Buzz
Scams have become a cultural phenomenon, making their way into countless podcasts across the spectrum, from major media giants to small independent creators. Whether it's the tale of mysterious boys deceiving an entire community in Chameleon: Wild Boys or the story of a fraudulent entrepreneur swindling millions through fake science in The Drop Out, these real-life narratives are filled with deception and intrigue. I've curated a list of the most compelling scam podcasts currently available. Dive in, stay updated, and prepare to be amazed by the audacious schemes of manipulative individuals who exploited the vulnerable, stealing not just their money but also their trust and relationships. These podcasts offer an in-depth look into the world of crime, introducing you to the masterminds behind some of the most elaborate cons.
Chameleon Wild Boys
In the summer of 2003, the quiet Canadian town of Vernon was shaken by the arrival of two teenage boys who appeared out of the wilderness. They claimed to have been raised in the remote forests of British Columbia, completely isolated from modern society—no television, no formal education, and no official identification. Journalist Sam Mullins, a Vernon native, recalls the profound effect the boys had on the community. Locals welcomed them warmly, providing shelter, food, and constant support. However, inconsistencies began to surface—one boy was alarmingly thin and consumed only fruit, while their stories often contradicted each other. Despite numerous warning signs, the revelation that the boys had fabricated their entire lives left the town in disbelief. Sam delves into the shocking deception, uncovering the true identities of the boys and exploring the motives behind their elaborate scheme to reinvent themselves in a foreign land. Available on: All podcast platforms
Maintenance Phase
At first glance, Maintenance Phase might not seem like a podcast about scams. Hosts Aubrey Gordon and Michael Hobbes (formerly of You’re Wrong About) meticulously dissect trends in the wellness and weight-loss industry, separating truth from hype. Topics like fat camps, the BMI, Olestra, and the Keto Diet often reveal themselves to be riddled with deceit upon closer examination—whether through unethical marketing tactics or flawed scientific claims. Aubrey and Michael provide eye-opening insights into how we’re all being misled, but their wit and humor make the show incredibly entertaining. Their ability to channel frustration into engaging storytelling makes it easy to get fired up alongside them.
Available on: All podcast platforms
The Missing Cryptoqueen
The enigmatic world of cryptocurrency has become a breeding ground for scams, and The Missing Cryptoqueen delves into one of the most notorious cases in the industry’s history. In 2014, Dr. Ruja Ignatova, a Bulgarian entrepreneur, introduced OneCoin, a cryptocurrency she claimed would surpass Bitcoin. She convinced investors from 175 countries to pour in a staggering $4 billion, only to disappear without a trace. Investigative journalists Jamie Bartlett and Georgia Catt from BBC Sounds uncover the truth: OneCoin was a massive Ponzi scheme with no blockchain or trading platform—just servers in Bulgaria. Ignatova vanished in October 2017, taking the money with her, and her whereabouts remain unknown. The Missing Cryptoqueen explores how she orchestrated this elaborate fraud and follows the ongoing search to bring her to justice.
Available on: All podcast platforms
The Dream
While the first season of The Dream focused on multilevel marketing schemes, the second season shifts its lens to the wellness industry and the extravagant claims made by some of its most dubious players. Host Jane Marie, formerly of Hairpin and This American Life, alongside producer Dann Gallucci, scrutinizes the ethics behind products like crystals, vitamins, and supplements, meticulously distinguishing truth from hype. Jane Marie weaves personal anecdotes into her investigations, sharing how her childhood brain injury shaped her perspective on wellness, recounting her aunt’s obsession with a popular essential oil brand, and highlighting a friend still attempting to sell Thirty-One bags. Is the pursuit of everlasting health and happiness a lost cause? And who ultimately benefits from the deceptive narratives spun by the wellness industry?
Available on: All podcast platforms
Pretend
Have you ever heard the bizarre tale of a woman who fell victim to a scam orchestrated by someone she believed to be her cousin, only to discover it was all the work of a single catfishing friend? Or the story of a man who unknowingly lived in a real-life version of The Truman Show, surrounded by actors playing roles in his fabricated world? Then there’s the shocking account of a prank caller posing as a police officer, coercing fast-food managers into strip-searching female employees and subjecting them to degrading acts. These are just a few of the jaw-dropping stories featured on Pretend, where host Javier Leiva dives deep into the lives of con artists, fraudsters, and cult leaders. Through in-depth interviews and multi-episode investigations, the podcast uncovers astonishing tales that other shows often overlook.
Available on: All podcast platforms
Sympathy Pains
Hosted by Laura Beil (known for Dr. Death and Bad Batch), Sympathy Pains is a gripping six-part series that delves into the shocking story of a woman who fabricated numerous illnesses—ranging from cancer to muscular dystrophy and even Ebola. She also concocted a heartbreaking tale about being a grieving mother who had lost her child. None of it was real. Her goal wasn’t just financial gain; she craved emotional connections, manipulating people into offering their friendship and compassion. She expertly targeted individuals who would go to great lengths to support her, even as her lies began to unravel. This is one of the most bizarre and captivating con stories you’ll encounter, with a jaw-dropping twist revealed in the final episode.
Available on: All podcast platforms
The Dropout
Elizabeth Holmes, the infamous scam artist behind a health technology company that promised to revolutionize blood testing, has become a modern-day symbol of deception. Her company, built on flawed science and false promises, swindled millions from investors. While you might have read the book or watched the Hulu docudrama, The Dropout, hosted by ABC News’ Rebecca Jarvis, offers a deeper dive. This podcast features exclusive deposition testimonies from Holmes and key figures, along with interviews with former employees, investors, and patients. It meticulously examines how Holmes, once hailed as “The Next Steve Jobs,” ended up facing criminal charges, providing the detailed scrutiny this complex story deserves.
Available on: All podcast platforms
California City
Nestled in the Mojave Desert, 100 miles north of Los Angeles, California City was once marketed as the gateway to the American dream. Thousands were lured into purchasing land with the promise of future wealth, only to discover the land was virtually worthless. Over 73,000 people invested hundreds of millions, only to face years of struggle trying to reclaim their money. In this series, Emily Guerin ventures into California City, uncovering the truth behind the scam. She confronts real estate developers attempting to hide their deceit and meets with victims who share heartbreaking stories of lost dreams and financial ruin.
Available on: All podcast platforms
