Scam Goddess Podcast Summary
Episode: Fraud Friday: Auntie Ruckus aka Candace Owens w/ Yvette Nicole Brown
Release Date: March 7, 2025
Host: Laci Mosley (Scam Goddess)
Guest: Yvette Nicole Brown
1. Welcome and Introduction [01:14 - 03:13]
Laci Mosley warmly welcomes listeners to "Fraud Fridays," a special segment where she revisits popular episodes from the back catalog. This episode features actress and comedian Yvette Nicole Brown, known for her roles in iCarly and Community. Laci expresses her admiration for Yvette, highlighting her versatility and the distinct personas she embodies across various platforms.
Notable Quote:
- Laci Mosley [03:27]: "Don’t make me cry."
2. Personal Scam Stories [05:05 - 11:00]
Yvette shares a personal experience of being scammed through a fraudulent LEGO website masquerading as the official site during a Black Friday sale. Enticed by low prices and claiming only PayPal was accepted (a red flag), Yvette made multiple purchases. However, the transaction turned out to be deceptive, with funds diverted to a different company and shipping originating from China.
Despite promptly contacting PayPal, the resolution was delayed, forcing Yvette to engage her credit card company, which successfully retrieved her funds. She criticizes PayPal's policies for favoring scammers over genuine victims, emphasizing the need for better protection mechanisms.
Notable Quotes:
- Yvette Nicole Brown [05:34]: "I pay acquaintance. I clicked the button, right, and the money flew out of my account."
- Yvette Nicole Brown [09:01]: "Is the vibe LEGO?"
3. Historic Hoodwinks: Candace Owens [17:03 - 54:42]
The primary focus of the episode centers on Candace Owens, a controversial conservative figure. Laci and Yvette delve into Owens' transition from a Democrat to a staunch conservative, scrutinizing her various initiatives and alleged scams.
a. Evolution and Initial Ventures [17:03 - 22:54]
Candace Owens initially ran a website, Degree180, which mocked then-candidate Donald Trump. However, as political dynamics shifted, she pivoted towards conservatism, capitalizing on the growing conservative movement. The duo questions the legitimacy and impact of her efforts, suggesting financial motivations behind her political realignment.
Notable Quote:
- Laci Mosley [20:07]: "Well, you said black people, though."
b. Blexit Foundation and Misappropriation [49:16 - 54:42]
Owens launched the Blexit Foundation in 2018, aiming to encourage African Americans to exit the Democratic Party and support conservative financial institutions. However, Laci accuses Owens of misappropriating the term "Blexit," originally coined by another black activist, to bolster her own agenda. The conversation highlights Owens' failed attempts to associate high-profile figures like Kanye West with her initiatives, leading to public disputes and loss of credibility.
Notable Quotes:
- Yvette Nicole Brown [50:07]: "Cause it's a scam."
- Laci Mosley [53:13]: "They did."
c. Freedom Phone Promotion [34:05 - 43:58]
Candace Owens promoted the "Freedom Phone," marketed as a privacy-centric alternative to mainstream smartphones. The guests criticize the device for its poor security features and questionable origins, likening it to a rebranded low-quality smartphone from China. They mock the marketing strategies employed, suggesting that Owens benefits financially without offering genuine value to consumers.
Notable Quote:
- Laci Mosley [35:42]: "But now that she's out, I'm gonna have to run it up, because this man, the way that y'all have led."
4. Scammer of the Week: Trump Organization [54:02 - 56:58]
In the concluding segment, Laci and Yvette discuss allegations against the Trump Organization involving insurance fraud. The organization is accused of inflating flood damage claims for its Westchester County golf course, seeking payouts significantly higher than the actual repair costs. This pattern of deceit is portrayed as habitual, further tarnishing the organization's reputation amidst ongoing legal investigations.
Notable Quotes:
- Yvette Nicole Brown [55:17]: "It is grass."
- Laci Mosley [56:22]: "He be crimin. He be crimin like, put the plaque up."
5. Closing Remarks [57:05 - 60:57]
The episode wraps up with Yvette promoting her various projects and clarifying her absence from certain social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. The hosts thank Yvette for her participation and reiterate the podcast's mission to expose and discuss fraudulent activities in a comedic yet informative manner.
Notable Quote:
- Yvette Nicole Brown [57:12]: "I am not on Facebook."
Key Insights and Conclusions
- Awareness of Scams: Personal anecdotes underscore the prevalence of online scams, emphasizing the need for vigilance and informed financial practices.
- Political Exploitation: The episode highlights how political figures like Candace Owens may exploit movements and platforms for personal gain, raising questions about authenticity and ethical conduct.
- Corporate Fraud: The discussion of the Trump Organization's alleged insurance fraud exemplifies how corporations can manipulate systems for financial benefit, often at the expense of others.
- Consumer Protection: Critiques of platforms like PayPal point to broader systemic issues in consumer protection, advocating for policies that prioritize victims over perpetrators.
Final Thoughts
"Scam Friday: Auntie Ruckus aka Candace Owens w/ Yvette Nicole Brown" offers a critical examination of both personal and high-profile scams, blending humor with sharp commentary. Through engaging dialogue and thoughtful analysis, Laci Mosley and Yvette Nicole Brown illuminate the intricate dynamics of fraud within contemporary society.
Stay Scheming!
Join the Scam Goddess "Con-gregation" for more episodes every Tuesday, with classic episodes re-released every Friday. Don’t forget to check out the upcoming Scam Goddess TV show premiering on Freeform and Hulu on January 15th!