Fakes and Frauds

In 2018, Melissa McCarthy was nominated for an Oscar for her depiction of one of the biggest literary forgers of our time. But just who was Lee Israel? Join us we welcome comedian Ania Magliano to the podcast and embark on our journey of all things literary forgery related (including some hot goss on Oscar Wilde - it's even more gay content-heavy than usual. We're not sorry).  Follow us: https://www.instagram.com/fakesandfraudspod/ https://www.fakesandfrauds.com Contact: hello@fakesandfrauds.com Guest: Ania Magliano https://www.instagram.com/aniamagliano/ https://twitter.com/AniaMags Production support: Daniel McKeon Logo: Molly Bland https://www.instagram.com/molly.bland/ Music: Rich Savage

Joined by Daman Bamrah, this week on the podcast, we examine a story of 30 reality-TV hopefuls and one man who promised them the opportunity of a lifetime, but of course, that's far from what they'd receive.  Follow us: https://www.instagram.com/fakesandfraudspod/ https://www.fakesandfrauds.com Contact: hello@fakesandfrauds.com Guest: Daman Bamrah https://www.instagram.com/daman.bamrah/ https://twitter.com/dsbamrah Production support: Daniel McKeon Logo: Molly Bland https://www.instagram.com/molly.bland/ Music: Rich Savage

The "McMillions" story is what many call the 12-year-long scheme run by an allusive man only known to many as "Uncle Jerry", a scheme that cost fast-food giants McDonald's 24 million USD. But who was Jerry Jacobson? And how did he manage to pull off such an elaborate operation for over a decade? Join host Glenys and comedian guest Andrew White as they delve into the larger-than-life story, discuss other shady competitions and periodically mispronounce the names of some of the key characters in the story.  Follow us: https://www.instagram.com/fakesandfraudspod/ https://www.fakesandfrauds.com Contact: hello@fakesandfrauds.com Guest: Andrew White https://www.instagram.com/standupandrew/ https://twitter.com/standupandrew Production support: Daniel McKeon Logo: Molly Bland https://www.instagram.com/molly.bland/ Music: Rich Savage

As England battles to bring the Euro Cup home, we look at the cult tale of how a mysterious man with, by all accounts very questionable football skills, managed to find himself playing in a Premier League game for Southhampton in 1996. Football fan or not, this story is sure to entertain.  Follow us: https://www.instagram.com/fakesandfraudspod/ https://www.fakesandfrauds.com Contact: hello@fakesandfrauds.com Guest: Chloe Petts  https://www.instagram.com/chloepetts/ https://twitter.com/chloepetts?lang=en Logo: Molly Bland https://www.instagram.com/molly.bland/ Music: Rich Savage

Fast-food chains are no stranger to the headlines - whether it's exposing the sugar and fat content of their meals or the questionable approaches to advertising. But in 2005, a headline out of Southern California would cost one of the world's largest fast-food chains a whopping 2.5 million USD, prompting a nationwide manhunt and expose the disturbing history of a woman with a reckless hobby. Follow us: https://www.instagram.com/fakesandfraudspod/ https://www.fakesandfrauds.com Contact: hello@fakesandfrauds.com Guest:  Jamali Maddix (Taskmaster, Vice, Live at The Apollo) https://jamalimaddix.com/ https://www.instagram.com/jamalimaddix/ https://twitter.com/jamalimaddix Logo: Molly Bland https://www.instagram.com/molly.bland/ Music: Rich Savage

The Christian 007. The Miracle Boy Evangelist. These are but a few of the things that Mr. Peter Popoff would be referred to in his lifetime. His self-proclaimed healing powers would take him across the world, visiting crowds of adoring fans who believe his touch could cure them of any ailment. He appeared to know things about them before ever meeting them. But a Scooby-Doo-style covert operation ran by a team determined to put a stop to this man would paint a very different story.  Follow us: https://www.instagram.com/fakesandfraudspod/ https://www.fakesandfrauds.com Contact: hello@fakesandfrauds.com Guest: Charlie George https://charliegeorgecomedy.com/ https://www.instagram.com/charliegeorgecomedy/ https://twitter.com/CGdoescomedy Go see Charlie do some comedy with Alex Bertulis-Sernandes and Sharlin Jahan on July 19th 2021 at Top Secret copy club. More info: https://bit.ly/3xNhcx7   Logo: Molly Bland https://www.instagram.com/molly.bland/ Music: Rich Savage  

In December 2014, the Australian branch of Elle Magazine ran a feature entitled “The Most Inspiring Woman You've Met This Year”. Under the bold headline read, “App creator, social media sensation, author, terminal cancer patient, Elle sits down with Belle Gibson the relentlessly positive force behind The Whole Pantry”.  But just as quickly as she rose to fame with her inspiring tale, she would tumble off her podium. Follow us: https://www.instagram.com/fakesandfraudspod/ https://www.fakesandfrauds.com Contact: hello@fakesandfrauds.com Guest: Ria Lina https://rialina.com/ https://www.instagram.com/rialina_/ https://twitter.com/rialina_ Logo: Molly Bland https://www.instagram.com/molly.bland/ Music: Rich Savage

