Podcast
Scam Factory
Hosted by Audible · EN
You know those messages that you get all the time, the ones that pop up out of nowhere? They could be real, but something about them seems fishy. You likely dismiss these texts and emails as mere annoyances, thinking you’ve stopped some random stranger from ripping you off. But the shocking truth is, the person behind that message might be trapped inside a “scam factory” on the other side of the world and forced to scam others against their will. From Wondery, comes a new series about the brutal reality behind these operations, where one family discovers a horrifying truth: the only way out is to scam their way out.
Audible subscribers can listen to all episodes of Scam Factory ad-free right now. Join Audible today by downloading the Audible app.
10episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Listen Now: OnlyFantasy
2w ago00:07:20Summary readyIs what’s happening on OnlyFans real? Or is it only a fantasy?In this provocative investigation into OnlyFans—the adult platform where subscribers around the world spent more than $7 billion in 2024—journalist Leon Neyfakh teams up with comedian and OnlyFans creator Gracie Canaan for a one-of-a-kind exploration into the current state of human connection. Throughout, they discover that the site originally built for spicy adult content has quietly and surprisingly become something more complicated— an emotional marketplace where desire, performance, care, fantasy, and vulnerability seemingly blur together.As Neyfakh and Canaan navigate timely questions about autonomy, performance, and profit, a question emerges: is connection mediated by a screen still authentic? To find the answer, they meet creators building lucrative businesses, subscribers who believe they’ve found something real, professional “chatters” who are paid to simulate affection, and pioneers who have helped engineer intimacy at scale.Captivating and tender, OnlyFantasy is ultimately about the cost of loneliness, the seductive power of desire, and how the rules of human intimacy are being rewritten online.Listen to OnlyFantasy wherever you get your podcasts. Or binge all episodes of OnlyFantasy ad-free right now on Audible. Start your Audible subscription in the Audible App or on Apple Podcasts.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Summary
What To Listen To Next: Scamfluencers
Mar 20, 202500:05:43Summary readyYou never really know someone…especially online. In today’s world, the power of influence can be the quickest path to money and fame, and it often ends in ruin. These are the stories of the world’s most insidious Scamfluencers. And we are their prey. On Wondery’s new weekly series, join co-hosts Scaachi Koul and Sarah Hagi as they unpack epic stories of deception from the worlds of social media, fashion, finance, health, and wellness. These influencers claim to be everything from charismatic healers to trusted financial insiders to experts in dating. They cast spells over millions. Why do we believe them, and how does our culture allow them to thrive? From Black Swan Murder to a fake social media influencer to an audacious Hollywood Ponzi schemer, each season will take the listener along the twists and turns, the impact on victims, and what’s left when the facade falls away.Listen to Scamfluencers on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/scamfluencers/ now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
SummaryFactory Tour | 7
Mar 19, 202500:29:17Summary readyScamfluencers hosts Scaachi Koul and Sarah Hagi sit down with Scam Factory host Denise Chan to get the lowdown on how she discovered Max and Charlie’s gripping story and new details about the efforts to take down these scam operations.Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterFollow Scam Factory on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can binge the entire series ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting www.wondery.com/links/scam-factory/ now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
SummaryNo Escape | 6
Mar 17, 202500:44:29Summary readyCharlie's brothers attempt to escape. But can they ever really break free from the scam factory? And, more importantly, can Charlie? Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterFollow Scam Factory on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to episodes early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting www.wondery.com/links/scam-factory/ now. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
SummaryNegotiation with the Devil | 5
Mar 10, 202500:28:32Summary readyCharlie finally has a plan to save her brothers from the scam factory when she gets a chilling phone call. Now, she must race to rescue them before it’s too late.Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterFollow Scam Factory on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to episodes early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting www.wondery.com/links/scam-factory/ now. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
SummaryThis Will Be My Last Message | 4
Mar 3, 202500:30:36Summary readyJella is determined to find a way to escape, while Charlie finds herself in a desperate situation. Both women seek help from a mysterious man in Bangkok. But working with him could mean Charlie's downfall.Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterFollow Scam Factory on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to episodes early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting www.wondery.com/links/scam-factory/ now. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
SummaryThe Butcher’s Block | 3
Feb 27, 202500:32:42Summary readyCharlie excels at her new job, which has devastating consequences for two women who pay the price. And one of them won’t let Charlie get away with it. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, here are some resources:The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached at 988. The National Alliance on Mental Illness is available at 1-800-950-6264.Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterFollow Scam Factory on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to episodes early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting www.wondery.com/links/scam-factory/ now. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
SummarySacrificial Lambs | 2
Feb 24, 202500:34:01Summary readyCharlie is determined to get her brother back at all costs. But who is she willing to sacrifice to pay for his freedom? Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterFollow Scam Factory on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to episodes early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting www.wondery.com/links/scam-factory/ now. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
SummaryShoot to Kill | 1
Feb 24, 202500:37:50Summary readyWhen Max lands a new job abroad with a life-changing salary, he jumps at the opportunity. But when he arrives after a harrowing journey, he realizes he’s been tricked. And this job is not one he can easily quit.Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterFollow Scam Factory on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to episodes early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting www.wondery.com/links/scam-factory/ now. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Summary
Introducing: Scam Factory
Jan 30, 202500:02:42Summary readyYou’ve likely received one of those mysterious texts from an unknown number saying they’ve got a great new job opportunity or a crypto deal you can’t pass up. But behind those messages are thousands of people held inside specially-designed micro cities built for scammers. And if they try to leave…there is a shoot to kill order.From Wondery, comes a new series about a family trapped inside the scam factory. Only to realize that the only way out, is to scam their way out. But who will pay the price for their freedom? And who is really being scammed?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Summary