Scam Goddess Podcast Summary: "Charmed & Robbed by The Shadiest of Shamans with Jennifer Welch"

Release Date: July 15, 2025 | Hosts: Laci Mosley (Scam Goddess) & Jennifer Welch

Introduction

In the July 15, 2025 episode of Scam Goddess, host Laci Mosley welcomes Jennifer Welch, co-host of the comedy podcast "I've Had It". The episode delves deep into the intricate world of scams, specifically focusing on the deceptive practices of a British woman named Julietta, who posed as a faith healer and shaman to defraud her victims.

Understanding Modern Scams: DMV Text Alerts and Spam Calls ([03:00] - [10:34])

The conversation kicks off with Jennifer sharing her recent experiences with scam texts claiming to be from the DMV about unpaid tickets. Both Jennifer and Laci highlight how these scams prey on individuals' fears and urgency, manipulating them into making hasty payments.

Laci Mosley reflects:

"They try to give you some urgency as well. They'll be like, you have an unpaid parking ticket, and if you don't pay it in the next 72 hours, we're going to impound your car..." ([03:58]).

Jennifer echoes the vulnerability:

"They are running these scam rackets, and I think some people are like, oh, shit, did I pay my ticket?" ([03:26]).

They also discuss the overwhelming number of spam calls they receive daily, emphasizing the invasion of privacy and the relentless nature of modern scams.

Julietta: The Shadiest of Shamans ([16:00] - [30:00])

The core of the episode revolves around Julietta, a British woman who masqueraded as an Oxford-educated shaman. Over a decade, she convinced 11 vulnerable individuals to hand over a collective sum of $1 million, promising to solve their personal problems through mystical rituals.

Julietta's Deceptive Persona:

• Birth Claim: Born on an airplane at 35,000 feet, still wrapped in her mother's womb membrane, granting her special powers.
• Credentials: Claimed to have treated high-profile figures like Princess Diana and Simon Cowell.
• Operations: Partnered with Keith Bender, an osteopath, who referred his clients to her for "additional healing services."

Jennifer Welch quips:

"She probably suck the chrome off of his tailpipe..." ([58:15]).

Laci Mosley adds humorously:

"She shagged Mick Jagger and then stole his hairstyle through osmosis." ([17:44]).

Despite the glamorous facade, Julieta's actions were driven by greed. She diverted funds into luxury items and multiple high-end apartments, maintaining an extravagant lifestyle funded by deceit.

The Anatomy of Julieta's Scam ([30:00] - [50:00])

Victims and Vulnerability: Julietta targeted individuals during their most vulnerable moments—divorces, infertility struggles, and health crises. For instance:

• Sylvia Eaves, an 83-year-old opera singer, was deceived into parting with $250,000 to cure her sister's Crohn's disease.
• Ruth Fillingham gave $169,000 to ward off evil spirits and save her partner from a non-existent tumor.

Manipulative Tactics: Julietta employed fear and false promises:

"If you don't give me that money, you're never gonna have a baby." ([52:18]).

She orchestrated elaborate rituals in the Amazon rainforest, promising spiritual offerings that never materialized. Her partner, Keith Bender, eventually uncovered the truth when he found evidence of her deception in their shared properties.

Exposure and Conviction ([50:00] - [65:00])

Investigation: Keith Bender's discovery of Julieta's fraudulent activities led to a collaboration with journalist Tim Raymond of the Sunday Times. They exposed Julieta's scams, leading to her eventual arrest.

Legal Consequences: In 2014, Julieta was convicted of 23 counts of obtaining property by deception and fraud, receiving a 10-year prison sentence. The judge highlighted her lack of empathy and the manipulative spells she cast over her victims.

Jennifer Welch reflects on societal susceptibility:

"It's unbelievable how susceptible people can be to fall prey to these types of scams." ([27:05]).

Insights on Scamming Psychology ([38:00] - [55:00])

Types of Scammers: Laci distinguishes between opportunistic scammers who exploit system weaknesses and those with a "God complex" who seek control and manipulation.

Underlying Motives: Jennifer contemplates the allure of magic and spirituality in scams:

"There's this desire that we as a species want to believe in something magical..." ([55:50]).

They discuss how scammers like Julieta exploit fears and desires, providing false hope to those in distress.

Systemic Issues and Racial Implications ([65:00] - [70:00])

Systemic Bias in Scam Exposure: Laci and Jennifer touch upon the racial dynamics in scam exposure and punishment. Laci remarks:

"As long as they're ripping off poor people, nobody really notices." ([65:21]).

They compare Julieta's scam with that of Oral Roberts, an evangelical preacher who also defrauded his followers. The conversation highlights how white scammers often escape harsher repercussions, enabling them to perpetuate their deceit without significant consequences.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts ([70:00] - End)

Laci and Jennifer wrap up the episode by reflecting on the importance of skepticism and vigilance in preventing such scams. They emphasize the need to protect vulnerable individuals and challenge societal structures that allow scammers to thrive.

Laci Mosley concludes:

"Stay scheming." ([69:19]).

Jennifer adds a personal touch, promoting her podcast and book, encouraging listeners to stay informed and cautious.

Key Takeaways

• Emotional Manipulation: Scammers like Julieta exploit personal fears and vulnerabilities to defraud individuals.
• Systemic Vulnerabilities: Institutions and societal structures often fail to protect the most vulnerable from sophisticated scams.
• Psychological Drivers: The desire for magical solutions and quick fixes makes individuals susceptible to elaborate deceptions.
• Racial and Social Biases: Scammers from marginalized communities may receive harsher penalties or less attention compared to their privileged counterparts.
• Awareness and Vigilance: Educating oneself about common scam tactics and maintaining healthy skepticism can prevent falling victim to fraud.

Notable Quotes

• Laci Mosley ([03:58]): "They try to give you some urgency as well. They'll be like, you have an unpaid parking ticket..."
• Jennifer Welch ([03:26]): "They are running these scam rackets, and I think some people are like, oh, shit, did I pay my ticket?"
• Laci Mosley ([17:44]): "She shagged Mick Jagger and then stole his hairstyle through osmosis."
• Jennifer Welch ([27:05]): "It's unbelievable how susceptible people can be to fall prey to these types of scams."
• Laci Mosley ([65:21]): "As long as they're ripping off poor people, nobody really notices."
• Laci Mosley ([69:19]): "Stay scheming."

Final Thoughts

This episode of Scam Goddess offers a compelling exploration of the lengths to which scammers will go to deceive and exploit. Through the harrowing tale of Julieta and insightful commentary from Jennifer Welch, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the psychology behind scams and the societal factors that enable them. The discussion underscores the importance of awareness, critical thinking, and systemic change in combating fraud.

Stay tuned for more episodes every Tuesday on Scam Goddess, where Laci Mosley continues to uncover the funny and fascinating world of fraudsters and their schemes.