October 9th, 2019. A day much like any other. But little did the British public know that a single tweet was about to be published that would enthral the nation. The country would put aside its differences and come together, popcorn ready, for a saga that would go down in history. Join host Glenys and comedian Allyson June Smith as they discuss the case of Wagatha Christie (The WAG wars of Coleen Rooney and Rebeckah Vardy). Follow us: https://www.instagram.com/fakesandfraudspod/ https://www.fakesandfrauds.com Contact: hello@fakesandfrauds.com Guest: Allyson June Smith https://www.instagram.com/allysonj/  https://twitter.com/allysonjsmith Logo: Molly Bland https://www.instagram.com/molly.bland/ Music: Rich Savage

For much of the late 90s and early 00s, it was difficult to turn the TV on without seeing someone claiming to be a psychic of some sort. But one would run reign supreme - with over 40 books under her name, a brash attitude and predictions that convinced the Kardashians that she foreseen the coronavirus pandemic way back in 2008. Join comedian Harry Monoghan and I as we look at the bold claims of Sylvia Browne and witness a live reading that will leave you SHOOKETH. 

It's happening! We're working on bringing you more episodes of comedians discussing cases of bewildering deception - from con-artists to hoaxes to straight-up scams. We do hope you'll join us!

On the afternoon of October 15th 2009, ‘Breaking news’ flashed across the screens of many Colorado news stations to report an occurrence that a giant homemade helium-fuelled flying saucer was on the loose, drifting through the sky for near 70 miles. But a frantic phone call from the aircraft’s creator would tell a terrifying story - his six-year-old son was trapped inside. Join comedian Sunil Patel and me as we chat about our favourite reality tv-related cases of deception and our love for the ever-entertaining format.  Follow us:https://www.instagram.com/fakesandfraudspod/ https://www.fakesandfrauds.com Contact: hello@fakesandfrauds.comHost: Glenys Guest: Sunil PatelInstagram: @sunilpatelsolutions Twitter: @sunildpatelhttps://www.sunilpatelcomedy.com/Logo:Molly BlandInstagram: @molly.blandhttps://www.mollybland.co.uk/  Music: Rich Savage 

John Fritz Johnson was seen by many as a larger than life character - sporting a pencil-thin moustache, an eye patch and a thick Chicago accent. Notable past-times include throwing wild champagne parties and driving through town in his hearse. But to the utter shock of his wife, friends and much of the American midwest in the 1960s, these eclectic quirks wouldn’t have anything on the true tale of the 30-something man. No, the truth of his life would be much stranger - whichever theory you choose to believe. 

Chartering private jets, rubbing shoulders with New York’s elite and sipping Dom Pérignon like it was water, were common pastimes of a Manhattan-based German national that went by Anna Delvey. After years of calling some of the city’s swankiest hotels home, the facade of riches and power would quickly crumble. Is this an inspiring tale of simply playing the game - faking it until you make it? Or was this 20-something woman a calculated scam artist who would do whatever she could to trick half of New York into opening their wallets?  If you like podcasts about imposters, con artists and juicy deception, be sure to rate, subscribe and spread the word. It makes a HUGE difference!Follow us:https://www.instagram.com/fakesandfraudspod/ https://www.fakesandfrauds.com Contact: hello@fakesandfrauds.comHost: Glenys Guest: Lily PhillipsInstagram: @lilyphillipscomedy Twitter: @lily_comedyhttps://www.lilyphillipscomedy.com/Logo:Molly BlandInstagram: @molly.blandhttps://www.mollybland.co.uk/  Music: Rich Savage  

Joined by Argentinian comedian Victoria Olsina, this week we delve into a scandal of epic proportions. What may have appeared as simple, spiral-bound notebooks would quickly become the key to uncovering criminal endeavours that would shake the South American nation to its core. Plus, learn why it’s important to know the difference between a ferret and a poodle when shopping from the stalls at Buenos Aires’ La Salada market. If you like podcasts about imposters, con artists and juicy deception, be sure to rate, subscribe and spread the word. It makes a HUGE difference!Follow us:https://www.instagram.com/fakesandfraudspod/https://www.fakesandfrauds.comContact: hello@fakesandfrauds.comHost: Glenys Guest: Victoria OlsinaInstagram: @victoria_comedy Twitter: @vic_comedyhttps://www.victoriaolsinacomedy.co.uk/  Music: Rich Savage  Logo:Molly Bland Instagram: @molly.blandhttps://www.mollybland.co.uk/

