Scam Goddess Podcast Episode Summary

Title: Fraud Friday: The Heartbreak Hustler
Host: Laci Mosley (AKA Scam Goddess)
Guest: Dexter Mayfield
Release Date: June 20, 2025
Platform: Earwolf & SiriusXM Podcasts+

Introduction and Guest Appearance [00:16 – 04:14]

Hosted by Laci Mosley, the Scam Goddess welcomes listeners to another exciting installment of Fraud Friday, a segment where older episodes are revisited and shared with new audiences. In this episode, Laci is joined by the multifaceted entertainer Dexter Mayfield, a dancer, model, and actor known for his appearances in Taylor Swift's music video "You Need to Calm Down" and Savage x Fenty's Volume 2 fashion show.

Laci enthusiastically introduces Dexter, highlighting his recent accomplishments:

Laci Mosley [02:43]: "Congregation, please welcome Dexter Mayfield."

Dexter responds warmly:

Dexter Mayfield [02:43]: "Dexter, thank you so much for having me. I'm so glad you're here."

The duo engages in playful banter about accents and their meeting at a premiere for HBO Max’s show "We Are Here," appreciating the vibrant community and the importance of representation.

Navigating Petty Confrontations with Kindness [04:14 – 16:32]

Laci and Dexter delve into personal anecdotes about dealing with petty individuals and confrontations. They emphasize the power of kindness in disarming hostility, sharing moments where security guards falsely accused Laci of wrongdoing at a premiere.

Dexter Mayfield [12:12]: "She made that shit up. And I was dying because I was."

Laci Mosley [12:22]: "You deserve to get mad. You cannot get mad because that's only gonna make the situation like, situation worse."

They discuss strategies for handling unwarranted accusations, such as maintaining composure and offering genuine apologies to diffuse tension. Dexter adds his own experiences, reinforcing the notion that kindness can turn hostile interactions around.

First Segment: What's Hot and Fraud – Listener Story [25:35 – 32:57]

The "What's Hot and Fraud" segment features a listener letter from a pseudonymous individual, Kiki, who recounts a deceptive scam involving a food truck selling irresistible brisket fries at her university. Kiki's friend experienced unauthorized $50 purchases at Walmart following their visit to the food truck, leading them to realize they were targets of credit card fraud.

Laci Mosley [26:10]: "Kiki says, I'm going to read this. I don't normally read stuff at the top, but hello."

Kiki's story illustrates the allure of delicious food as a front for financial scams, highlighting the importance of vigilance when making transactions. Laci passionately shares her own experiences with similar scams, emphasizing the necessity of safeguarding personal financial information.

Second Segment: Historic Hoodwinks – The Story of Dana Lawrence [36:00 – 58:19]

In the "Historic Hoodwinks" segment, Laci and Dexter explore the intricate and manipulative career of Dana Lawrence, a notorious con artist known by over a dozen aliases across sixteen states. Dana's modus operandi involves seducing men to extract money while leveraging her roles as a mother to maintain empathy and trust.

Key Highlights:

• Early Scams: Dana's initial cons began in 1996 with a wealthy student named Chris, whom she stalked and harassed after their relationship dissolved.
• Expansion of Frauds: Moving from city to city, Dana employed tactics like fake nonprofit organizations to siphon funds from unsuspecting victims.
• Family Exploitation: Dana had four children with different fathers, using her maternal role to garner sympathy and manipulate her targets.
• Downfall: In 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Dana's fraudulent activities escalated. Her final attempt involved posing as a grant writer for Nashua, NH, leading to her arrest and subsequent sentencing for grand larceny.

Laci Mosley [37:02]: "She was putting her children in tow. Over the course of her career, she swindled tens of thousands of dollars from unwitting victims."

Dana's story underscores the complexity and emotional manipulation involved in sophisticated scams, offering listeners a deep dive into how personal relationships are exploited for financial gain.

Third Segment: Scammer of the Week – Valkyrie Skincare Scam [58:22 – 73:02]

The "Scammer of the Week" spotlight shines on Valkyrie, a YouTube streamer who launched a dubious skincare line promising protection against blue light pollution for gamers. Despite initial enthusiasm, the product failed to deliver credible research, leading to its swift shutdown within two weeks of launch.

Details of the Scam:

• Product Claims: Valkyrie's skincare products were marketed with exaggerated claims about blue light causing severe skin damage, including cell shrinkage and accelerated aging.
• False Research: Valkyrie initially asserted that proprietary studies supported her claims but later admitted the research was inconclusive.
• Rapid Failure: Negative feedback and lack of scientific backing led to the brand’s quick demise, leaving customers skeptical and financial losses incurred.

Dexter Mayfield [69:10]: "The skin care scams of these late times. Purito is done, done, done."

This segment highlights the dangers of influencer-driven scams, where the trust bestowed by a persona is exploited to sell ineffective or fraudulent products.

Conclusion and Final Remarks [73:02 – End]

Wrapping up the episode, Laci and Dexter provide information on how listeners can connect with them and access more content. They encourage the audience to stay informed and vigilant against scams, reinforcing the podcast’s mission to reveal the humorous side of fraud while educating listeners.

Laci Mosley [73:10]: "Podspot.com/scamgodys get that merch before I switch it up. You know I like to keep the tricks guessing."

The episode concludes with acknowledgments of the production team and a reminder to "stay scheming," encapsulating the podcast's blend of humor and insightful commentary on the world of scams.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Laci Mosley [12:22]: "You deserve to get mad. You cannot get mad because that's only gonna make the situation like, situation worse."
• Dexter Mayfield [25:02]: "I don't want to be a scammer no more."
• Laci Mosley [54:38]: "Cause she's like, how you gonna be mad at me? I'm your baby mama. Is that how she getting out of it?"

Key Takeaways:

• Kindness as a Strategy: Leveraging empathy and genuine interactions can effectively disarm confrontational situations.
• Awareness of Scams: Vigilance is crucial when engaging in transactions, especially in seemingly innocuous settings like food trucks.
• Psychology of Con Artists: Understanding the manipulative tactics used by fraudsters like Dana Lawrence provides insight into preventing and identifying scams.
• Influencer Impact: The Valkyrie skincare scam demonstrates the significant influence influencers can wield, both positively and negatively.

Resources and Further Listening:

• Subscribe to Scam Goddess on Apple Podcasts or via SiriusXM Podcasts+ for ad-free and early access.
• Scam Goddess TV Show: Premiering on Freeform and Hulu on January 15th.
• Follow Laci Mosley: Social Media Handles

Stay informed and entertained by tuning into Scam Goddess every Tuesday for fresh episodes and every Friday for classic re-releases. As Laci always says, "Stay scheming!"