Scam Goddess Podcast Summary
Episode: Fraud Friday: Camp Chaos w/ Behzad Dabu
Release Date: May 16, 2025
Host: Laci Mosley (Scam Goddess)
Guest: Behzad Dabu

Introduction

In this episode of Fraud Friday, Scam Goddess Laci Mosley teams up with guest Behzad Dabu to delve into the murky waters of scams that prey on unsuspecting individuals and communities. The episode primarily focuses on the tragic unraveling of Camp Quinnibarge, likening it to the infamous Fyre Festival, and explores the psychological tactics used in scams through the discussion of the Landmark Forum.

Guest Introduction & Landmark Forum Scam Discussion

Timestamp: [00:00 – 07:23]

Laci begins the episode by introducing Behzad Dabu, an actor and director known for his role in How to Get Away with Murder and his current position at Hillman Grad. She highlights his upcoming project, Write It of Passage, showcasing the serendipitous alignment that brought him onto the podcast.

[03:00] Laci Mosley:
"Guys, I am so excited. I'm really thrilled for our guest today."

[03:06] Behzad Dabu:
"I know we've talked about it. I'm trying to get these episodes in before we start shooting iCarly again. So whoop, whoop."

Laci probes Behzad about his personal interactions with scams, specifically asking if he has ever been scammed.

[03:25] Laci Mosley:
"Do you have a relationship with scams? Like, have you ever been scammed? Do you like them? Do you hate them?"

Behzad shares his experience with the Landmark Forum, a self-help organization he describes as akin to a "light Scientology," popular among actors in Los Angeles. He recounts being duped at a networking event where he was coerced into giving his credit card details under the guise of personal development.

[04:22] Behzad Dabu:
"Not even a blood cousin. One of those people that, like, your friends were your friend. Your parents were friends."

He explains how his initial resistance gave way to compliance, only to later realize the scam's manipulative tactics. Behzad emphasizes the power of passion—whether opposing or supporting—to make individuals susceptible to scams.

[06:22] Behzad Dabu:
"The people that are hard to scam are the people that simply don't care."

Historic Hoodwinks: The Camp Quinnibarge Debacle

Timestamp: [16:26 – 54:22]

Overview of Camp Quinnibarge

Laci introduces Historic Hoodwinks, the segment dedicated to uncovering historical scams and fraudulent schemes. This episode scrutinizes Camp Quinnibarge, an 85-year-old summer camp in New Hampshire that recently collapsed after just six days of operation, drawing parallels to the Fyre Festival fiasco.

[18:03] Laci Mosley:
"Michael says this happened to me when I lived in Oakland a couple years ago... the woman walked up to me with a plate of shrimp..."

Scam Mechanics and Operations

Behzad narrates how Camp Quinnibarge failed to deliver on its promises due to staffing shortages exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The camp advertised itself as a safe, enriching environment for children aged 6 to 16, charging parents a hefty fee of $5,800 for a four-week session.

[43:04] Laci Mosley:
"He looks like he jumped into the brown lake and then just walked out and air dried."

The camp's executive director, Eric Carlson, struggled to maintain operations, leading to inadequate training for counselors, poor food quality, and a toxic environment. Reports from counselors and parents describe a chaotic atmosphere with insufficient supervision, poorly maintained facilities, and neglect of campers' well-being.

[50:53] Behzad Dabu:
"This is the fire fest. It really is."

Impact on Campers and Staff

Parents reported receiving distressing letters from their children expressing boredom, fear, and neglect. Incidents included campers falling ill, experiencing bullying, and counselors being overworked or fired abruptly. The camp's attempt to maintain an inclusive environment faltered, with trans counselors and campers feeling uncomfortable.

[54:22] Behzad Dabu:
"They were doing fyre fest food. They weren't giving the kids water... and kickball."

Comparison to Fyre Festival

Laci and Behzad compare Camp Quinnibarge's downfall to the Fyre Festival, highlighting the emotional and psychological toll on children versus the luxury-seeking demographic targeted by Fyre. The difference lies in the age and vulnerability of the victims, making the scam more insidious and harmful.

[55:20] Behzad Dabu:
"This is gut-wrenching. So the end, in the middle of the week, Mr. Carlson sent out a note to parents stating that the past couple of days have been rough."

Despite the chaos, many campers expressed lingering loyalty, with some planning to return despite the summer's failures. The episode underscores the devastating effects of such scams on families and communities.

Scammer of the Week: Jamie Brown's Walmart Heist

Timestamp: [54:45 – 60:26]

In the Scammer of the Week segment, Laci and Behzad spotlight Jamie Brown, a serial con artist from Thibodaux, Louisiana. Jamie impersonated a Walmart manager to unlawfully obtain cash from unsuspecting employees.

[57:36] Laci Mosley:
"How do you just walk into a Walmart and be like, I work here?"

Jamie approached new Walmart employees, claiming she was conducting a "money drop" and requested all large bills from their registers. After collecting significant amounts of cash, she nonchalantly exited the store.

[58:08] Behzad Dabu:
"She committed a felony theft at another Walmart in 2018 and another in 2019."

Her pattern of deceit continued until she was apprehended two days later. Laci and Behzad discuss the ease with which Jamie exploited her appearance and authority to manipulate employees, questioning the security measures in place at large retail establishments.

[60:12] Behzad Dabu:
"She's finding new ways to scheme."

The segment concludes with a humorous yet critical take on Jamie's audacity, highlighting the importance of vigilance even in familiar environments.

Conclusion

Laci wraps up the episode by encouraging listeners to stay vigilant against scams and to report fraudulent activities via scamgodesspodmail.com. She reiterates the importance of community awareness and the ongoing fight against fraudsters.

[61:14] Laci Mosley:
"Stay scheming, Scam Goddess."

The episode underscores the pervasive nature of scams, from exploiting personal development spaces like the Landmark Forum to targeting vulnerable children through deceptive summer camps. Through engaging discussions and real-life examples, Scam Goddess equips its audience with insights to recognize and combat fraudulent schemes.

Notable Quotes

• Laci Mosley [03:00]:
  "Guys, I am so excited. I'm really thrilled for our guest today."

• Behzad Dabu [06:22]:
  "The people that are hard to scam are the people that simply don't care."

• Laci Mosley [54:45]:
  "It's so bad. I can't hear you. No, I can't."

• Behzad Dabu [60:12]:
  "She's finding new ways to scheme."

Key Takeaways

• Psychological Manipulation in Scams: Understanding the emotional and psychological tactics used by scammers, such as exploiting passion or creating a false sense of community.

• Vulnerability of Vulnerable Groups: Scams often target the most vulnerable, including children in summer camps and individuals seeking personal development.

• Importance of Vigilance: Recognizing and reporting scams is crucial in preventing others from falling victim.

• Impact on Communities: Scams like Camp Quinnibarge not only defraud individuals financially but also have lasting emotional and psychological effects on families and communities.

Stay tuned for more episodes of Scam Goddess where Laci Mosley continues to unmask frauds with humor and insight. As always, stay scheming!