Once Upon A Con: Episode 10 - "I Hope You Find Peace One Day"

In the compelling finale of Season 1 of Once Upon A Con, hosted by Caroline D'Amore, listeners are taken on an emotional journey through deception, betrayal, and the pursuit of justice. This episode, titled "I Hope You Find Peace One Day," delves into the story of Caroline and her colleague Sean Kushner, who fell victim to David Bloom—a charismatic con artist posing as a successful entrepreneur.

Introduction: The Downfall of David Bloom ([02:51] - [02:58])

Caroline opens the episode with a significant update on David Bloom's legal troubles:

Caroline D'Amore ([02:11]): "Con artist David Bloom is finally sitting in prison. Felony counts against him are being brought forward."

She highlights the gravity of the charges:

Sean Kushner ([02:58]): "We're bringing him charges that could expose him up to 14 years in prison."

Despite these developments, Bloom remains free awaiting trial, allowing Caroline to uncover more victims and the extensive damage he has caused.

The First Encounter: Building Trust ([03:17] - [04:15])

Sean Kushner recounts his initial meeting with Bloom, which took place in a seemingly ordinary setting:

Sean Kushner ([03:17]): "I was at a high ho burger eating a burger with my wife... and up comes the guy cleaning tables and inserts David Blum into our lives."

Sean describes Bloom's approach:

Sean Kushner ([04:09]): "He was charging his phone outside and was just talking... By the end of the dinner, he had us believing he was one of the owners of HiHO."

Bloom's ability to blend into their lives and present himself as a successful business owner laid the foundation for his elaborate scam.

Establishing the Facade: Genuine Concern and Assistance ([04:15] - [07:35])

Bloom's charm and apparent knowledge in various fields made him seem trustworthy:

Sean Kushner ([07:26]): "He definitely was a super intelligent dude... very Crafty with how he delivered his information."

Bloom's consistent check-ins with Sean and Caroline fostered a sense of genuine care:

Sean Kushner ([07:35]): "He never asked for anything. He was just trying to help us."

This facade of selfless assistance made it difficult for the couple to suspect any ulterior motives.

The Grand Offer: A Way Out of Financial Strain ([07:35] - [13:01])

Bloom escalated his involvement by offering substantial financial help:

Sean Kushner ([08:31]): "He started offering to help us find a better home... for less than $3,000 a month because you deserve to put money away."

The promise of a secure home for their daughter and financial stability was too enticing to ignore, even as doubts began to surface.

Red Flags and Growing Suspicion ([13:01] - [16:43])

Despite the generous offers, inconsistencies started to emerge. Sean and Caroline began to notice discrepancies:

Sean Kushner ([16:01]): "He sent me a fake email from Hotel Du Cap asking for our information... It looked like it was coming from them."

The mention of high-profile connections, such as dating Jennifer Aniston and meeting the President, further raised suspicions:

Sean Kushner ([17:59]): "He said he was dating Jennifer Aniston... That's when my wife and I looked at each other. We're like, no, this is not real."

The Moment of Realization: Unmasking the Con ([16:43] - [21:04])

The turning point came when Bloom's grandiose claims could no longer be substantiated. Caroline shares:

Caroline D'Amore ([20:18]): "One look at his teeth, and, you know, he's not dating Jennifer Aniston."

Their attempts to verify Bloom's identity online yielded no credible information, confirming their worst fears.

Emotional Impact: The Aftermath of Betrayal ([21:40] - [27:17])

The emotional toll of the con was profound. Sean describes the psychological devastation:

Sean Kushner ([24:10]): "It was like you feel like your whole world is crashing down, like nothing's ever going to be okay."

Caroline adds depth to the emotional narrative:

Caroline D'Amore ([26:35]): "It's such a feeling when you find out the truth and everyone is bonded in that feeling of the lowest of the lows... It's cruel on so many levels."

Seeking Justice: Legal Proceedings ([22:11] - [24:28])

Caroline emphasizes the ongoing struggle for justice:

Caroline D'Amore ([02:24]): "It's been two years since he conned me, and I'm still learning of new victims and more lives that he's ruined."

Despite filing 18 felony counts, Bloom remains free, underscoring the challenges victims face in holding con artists accountable.

Forgiveness and Moving Forward ([27:17] - [29:42])

In a poignant conclusion, Sean reflects on forgiveness:

Sean Kushner ([27:34]): "I would probably start off by telling him I forgive him for what he did... I hope you find peace one day."

He shares his path to healing:

Sean Kushner ([28:36]): "Things are better than they've ever been... I realize how unimportant that [material offers] is."

Notable Quotes

• Caroline D'Amore ([02:11]): "Con artist David Bloom is finally sitting in prison. Felony counts against him."
• Sean Kushner ([07:35]): "He never asked for anything. He was just trying to help us."
• Sean Kushner ([16:05]): "I don’t feel good about this... something’s off."
• Sean Kushner ([20:18]): "We got played. This guy's not real."
• Sean Kushner ([27:34]): "I forgive him... I hope you find peace one day."

Conclusion: Lessons Learned and Hope for the Future

Episode 10 of Once Upon A Con serves as a powerful testament to the resilience of its victims. Caroline and Sean's journey from trust to betrayal, and finally to forgiveness, offers invaluable lessons on the importance of vigilance and the human capacity to heal. Their story not only sheds light on the manipulative tactics of con artists like David Bloom but also highlights the strength required to overcome such profound personal losses.

Listeners are left with a profound sense of empathy and understanding, recognizing that the scars of deception run deep, yet healing and forgiveness remain possible.