Scam Goddess Podcast Summary

Episode: "Lousy Landlords & Beautiful Baddies w/ Amber Wallin"
Release Date: March 31, 2026
Host: Laci Mosley
Guest: Amber Wallin

Episode Overview

This episode of Scam Goddess is dedicated to all things fraud but with a sharp focus on the wild world of landlord scams, beautiful (but scheming) baddies, and listener-submitted stories of cons and scheming. Host Laci Mosley welcomes comedian/storyteller Amber Wallin, and together they dissect personal and listener experiences, dish out hilarious commentary, and give advice about surviving scams. Key themes include the perils of renting, how scammers manipulate systems, and the resourcefulness required—sometimes with a wink—to flip the script on would-be fraudsters. The episode is a rapid-fire blend of comedy, cautionary tales, and inside jokes for the “con-gregation.”

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Amber’s Landlord Horror Story

Timestamps: 04:59–13:58

• Amber recounts moving into a Chicago apartment where the landlord promised repairs (painting, doorknobs, window treatments)—but after paying the deposit, nothing was fixed.
• The unit even lacked a doorknob: “You may have seen a knob or two on a door. This place didn’t have a doorknob.” (06:08 – Amber)
• Landlord sent a nephew and his girlfriend to paint, but Amber returned to find them drinking her pink Moscato in her bed: “They were in my bed not painting, they were painting in a proverbial sense… they were also drinking my pink Moscato.” (08:12 – Amber)
• Amber’s solution: she refused to pay further rent until repairs were completed, staying four months for free.
• On handling bad landlords: invoking a fake attorney gets results: “My hands are tied, the council has voted, the congregation has voted.” (13:58 – Amber, via Laci)

2. Listener Letter: The $144 Million Landlord Scam

Timestamps: 18:24–37:28

• Listener Minnie writes in about her former friend Aruba—a “stunningly beautiful” woman turned con artist, now embroiled in a multimillion-dollar landlord scam.
• Aruba, her ex-actor husband, and others ran a property investment scam, misusing $144 million in investor funds meant for housing in struggling neighborhoods.
• The scam involved flexing on social media with photos of parties, luxury items (like a one-year-old’s Balenciaga bag), and celebrity connections—including Drake and Trump.
• The episode unpacks how beauty and charisma can be weaponized in fraud, but also the darker side of scamming vulnerable communities.
• “The scam that we don’t approve of: why are you scamming people who need housing who are obviously desperate for a human necessity?” (34:07 – Laci)

3. Scams in the Entertainment Industry

Timestamps: 41:39–54:14

NYC Improv Bringer Show Scam

• Listener “Chuck E. Cheese” recounts a story of a 90s NYC actress who had to bring 10 people to an improv show—she filled seats with men from Yahoo Personals.
• She sent out 100 messages, wrangled 40 men to show, performed for them, then fled after the show—her talent manager “big break” never appeared.
• Laci and Amber riff on ‘bringer’ show culture, the absurdity of entertainment grifts, and the hustle of women leveraging male thirst.
• “You gotta love your friend enough to go to their bad improv shows.” (51:58 – Laci)

4. Reverse Scams: Listener "Remy" Fights Back

Timestamps: 55:15–65:36

• Listener Remy receives nonstop predatory calls offering “loans” after losing her job.
• She escalates methods to deter them: cussing out callers, flushing a toilet during calls, feigning limited English, and finally using a fart machine during their pitches. (“What you doing buying a fart machine? You can’t afford a fart right now…” – 63:35, Laci)
• When nothing works, she tells callers “dude, where’s my shit?” until the calls finally dwindle—highlighting both the persistence of scammers and the creativity of those targeted.

5. Identity Theft—Stranger Claims You… in Jail

Timestamps: 66:31–77:44

• Listener “Mickey” describes her driver’s license being stolen in a break-in. Months later, she receives a scanned letter from jail: someone used her identity as their “girlfriend” to collect personal belongings.
• This identity theft led to multiple fraudulent jailhouse accounts; law enforcement offered little help, so Mickey self-led her own investigation and obtained a settlement.
• The story illustrates how scammers exploit systemic gaps and the burden on victims to investigate and clear their own names.

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• On scamming the scammer (landlords):
  “I gave him a list of things. I said, the following list of things needs to be done in order for you to receive another payment from me.”
  (07:24 – Amber)

• On the utility of a fake attorney:
  “We should all have a fake attorney. ...Like, so powerful that you don’t even ask for details. They’re like, no, they’ll find you, baby.”
  (13:23 – Laci)

• On beauty and crime:
  “She looks like she got that skin that’s real poreless. So like when you’re in person, like, the skin is just so smooth... you gotta do crime.”
  (21:22–21:34 – Laci)

• On scammers flexing too hard:
  “Y’all are scamming and then really flexing in a way... you could have just invested, been quiet about it…The white glove service was a tell…”
  (34:46 – Amber)

• On bringer shows in comedy:
  “If you don’t know what a bringer show is, go to New York City... a bringer will appear.”
  (43:47 – Laci)

• On ‘self-led’ careers and investigations:
  “My career is self led.”
  (74:09 – Amber)
  “I don’t believe in bosses. You know what I mean? I’m an independent thinker. I’m in a self led profession.”
  (74:34 – Laci)

• On “upward scamming”
  “If you scammed up because you wouldn’t scam down…you’re classy, you scammed up.”
  (78:35 – Amber)

Timestamps for Segment Reference

• Amber’s Landlord Scam Story: 04:59–13:58
• Listener Letter: $144M Landlord Scam: 18:24–37:28
• NYC Improv Bringer Scam / Dating: 41:39–54:14
• Reverse Scam: Remy vs. Robocalls: 55:15–65:36
• Identity Theft: Stranger Ties in Jail: 66:31–77:44

Tone and Language

Funny, conversational, irreverent, and supportive, with a strong undertone of real-world advice and clever survivor energy. The episode is peppered with personal anecdotes, zippy punchlines, empathetic asides, and community-building banter. Both Laci and Amber maintain their comedic POV while validating listeners’ scam trauma and ingenuity.

Takeaways and Advice

• Don’t be afraid to fight back (creatively!) when you’re being scammed, whether it’s with landlords, businesses, or phone fraudsters.
• Weaponize a “fake lawyer” for quick results from exploiters.
• Beauty and social capital can enable and even mask long-term scamming.
• “Self-led” investigations (aka DIY detective work) are often necessary for scam recovery in broken systems.
• If you’re targeted, you’re not alone—and the con-gregation has your back.
• Always check your mail for suspicious activity—sometimes the USPS Informed Delivery feature will be your unexpected ally.
• Support your friends (even at their bad improv shows).

Credits & Listen Further

• Amber Wallin: Instagram @burriam, standup tour, and co-host of "Quit Playing with Jasmine & Amber."
• Laci Mosley: Scam Goddess podcast, book, live tour, and TV appearances.

To submit a scam story or snitch: scamgoddesspod@gmail.com
Stay Schemin' Con-gregation!