Scam Goddess Podcast Episode Summary

Episode Title: Fraud Friday: Lady Gangsters: The Forty Elephants w/ Aida Rodriguez
Release Date: February 14, 2025
Hosts: Laci Mosley (Scam Goddess) and guest Aida Rodriguez
Platform: Earwolf & Laci Mosley

Introduction

In this exciting episode of Scam Goddess, host Laci Mosley welcomes comedian, writer, and actor Aida Rodriguez to delve into the intriguing world of historical fraud and crime. The episode, titled "Fraud Friday: Lady Gangsters: The Forty Elephants," explores the notorious all-female gang that ruled the streets of London in the early 20th century. The conversation seamlessly blends humor with deep insights into the socio-economic factors that influenced such criminal activities.

Race, Scams, and Societal Context

The episode kicks off with a poignant discussion on the intersection of race and scamming. Aida Rodriguez offers a nuanced perspective, highlighting how systemic oppression and lack of resources often push marginalized communities toward fraudulent activities as a means of survival.

Aida Rodriguez [03:08]: "I think that some scams are good for society... they keep their foot on black and brown people's necks."

Laci echoes these sentiments, sharing personal anecdotes about her experiences with racial dynamics in the realm of comedy and podcasts.

Laci Mosley [04:37]: "We can all do more. But do that at the very least."

This segment emphasizes the broader implications of fraud within oppressed communities, framing it not merely as criminality but as a response to systemic barriers.

What's Hot and Fried: Modern-Day Scams

Transitioning from historical to contemporary, the hosts tackle a listener-submitted scam letter about the "Who's Who Executive Professional Honors Edition" — a dubious award that solicits personal information under false pretenses.

Laci Mosley [05:29]: "Daniel says... they keep your phone number, cell, email, specialty, and signature. Now, what are they going to do with all this information?"

Aida elaborates on the dangers of such scams, explaining how personal data facilitates identity theft and financial exploitation.

Aida Rodriguez [15:29]: "They can get in and they can get you."

The discussion underscores the importance of vigilance against unsolicited requests for personal information, highlighting the evolving tactics of modern scammers.

Historic Hoodwinks: The Forty Elephants

The heart of the episode lies in the "Historic Hoodwinks" segment, where Laci and Aida delve deep into the history of The Forty Elephants, London's first documented all-female gang formed in the late 19th century. Their exploration covers the gang's origins, operations, and eventual decline.

Origins and Leadership

Formed in 1873, with roots tracing back to the 1700s, The Forty Elephants emerged from the male-dominated Elephant and Castle gang. Under the leadership of Mary Carr, and later Alice Diamond, the gang specialized in thefts targeting clothing and jewelry stores.

Laci Mosley [26:40]: "Mary, Carr... she was a forager of bonds."

Criminal Techniques

The gang employed sophisticated methods, such as the decoy technique and the ringer method, to execute their heists with precision. Their ability to dress elegantly and blend into high-class environments allowed them to outsmart store staff and evade capture consistently.

Laci Mosley [39:05]: "They'd be dripped down... Grabbing all they can."

Aida adds a modern twist to their tactics, comparing them to contemporary heist movies like Ocean’s Eleven.

Internal Dynamics and Code

The Forty Elephants operated with a stringent Hoisters Code, ensuring loyalty and mutual support among members. This code included provisions for caring for imprisoned members' families and providing alibis, fostering a tight-knit sisterhood within the gang.

Laci Mosley [44:27]: "Alice was out here for the streets. For real."

Downfall and Legacy

Internal conflicts, particularly over personal relationships, led to violent clashes such as the Lambeth Riot in 1925, resulting in the imprisonment of key members like Alice Diamond. Despite these setbacks, the gang persisted under new leadership until their decline in the late 20th century.

Aida Rodriguez [51:03]: "They kept this shit going for like a century."

The hosts reflect on the gang's impact, noting their significant role in London's criminal history and their portrayal as both empowered figures and societal outlaws.

Scammer of the Week: Pernell Anthony Jones Jr.

Concluding the episode, Laci introduces "Scammer of the Week," spotlighting Pernell Anthony Jones Jr., who orchestrated a sophisticated lost luggage scam accumulating over $300,000 through fraudulent claims.

Laci Mosley [53:45]: "He was arrested again in March 2020 while trying to pick up a reimbursement check."

Aida critiques the severe penalties for non-violent crimes, questioning the justice system's focus on financial fraud over more violent offenses.

Aida Rodriguez [54:49]: "And, you know, you get in trouble more for messing with their money than you do with killing people, raping people, molesting children."

They debate the disproportionate consequences of financial crimes and advocate for rehabilitation over long-term incarceration.

Laci Mosley [55:09]: "Put this man free."

Closing Remarks and Future Endeavors

In their final exchange, Aida shares her aspirations beyond the podcast, emphasizing her HBO Max special "Fighting Words" and her commitment to fostering opportunities for other women of color in comedy.

Aida Rodriguez [56:17]: "It's my mantra... Stay scheming."

Laci encourages listeners to engage with the podcast across platforms and promotes upcoming merchandise.

Notable Quotes

• Aida Rodriguez [03:08]: "I think that some scams are good for society... they keep their foot on black and brown people's necks."
• Laci Mosley [05:29]: "What are they going to do with all this information?"
• Aida Rodriguez [15:29]: "They can get in and they can get you."
• Laci Mosley [44:27]: "Alice was out here for the streets. For real."
• Aida Rodriguez [54:49]: "And you get in trouble more for messing with their money than you do with killing people, raping people, molesting children."
• Laci Mosley [55:09]: "Put this man free."

Conclusion

This episode of Scam Goddess masterfully intertwines historical narratives with contemporary issues surrounding fraud and systemic oppression. Through engaging dialogue and sharp humor, Laci Mosley and Aida Rodriguez shed light on the enduring impact of scams and the socio-economic factors that perpetuate them. Whether exploring the legendary Forty Elephants or dissecting modern scams, the hosts provide listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the intricate dance between crime and society.

Stay Connected:
Find Scam Goddess on all podcast platforms at scamgodispod. Follow Laci Mosley on TikTok and join the "Con-gregation" to stay updated on upcoming episodes and merchandise.

Stay Scheming!