The Sweepstakes Scammers w/ Tone Bell (Fraud Friday)

The Nigerian Ne’er-do-well w/ Jonathan Braylock (Fraud Friday)

Jun 26, 202654 minSummary

In this episode of Scam Goddess, host Lacey Mosley is joined by comedian Jonathan Braylock to explore the anatomy of high-stakes fraud. The discussion kicks off with a humorous take on the intricacies of tax write-offs, the often-frustrating nature of professional accounting, and the duo's mutual appreciation for finding legal loopholes. The hosts then transition to a listener-submitted story involving a group of individuals who posed as refugees to perform at churches, collecting offerings before mysteriously disappearing. This leads to a thoughtful conversation about the nature of entertainment, the vulnerability of trusting communities, and the surprising frequency of people masking their true identities in modern social landscapes. Finally, the episode dives into the legendary case of Emmanuel Nwude, a former bank director who orchestrated one of the largest banking scams in history. By impersonating the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Nwude convinced a Brazilian bank director to invest hundreds of millions of dollars into a fictional airport project. The pair examines the audacity of the scheme, the lack of due diligence by the victim, and the global fallout that followed this massive financial betrayal.

Holy Hypocrites & CON-version Crooks w/ Tan France

Jun 23, 20261h 20mSummary

In this episode of Scam Goddess, host Laci Mosley welcomes television personality Tan France for a lively discussion on all things shady, scammy, and legitimate. The two dive into the world of multi-step skincare, debating whether elaborate routines—and the expensive products pushed during professional facials—are truly transformative or just a clever marketing scheme. They touch on the role of genetics and diet, with France emphasizing that simple habits like proper hydration and gut health often outweigh high-cost, trendy gadgets. The conversation shifts to the complex landscape of fast fashion and designer "dupes." France provides a unique perspective as a former designer, labeling the practice of large companies knocking off smaller, independent creators as a blatant scam. However, they agree that for the average consumer, affordable alternatives are a legitimate way to experiment with style. The episode also tackles the "scam" of free trials that require credit card information and the importance of personal hygiene, with France sharing a candid, humorous anecdote about holding others accountable for basic hand-washing. Ultimately, the pair celebrates the need for personal accountability and creative resourcefulness in a world full of consumer traps.

The Marijuana Manipulator w/ James Mastraieni (Fraud Friday)

Jun 19, 202652 minSummary

In this episode of Fraud Fridays, host Lacey Mosley welcomes comedian James Mastraieni to discuss the complexities of deception. The episode highlights a wild, candid story from Mastraieni’s teenage years, where he attempted to use his mother’s motorized wheelchair to trick a liquor store owner into selling alcohol to him and his friends. Although the plan was meticulously plotted, the attempt failed when the store owner, who was familiar with Mastraieni’s group, saw through the ruse and sternly turned them away. The conversation expands into a discussion about modern scams, specifically romance fraud. The hosts examine how bad actors exploit dating apps to manipulate individuals into sending money under the guise of fake emergencies. They also explore the rise of Instagram-based drug scams, where imposters steal the identities of cannabis influencers to trick unsuspecting followers into wiring money for products that never arrive. Throughout the episode, the hosts emphasize the importance of exercising skepticism, verifying online identities, and recognizing the "too good to be true" red flags that define so many contemporary cons.

Billion-Dollar Insurance Bandit w/ Jenny Yang

Jun 16, 20261h 20mSummary

In this episode of Scam Goddess, host Laci Mosley is joined by comedian Jenny Yang to discuss the complexities of white-collar crime and the fine line between business savvy and blatant fraud. The conversation begins with a lighthearted segment where they classify various societal phenomena—such as psychics, valet parking, and tipping culture—as either a scheme, a scam, or a legitimate service, often highlighting how these practices can mask systemic issues or exploitative behavior. The core of the episode focuses on the cautionary tale of Greg Lindberg, a Yale-educated insurance mogul who utilized his status to build a massive conglomerate called Eli Global. Mosley details how Lindberg masterfully manipulated the insurance industry, lobbying politicians to bend rules in his favor while funneling billions of dollars through his network of companies. The hosts analyze his lavish, secluded lifestyle, suggesting that his obsession with power and acquisition follows the classic blueprint of corporate greed. Through this deep dive, the episode examines how elite status and financial jargon are often used as tools to deceive the public and bypass legal accountability, framing Lindberg’s rise and eventual downfall as a quintessential example of high-stakes corporate malfeasance.

Scamghetti w/ a Twink & a Redhead

Jun 16, 20261h 18mSummary

In this episode of Scam Goddess, host Lacey Mosley welcomes guests Grant and Ash, a comedy duo known for their satirical content, to determine whether various everyday experiences and phenomena are scams, schemes, or legitimate realities. The trio engages in a lively discussion about the predatory nature of the towing industry, which they conclude is a scheme, sharing personal anecdotes about their own experiences with tow trucks and the aggressive tactics used to monetize parking violations. The conversation shifts to the evolving state of streaming services. The participants lament how rising costs, the introduction of advertisements, and the cancellation of popular shows reflect a cycle of corporate greed that feels like a Ponzi scheme. They also explore the strange, modern obsession with romanticizing hockey players and the complexities of celebrity skincare lines. Finally, the group dives into the realm of local politics, specifically analyzing the public image and campaign strategies of reality star Spencer Pratt. The episode blends humor with sharp commentary on modern consumer culture, questioning why we continue to participate in systems that seem designed to exploit the audience for profit.

