Infamous: Catch Me If You Ken – Episode Summary

In the gripping first episode of "Catch Me If You Ken," hosted by Natalie Robomed of Campside Media and Sony Music Entertainment, listeners are introduced to a compelling tale of deception, ambition, and the high-stakes world of financial scams. This episode delves deep into the intricate web woven by Ken, a man who masquerades as a wealthy entrepreneur, ultimately leaving a trail of financial devastation in his wake.

1. Introduction to the Sable Family and Ken's Arrival

The story begins on a cloudy evening in Columbus, Ohio, where Steve and Crystal Sable arrive at their brother-in-law's home for a Christmas gathering in 2017. They are eager to meet their niece Becca’s new boyfriend, Ken, whom they believe to be a wealthy heir.

• Crystal Sable expresses her anticipation:
  "By the time we got to the Christmas gathering, it was like, oh my goodness, we're gonna meet this guy. Let's see what he's all about."
  (02:04)

Ken is portrayed as a charismatic but reserved individual. Standing at about five foot six, with a round face and mismatched tattoos, he initially presents himself as sophisticated and affluent. His generosity is evident through lavish gifts, such as 150 roses for Becca's birthday and expensive cigars.

• Crystal observes Ken's demeanor:
  "The thing that I noticed right away about him is he wouldn't look you in the eye. At least wouldn't look me in the eye."
  (05:31)

Despite his reserved nature, Ken impresses Becca's family with tales of international travel and grandiose business ventures, setting the stage for deeper involvement with the Sables.

2. Ken and Becca’s Lavish Life in Los Angeles

Shortly after their meeting, Becca and Ken move to Los Angeles, settling into a $7 million Hollywood Hills home adorned with luxury cars and upscale amenities. Their life appears picture-perfect, with Becca actively pursuing her fashion line and Ken ostensibly contributing to their joint business endeavors.

• Rita, their housekeeper, describes their life: "They were young and rich and really nice and didn't expect a lot."
  (15:04)

Rita becomes intimately familiar with their lifestyle, highlighting the allure of Ken and Becca’s seemingly flawless existence. Their relationship is portrayed as passionate and harmonious, with shared interests and mutual support.

3. Financial Strain on the Sable Family

Back in Ohio, the Sable family faces significant financial stress due to their aging parents’ health issues. Becca’s grandfather requires costly heart surgery and dementia care for his wife, leading him to seek financial solutions.

• Crystal Sable shares their predicament:
  "We're trying to figure out why, you know, we're really the only ones helping the parents and they're bringing the new guy in."
  (09:50)

Amidst this turmoil, Ken presents a lucrative business opportunity—Your Sky Investments, an upscale Airbnb platform promising substantial returns. Ken pitches the idea as a golden investment chance, suggesting that an initial investment of $100,000 could yield exponential profits.

• Steve acknowledges Ken’s persuasion:
  "He doesn't pry. He just takes you at your face value and leaves it at that."
  (22:15)

Despite reservations, the Sables decide to invest, motivated by the desperate need to cover medical expenses and the enticing promise of financial security. They invest a combined total of $150,000—$50,000 from Becca’s grandfather and $100,000 from Becca’s father.

4. The Unraveling of Ken’s Deception

As the Sables commit their funds, the first signs of trouble emerge. Ken and Becca’s lifestyle begins to unravel, revealing inconsistencies and shady dealings. Their housekeeper, Rita, becomes one of Ken’s alleged victims when he disappears with a significant sum of money, leaving no trace behind.

• Natalie Robomed narrates the fallout:
  "Ken's arrival is going to precipitate a mess so extreme it costs them more than $100,000, rips their family apart, and causes two brothers to stop speaking to each other."
  (03:51)

The Sables realize that Ken's promises were hollow, and the investment is nothing more than a sophisticated scam. Their trust in Ken leads to substantial financial loss and familial discord, deeply affecting their lives.

5. Rita’s Betrayal and the Final Scam

Rita, who had grown close to Ken and Becca through her role as housekeeper and pet sitter, also falls victim to their deceit. Ken’s disappearance leaves Rita without compensation for her services, embodying the broader impact of his fraudulent activities.

• Rita laments her situation:
  "I'm like, am I fucked?"
  (30:22)

Her realization that Ken and Becca have vanished without a trace serves as a stark reminder of the far-reaching consequences of Ken's manipulations.

6. Conclusion and Foreshadowing Future Episodes

The episode concludes by highlighting the extensive nature of Ken’s scams, which span three continents and two decades, targeting individuals across various socioeconomic backgrounds. Natalie Robomed teases future developments, promising to uncover the true identity of Ken and the full extent of his fraudulent empire.

• Natalie Robomed emphasizes the scope:
  "These are sophisticated, ever-evolving scams targeting the rich and glamorous to the working class and humble."
  (28:44)

Listeners are left anticipating the unraveling of Ken’s intricate web of deceit in upcoming episodes, as the investigation deepens and more victims come forward.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Crystal Sable on Meeting Ken:
  "By the time we got to the Christmas gathering, it was like, oh my goodness, we're gonna meet this guy. Let's see what he's all about."
  (02:04)

• Steve Sable on Ken's Appearance:
  "He did have a nice car, if I remember."
  (05:14)

• Crystal on Ken’s Generosity:
  "He's really showering her with all of these gifts."
  (06:32)

• Steve Expressing Concern:
  "This is so odd."
  (26:44)

• Rita's Realization:
  "I'm like, am I fucked?"
  (30:22)

Key Takeaways

• The Allure of Wealth: Ken's ability to project wealth and success captivates those around him, demonstrating how financial allure can cloud judgment and foster trust in deceptive individuals.

• Vulnerability in Financial Strain: The Sables' desperate need to support their aging parents makes them susceptible to high-risk investments, highlighting how financial desperation can lead to poor decision-making.

• Impact on Relationships: Ken’s scam not only results in financial loss but also strains familial relationships, showcasing how deceit can have multifaceted repercussions.

• Sophistication of Modern Scams: The episode underscores the complexity and reach of contemporary scams, emphasizing the need for vigilance and critical evaluation of seemingly lucrative opportunities.

"Catch Me If You Ken" sets the stage for an enthralling exploration of deception and its consequences, inviting listeners to delve deeper into the mechanisms of fraud and the human stories behind them.