before his 20's. (09:50) What were you doing at 14?: Our young criminal was celebrated by the media. F**king Vice, man! (13:30) The apple doesn't fall far from the tree: Meet David Wohl and a dip into the business of a kid who couldn't even legally buy alcohol. (16:47) "Mr. Young Capitalism," "The Wohl of Wall Street": Jacob's road to hedge funds. 2015 was on fire! (30:06) What the f**k is a CTA? what the hell is a commodity?: we explain it to you in a nutshell. (37:28) “The dumb money is great money to have”: Take it easy! An expert breaks down Jacob's red flags and absurd numbers. (55:32) 2016 and Jacob’s story continues: The good people of Arizona are at risk but a suicide case and an undercover mission lead to Jacob's arrest. RESOURCES Want to get in touch with Seena Ghaznavi? Click here or here . Want to get in touch with Justin Williams? Click here . Justin Williams Fanpage (Facebook) . Click here to invest and learn more. Special thanks to: Simon TaufiQue for composing the amazing new theme music for Fraudsters. Joshua Sutherland for composing awesome music for this episode. Kai Elwood-Dieu for developing a killer website for this episode. Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Fraudsters ad-free. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
S1 E3 · Thu, September 10, 2020
The Psychic Readers Network Part III - Three White Guys and a Pizza Place
This is the third and final part of the infamous Miss Cleo's case and to do that with a flourish, J. Michael Skiba, AKA. Dr. Fraud (trademark) tells us that 70% of the population is prone to being dishonest -but there are levels- and, spoiler alert, 30% of them are shitty persons; nice data, right? Find out with us if Miss Cleo is innocent and knows the real scammers out there. Also, Miami Vice, yes! the famous 80's series, is featured in this episode and it is clear to us that a fraudster will always be a fraudster. TIMESTAMPS (00:07) That the system is screwed up, justifies robbing a bank?: 70% of people believe that robbing or defrauding a bank is okay. (8:30) Dr. Fraud (trademark) tells us how big corporations normalize fraud: it is not attacked, is not prevented and is not punished. (12:13) Miss Cleo is innocent (?). Let's meet the three real fraudsters: Steve Feder, Peter Slotz and Lou Thomas. (15:22) Feder and the fraud of houses and pizza boxes: This is America! and justice is just a business. (27:33) Feder, Slotz and Thomas: The juicy business of the psychic hotlines. (32:19) Miami Vice and a psychic hotlines in the same sentence: Oh! Thank you Philip Michael Thomas! (40:30) Tutorial to make your fraud profitable: Bye, bye Miami Vice and welcome to New York City. (47:14) This is how the fraudster ends up: A fraudster will always be a fraudster. Hey! If you are looking for a sugar daddy we tell you where to find him. RESOURCES Learn more about Dr. Fraud (trademark) here The Philip Michael Thomas International Psychic Network 1994 commercial Do you have a story? Send us an email Special thanks to Joshua Sutherland for composing music for this episode. Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Fraudsters ad-free. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
S1 E2 · Thu, September 03, 2020
The Psychic Readers Network Part II - Great Fraud, Bad Psychics, Rich Dudes
In this second part of the Psychic Readers Network series we go deep into how the Federal Trade Commission addressed these phone frauds with an expert guest who joins the show to detail PRN’s false advertising and abusive marketing practices. We also invited a retired phone actor who wanted to be a phone psychic as a summer job in 2001. He actually wrote an article for the New York Times about it. He shares everything about the wonderful work environment and why it’s almost like being a cheap therapist. Why did people call in? What is behind the power of attraction behind charming characters like Miss Cleo? Listen and find out, we promise we won’t charge you a single penny (for the first three minutes). TIMESTAMPS (0:47) - Miss Cleo’s case recap: The right to work in the spirit-psychic world and lie to yourself ad-nauseam. (8:40) - The FTC’s verdict: PRN abusive marketing techniques and how the State manages expenses and penalties (16:03) - What was it like to be a psychic for the PRN? A retired phone psychic’s testimony of how easy it is to get in this world. (25:04) - A long time before the first call: How a day in the office for a new phone physic looks like. (32:44) - Fake voices, made-up personas, the moral consequences of making harm and how to actually make money out of this hoax. (42:17) - Why did people call in? What is behind the power of attraction behind charming characters like Miss Cleo? (49:00) - Episode conclusions: Ms. Santa’s Hotline, classic psychic tricks and final Miss Cleo clips on broke callers and legal implications. RESOURCES I Was a Hotline Psychic for Miss Cleo ( read ) Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Fraudsters ad-free. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
S1 E1 · Thu, August 27, 2020
The Psychic Readers Network Part I – CLEO 2020
We're kicking off this podcast with a billion-dollar scam that only old-school kids will recall! Miss Cleo and the Psychic Readers Network’s case is so full of questions and hilarious highlights that we decided to cover it for our pilot episode. Are big-time fraudsters sociopaths or psychopaths? Did Miss Cleo take off her false identity veil at some point? We explain how her phone scams worked and why her Jamaican accent and identity were totally fake. We also take a look at Miss Cleo’s last interview on The Gabby Bendel Show and why she couldn’t use her classic alias anymore. TIMESTAMPS (0:47) - An epic introduction to the show: Is fraud essentially a human problem? Is this podcast going to help at all? (4:30) - Get to know our very first featured fraudster! Are you old enough to know who Miss Cleo is? If not, here’s her complete bio. (9:36) - ‘Keep these people on the line for as long as possible': This is how the Psychic Readers Network scam worked. (15:03) - Discussing what might be the most insidious thing about this billion dollar hoax and if real psychics really exist. (23:14) - Where did Miss Cleo's motivations arised? Life before phone scamming, nonprofits and acting. (30:50) - Psychic readers, assemble! How Miss Cleo joined the Psychic Readers Network in Florida. (35:54) - On Miss Cleo’s last interview on The Gabby Bendel Show and why she couldn’t use her classic alias anymore. (38:51) - Going over Miss Cleo’s book Keepin' It Real - A Practical Guide for Spiritual Living, her political comments and fake Jamaican roots. (47:50) - How Miss Cleo mastered the art of taking advantage of systematic vulnerabilities to sell stuff. (52:58) - Taking a look at Comedy Central’s branded content with Miss Cleo for a cosmetic company. (58:07) - The alternate reality idea that some people can create around them, Miss Cleo’s last attempt to profit and this episode’s conclusions. RESOURCES Miss Cleo’s last interview on The Gabby Bendel Show ( video ) Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Fraudsters ad-free. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
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