Scamfluencers

I don’t know why I’m always fascinated by scam-podcasts, maybe it’s the audacity of the scammers, or my shock or disgust at how they are able to fool people with plans/ideas that are often seemingly simple. Whatever it is, Scamfluencers scours the world to bring you the most incredulous scam stories and then present these in easily digestible, entertaining & fresh chunks.

Some might describe this as a podcast that describes how influencers enriched themselves through scams and others may say it is a show about how scammers influence folks within their universe. I’m not sure I’ve figured out which description fits, but what I do know is that this podcast presents the most fascinating and jaw-dropping stories from around the world detailing how confidence artists (conmen, con-women?) have been able to take advantage of people leaving those people worse off for having met and interacted with these scammers.

Scamfluencers is a duo-hosted podcast, and in this instance, the format works because one can genuinely feel that the hosts are friends, they do not waste time on unnecessary banter and each episode’s scam story is very well researched & produced. I am addicted to listening to these ladies and I often use Scamfluencers as a sort of palette cleanser - going back to the show after listening to a  heavy/serious true crime podcast.

Scamfluencers is also produced by Wondery, reflecting the excellent production value that has become unanimous with Wondery productions.

Without a doubt the episode you should start with is “The Billionaire Gucci Master – Parts 1 & 2” which tells the story of Hushpuppi, the infamous Nigerian scammer. The episode delved into Hushpuppi’s background, how he became an influencer, links him to master criminals in North Korea (that shut down Sony) as well to the disgraced Nigerian Police Chief Abba Kyari and how he eventually gets caught. It even provides details of one of Hushpuppi’s biggest marks and how he and his crew where able to shut down operations at a major European bank!

Then there’s also the story of the Matharoo sisters – another Nigerian related story – in “Gossip Girls - Parts 1, 2 & 3” that gives the lowdown on the fight between popular Nigerian billionaire Michael Otedola & one of the Matharoo sisters who purportedly tried to blackmail him over their entanglement.

Scamfluencers presents true-life scam stories that are compelling and attention grabbing. Here are the episodes I’d recommend for you to begin your exploration – you can then go through the rest of the episodes after you’ve had the taste of these.

1.      Billionaire Gucci Master (Parts 1 & 2) – Tells of the evolution and downfall of Hushpuppi, the infamous international scammer who flaunted his wealth on Instagram and called himself the Billionaire Gucci Master until the long arm of the law caught up with him.

2.      Gossip Girls (Parts 1, 2 & 3) – Tells the story of two jet-setting sisters – Kiran & Jyoti Matharoo – one of whom purportedly had an entanglement with a Nigerian Billionaire the fallout from which eventually turned their story from local Nigerian gossip to an international scandal.

3.      Brazil’s Supermom (Parts 1 & 2) – Tells the story of Flordelis dos Santos, a Brazilian gospel singer and politician who adopted 55 children as part of her con.

4.      Prep School Perpetrator – Danielle Miller sets outs to reinvent herself after she was exploited and humiliated at her elite New York Prep School.

5.      The Hollywood Ponzi Scheme (Parts 1 & 2) – How, Zach Horwitz, a sandwich and smoothie shop owner from Chicago reinvents himself as a Hollywood big shot.

What was your favorite episode of Scamfluencers? If you listened to any of this podcast or enjoyed any of the recommended episodes above, please let a comment below letting me know. And of course, please share with your network!