Once Upon A Con Season 1, Episode 8: "Nobody Knows Which End is Up" Release Date: March 26, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 8 of Once Upon A Con, titled "Nobody Knows Which End is Up," host Caroline D'Amore and co-producer Jonathan Walton delve deeper into the intricate web spun by David Bloom—a self-proclaimed power player and "Wall Street Whiz Kid." This episode chronicles the group's determined effort to confront Bloom, recover their lost investments, and seek justice amidst bureaucratic hurdles.

The Unfolding Betrayal

[02:22 – 03:17]

The episode picks up with a flashback to Caroline and Jonathan’s initial realization of Bloom’s deceit. Jonathan recounts his first impressions of David Bloom:

Jonathan Walton [02:26]: "When he first started working for me he hit us within a month of, oh, I'm so connected. I know everybody. My wife, she's doing all these things politically. She's connected to Gavin Newsom. And he dropped so many names."
[02:26]

Despite Bloom's impressive network claims, Jonathan invested a substantial sum:

Jonathan Walton [02:39]: "I invested 40 grand total."
[02:39]

Caroline reveals that more victims emerged, including Bloom’s former employer, prompting the group to unite and confront him directly.

The Confrontation

[02:44 – 12:43]

In August 2021, an angry group of six victims confronts David Bloom at his residence. Jonathan shares his shock upon Bloom’s unexpected return:

Jonathan Walton [03:42]: "I was personally, I was shocked. I was like, wow, he's walking back into this."
[03:42]

As the group demands accountability, Bloom remains unnervingly calm:

Caroline D'Amore [05:16]: "We've all heard a lot of different stories, David."
[05:16]

Tensions escalate when inconsistencies in Bloom’s stories surface, particularly regarding his supposed connections and business dealings. Caroline challenges Bloom on fabricated relationships and fraudulent claims:

Caroline D'Amore [07:06]: "You do not know Ron Burke. You do not text him every day. It's all based."
[07:06]

The confrontation intensifies as victims present evidence of Bloom’s deceit, leading to a stand-off where Bloom reluctantly hands over his passport, wallet, and cell phone after the threat of involving the police.

The Aftermath and Partial Recovery

[12:43 – 18:39]

Following the confrontation, the group retrieves Bloom’s personal items and proceeds to Wells Fargo to secure certified checks. Jonathan describes the surreal experience at the bank:

Jonathan Walton [17:43]: "Probably looked like you guys were walking this poor old man to rob him."
[17:43]

Despite obtaining $22,000 to be divided among the victims, the majority of the funds remain unrecovered. Caroline shares her personal relief yet frustration:

Caroline D'Amore [18:39]: "There was one person that lost about 70,000, and that's just one person, so you can imagine that was pennies."
[18:39]

Legal Struggles and Delays

[18:39 – 22:12]

The victims report their cases to the LAPD, who take their claims seriously but struggle to build a substantial case against Bloom. Caroline expresses her disillusionment with the slow legal process:

Jonathan Walton [19:50]: "The District Attorney's office still has not brought a case."
[19:50]

Eight months after Bloom’s arrest, he remains free on bail, raising concerns about his potential to continue scamming others. Caroline recounts a recent encounter where Bloom was spotted at a bus stop, further fueling fears of his ongoing manipulations:

Caroline D'Amore [21:28]: "The look of nervous terror on David's face is priceless as he quickly darts off in the opposite direction."
[21:28]

Protest for Justice

[22:12 – 31:07]

Frustrated by the lack of legal action, Caroline and Jonathan decide to take matters into their own hands by organizing a protest outside the Los Angeles District Attorney's office. Jonathan encourages Caroline to make her voice heard:

Jonathan Walton [24:34]: "Have you thought about staging a protest outside the DA's Office downtown."
[24:34]

On March 2, 2023, the group rallies approximately ten individuals, including Bloom’s ex-wife, Nancy, who bravely shares her own experiences of Bloom’s scams. The protest garners attention, with onlookers and officials noticing their determined chants:

Caroline D'Amore [27:15]: "Charge David Bloom. Charge David Bloom."
[27:15]

Their unified stance brings a temporary spotlight to Bloom’s actions, but significant legal repercussions remain elusive.

Current Status and Ongoing Battle

[31:07 – 37:35]

Despite partial financial recovery and community support, David Bloom remains at large. Caroline discusses her continued efforts to expose Bloom and prevent further scams:

Caroline D'Amore [34:23]: "It's April 2nd now to 2023, ... David Blum will be charged in the next few weeks."
[34:23]

Jonathan draws parallels between Bloom and other con artists, emphasizing the sophistication and emotional manipulation employed by scammers:

Jonathan Walton [22:45]: "By going public with your story and by getting over the shame and the worry of what people are going to think and just outing this mother to people, I think that's important."
[22:45]

The episode concludes with Caroline celebrating her business's success, finding solace and motivation in her endeavors while vowing to continue the fight against Bloom:

Caroline D'Amore [37:30]: "Unless we make noise and protest, which we have a right to, right, nothing will change."
[37:30]

She dedicates the podcast to her late mother, solidifying her resolve to seek justice and prevent others from falling prey to similar cons.

Conclusion

Episode 8 of Once Upon A Con is a compelling narrative of betrayal, resilience, and the fight for justice against white-collar crime. Caroline and Jonathan’s relentless pursuit highlights the challenges victims face in holding sophisticated con artists accountable. Through personal testimonies, strategic confrontations, and community action, the episode underscores the importance of vigilance and collective effort in combating financial fraud.

Notable Quotes:

• Jonathan Walton [03:42]: "I couldn't think he would walk in the door, actually. I thought, there's no way."
• Caroline D'Amore [07:06]: "You do not know Ron Burke. You do not text him every day."
• Jonathan Walton [24:34]: "Have you thought about staging a protest outside the DA's Office downtown."
• Caroline D'Amore [37:30]: "Unless we make noise and protest, which we have a right to, right, nothing will change."

Once Upon A Con Episode 8 offers a gripping exploration of deceit and the arduous path to seeking justice. For those who have not listened, this episode provides invaluable insights into the tactics employed by con artists and the power of community solidarity in overcoming fraud.