In the age of digital connectivity and ubiquitous technology, scams have evolved into sophisticated operations, blending the line between believable reality and deceitful fabrication.
This article delves into the best podcasts that pull back the curtain on the world of scams.
From audacious Ponzi schemes to catfishing and deepfake ruses, the audacity and innovation behind scams have not only garnered headlines but have also captivated our collective curiosity. We’ve all heard the age-old adage, “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is,” yet, the underlying psychology, methods, and narratives of scams continue to intrigue and baffle us.
With their immersive storytelling capabilities, podcasts have emerged as an ideal medium to dissect, explore, and understand the multifaceted world of scams. They give listeners a front-row seat to the intricacies of deception, offering deep dives into both historic and contemporary cons while shedding light on the masterminds who engineer them. These podcasts offer cautionary tales, intriguing interviews, and expert analyses, proving that sometimes reality can be stranger—and more riveting—than fiction.
So, if you’re looking for podcasts about financial scams, mlm scams, romance scams, diet scams, or really, any other kind of scams, you’ve come to the right place. These selected shows will make you question every email, every offer, and every too-good-to-be-true opportunity that comes your way. Prepare to be enlightened, entertained, and perhaps a little more wary of the world around you.
Swindled
Leveraging narrative storytelling, historical recordings, and enveloping soundscapes, this podcast dives into the true tales of white-collar culprits, cunning fraudsters, and manifestations of corporate malevolence. These tales, driven by avarice, range from intricate Ponzi schemes and rampant corruption to environmental calamities. Each story underscores the profound impact of financial misdeeds, all orchestrated in the relentless pursuit of greed.
Sweet Bobby
How well do you truly understand the one you cherish? “Sweet Bobby” stands atop the charts as the premier, award-winning investigative saga, delving into the cunning world of the most intricate catfishers.
Pretend – A True Crime Podcast About Con Artists
PRETEND explores the minds behind some of the most infamous deceptions and tricks. From charismatic cult heads to sly swindlers and incognito FBI operatives, this podcast reveals the individuals who’ve masterfully masqueraded as someone else entirely.
The Opportunist
“The Opportunist” narrates real tales of ordinary individuals who, when faced with opportunity, veer down a darker path. What leads a seemingly average person to become a thief, a deceiver, or even the head of a cult? Sometimes, the most unsettling individuals are those who blend in seamlessly. It’s worth pondering if we all have a hidden, darker side waiting for the perfect moment to surface.
Queen of the Con
Star of Bravo’s Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, Jen Shah, seems to epitomize the glamorous life – possessing beauty, wealth, influence, and fame. However, beneath this glittering façade lies a seasoned scam artist who has pocketed millions over the years by defrauding countless victims nationwide. Her schemes are intricately crafted, marked by their sheer ruthlessness. Impressively, she has managed to detach herself from these misdemeanours for a significant duration.
Scam Economy
Bitcoin, Blockchain, Web3, NFTs… Enter the Scam Economy realm. Join host Matt Binder (known from The Majority Report w/ Sam Seder, DOOMED) as he ventures into the cryptic world of cryptocurrency, exposing its myriad of swindles, cons, and deceptive schemes. Given that the entire landscape teeters on deceit, brace yourself for revelations on the Scam Economy.
The Dream
While previous seasons of this acclaimed investigative podcast explored pyramid schemes and the wellness industry, this time around, we’re journeying into the minds of the gurus and life coaches who assert they have the formula for our optimal lives. Is it a game of mindset? A byproduct of privilege? Or are we all ensnared by a beguiling enchantment?
Scamfluencers
In the digital age, true faces are often masked. The allure of influence can swiftly lead to wealth and stardom, but the descent is often steep and disastrous. Dive into the tales of the most cunning “Scamfluencers” – predators in a world where we are their unsuspecting targets. These influencers masquerade as everything from enigmatic healers to financial savants and even dating gurus, captivating millions in their web.
Fake Heiress
The ascent and subsequent descent of Anna Delvey saw her hoodwink New York’s elite into accepting her as a wealthy heiress. Vicky Baker and Chloe Moss delve into the layers of this intriguing scandal.
Twin Flames
The quest for love, that fairy-tale dream of discovering one’s other half, is universal. But what if someone promised, with assuredness, to guide you to that elusive soulmate? Enter Jeff and Shaleia, a youthful duo with a notable YouTube presence, who evangelize the concept of ‘Twin Flames’ – the profound, destined romantic bond with your ultimate partner. Some devotees allege they were urged to sever connections with loved ones perceived as obstacles and to pursue their Twin Flame with unwavering determination.
Cheat!
