Scam Goddess Podcast: Fraud Friday – The Best Basic Olympian with Sara Levine and Danny Murphy
Episode Release Date: July 11, 2025
Introduction and Guest Overview
In this episode of Fraud Friday, hosted by Laci Mosley, known as Scam Goddess, the show features two special guests: Danny Murphy and Sarah Lavigne, who are the hosts of the popular podcast "Not Another True Crime Podcast." The trio delves into various scams, sharing personal anecdotes and offering insights into fraudulent schemes.
Maroon 5 and Scamming for Concert Tickets
The conversation kicks off with a light-hearted discussion about the band Maroon 5, comparing them to the often-maligned Nickelback. Danny Murphy humorously remarks on the band's ubiquitous presence in rom-com soundtracks:
- Danny Murphy [03:32]: "Maroon 5 has the monopoly on rom-com music. Like, you weren't having a rom-com if you didn't have a Maroon 5 moment."
Sarah Lavigne adds her playful critique of the band's performances and their emotional appeal.
Listener Scam Story: Katrina's Experience with the Plumbing Service
The highlight of this episode is a detailed narration of a scam submitted by a listener named Katrina. Katrina shares her ordeal with a plumbing company where her friend worked. She explains how her friend provided discounted services by manipulating invoices and credit card rewards, ultimately defrauding her of $677.
- Katrina [16:53]: "I just found out about two days ago and actually said to myself, among the stress, I need to write Lacey about this. The way that y’all..."
Danny Murphy and Sarah Lavigne dissect Katrina's story, discussing the emotional betrayal and the complexities of dealing with a scam perpetrated by a friend. They explore whether legal action is advisable or if acceptance is the better route.
- Danny Murphy [19:10]: "I felt betrayed and hurt, but also really do deeply care about my friend."
Sarah Lavigne emphasizes the importance of consulting trusted individuals when suspicion arises to prevent falling victim to such scams.
Advice on Avoiding Scams
The hosts segue into practical advice on scam avoidance, highlighting the importance of thoughtful communication and skepticism in transactional interactions.
- Danny Murphy [12:14]: "If you don't have anyone that, if maybe if you don't have time or if you're in a moment where you don't want to share something, I would even recommend reading stuff out loud."
They stress the significance of not making impulsive decisions, especially when under emotional distress, to safeguard against fraudulent schemes.
Main Fraud Friday Segment: The Best Basic Olympian – Elizabeth Swaney
The core of the episode revolves around Elizabeth Swaney, a multi-talented athlete who made headlines for her unconventional route to the Olympics. Unlike typical Olympians who perform intricate tricks, Elizabeth opted for simplicity, completing her runs without executing any maneuvers.
- Danny Murphy [34:56]: "She didn’t do a single trick. She was like, I'm going to win by doing the bare minimum."
Elizabeth's journey includes attempts across various sports such as ice hockey, skeleton, archery, gymnastics, and cheerleading. Her relentless pursuit eventually led her to qualify for the 2018 Beijing Winter Olympics by strategically participating in events with fewer competitors, ensuring her qualification by ranking within the top 30.
- Danny Murphy [65:48]: "She was like, I'm gonna win. She's on Easy Mode."
Despite her unconventional approach and lack of flashy performances, Elizabeth secured her spot, though she finished last with scores of 30 and 31.4, marking her as the worst-performing Olympian in history. However, her achievement is celebrated for her perseverance and unique strategy.
- Danny Murphy [73:30]: "Scamming the system to achieve your life goals while doing the absolute bare minimum to get there."
Analysis of Elizabeth's Journey to the Olympics
The hosts analyze Elizabeth's tactics, discussing the balance between dedication and strategy in competitive sports. They commend her for finding a niche where she could excel without the intense specialization typically required to succeed at the Olympic level.
- Sarah Lavigne [62:24]: "Too many slashes. Like skier slash cheerleader slash..."
They draw parallels between Elizabeth's multifaceted pursuits and the importance of focus versus versatility, especially in high-stakes environments like the Olympics.
Alex Jones and COVID-19 Treatment Scams
Transitioning from sports, the episode addresses a significant fraud case involving Alex Jones, a notorious conspiracy theorist. The FDA has taken action against Jones for promoting Colloidal Silver as a treatment and preventive measure for COVID-19, despite lacking scientific evidence.
- Danny Murphy [81:55]: "Jones pushed to sell supplements and merch followed his filing for bankruptcy after losing defamation lawsuits against his website, Infowars."
The discussion highlights the dangers of misinformation and the exploitation of public health crises for personal gain. They condemn Jones's actions and emphasize the FDA's role in combating such fraudulent claims.
- Sarah Lavigne [81:20]: "He's like, you ever drink a gun and it ships all the viruses out of your body?"
The hosts advocate for vigilance against such scams, urging listeners to rely on verified medical guidance.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
As the episode draws to a close, the hosts recap the stories and lessons discussed. They reinforce the importance of awareness and skepticism in preventing fraud, whether it's in personal relationships or broader public health narratives. The episode concludes with acknowledgments of upcoming events and promotions related to their podcasts.
Notable Quotes
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Danny Murphy [19:10]: "I felt betrayed and hurt, but also really do deeply care about my friend."
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Sarah Lavigne [62:24]: "Too many slashes. Like skier slash cheerleader slash..."
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Danny Murphy [81:55]: "Jones pushed to sell supplements and merch followed his filing for bankruptcy after losing defamation lawsuits against his website, Infowars."
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Danny Murphy [73:30]: "Scamming the system to achieve your life goals while doing the absolute bare minimum to get there."
Key Takeaways
- Personal Scams Can Be Emotionally Complex: Katrina's story underscores the emotional turmoil when scammed by someone you trust.
- Strategic Approaches to Challenges: Elizabeth Swaney's unconventional path to the Olympics illustrates the impact of strategic planning over traditional methods.
- Combating Misinformation: The discussion on Alex Jones highlights the critical need to counteract false claims, especially during public health emergencies.
- Awareness and Skepticism are Crucial: Whether dealing with personal relationships or broader societal issues, maintaining a vigilant and skeptical mindset can prevent falling victim to scams.
Recommendations for Non-Listeners
For those who haven't listened to this episode, "Fraud Friday: The Best Basic Olympian" offers a blend of humor, personal anecdotes, and insightful discussions on various scams and fraudulent activities. It provides valuable lessons on recognizing and avoiding scams while entertaining listeners with engaging storytelling and relatable conversations.
Stay Scheming!