Scam Goddess Podcast Summary: "CON-gressman George Santos (w/ Brittany Luce)" [Re-Release]

Introduction

In this re-released episode of Scam Goddess, host Laci Mosley, also known as the Scam Goddess, delves deep into the intricate web of frauds and scams that permeate both modern society and historical contexts. Joined by the insightful and humorous guest Brittany Luce, the duo navigates through personal anecdotes, societal observations, and a detailed exposé on the controversial figure Congressman George Santos.

Guest Introduction: Brittany Luce

Starting at approximately [02:03], Laci warmly welcomes Brittany Luce, an award-winning journalist, NPR host of "It's Been a Minute," and a respected culture critic. Brittany brings a wealth of experience from her previous roles, including hosting "The Nod" and "For Colored Nerds" alongside Eric Eddings. Her expertise adds depth to the discussions, especially concerning fraud and deception in public figures.

Personal Experiences with Scams

Brittany shares her minimal direct experiences with scams, humorously noting, “I have never really, blessedly, other than, like, any man that I've dated. I haven't been scammed.” ([03:10]). She recounts a minor incident from twelve years ago where someone attempted to copy her card at a KFC, only to be thwarted by her low account balance.

Laci echoes similar sentiments, expressing her affinity for the lighter side of fraud, distinguishing it from the darker aspects of true crime which she finds distressing.

Discussion on True Crime vs. Scams

The conversation shifts towards the societal fascination with true crime and scams. Laci remarks, “I just personally don't want to talk about some nice white lady getting murdered on her walk home.” ([06:42]), highlighting her preference for exploring fraud without the associated violence. Brittany adds, “Deal with True crime. Because it makes me think I'm going to get, you know…” ([06:54]), emphasizing the psychological impact of true crime narratives.

They discuss how scams offer a form of true crime that is engaging yet less morally taxing, providing listeners with cautionary tales without the gruesome details of homicides.

Main Discussion: Congressman George Santos

The centerpiece of the episode revolves around the fraudulent activities of Congressman George Santos. Beginning at [26:47], Laci introduces Santos as both a groundbreaking figure and a perpetrator of significant deceit within American politics.

• Background and Personal Fabrications

  Laci details Santos’ fabricated personal history, stating, “George Santos was born on July 22. Not a Cancer man.” ([36:03]), highlighting discrepancies in his claimed astrological sign. Brittany points out the inconsistencies in Santos' heritage claims, such as his assertions of being a black Jew and Latino, which lack credible evidence.

• Educational and Professional Lies

  Santos falsely professed degrees from Baruch College and New York University, which both institutions have no records of him attending. Laci mocks the ease with which Santos distorts his academic and professional credentials, saying, “If you're gonna lie at this level, why not Google?” ([39:35]).

• Fabricated Charitable Work

  The Scam Goddess exposes Santos’ creation of "Friends of Pets United," a charity that never obtained tax-exempt status nor genuinely supported any beneficiaries. The hosts critique his minimal fundraising efforts, which failed to deliver any assistance to intended recipients.

• Financial Deceptions and Campaign Fraud

  Santos’ financial disclosures reveal dubious income claims, including nonexistent roles at Citigroup and involvement in a defunct hospitality technology company, Met Global. Laci highlights his suspicious campaign donations, noting, “$700,000 to Himself.” ([64:27]). They discuss how Santos manipulated campaign funds for personal use, circumvented disclosure requirements, and orchestrated a façade of financial success that lacks substantiation.

• Legal and Ethical Implications

  The hosts touch upon the ongoing investigations by various ethics committees and legal bodies, underscoring the gravity of Santos’ actions and their implications for political accountability.

Scammer of the Week: Jeffrey Washington

Transitioning to Scammer of the Week at around [75:07], Laci and Brittany spotlight Jeffrey Washington, a 35-year-old man arrested for impersonating Chance the Rapper to defraud victims. Washington exploited the trust associated with the celebrity's name to solicit tens of thousands of dollars from unsuspecting individuals.

• Modus Operandi

  Washington approached victims outside banks, offering to pay their cell phone bills and mortgages through a supposed partnership between the Community and Economic Development Association (CEDA) of Cook County and Chance the Rapper. He manipulated victims by gaining their trust and convincing them to donate further funds under false pretenses.

• Legal Consequences

  Identified as Demarco Franklin, Washington faces multiple felony charges, including theft by deception and wire fraud. The Scam Goddess emphasizes the sophistication of his scam and the importance of vigilance against such impersonations.

Conclusion

As the episode wraps up, Laci and Brittany reflect on the pervasive nature of fraud in both personal and political spheres. They underscore the importance of skepticism, thorough verification of information, and the role of public awareness in combating scams.

Laci closes with a call to action, encouraging listeners to stay informed and vigilant, while Brittany promotes her own platforms, including her NPR show "It's Been a Minute." The hosts reiterate their commitment to exposing fraud with humor and insight, inviting listeners to join the "Con-gregation" of Scam Goddess.

Notable Quotes

• “Have you been scammed? Have you ever run a scam that's past the statute of limitations?” — Laci Mosley ([03:10])

• “I just personally don't want to talk about some nice white lady getting murdered on her walk home.” — Laci Mosley ([06:42])

• “George Santos was born on July 22. Not a Cancer man.” — Laci Mosley ([36:03])

• “If you're gonna lie at this level, why not Google?” — Laci Mosley ([39:35])

• “$700,000 to Himself.” — Laci Mosley ([64:27])

• “Jeopardizing trust for financial gain.” — Scam Goddess Host (Paraphrased)

Final Thoughts

This episode of Scam Goddess offers a comprehensive exploration of deceit in various forms, from personal scams to high-level political fraud. Through engaging dialogue and sharp analysis, Laci Mosley and Brittany Luce provide listeners with both entertainment and invaluable insights into the mechanics of scams, emphasizing the importance of awareness and critical thinking in everyday interactions.

Stay tuned to Scam Goddess every Tuesday for fresh episodes, and revisit classic tales every Friday. Don’t forget to watch the upcoming Scam Goddess TV show premiering on Freeform and Hulu on January 15th!

Note: All timestamps correspond to moments within the provided transcript and are indicative of when specific topics or quotes appear.