A Star Wasn't Born w/ Justin Halpern

Jun 9, 20261h 7mSummary

In this episode of Scam Goddess, host Laci Mosley welcomes guest Justin Halpern, co-creator of Abbott Elementary, to dive into a mix of scams, schemes, and personal anecdotes. The conversation kicks off with Laci’s signature game, where the duo categorizes various topics as either a scam, a scheme, or a real thing. They discuss the complexities of the tax system and high-net-worth accounting, the predatory nature of credit cards, and whether love is a genuine human experience. Halpern also candidly recounts his early days working for a defunct internet company, where he participated in a deceptive advertising scheme involving redirected traffic from adult websites to corporate brand ads. The episode culminates in a segment titled Historic Hoodwinks, where Laci breaks down the wild story of Mike Smith, a suburban dad and urgent care owner who attempted to buy his way into music stardom. Alongside a notorious industry publicist, Smith launched a fake record label and manipulated streaming numbers to create the illusion of success. The hosts humorously analyze Smith’s mid-life crisis, his strange album titles, and the bizarre industry connections he leveraged, offering a hilarious critique of the lengths some will go to manufacture fame.

The Baddest Bitch Bandit of the West w/ Vanessa Bayer & Jonah Bayer (Fraud Friday)

Jun 5, 20261h 6mSummary

In this installment of Fraud Fridays, host Lacey Mosley welcomes guest siblings Vanessa and Jonah Bayer to discuss their personal histories with low-stakes scamming. The conversation centers on the ethics and thrill of gaming corporate systems, with the hosts and guests sharing anecdotal evidence of their own exploits. Jonah Bayer recounts a nostalgic high-school-era scheme involving a major bookstore chain, where he and a friend exploited a lenient return policy to acquire store credit without valid receipts, which they then used to fuel their music collections. Meanwhile, Vanessa Bayer reveals her signature adult "scam": a strategic manipulation of restaurant staff. By feigning indecision between two desserts when she suspects she is being recognized, she often manages to secure both items at the price of one. The trio explores the psychology behind these actions, framing them as playful subversions of corporate power rather than malicious acts. They conclude by discussing the blurred lines between consumer cleverness and manipulation, ultimately celebrating the comedic rewards of "working the system" while maintaining a lighthearted look at the absurdity of modern commerce.

The Fake MAGA Influencer w/ Sydnee Washington & Marie Faustin

Jun 2, 20261h 2mSummary

In this episode of Scam Goddess, host Laci Mosley is joined by comedians and podcast hosts Marie Faustin and Sydnee Washington for a lively discussion on the fine line between scams, schemes, and legitimate life experiences. The trio kicks off the conversation by dissecting the validity of various excursions and animal interactions, specifically questioning the cost and reality of wildlife tours compared to the risks posed by unpredictable animals like hippos. The conversation shifts to the nuances of adult life, with the group debating lease agreements and the frustrations of dealing with unhelpful landlords. They explore the thin line between necessary home improvements and the dangers of DIY projects that go wrong. The hosts also touch upon the world of educational and betterment apps, questioning the utility of subscription-based platforms that rely on user forgetfulness. Finally, they tackle the rise of self-driving cars, expressing deep skepticism about the technology. The episode is a candid, humorous exploration of modern inconveniences, highlighting the hosts’ shared disdain for systems that prioritize corporate greed over genuine human needs or safety.

The Resurrecting Romance Novelist w/ Paula Poundstone (Fraud Friday)

May 29, 20261h 21mSummary

In this installment of Scam Goddess, host Lacey Mosley welcomes legendary stand-up comedian and author Paula Poundstone to the show for a deep dive into the world of fraud. The episode begins with a casual conversation about their personal experiences, including Poundstone sharing a memorable, albeit uncomfortable, story from her days traveling by bus. The discussion highlights how the landscape of scams has shifted from physical, door-to-door schemes of the past to the complex, digital-first cons of the modern era. The episode features a listener-submitted scam from a fan named Angelina, who details her experience participating in an Amazon review manipulation scheme. Angelina describes how she used third-party websites to receive discounted products in exchange for reviews. She cleverly exploited the system by uploading these zero-dollar receipts to reward-based apps, effectively stacking gift card profits before the loophole was closed. The hosts analyze the ethics of this activity, debating whether such behavior is a victimless crime against corporations or a moral gray area. The episode concludes with a broader reflection on the evolution of consumer manipulation and the reality of paid-for online reviews.

Peak Fraud & Sherpa Shenanigans w/ Ginger Minj

May 26, 202659 minSummary

In this episode of Scam Goddess, host Lacey Mosley welcomes drag legend Ginger Minj to dive into the world of fraud, schemes, and everyday scams. The two engage in the podcast’s signature segment, evaluating whether various services and systems are scams, schemes, or legitimate operations. Their discussion touches on the nuances of tax accountants, which they view as a necessary but frustrating result of a deliberately complicated financial system. They also dissect the psychological manipulation behind loyalty programs—noting that while they offer small perks, they often feel like a scheme designed to keep consumers locked into a cycle of earning rewards that frequently devalue. The conversation shifts to the modern frustration with AI-generated imagery and the rise of budget airlines like Spirit. Both hosts categorize budget air travel as a classic scheme: while it initially democratized travel, it eventually evolved into a system of nickel-and-diming customers for basic necessities. Finally, they cover a high-stakes historical case involving a 20 million dollar insurance fraud scheme on Mount Everest, where climbers were targeted for pricey, unnecessary rescues.