Now that you’ve finished “Sweet Bobby” and find yourself craving more stories about people making spectacularly poor decisions in the digital age, where do you turn? Welcome to the wonderful world of catfishing and scamming podcasts, where common sense goes to die and red flags are apparently just colorful decorations that add ambiance to doomed relationships.
If you enjoyed six episodes of wondering how someone could fall for a fictional boyfriend with more fake medical emergencies than a soap opera character, then you’re in luck, because the internet has produced an endless supply of humans willing to document their journey from “love at first swipe” to “wait, why does my soulmate only communicate through interpretive emoji?”
These podcasts serve as both entertainment and cautionary tales, proving that when it comes to online romance, some people will believe absolutely anything as long as it comes with a believable backstory and enough fake Instagram photos to fill a stock photography website.
The Missionary
American missionary Renee Bach started a malnutrition program in rural Uganda, initially praised for God’s healing message. A decade later, she’s accused of posing as a doctor and causing hundreds of child deaths. Was she well-intentioned or a predator? Journalists Rajiv Golla, Halima Gikandi, and Malcolm Burnley investigate.
The Shrink Next Door
Joe Nocera’s Hamptons neighbor, Ike, a therapist for Manhattan elites, vanished, revealing everything Joe thought he knew was wrong. From Wondery (Dirty John, Dr. Death) and Bloomberg, The Shrink Next Door, hosted by Joe Nocera, uncovers a 30-year tale of control and misguided trust.
Dr. Death
A compelling young physician introduces revolutionary cancer and HIV treatments, drawing patients globally seeking their last resort. While medical experts applaud Serhat Gumrukcu’s remarkable talent, his co-founded enterprise’s valuation skyrockets past half a billion dollars. Yet, a startling finding by researchers soon makes them question if the esteemed doctor is harboring a hidden truth.
Pretend
PRETEND delves into the lives of those who deceive, whether they are cult leaders, fraudsters, or undercover FBI agents, exposing their true identities beneath their assumed roles.
Do You Know Mordechai?
Kathleen Goldhar was thrilled for her friend Arya, who seemed to have found the ideal partner after a difficult divorce. Mordechai Horowitz appeared flawless: intelligent, wealthy, and artistic. Yet, as with many seemingly perfect situations, it turned out to be an illusion.
Something Was Wrong
Something Was Wrong is an acclaimed docuseries that chronicles the experiences of survivors as they uncover, cope with, and heal from crime and abuse.
Scamanda
A seemingly perfect wife, mother, and blogger, Amanda gained global fame sharing her cancer fight online, hiding a dark secret. An anonymous tip to producer Nancy ignited a shocking investigation. Journalist Charlie Webster narrates this unbelievable, real story from San Jose, California, about Amanda’s secret that devastated a family and stunned a community. This is Scamanda. Discover other podcasts like Scamanda.
Carrie Jade Does Not Exist
The series Carrie Jade Does Not Exist, presented by Sue Perkins and journalist Katherine Denkinson, chronicles how one woman adopted over half a dozen false identities to infiltrate and betray the trust of vulnerable people. It reveals how Carrie meticulously crafted a picture-perfect persona and conned her way into the publishing world, only to eventually become caught in the very lies she spun.
Believe in Magic
Host Jamie Bartlett, of The Missing Cryptoqueen fame, investigates the perplexing case of Megan Bhari. A 16-year-old Megan founded Believe in Magic, a charity for sick kids, supported by One Direction and honored by David Cameron. Despite her claimed brain tumor and fundraising for United States treatment, suspicious internet sleuths hired a detective when Meg was spotted at Disney. The ensuing investigation by Jamie and producer Ruth Mayer uncovers a shocking truth about Megan Bhari’s illness, with far-reaching consequences.
I’m Not a Monster
In 2015, three London schoolgirls vanished, heading to Syria to join the Islamic State. Investigative journalist Josh Baker, already filming in their neighborhood, witnessed their families’ desperate search. The girls disappeared into the caliphate, their fate a four-year mystery. Only Shamima Begum emerged.
Sympathy Pains
Hosted by Laura Beil (Dr. Death, Bad Batch), Sympathy Pains is a six-part series from Neon Hum Media and iHeartRadio. For two decades, Sarah Delashmit fabricated illnesses like cancer and muscular dystrophy, abusive relationships, and dead children. It was a con: she sought not money, but something far more valuable, sympathy.