In 2001, Charles Ingram made television history by winning the million-pound prize on the stage of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire. But after reviewing the tapes, the producers picked up something that would land Ingram, his wife and a Welsh college professor in a court case unlike any other. Plus, our Wales correspondent Clovis Phillips shares a personal tale about his conman maths teacher and two Abertillery residents with too much time on their hands.  Hosts: Glenys and Clovis Philips Music: Rich Savage  Logo:Molly Bland Instagram: @molly.blandhttps://www.mollybland.co.uk/ Follow us!IG: @fakesandfraudspod

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, we thought it time we bring you a truly flabbergasting tale of one man who was determined to be with the man he loved — and with matching Mercedes convertibles, of course. Illustrator, ceramic artist and all-around London queer royalty Fredde Lanka joins Glenys to tell the story that inspired the 2009 film I Love You Phillip Morris. Love knows no bounds — not even prison walls.  Hosts: Glenys and Fredde Lanka Music: Rich Savage  Sound editing: Glenys Logo:Molly Bland Instagram: @molly.blandhttps://www.mollybland.co.uk/

For years, the art and heritage world was delighted when rare artefacts were being uncovered after being assumed lost forever. But what were the true origins of the incredible items being presented to auction houses, galleries and museums by the Greenhalgh family from Bolton?Hosts: Glenys and Jen  Music: Rich Savage  Sound editing: Jen Logo:Molly Bland Instagram: @molly.blandhttps://www.mollybland.co.uk/

On September 11th 2001, New York suffered a terrorist attack unlike anything the country had ever seen. Survivor Alicia Head spoke out about her experiences of being in the Twin Towers on that fateful day. But was her story the full truth?Hosts: Glenys and Jen  Music: Rich Savage  Sound editing: Jen Logo:Molly Bland Instagram: @molly.blandhttps://www.mollybland.co.uk/

We all know that the music industry can be full of illusions but did these musicians cross the line? From a world-class pianist whose recordings weren’t as they seemed, to a metal band and a rap duo whose roots confused thousands, this episode looks into the stories that made headlines.  Please rate, share and subscribe. And give us a follow. Twitter: @fakesandfrauds  Instagram: @fakesandfraudspod  Email us at: hello@fakesandfrauds.com Hosts: Glenys and Jen  Music: Rich Savage  Sound editing: Jen Logo:Molly Bland Instagram: @molly.blandhttps://www.mollybland.co.uk/ Production support: KateThanks to Audioboom for hosting us.

In 2008, a 9-year-old girl failed to return home after a swimming lesson. What followed was one of the largest searches in Yorkshire history. But what had really happened to Shannon Matthews?  Please rate, share and subscribe. And give us a follow. Twitter: @fakesandfrauds  Instagram: @fakesandfraudspod  Email us at: hello@fakesandfrauds.com Hosts: Glenys and Jen Music: Rich Savage  Sound editing: Jen Logo:Molly Bland Instagram: @molly.blandhttps://www.mollybland.co.uk/ Production support: KateThanks to Audioboom for hosting us.

In this episode, we delve into the complicated world of art forgery via the tale of an eccentric man from Mississippi. Mark Landis became what many refer to as the most prolific art forger in U.S. history.  But what were his true motives?   Please rate, share and subscribe. And give us a follow. Twitter: @fakesandfrauds   Instagram: @fakesandfraudspod   Email us at: hello@fakesandfrauds.com   Hosts: Glenys and Jen  Music: Rich Savage  Production support: Kate Logo:Molly Bland Instagram: @molly.blandhttps://www.mollybland.co.uk/

Fakes and Frauds: A Podcast About Deception, Hoaxes and Straight-Up Scams    This week we explore the stories of two men who vanished at sea. But were the disappearances of John Darwin and John Stonehouse really as clear-cut as they seemed? (SPOILER: Nope.)   Please rate, share and subscribe. And give us a follow.   Twitter: @fakesandfrauds   Instagram: @fakesandfraudspod   Email us at: hello@fakesandfrauds.com Logo:Molly Bland Instagram: @molly.blandhttps://www.mollybland.co.uk/ Hosts: Glenys and Jen  Music: Rich Savage  Production support: Kate

Fakes and Frauds: A Podcast About Deception, Hoaxes and Straight-Up Scams  True crime? Perhaps. Conmen? You bet. Pop culture scandals? Definitely. Art forgeries and heists? Yes ma’am. MLM swindlers? Uh-huh. People faking cancer? Yep. Cults? Absolutely. Interested? Subscribe now. Twitter: @fakesandfrauds   Instagram: @fakesandfraudspod   hello@fakesandfrauds.com Hosts: Glenys & Jen  Music: Rich Savage   Logo:Molly Bland Instagram: @molly.blandhttps://www.mollybland.co.uk/