Podcast Summary: Scam Goddess – "Fraud Friday: The Rogue Runner of Princeton w/ Nimesh Patel"

Release Date: July 18, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of Fraud Friday, Laci Mosley (also known as Scam Goddess) teams up with Nimesh Patel, a writer, producer, and comedian with a background in writing for Saturday Night Live and Better Call Saul. Together, they delve into tales of deception, personal experiences with scams, and the intriguing story of a notorious con artist known as the "Rogue Runner of Princeton."

Segment 1: Guest Introduction and Personal Experiences with Scams

[02:42] Nimesh Patel: "Of course. Thank you for having me."

[04:21] Laci Mosley: "Yeah, technically it's still legal. It's just how companies like Lularoe can still operate even though you know they were making all those housewives get their homegirls involved in a Ponzi scheme."

Nimesh shares his early encounter with Vector Marketing, describing it as a pyramid scheme centered around selling Cutco knives. Although he acknowledges the quality of the knives, he quickly exits the venture upon realizing the recruitment-driven model.

[05:08] Laci Mosley: "Vector Marketing. Y'all need to get him back because he's still selling, he's still giving."

They discuss Lularoe, another company infamous for its MLM (Multi-Level Marketing) structure, highlighting the subtle line between legitimate business and deceptive schemes.

Segment 2: Listener Story – Sheldon Bryant's Greek Scam

[07:46] Nimesh Patel: "Reminds me of going almost being robbed in Cape Town."

[13:55] Laci Mosley: "Sheldon says he was charged a thousand euros after being lured into a bar with promises of live music, only to find out it was a strip club. They opened a bottle of champagne, poured a free beer, and eventually, Sheldon couldn't leave without paying an inflated bill."

Sheldon’s story illustrates a classic scam tactic used overseas, where unsuspecting travelers are baited with free drinks and enticing offers, leading to exorbitant charges and financial loss.

[10:33] Nimesh Patel: "Make me a victim. Come on."

[12:19] Nimesh Patel: "This already sounds pretty problematic wherever this is going, right?"

The hosts emphasize the importance of vigilance when traveling, especially in foreign countries where scammers exploit cultural differences and vulnerabilities.

Segment 3: Historic Hoodwings – The Tale of Alexi Santana

[20:39] Laci Mosley: "Most of the story was reported directly in David Samuels' 2001 New York article, 'The Runner'."

They recount the elaborate scam of Alexi Santana, a man who masqueraded as a top student and talented runner at Princeton University. His fraudulent persona included a high SAT score, a fabricated backstory of self-education in the Mojave Desert, and charm tactics like hosting wine and cheese gatherings to impress female freshmen.

Notable Quotes:

• [23:17] Nimesh Patel: "I did okay in school. I wouldn't say well. I mean, but I beat 1410. Princeton must have been a joke back then."

• [35:18] Nimesh Patel: "What a tangled web this guy has weaved, right?"

[40:08] Laci Mosley: "James Hogue was born in Wyandotte, Kansas, in 1959. He posed as a ranch hand, living in a storage locker, and deceived Princeton into awarding him a track scholarship."

Alexi’s deceptive actions escalated over the years, involving multiple identities, thefts, and continued fraud, ultimately leading to multiple arrests and prolonged prison sentences.

[46:38] Laci Mosley: "James Hogue was charged with theft by deception and three counts of forgery. He couldn't make bail and was moved to the Mercy County Correctional Center while awaiting trial."

The summary highlights Alexi Santana's repeated offenses, the role of investigative reporting in uncovering his deceit, and his inability to reform despite numerous encounters with the law.

Segment 4: Scammer of the Week – The Red Power Ranger

[57:45] Laci Mosley: "The Red Power Ranger has been arrested by the FBI because of COVID-related fraud. I hope that they were in the red Power Ranger suit at the time. Say it's morphin time."

The hosts introduce a weekly feature spotlighting current scammers, in this case, an individual exploiting the COVID-19 pandemic through fraudulent activities related to government relief programs.

[59:07] Laci Mosley: "The group received more than $3.5 million across 16 separate small business loans and subsequently spent the money on various personal purchases. The scheme was allegedly led by two ringleaders, Michael Hill and Andrew Maran."

They critique the systemic issues that allow such scams to proliferate, emphasizing the need for stricter oversight and accountability in government programs.

Conclusion

Throughout the episode, Scam Goddess and Nimesh Patel provide a blend of humor and insightful commentary on the nature of scams, personal anecdotes, and detailed historical cases. The discussion underscores the pervasive impact of fraud in various forms, from multinational schemes to individual cons, while maintaining an engaging and lighthearted tone.

Notable Closing Quote:

[62:23] Nimesh Patel: "I'm on TikTok, Instagram. All that on Findingmesh."

[63:07] Laci Mosley: "Stay scheming."

Listeners are encouraged to stay informed and vigilant against scams, leveraging the shared stories as both cautionary tales and sources of entertainment.

Key Takeaways:

1. Understanding MLMs and Pyramid Schemes: Early discussions on Vector Marketing and Lularoe serve as examples of how seemingly legitimate businesses can harbor deceptive practices.

2. Travel Scams: Sheldon's experience in Greece highlights common tactics used to exploit tourists, emphasizing the importance of awareness and skepticism in unfamiliar environments.

3. Identity Theft and Fraudulent Personas: The detailed account of Alexi Santana showcases the complexity of long-term cons and the challenges in identifying and stopping fraudulent individuals.

4. Systemic Vulnerabilities: The Red Power Ranger's scam illustrates how large-scale events like the COVID-19 pandemic can create opportunities for sophisticated fraud schemes.

5. Humor and Education: By blending comedy with true crime elements, the podcast effectively educates listeners on various scams while keeping them entertained.

For More Information:

• Listen to the Episode: Available on all major podcast platforms.
• Guest's YouTube Special: Thank You, China – Search for "thank you, China" on YouTube.
• Follow Scam Goddess: Instagram handle @Divalacy and other social platforms.

Stay tuned for more episodes every Tuesday, with classic episodes re-released every Friday. Don’t forget to subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ for ad-free and early access to new episodes.

Stay Scheming!