Once Upon A Con: Episode 5 - "He Loves Me So Much"
Release Date: March 5, 2025
Host: Caroline D'Amore
Production: AYR Media and 32 Flavors
1. Introduction
In the fifth episode of Once Upon A Con, host Caroline D'Amore delves deeper into her tumultuous relationship with David Bloom, a man she initially believed to be her savior and mentor. This episode, titled "He Loves Me So Much," unravels the complexities of trust, betrayal, and the relentless pursuit of justice against a charismatic con artist.
2. David Bloom: The Charismatic Con Artist
David Bloom, branded as the “Wall Street Whiz Kid,” has a history riddled with deceit and fraudulent activities. In the 1980s, he orchestrated a Ponzi scheme, scamming over 100 individuals out of more than $15 million. His manipulative tactics extended into the late '90s, where he defrauded bartenders of $50,000.
Notable Quote:
- David Bloom ([10:37]): “It was kind of like a cult. He brainwashed me. He made me feel like the world hated me. And he was the only person that understood me and loved me, and I could not live without him.”
3. Caroline's Initial Encounter with David
Caroline first met David in a West Village wine bar in New York City during the summer of 2008. Impressed by his charm, extensive knowledge, and apparent empathy, she felt an immediate connection.
Notable Quotes:
- David Bloom ([07:04]): “He’s a fantastic listener. He’s really engaging. He knows everything about New York City. He grew up there, and so he’s just a wonderful conversationalist.”
- Caroline D'Amore ([03:39]): “I met David in a wine bar in the West Village. That’s David Bloom’s ex-wife, Nancy Ozais. She was married to David for almost 10 years.”
4. Building Trust and Deepening Relationship
Their relationship progressed rapidly with multiple dates at fancy restaurants and deep personal conversations. David portrayed himself as reformed, sharing his struggles and seeking Caroline's support to lead an honest life.
Notable Quote:
- Caroline D'Amore ([12:42]): “Nancy, like a lot of women who fall in love with a troubled man, believed she could fix him.”
5. The First Red Flags and David's Arrest
Suspicion arose when discrepancies about David's claimed property ownership and past surfaced. Caroline and her partners recorded David’s phone calls, revealing his true nature and history of fraudulent activities. This led to David's arrest for stealing valuable family heirlooms from Caroline.
Notable Quotes:
- Caroline D'Amore ([24:10]): “Nancy is shocked to discover, according to her PIs, David Blum is the culprit. She is furious and gets the authorities involved.”
- David Bloom ([24:57]): “He ends up back in prison in the Tombs... and David was in jail.”
6. Reconnecting and Marriage in Prison
Despite his incarceration, David’s manipulative prowess led Caroline to rekindle their relationship. She leveraged her connections to secure his release, and they married while he was still in prison. This decision further entwined Caroline in David's web of deceit.
Notable Quotes:
- David Bloom ([34:08]): “I married David in prison. Yeah. Kind of hard to admit, but yes.”
- Caroline D'Amore ([31:25]): “Being in love with a bad person can really destroy your life. And Nancy is about to learn that lesson the hard way.”
7. Relocation to California: A Fresh Start?
Seeking to escape recurring confrontations with David's past, Caroline and David moved to Los Angeles in early 2010. David secured a sales job, and they embarked on philanthropic efforts, seemingly turning over a new leaf.
Notable Quote:
- David Bloom ([40:09]): “We were just trying to think about how to use our experience to give back and do good for others.”
8. The Unraveling of the Scam
Behind the facade of happiness and benevolence, David initiated one of his most elaborate scams yet. Unbeknownst to Caroline, everyone David introduced her to was also a victim of his cons. The realization of widespread deceit left Caroline devastated.
Notable Quotes:
- Caroline D'Amore ([42:43]): “Next time on Once Upon a Con... I make a shocking realization that everyone David ever introduced me to, he also scammed.”
- David Bloom ([39:XX]): “How could we understand what he's doing? We would never think about doing it ever.”
9. The Emotional Toll and Pursuit of Justice
As Caroline uncovers the depth of David’s manipulations, she grapples with the emotional aftermath of loving a predator. Determined to expose David’s schemes, she takes proactive steps to gather evidence and seek legal recourse.
Notable Quotes:
- Caroline D'Amore ([06:02]): “I really feel for this woman. God knows I've cried my own tears over what David Bloom did to me.”
- David Bloom ([33:55]): “I did not look like most of the other people in there. I kind of stood out.”
10. Conclusion and Continuing the Fight
Caroline's unwavering resolve to bring David to justice underscores the episode’s central theme of resilience against deceit. As she navigates the complexities of her relationship with David, she exemplifies courage and strength in the face of betrayal.
Notable Quote:
- Caroline D'Amore ([43:12]): “This podcast is dedicated to the memory of my amazing mother, Bonnie Major, who would be super proud of me standing up for myself.”
Key Takeaways
- Charismatic Manipulation: David Bloom's ability to charm and manipulate allowed him to ensnare multiple victims, including Caroline.
- Emotional Complexity: Caroline's journey highlights the emotional turmoil of loving someone who is fundamentally deceitful.
- Persistence in Justice: Despite numerous setbacks, Caroline remains steadfast in her mission to expose David's fraudulent activities.
- The Impact of Love and Betrayal: The episode vividly portrays how love can be both empowering and destructive, especially when intertwined with manipulation.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
- David Bloom ([02:25]): “He’s a psychopath.”
- Caroline D'Amore ([06:09]): “I make a shocking realization that everyone David ever introduced me to, he also scammed.”
- David Bloom ([17:52]): “I was interested, infatuated, you know, high from the experience of meeting this wonderful person who cared about me and wanted to take care of me.”
- Caroline D'Amore ([31:25]): “Being in love with a bad person can really destroy your life.”
Final Thoughts
Episode 5 of Once Upon A Con masterfully intertwines personal narrative with investigative storytelling, offering listeners an intimate glimpse into the harrowing experiences of Caroline D'Amore. As Caroline continues her quest for justice, the episode serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring human spirit in overcoming deception and reclaiming one's life.