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.

    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.
    © 2022 Wondery LLC. All rights reserved.
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Social Sciences
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Episodes
  • Eike Batista: Brazillionaire Boys Club

    Eike Batista: Brazillionaire Boys Club
    Feb 3 2025

    In the early 2000s, Brazilian billionaire Eike Batista was seen as the ultimate mining mogul: he was a speedboat-racing showman and a playboy who liked to show off his wealth. To expand his empire, Eike spun a web of bribes and fraud with high-ranking government officials. So when he was finally brought down, it created one of the biggest corruption scandals Brazil has ever seen.

    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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    52 mins
  • Listen Now: We Came to the Forest

    Listen Now: We Came to the Forest
    Jan 28 2025

    Vienna is working a delivery job when she hears about Cop City, a massive police training facility planned for Atlanta. She decides to join the activists trying to stop construction. When Vienna arrives in the South River Forest, she quickly finds a community, a cause and a love unlike any other. But the events of one morning shatters everything. Vienna and everyone connected to the forest begin to question what are you willing to die for? Wondery, Campside and Tenderfoot TV present: We Came to the Forest.


    Listen to We Came to the Forest wherever you get your podcasts. You can binge the entire series early and ad-free by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App or on Apple Podcasts: Wondery.fm/WeCametotheForest

    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
  • Take the Monopoly Money and Run

    Take the Monopoly Money and Run
    Jan 27 2025

    In the midst of the Great Depression, out-of-work salesman Charles Darrow sold the board game he created, Monopoly, to Parker Brothers. The game was an overnight success, and Charles became a hopeful example of the American dream. But soon, fellow game obsessives questioned Charles’s inventor status. Decades later, another game creator’s tireless pursuit of the truth reveals Monopoly’s subversive origin story and the twisted journey it took before landing in Charles Darrow’s hands.

    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
    44 mins

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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Profile Image for Amazon Customer

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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    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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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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Profile Image for Amazon Customer

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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