Nobody Should Believe Me
Author Andrea Dunlop seeks answers to a family tragedy: her sister’s investigation for Munchausen by Proxy abuse over a decade ago. In her groundbreaking podcast, Nobody Should Believe Me, Dunlop speaks with top experts on the criminology and psychopathology of this abuse, revealing the devastation perpetrators leave. Each season, she investigates a new case, interviewing victims and professionals to unravel these terrifying stories of unspeakable crime.
Chameleon: Hollywood Con Queen
Chameleon presents the true story and extensive search for the infamous fraudster known as the Hollywood Con Queen.
Who the Hell is Hamish?
Meet Hamish Watson, originally a “surfie” from Sydney, who mastered the art of chameleon-like identity shifts. Hamishfaces impending jail time in early 2019 for swindling more than $7 million from several victims. However, this represents just the tip of the iceberg; for decades, he’s conned people in the US, Canada, Britain, Hong Kong, and Australia. How did he operate so effectively? What enabled him to evade law enforcement worldwide for such an extended period, and where did the vast sums he stole disappear to?
The Opportunist
The Opportunist chronicles true tales of everyday individuals who seize opportunities to commit sinister acts. How does someone ordinary evolve into a thief, a scammer, or a cult leader? The most dangerous person might just be the one who seems the most unremarkable, implying a latent dark potential within each of us, primed for the right opportunity to appear. The Opportunist is an original podcast hosted by Sarah James McLaughlin.
Chasing Charlie
Private investigator Julia Robson took on what seemed like a simple case of a spurned partner, only to unearth the disturbing history of a deceitful conman named Charlie. Driven by her relentless determination and sharp wit, Juliaembarks on a seven-year quest to bring redemption and justice to victims worldwide—victims who, upon closer look, are far from helpless. Chasing Charlie is a true tale of crime, manipulation, and deception, with dark sexual undertones.
The Dichotomy Diaries Podcast
Amanda met Dick, a charming Las Vegas Mormon, online; she had no idea of the coming chaos. The Dichotomy Diaries Season One exposes Dick’s true nature: a compulsive liar involved in financial domination, secret escorting for men, and manipulation that devastated many women. This season follows Amanda and six other women as they recount their betrayal and survival. New victims of Dick surface regularly. Subsequent seasons of The Dichotomy Diaries feature brave individuals reclaiming their voices, exploring toxic relationships and abuse psychology. These are warnings and powerful truths.
Persona: The French Deception
Ever wonder what it’s like to scam someone for $50 million? This podcast explores Gilbert Chikli, one of history’s greatest con artists. Host Evan Ratliff investigates how Chikli defrauded the world’s elite, eluded capture for years, and was even seen as a Robin Hood. Beyond a tale of criminal genius, it delves into today’s “golden age of scammers” and the power of deception, and what happens when the illusion shatters.
Twin Flames
We all desire lasting love. What if you could be guaranteed your soulmate? Jeff and Shaleia on YouTube teach about Twin Flames, a profound, exclusive connection. But finding yours might mean cutting ties with loved ones and “claiming” your Twin Flame aggressively, according to some followers.
Scamfluencers
You never truly know someone online. The path to fame and money via influence often ends in ruin, creating insidious Scamfluencers who prey on us. Wondery’s weekly series, with co-hosts Scaachi Koul and Sarah Hagi, dissects grand deceptions in social media, fashion, finance, and wellness. These “experts” charm millions. Why are they believed, and why does our culture enable them? Discover the best episodes of Scamfluencers.
The Missing Cryptoqueen
After persuading millions to embrace her financial revolution, Dr Ruja Ignatova disappeared without a trace. Jamie Bartlett investigates the reasons behind her vanishing act, presenting a narrative of rampant greed, elaborate deception, and widespread irrationality.
Believable: The Coco Berthmann Story
Coco Berthmann gained internet fame detailing her childhood sex trafficking survival in Germany, supported by families in Utah. But after her 2022 arrest for faking cancer, her entire life story came into question. Pulitzer winner Sara Ganim and Edward R. Murrow winner Karen Given investigate for Dear Media’s first true crime podcast: Was it all a lie?
Read our review of Sweet Bobby.