Scam Goddess Podcast Episode Summary

Title: Fraud Friday: Love Fraud w/ Scottie Beam & Sylvia O'Bell
Host: Laci Mosley (Scam Goddess)
Guests: Scottie Beam & Sylvia O'Bell
Release Date: March 14, 2025

1. Introduction to Fraud Friday

In this episode of Scam Goddess, Laci Mosley welcomes listeners to "Fraud Fridays," a special segment where she revisits classic episodes from the Scam Goddess vault. The focus of this installment is "Love Fraud," featuring guests Scottie Beam and Sylvia O'Bell, who delve into a harrowing true story of deceit, manipulation, and the relentless pursuit of justice against a prolific con artist.

2. Unveiling the Scam: Richard Scott Smith

Richard Scott Smith, the central figure of this episode, orchestrated an elaborate scam spanning over two decades, deceiving at least a dozen women and amassing over $1 million through fraudulent marriages and business ventures.

• Initial Encounter and Deception: Richard Scott Smith met his victims through curated singles groups, presenting himself as a successful real estate agent and deeply religious man. His tactics involved rapid progression in relationships, love bombing, and the promise of future financial gains.

  "Soon into their courtship, Richard told her he was looking for someone to help with his business, Prestige Corporate Living."
  — Laci Mosley [23:14]

• Manipulative Business Ventures: Smith enticed women to invest in his fake business ventures, promising significant returns from impending lawsuits and financial windfalls. He fabricated stories about medical malpractice suits and other lucrative deals to convince victims to part with their finances.

  "He promised that she would be paid back once he received the 1.2 million he was due for the sale of another business."
  — Laci Mosley [32:17]

• Expansion of the Scam: Over the years, Richard married multiple women simultaneously across different states, leveraging each marriage to siphon funds from unsuspecting victims. His deceit extended to holding fraudulent titles and manipulating legal systems to avoid detection.

  "He has reportedly swindled at least a dozen women over a million dollars."
  — Laci Mosley [54:13]

3. Victims' Journey to Discovery

• Gene Hansen and Lisa Linton: Gene Hansen married Richard Scott Smith, only to discover his existing marriage to Lisa Linton through Lisa's dedicated blog. This revelation exposed Richard's pattern of deceit and led to collective efforts to hold him accountable.

  "Gene realized that this wasn't true and was only one of Richard's many lies."
  — Laci Mosley [33:10]

• Sabrina's Harrowing Experience: Sabrina, another victim, fell prey to Richard's scam, losing $95,000 before recognizing the deceit. Her experience underscores the emotional and financial devastation wrought by such fraudulent schemes.

  "By the time Sabrina got wise to Richard, he had already conned her out of $95,000 and skipped town."
  — Laci Mosley [54:27]

4. Formation of the Revenge Squad

Faced with inadequate support from law enforcement, Lisa Linton and other victims collaborated to form a Revenge Squad, hiring bounty hunter Carla Campbell to track down Richard Scott Smith.

• Carla Campbell's Role: Carla took on the case pro bono, driven by a sense of justice and the determination to prevent Richard from victimizing more women. Her efforts culminated in Richard's arrest in Knoxville, Tennessee, in 2018.

  "Carla agreed to take on the women's case pro bono. She said she was going to do it for free."
  — Laci Mosley [62:16]

• Legal Outcomes and Challenges: Despite Richard's arrest, he received a lenient 10-month sentence and was released on probation in 2019. His continued freedom highlights systemic challenges in addressing and prosecuting such intricate scams.

  "As of today, Richard Scott Smith is a free man and apparently still trying to date and defraud women."
  — Laci Mosley [63:33]

5. Systemic Failures and Societal Reflections

The episode critiques the systemic shortcomings that allow scammers like Richard to evade long-term consequences. Victims faced apathy and victim-blaming from authorities, exacerbating their plight and hindering their pursuit of justice.

"Several women also remembered being told verbatim by police, 'You should have known better, honey. And I hope you learned your lesson, sweetie.'"
— Laci Mosley [62:16]

6. Practical Advice for Listeners

Scottie Beam and Sylvia O'Bell offer invaluable tips to help listeners protect themselves from similar scams:

• Due Diligence:

  • Google Verification: Always research potential partners thoroughly. A simple online search can reveal inconsistencies or red flags.

    "Don’t just go by what someone tells you; observe and verify."
    — Scottie Beam [47:11]

  • Social Media Scrutiny: Analyze social media profiles for authenticity and consistency. Lack of genuine connections or frequent changes in stories can indicate deceit.

• Red Flags in Relationships:

  • Rapid Progression: Be wary of relationships that move too quickly, with grand gestures followed by financial requests.

    "He’s moving quick because you’ve got to move quick."
    — Sylvia O'Bell [47:45]

  • Financial Boundaries: Never share financial information early in a relationship. Protect personal data to prevent exploitation.

7. Scammer of the Week: Airbnb Fraud

In a special segment, the podcast highlights a prevalent Airbnb scam where fraudsters list unsuspecting homeowners' properties to rent without authorization. Victims face unauthorized bookings, property invasions, and potential privacy violations.

• Case Study: Jeff Branch Jeff Branch discovered his Los Angeles home listed on Airbnb at $450 a night without his consent. Despite reporting the issue, Airbnb's response was inadequate, leaving the listing active for weeks and causing significant distress.

  "They must not actually do anything to verify the address to make sure the person listing the property actually owns it."
  — Scottie Beam [68:10]

• Protective Measures:

  • Verify Listings: Always cross-check property listings through official channels and visit the property if possible.
  • Secure Home: Regularly monitor online platforms and secure personal information to prevent unauthorized access.

8. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The episode concludes with a call to vigilance against scams and a reminder of the emotional and financial toll they exact on victims. Laci Mosley, along with guests Scottie Beam and Sylvia O'Bell, reinforce the importance of awareness, resilience, and proactive measures to combat fraud.

"All things being equal, staying informed and cautious can save you from falling prey to elaborate schemes."
— Scottie Beam [49:50]

Notable Quotes:

• Laci Mosley:
  "As of today, Richard Scott Smith is a free man and apparently still trying to date and defraud women." [63:33]

• Scottie Beam:
  "You gotta just see, like this also dating apps, guys. A scam." [25:25]

• Sylvia O'Bell:
  "I would like to know where all of these people were in January 2021." [61:14]

This episode of Scam Goddess serves as a compelling exploration of love fraud, illustrating the devastating impact of deceitful practices and the resilience of victims seeking justice. Through engaging narratives and actionable advice, listeners are empowered to recognize and protect themselves against similar scams.