Is bending the rules ever justifiable? “Cheat!” is a weekly auditory journey led by the acclaimed journalist and comedian Alzo Slade. Exploring the enthralling narratives behind monumental deceits and controversies, this podcast seeks to understand those who sidestep the rules and their reasons. From the magnetism of swift wealth accumulation tactics to the psyche of pretenders, “Cheat!” regales listeners with tales of grand larcenies, digital frauds, and even unscrupulous nuns.
The Grift
Upon encountering tales of deception, our instinctive response is often, “I’d never fall for that.” Enter “The Grift,” an exploration of swindlers and the havoc they wreak. Renowned author and New Yorker contributor Maria Konnikova guides us through the shadowy alleys of manipulation and treachery. A compilation of ten tales encompassing cunning card players, charismatic cult heads, masterful art counterfeiters, and persuasive pretenders.
Scam Goddess
Scam Goddess is your weekly deep dive into the world of deception and its adept practitioners! Join host, Laci Mosley, the very Scam Goddess herself, as she updates listeners on contemporary cons, delves into recent scams, and revisits historical deceptions with a lineup of hilarious comedians. Think of it as true crime, minus the morbidity and filled with amusement! The lighter side of crime!
Dirty John
Meet Debra Newell – she’s nailing it as an interior designer. Enter John Meehan: swoon-worthy, seemingly perfect, and fresh from playing doctor in Iraq. But wait! Debra’s family isn’t vibing with him. What follows is a rollercoaster of romance, sneaky shenanigans, facepalms, “I told you so” moments, and a fight to stay afloat.
Chasing Charlie
Handed what looked like your typical “lover’s spat” case, private eye Julia Robson finds herself tumbling down the rabbit hole of Charlie, a con artist with a talent for the shady. With grit, brains, and a no-nonsense attitude, Julia dedicated a whopping seven years to serving up some well-deserved karma for victims worldwide. And these victims? They’re no wallflowers.
American Greed
CNBC’s elder statesman of primetime shows, “American Greed”, pulls back the curtain on the jaw-dropping true stories of folks whose motto seems to be “money over everything”. Lending his iconic voice to these tales of ambition gone awry is the legendary Stacy Keach.
The Perfect Scam
AARP’s weekly auditory treat, “The Perfect Scam,” dives deep into tales of individuals caught in the scammer’s crosshairs. With Bob Sullivan at the helm, you’ll hear from both victims and the sly foxes pulling the cons, as well as experts who unveil the intricate workings of these deceits.
Who The Hell is Hamish?
Listen to Who The Hell is Hamish?
Meet Hamish Watson, originally just a laid-back surfer from Sydney. But give him a moment, and he’d transform into whatever persona you were seeking. Set to face the slammer in early 2019 for pilfering over $7m from unsuspecting souls, that’s just the tip of his deceptive iceberg. For years, he’s played his con games from the US to Hong Kong and many places in between.
Oh My Fraud
“Oh My Fraud” is the cheeky podcast brainchild of CPA-turned-comedian Greg Kyte and once-CPA-now-blogger Caleb Newquist. These two investigate their top-ranked fraud stories, delving into the whys, hows, and oh-no-they-didn’ts of the scam world. And, in a daring twist, they occasionally poke fun at the unfortunate souls who fell for these tricks—because, hey, who doesn’t love a little dark humour?
Exit Scam
In 2018, a puzzling turn of events surrounded Gerald Cotten, the brain behind Canada’s premier Bitcoin exchange. He mysteriously passed away on a honeymoon in India, and here’s the kicker: the whopping $215 million customers had stashed on the exchange vanished. Why? Allegedly, Gerry took his passwords to the grave. But twist alert: some folks are skeptical about his demise.
The Pope’s Long Con
In 2016, Danny Ray Johnson, aka “The Pope,” a charismatic biker-preacher, landed a state office seat. He boasts of being a 9/11 saviour and even claims to have resurrected the dead! However, after a meticulous seven-month probe, the narrative shifts dramatically: Suspected arson attempts, enigmatic fires, rumoured illegal liquor dealings, and church scandal allegations.
California City
Tucked within the vast expanse of the Mojave Desert lies a town with a grandiose name and an even more intriguing past: California City. For years, property moguls have peddled a tempting vision: invest in land today and reap the rewards tomorrow. Thousands, including hopeful young couples and diligent immigrants, got hooked on this dream. Yet, the harsh reality? Much of the land they invested in holds little value.
