Scam Goddess Podcast Episode Summary

Title: Swindling the Nations w/ Dewayne Perkins
Release Date: March 25, 2025
Host: Laci Mosley
Guest: Duane Perkins
Podcast Description: Scam Goddess is an award-winning comedy podcast that delves into the world of fraud, featuring humorous yet insightful discussions on historical and contemporary scams. Hosted by Laci Mosley, the show combines true crime elements with comedy, often featuring notable guests to explore the lighter side of deceit.

1. Introduction and Guest Welcome (00:00 - 03:08)

Laci Mosley opens the episode with her signature charisma, setting the stage for an engaging conversation about fraud and scams. She introduces Duane Perkins, highlighting his accomplishments as an American comedian, writer, and actor. She mentions his upcoming role in the Seth Rogen comedy series "The Studio" premiering on Apple TV and his involvement in the Emmy-nominated horror comedy film "The Blackening." Duane joins the "Scam Goddess Con-gregation," ready to explore the intricate world of scams.

2. Light-hearted Banter and Establishing Rapport (03:08 - 10:04)

The conversation kicks off with playful exchanges about church duties and dancing, showcasing the chemistry between Laci and Duane. They joke about handling collection plates and praise dancing, with Laci complimenting Duane's dance skills. This segment serves to build a relaxed atmosphere, preparing listeners for the deeper dive into scam narratives.

Duane Perkins (03:27): "I have white gloves ready."

Laci Mosley (04:07): "Shout out to the dancers. They do not get enough love."

3. Personal Encounters with Scams (10:04 - 19:50)

Laci shares a personal experience involving a car scam that escalated beyond a simple collision. She describes how seemingly helpful individuals turned aggressive, bringing men in vans to intimidate her for additional payments.

Laci Mosley (08:01): "They almost led to a physical altercation because it was on the streets."

Duane relates with his own story of scamming attempts, emphasizing the importance of vigilance and self-defense.

Duane Perkins (08:36): "We might have to fight these men."

Through these anecdotes, the hosts illustrate the unpredictable and often dangerous nature of scams, blending humor with cautionary tales.

4. Historic Hoodwinks: The Oman Ghana Trust Fund Scam (19:50 - 65:38)

The core of the episode focuses on one of the greatest cons in history: the Oman Ghana Trust Fund scam orchestrated by John Mangana, alias Dr. John aka Bla Miza. This elaborate scheme leveraged colonial narratives and African folklore to deceive millions.

a. Origins and Colonial Context (19:50 - 26:23) Laci narrates how Ghana's first president, Kwame Nkrumah, was portrayed as a hero who stole gold from his own country, setting the foundation for John Mangana's scam. The CIA's psychological warfare against Nkrumah is highlighted, showing how external influences fostered distrust and laid the groundwork for Mangana's deception.

Laci Mosley (23:05): "The greatest con artist in African history used a colonial lie to swindle the western world out of hundreds of millions."

b. Constructing the Con: John Mangana's Blueprint (26:23 - 37:09) John Mangana crafted a believable narrative by claiming insider knowledge of Kwame's hidden treasures. He used fake documents, including those embossed with the President’s seal, and staged international retreats to instill trust among investors.

Laci Mosley (32:02): "He claimed to be a confidant of President Kwame and revealed a deathbed secret about hidden wealth."

c. Execution and Expansion of the Scam (37:09 - 58:43) Mangana expanded his reach by setting up satellite offices in major cities like Philadelphia and London. He lured investors with promises of high returns, often requiring them to attend exclusive retreats to reclaim their "funds."

Duane Perkins (39:20): "Having to do the math in your head like how many years is that? Eighteen months is that bad?"

His extravagant lifestyle, featuring luxury items like Rolls Royces and expensive jewelry, further convinced investors of his legitimacy.

d. The Unraveling and Legacy (58:43 - 65:38) The scam began to fall apart when investigative journalism, notably a 60 Minutes episode, exposed Mangana as the ultimate con man. Despite the public exposure, his legacy persisted, with subsequent attempts to revive the trust fund causing ongoing confusion and financial loss.

Laci Mosley (64:10): "The myth of the Oman Ghana Trust Fund lives on for generations."

Duane reflects on the cyclical nature of scams and the difficulty in dismantling deeply rooted fraudulent narratives.

Duane Perkins (64:21): "It's very much giving cyclical."

5. Insights on Scamming Psychology and Community Impact (65:38 - 73:00)

Laci and Duane delve into the psychological aspects that make scams effective. They discuss the role of shame in perpetuating fraud, where victims often hide their experiences to avoid appearing foolish, thereby allowing scammers to thrive unchecked.

Laci Mosley (55:33): "There's bait out there for everybody. I just hope you don't meet your fishermen."

Duane emphasizes the importance of community vigilance and education to prevent the spread of scams.

Duane Perkins (69:18): "I would like to be found in joy and happiness."

6. Conclusion and Takeaways (73:00 - End)

The episode wraps up with final reflections on the necessity of awareness and skepticism to combat fraud. Laci encourages listeners to stay informed and cautious, while Duane shares his excitement for upcoming projects and reinforces the importance of community support in the fight against scams.

Laci Mosley (71:15): "Stay scheming."

The hosts leave listeners with a blend of humor and serious advice, ensuring the audience remains both entertained and enlightened.

Key Takeaways

• Historical Scams: Understanding past cons like the Oman Ghana Trust Fund provides valuable lessons on the sophistication and longevity of fraud schemes.
• Psychological Manipulation: Scammers often exploit psychological vulnerabilities, such as trust, greed, and shame, to deceive victims.
• Community Vigilance: Educating communities about common scam tactics can significantly reduce the prevalence and impact of fraud.
• Personal Awareness: Being aware of the signs of scams and maintaining a healthy skepticism can protect individuals from falling victim to deceitful practices.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Laci Mosley (23:05): "The greatest con artist in African history used a colonial lie to swindle the western world out of hundreds of millions."
• Duane Perkins (08:36): "We might have to fight these men."
• Laci Mosley (32:02): "He claimed to be a confidant of President Kwame and revealed a deathbed secret about hidden wealth."
• Duane Perkins (64:21): "It's very much giving cyclical."
• Laci Mosley (55:33): "There's bait out there for everybody. I just hope you don't meet your fishermen."

Scam Goddess effectively blends humor with critical analysis of scams, providing listeners with both entertainment and education on the intricate world of fraud. This episode, featuring Duane Perkins, offers a deep dive into one of history's most elaborate cons, emphasizing the importance of awareness and community in combating deception.