Scamfluencers

By: Wondery
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  • Summary

  • You never really know someone…especially online. In today’s world, the power of influence can be the quickest path to money and fame, and it often ends in ruin. These are the stories of the world’s most insidious Scamfluencers. And we are their prey. On Wondery’s new weekly series, join co-hosts Scaachi Koul and Sarah Hagi as they unpack epic stories of deception from the worlds of social media, fashion, finance, health, and wellness. These influencers claim to be everything from charismatic healers to trusted financial insiders to experts in dating. They cast spells over millions. Why do we believe them, and how does our culture allow them to thrive? From Black Swan Murder to a fake social media influencer to an audacious Hollywood Ponzi schemer, each season will take the listener along the twists and turns, the impact on victims, and what’s left when the facade falls away.

    Need more Scamfluencers? With Wondery+, enjoy exclusive episodes, early access to new ones, and they’re always ad-free. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/scamfluencers/ now.
    © 2022 Wondery LLC. All rights reserved.
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Social Sciences
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Episodes
  • Listen Now: Dying for Sex

    Listen Now: Dying for Sex
    Apr 15 2025

    A Wondery original podcast so compelling it was reimagined for TV starring Michelle Williams, Jenny Slate, Sissy Spacek, and more… When Molly's diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer, she decides to do something bold: she leaves her unhappy marriage and embarks on a series of sexual adventures to help her feel alive. She shares the funniest and most touching details with her closest friend, host Nikki Boyer. As they peel back the layers, we learn that Molly isn’t just grappling with breast cancer: she's also dealing with some trauma from her past. Along the journey, the friends explore bigger themes that affect us all -- like healing, forgiveness and what do we do with the time we have left.

    Follow Dying for Sex plus all-new bonus episodes on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can binge the entire original podcast early and ad-free, right now on Wondery+ wondery.fm/DFSBonus

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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    6 mins
  • Conrad Black: The Fleet Street Fleece | 154

    Conrad Black: The Fleet Street Fleece | 154
    Apr 14 2025

    Conrad Black turned ownership of a single Canadian newspaper into a global media empire, and he used his wealth and status to cozy up to conservative superstars like Magaret Thatcher and Henry Kissinger. For years, he and his business partner lived large, looted company coffers to buy gulf stream jets, fund pet charity projects, and of course, throw lavish parties with famous people. But when a savvy investor reveals his self-dealing, Conrad will face the fight of his life to preserve his status and stay in the black.

    Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletter

    Listen to Scamfluencers on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/scamfluencers/ now.

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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    56 mins
  • Lee Israel: Scammer She Wrote

    Lee Israel: Scammer She Wrote
    Apr 7 2025

    After her latest biography flopped, Lee Israel was hard up for money to buy booze and cat food. So, she used her research skills to access celebrity letters in prominent archives, stealing them and adding juicy tidbits to hike up their value. The librarians are clueless, and the collectors she sells to are flipping her letters for big bucks. But Lee discovers that the feds are not as charmed by her con artist bon mots.

    Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletter

    Listen to Scamfluencers on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/scamfluencers/ now.

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
    Show more Show less
    48 mins
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Featured Article: 10 of the Best New Podcasts of 2022


It was another great year for podcasts, with a remarkable rise in both production quality and quantity of listening gems. Whether factual or anecdotal, sensational or deadpan, podcasts have a unique way of catering to any niche, no matter how specific. We were lucky to hear a lot of new podcasts this year, from the scripted and immersive to more relaxed, conversational pods, but we managed to narrow them down to the 10 most impactful and influential among our editors and listeners.

Featured Article 10 of the Best New Podcasts of 2022

What listeners say about Scamfluencers

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Profile Image for DrNana

Great interaction

I enjoy the way the 2 hosts interact as they tell the story. Looking forward to the next story.

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Profile Image for Mia

EXCELLENT PODCAST

I have a Wondery+ membership and it is worth every cent! The app itself is excellent and far exceeds any other podcast app out there. I literally just here to share my feedback because I love this show so much! Sarah and Scaachi are just awesome! They do their homework, they tell stories perfectly, and the stay on topic - unlike almost every other podcast duos who eventually use their podcasts as a platform to air their own vapid personal-diary monologues.
Don't listen to the negative reviews. Honestly they all sound like the bitter whining of failed podcasters. 😂
PS. I am not affiliated with Wondery in any way. This is just the feedback from a very satisfied user. Thanks guys! Stay awesome! 🤍

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Profile Image for Gabriella Bistulfi

Entertaining!

The hosts are very entertaining as they share these stories about scams, greed, and sometimes even murder.

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Profile Image for DA Hopkins

Great podcast

I enjoy the topics. I think the banter between the hosts is great, and I enjoy hearing their perspectives on the crimes they discuss.

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    3 out of 5 stars
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Profile Image for Evelyn

love the idea of this podcast

I really enjoy the idea of this podcast. The podcasters do give the true investigators of these scams and wrote about them the credit they have earned but the lack of true knowledge that these podcasters display in their comments during the podcasts is so disappointing.

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Obsessed with this podcast, it’s now my number 1

I love this podcast, they’re so interesting and the women are so funny and grab your attention. It’s now my top podcast so far! It’s a must!!!

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Profile Image for SarahH

Great listen

I really enjoy this podcast. It's well written and well reported. The hosts have good rapport and tell just the right amount of jokes and exposition. The stories are interesting and I have not heard of most of them.

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too much silly giggling

stories are good and entertaining, well researched. however, host's constant giggling is just silly

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Profile Image for Courtney D.

LOVE THIS PODCAST!!!

Sarah and Scaachi had me from the first time I listened!! The show is funny, informative, and well researched! I love the banter between the two and am ALWAYS excited to see when a new episode has been released! Although some people may not appreciate your perspectives on these stories from a Black and Brown point of view, I certainly do and think it is much needed! Keep up the good work, ladies!!!

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Profile Image for Dreamer

Interesting and Informative

I recently stumbled across this podcast and I’m really enjoying it. I like the hosts and the stories are true and interesting.

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