Chameleon: Gallery of Lies
Listen to Chameleon: Gallery of Lies
For ages, Helge Achenbach stood tall as one of the globe’s elite art merchants. Yet, one deceitful act catapulted him behind bars. In Chameleon’s sixth season, “Gallery of Lies”, Bijan Stephen delves into the global saga of a notorious felon that’s eluded the public’s gaze. With unmatched access to this former convict, Bijan endeavours to decipher the enigma of Helge’s true identity—and the man he could transform into.
Filthy Ritual
This tale is about a con. But not just any con. As the new millennium dawned in London’s opulent Hampstead suburb, Juliette D’Souza embarked on a deceitful spree, leaving many distraught. Amassing incredible wealth, she carved her name as one of Britain’s most adept scam artists. Join Hannah Maguire and Suruthi Bala, the dynamic duo behind the acclaimed true crime podcast, Redhanded, as they delve into this intricate web.
Gangster Capitalism
A salacious controversy engulfs one of the globe’s most prominent Christian institutions and the individual at its epicentre. Yet, this is only the tip of the iceberg. The acclaimed team behind Gangster Capitalism, after engaging with over 80 individuals – ranging from past and present Liberty students and staff to top-tier administrators and close acquaintances of Falwell Jr. – presents a deep dive.
Nice Try
The focus of Nice Try’s second season, Interior, is on the numerous lifestyle products that we’ve been marketed repeatedly and the pledges of enhancing our home life that they’ve made, fulfilled, and reneged on.
The Dropout
The rise and fall of Elizabeth Holmes and Theranos is a captivating story of money, romance, tragedy, and deception. From being hailed as the youngest self-made female billionaire and the next Steve Jobs to facing criminal charges and potentially putting millions of patients at risk, it’s a cautionary tale of ambition and fame gone terribly wrong.
Grifthorse
Every week, the Grifthorse podcast delves into the hilarious world of flim-flam, cons, and grifts. Join hosts Howard Mike Kremer and Megan Beth Koester as they explore the lighter side of these deceptive practices.
Persona: The French Deception
Listen to Persona: The French Deception
The story of Gilbert Chikli, a notorious con artist, is a fascinating one. Evan Ratliff, an award-winning journalist, delves into how Chikli was able to trick some of the richest and most influential individuals in the world into giving him their fortunes. Ratliff also explores how Chikli managed to evade the law for several years and became a hero to many.
The Immaculate Deception
Listen to The Immaculate Deception
Dr. Jan Karbaat was a highly acclaimed fertility specialist known for his incredible success rates. Women who longed for children would seek his services at his Rotterdam clinic and emerge pregnant. However, when the clinic shut down, speculations about Karbaat’s methods started to surface. The Karbaat Kids, the offspring conceived at the clinic, started to ask tough questions about their mothers’ whereabouts. What really went on inside Dr. Karbaat’s clinic remains a mystery.
Scam City
In today’s society, scams seem to be prevalent everywhere we turn. Cass and Taylor, two individuals well-versed in the art of fraudulent activity, delve into the world of infamous cons and the major pitfalls that come with them.
Dr.Death | S3: Miracle Man
Listen to Dr.Death | S3: Miracle Man
Benita was assigned to cover a story on Paolo, a skilled surgeon known for his life-changing surgeries. Little did she know, her encounter with him would also change her life in unexpected ways. Drawn to Paolo, Benita began to cross professional boundaries, only to discover the true extent of his obsession with secrecy. Meanwhile, on the other side of the world, four doctors at a renowned medical institute made their own startling discoveries that challenged everything they thought they knew.
Red Collar
When we hear about white-collar criminals, we tend to imagine a high-powered CEO caught up in some financial scandal. However, there exists a lesser-known subgroup of these seemingly nonviolent offenders who are rarely discussed in the media – those who commit murder. Follow Catherine Townsend as she delves into the minds of these real-life American Psychos, who often blend in unnoticed with the rest of society.
Decoding the Gurus
Chris, a Northern Irish anthropologist exiled from his homeland, and Matt, a hitchhiking Australian psychologist, team up to explore the world of contemporary ‘secular gurus’, iconoclasts, and other outsiders from the mainstream. With their unique perspectives and diverse accents, they delve into the claims of these individuals, examine their psychological motivations, and attempt to uncover the true meaning behind it all.
Lie, Cheat & Steal
Have you ever been fascinated by the stories of individuals who deceive, cheat, steal, and spread falsehoods? If so, then you’ll definitely want to tune in to this captivating podcast that exposes the world of liars, fraudsters, thieves, and bullshitters. Each episode takes you on a thrilling journey as you hear about the tricks and tactics these individuals use to manipulate others and get what they want, often at the expense of innocent people.
