Scam Goddess Podcast Summary Episode: Fraud Friday: The Famed Forger w/ Eliot Glazer Release Date: June 6, 2025

Introduction of Guest

In this episode of Scam Goddess, host Laci Mosley welcomes comedian and writer Eliot Glazer to discuss fraud, scams, and historical capers. Laci introduces Eliot with enthusiasm, highlighting his work on season two of iCarly and his comedic prowess.

Laci Mosley [02:31]: "I really am excited for today's episode because I have done his podcast. This man is so funny."

Discussion on Relationships and Divorce

Before delving into the main topic, Laci and Eliot engage in a light-hearted conversation about relationships and the often tumultuous nature of divorce. They humorously explore the concept of "kitchen supply divorce," emphasizing a preference for amicable separations over contentious battles.

Laci Mosley [03:40]: "You can't be marrying those sexy broke men. Sexy broke men know what they're doing."

Eliot Glazer [04:15]: "Divorce makes people ugly. When the coins are in play, honey."

Deep Dive: The Famed Forger - Lee Israel

The core of the episode focuses on Lee Israel, an author turned one of the greatest literary forgers. Laci narrates Lee's journey from a successful writer to a scam artist who fabricated hundreds of authentic-looking letters from famous historical figures.

Lee Israel's Forgeries

Lee Israel exploited her writing skills to create convincing forgeries of letters from notable personalities like Noel Coward and Dorothy Parker. She meticulously researched each figure, mimicking their tone and style to deceive autograph dealers and collectors.

Laci Mosley [26:18]: "Her skills as a biographer and a researcher gave her a near-perfect ability to mimic the tone of authors she was impersonating."

Eliot Glazer [37:32]: "That's a lot of work for that much."

Techniques and Deception

Lee's methods involved using period-appropriate typewriters, vintage paper, and authentic signatures to enhance the credibility of her forgeries. She even rented storage lockers to organize her tools, further demonstrating her commitment to the scam.

Laci Mosley [38:05]: "She really did her research. Like, she was like, what kind of typewriter would they have?"

Downfall and Legal Consequences

Lee's scheme began to unravel when discrepancies in her forged letters raised suspicions. An autograph dealer discovered inconsistencies that led to her exposure. Despite her elaborate efforts, Lee eventually faced legal repercussions, including house arrest and probation.

Laci Mosley [52:33]: "She pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to transport stolen property across state lines for profit in 1993 and was sentenced to six months house arrest with five years probation."

Eliot Glazer [56:51]: "It was a gas."

Scam of the Week: Corrupt Legal and Medical Fraud

In the Scam of the Week segment, Laci and Eliot highlight a significant scam involving corrupt doctors and lawyers who exploited unhoused individuals in a multi-million-dollar trip-and-fall scheme from 2013 to 2018.

Scheme Details

The fraudsters convinced desperate individuals to fake accidents, such as tripping and falling, to file lawsuits claiming negligence against property owners. These false claims resulted in over $20 million in lawsuit settlements.

Laci Mosley [58:15]: "The scheme generated over $20 million in lawsuit settlements from convincing desperate individuals who feigned to trip and fall."

Exploitation of Vulnerable Populations

The perpetrators primarily targeted unhoused and impoverished individuals, using their desperation to manipulate them into participating in the scam without offering any financial benefits in return.

Laci Mosley [62:14]: "You’re preying on people's desperation. These people don't have any money."

Legal Actions and Arrests

Authorities arrested several lawyers and doctors involved in the scam, charging them with multiple counts of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and mail fraud. The podcast emphasizes the ethical breaches and the exploitation of vulnerable populations.

Laci Mosley [58:36]: "Charges against the lawyers and doctors involved include multiple counts of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, mail fraud."

Conclusion

Laci and Eliot wrap up the episode by reflecting on the nature of scams and the importance of vigilance against fraudulent schemes. They encourage listeners to stay informed and cautious to avoid falling victim to such deceitful practices.

Laci Mosley [63:26]: "Stay scheming."

Notable Quotes

• Laci Mosley [05:00]: "No, I have a lot of friends who've been divorced. Like, kind of a millennial thing."

• Eliot Glazer [07:17]: "I just want to feel the warmth and joy of speaking my love into reality in front of my friends."

• Laci Mosley [11:35]: "It's almost infallible. Log wives."

• Eliot Glazer [12:17]: "Tying that into religion is brilliantly, brilliantly manipulative."

• Laci Mosley [43:45]: "Blackmailers are honestly the boldest scammers because I would never blackmail anybody for anything."

Insights and Conclusions

This episode of Scam Goddess provides a compelling exploration of historical and contemporary scams, blending humor with critical analysis. By dissecting Lee Israel's intricate forgery operations and the modern legal-medical fraud scheme, Laci and Eliot shed light on the complexities of fraud and its impact on individuals and communities. The discussions underscore the importance of ethical practices and the need for awareness to combat deceptive schemes effectively.

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Produced by Judith Kargbo, engineered by Marina Paiz, and researched by Kalen Brandt.