Scam Goddess Podcast Summary: Fraud Friday – The Invisible Sculptor Scam with J.B. Smoove

Podcast Information

• Title: Scam Goddess
• Host: Laci Mosley (Scam Goddess)
• Guest: J.B. Smoove
• Episode: Fraud Friday: The Invisible Sculptor Scam
• Release Date: January 24, 2025

Introduction

In this engaging episode of Scam Goddess, host Laci Mosley teams up with the hilarious comedian J.B. Smoove to delve into the world of fraud, focusing on some of the most inventive and audacious scams. From contemporary cons to historical capers, the episode promises a blend of insightful analysis and comedic relief, making it a must-listen for true con enthusiasts.

What's Hot and Fraud

[09:28] The episode kicks off with the "What's Hot and Fraud" segment, where Laci warns listeners about rising scams. A letter from Percy Thompson highlights a sophisticated gold theft operation in Brazil, where workers at the Anglo Gold Ashanti mine were stealing small quantities of gold daily. Laci narrates Percy’s account of how 21 individuals, including a local jeweler, were arrested for amassing luxury cars and valuable gold equipment through these illicit activities.

J.B. adds his comedic touch to the discussion:

[09:49] JB Smoove: "Percy Thompson sounds like he definitely owns a Perry Ellis belt. And he probably got them barbecue sandals."

Laci emphasizes the ingenuity behind the scam:

[08:30] Laci Mosley: "You were in a rush. Time-sensitive things. That's a great way to get people in a scam."

Historic Hoodwinks: The Invisible Sculptor Scam

[19:05] The heart of the episode lies in the "Historic Hoodwinks" segment, where Laci introduces a fascinating case of art fraud involving Italian artist Salvatore Garo. On May 18, 2021, Garo sold an "invisible sculpture" titled Ayo Sono (“I Am”) for $18,000 at auction. The piece included display instructions and a certificate of authenticity, sparking controversy in the fine art community.

Laci passionately explains the concept:

[22:00] Laci Mosley: "When you pay for air, you're gullible as hell. So we know this."

J.B. humorously critiques the scam:

[30:34] JB Smoove: "If you walk around all day with no balloon, and you just keep looking up, they're gonna think you think you got a balloon."

The duo analyzes Salvatore’s technique, questioning the legitimacy and artistic value of selling "nothing." They explore the psychological aspects of why people fall for such scams, with J.B. comparing Salvatore’s work to magic tricks and hypnosis.

[31:00] JB Smoove: "You can't appreciate art. And you standing in a pile of see invisible palace, right? Like you stupid."

Laci ties the discussion to broader themes of perception and belief:

[38:28] Laci Mosley: "Salvatore insists that his work is not conceptual but as real as any object you see or touch."

The segment concludes with reflections on the environmental claims made by Salvatore, juxtaposing them against the skepticism surrounding NFTs and other modern art frauds.

Scammer of the Week: Florida's Botox Bandit

[45:05] Moving to "Scammer of the Week," Laci spotlights a Florida man, Nelson Turin, charged with impersonating a doctor by injecting Botox into patients while intoxicated. Turin hosted "Botox and Bubbles" events, misleading attendees into believing he was a licensed medical professional.

Laci narrates the bizarre nature of the scam:

[47:27] Laci Mosley: "This man is not a doctor, number one. No, he's injecting Botox into people and he's not a doctor. And he's also drunk while he's doing it."

J.B. humorously deconstructs the absurdity:

[50:07] JB Smoove: "He keeps showing the bottom ones like this. He put a new fire ass at Botox and burgers. That should be popping, not Botox and burgers."

They discuss the potential dangers and the slickness of the operation, highlighting how Turin exploited the allure of luxury and the festive atmosphere to deceive his victims.

Notable Quotes

• [03:22] JB Smoove: "I love a good scam. I love a good scam. I mean, you can't hate on a good one, you know? I mean, the one where nobody gets hurt, you know?"

• [07:19] Laci Mosley: "You didn't open the box when you saw the bricks on the corner. You didn't check to see what was in."

• [30:09] Laci Mosley: "This is where I will regale JB with a famous con or caper, or maybe a couple. Maybe we're switching it up this week and we're gonna get his opinions all throughout."

• [38:06] Laci Mosley: "Yo, I'm about to start. Y'all want some scam goddess air merch? I'm about to start selling air, bro."

Conclusion

In this episode of Scam Goddess, Laci Mosley and J.B. Smoove provide a captivating exploration of fraud, blending historical cases with contemporary scams. Their dynamic interaction and sharp humor make complex fraud schemes both understandable and entertaining. Whether dissecting invisible sculptures or exposing fraudulent medical practices, this episode underscores the lengths to which scammers will go and the importance of vigilance in recognizing deceit.

As always, Laci encourages listeners to stay informed and "stay scheming" by being aware of the latest scams and understanding the mechanisms behind them. With its mix of education and humor, Scam Goddess continues to be a standout podcast for anyone interested in the lighter side of fraud.

Stay Connected

• Follow Laci Mosley (Scam Goddess) on Social Media: [Instagram, Twitter, etc.]
• Join the Scam Goddess "Con-gregation": Engage with a community that enjoys the humorous side of fraud.
• Upcoming TV Show: Scam Goddess TV premieres on Freeform and Hulu on January 15th, 2025.

Produced by Earwolf in association with Team Coco. Stay scheming!