Fed Up
Upon hearing rumours of individuals experiencing negative side effects from a popular diet, Emily Gellis quickly takes action. Utilizing her extensive Instagram following, Emily initiates a social media campaign to shed light on the truth behind F-Factor and its creator, Tanya Zuckerbrot. This sparks a heated dispute that draws attention from trolls, legal representatives, and even the national media, all surrounding the topic of fibre.
The Missing Cryptoqueen
Listen to The Missing Cryptoqueen
Millions of individuals were convinced by Dr Ruja Ignatova to join her financial revolution, but then she abruptly vanished. The story of her disappearance is one of greed, deceit, and the insanity of the masses, as presented by Jamie Bartlett.
Strangeville
It’s quite unbelievable, yet it’s the truth. Unconventional stories of heists, scams, and other strange occurrences from all corners of the country. This is yet another fascinating true crime show to offer. Get ready for a spin on the usual true crime tales.
Madness Madness!
Join Erin and Amanda, sisters and librarians from beautiful central Oklahoma, as they examine the world of clubs, cults, MLMs, and more. Together, they rank and evaluate these groups to determine which one they’d most like to join.
Have You Seen This Man?
Listen to Have You Seen This Man?
John Ruffo swindled $350 million in a fraud scheme and disappeared after pleading guilty and receiving a 17-year prison sentence. In Season 2, the ABC News investigative unit joins the U.S. Marshals in a manhunt for Ruffo, uncovering surprising details about his past. Listeners are asked for help in finding him.
Q Clearance
With a dedicated team of researchers, reporters, and experts, this podcast aims to uncover the true identity of QAnon and shed light on the mysterious and oftentimes controversial movement.
Billionaire Boys Club
Listen to Billionaire Boys Club
In 1980s Los Angeles, a band of elite school friends united with dreams of collective investments and fast-tracked wealth. However, under the magnetic leadership of Joe Hunt, these self-styled “Billionaire Boys Club” members found themselves entangled in a web of dark plots involving abduction, torment, and retribution. Their bond is their only hope to avoid incarceration or a grimmer fate.
Fraudsters
Fraudsters is a docu-series that delves into the world of true crime and comedy. With Seena Ghaznavi, JD, Justin Williams, PhD, and Ariel Leaty at the helm, the show takes a lighthearted yet insightful approach to the scams we all love to hate. By merging chat-cast and deep-dive elements, Fraudsters offers a humorous look at those who abuse trust, distort reality, and prey on vulnerable people financially.
The Gateway: Teal Swan
Listen to The Gateway: Teal Swan
The Gateway is a series about Teal Swan, a spiritual guru who uses YouTube to attract followers struggling with mental health. They move to her startup and manage social media. Teal claims her therapy saves lives, but critics call her death-focused. Gizmodo reporter Jennings Brown investigates Teal’s teachings and follower deaths in Utah and Costa Rica.
Scams & Cons
Have you ever wondered why some individuals fall prey to scams like Three Card Monte or give away thousands of dollars to a supposed Nigerian prince? It’s a baffling phenomenon, but scammers and con artists are experts at convincing people to take the bait.
Klooghless
Let me introduce you to Barry Kloogh, an Authorized Financial Advisor from New Zealand. Unfortunately, he is known for his unethical behaviour and has left a dark mark on humanity. Over the span of four decades, Kloogh spun a web of deceit that resulted in over $15 million stolen from 81 victims. It’s a truly unfortunate situation.
Blood Money
Catherine Townsend is the host of a weekly series that delves into the world of con artists who resort to murder for money. The show sheds light on the devious tactics used by these criminals and the tragic consequences of their actions.
Sympathy Pains
For two decades, Sarah Delashmit claimed she suffered from various illnesses, used a wheelchair, and shared tales of abuse and lost children. Her hospital bed selfies perpetuated her deceit. While she wasn’t after money, she sought sympathy, craving a more profound value from those around her.
World’s Greatest Con
Listen to World’s Greatest Con
Discover the untold tales of some of the most daring and deceitful schemes in history, as shared by Brian Brushwood, the host of Scam School, Modern Rogue, and Scam Nation.
Liar, Liar: Melissa Caddick and the Missing Millions
Listen to Liar, Liar: Melissa Caddick and the Missing Millions
Melissa Caddick, a successful businesswoman from Sydney’s eastern suburbs, went missing after authorities raided her home amid questions over an unlicensed financial planning business. Investigative journalist Kate McClymont revealed a massive Ponzi scheme and $23 million fraud that ripped off investors, including Caddick’s family and friends.
Do you know of a podcast focused on scams that you think should be on this list? Let me know.