Podcast Summary: Scamanda – BONUS: Behind the Scenes with Charlie and Nancy

Release Date: June 28, 2023

Introduction

In this exclusive bonus episode of Scamanda, host Charlie Webster sits down with Nancy Moscatello to delve deeper into the intricate and emotionally charged story of Amanda Riley—a woman whose fabricated cancer journey captivated and deceived a global audience. This behind-the-scenes conversation offers listeners unprecedented insights into the investigation, the personal toll on those involved, and the broader implications of Amanda's actions.

Behind the Scenes of the Investigation

Timestamp: [04:53 – 06:55]

Charlie Webster opens the discussion by expressing gratitude to Nancy Moscatello, the investigative producer who played a pivotal role in uncovering Amanda Riley's deceit.

• Charlie Webster: "We've actually found out since we released the podcast that this was going on a lot longer than we realized." ([05:28])

Nancy reflects on her extensive involvement in the case, which spanned from 2015 until Amanda's conviction in 2022.

• Nancy Moscatello: "I started in 2015, so she went to jail in 2022." ([05:02])

She shares her initial expectations of a swift resolution, only to find that the case was far more complex and enduring.

Motivations Behind Amanda's Deception

Timestamp: [06:09 – 08:30]

Charlie probes into the psychological underpinnings of Amanda's actions, questioning whether her motivations were purely financial or if deeper emotional factors were at play.

• Charlie Webster: "Was it the fact that she needed attention, do you think? Or do you think she believes her own lies?" ([05:28])

Nancy provides a thoughtful analysis, suggesting that Amanda's manipulative behaviors may have roots in her adolescent need for attention, which evolved into financially motivated scams as she experienced success.

• Nancy Moscatello: "I do think that on some level, adolescent years or something, it was for the attention... It grew into money, and then once the money was there, it was game on." ([06:09])

She emphasizes the complexity of Amanda's character, indicating that her actions transcended simple financial gain, intertwining with personal gratification and control.

Amanda's Refusal to Take Responsibility

Timestamp: [08:07 – 12:32]

The conversation shifts to Amanda's response post-conviction, highlighting her refusal to accept responsibility for her actions. Nancy expresses frustration over Amanda targeting her personally in attempts to deflect blame.

• Nancy Moscatello: "She still to this day blames you and Alita... that you both went after her and it was out of being vindictive." ([08:07])

Charlie elaborates on specific instances where Amanda tried to silence voices like Nancy's during her sentencing.

• Charlie Webster: "The only thing that Amanda contested to was having you speak at the sentencing... She can speak like she's a victim, and if she needs to speak or wants to speak or, you know, that's okay." ([09:33])

Nancy recounts her emotional struggle in crafting her victim impact statement, focusing on the personal losses caused by Amanda's deceit.

• Nancy Moscatello: "The anguish my sister suffered knowing her time with her young children would be cut so short..." ([11:09])

Community Impact and Personal Stories

Timestamp: [15:08 – 25:33]

Charlie and Nancy delve into the broader impact of Amanda's actions on the community, sharing poignant stories from individuals who were directly affected.

One such story is that of Hannah, a cancer patient who recounts Amanda's overwhelming and intrusive support, which ultimately felt more suffocating than helpful.

• Hannah: "She was too happy to be sick and too happy that I was now sick with her." ([16:49])

Nancy discusses the manipulative tactics Amanda employed to gain trust and further her deceit, including leveraging her roles in educational institutions to foster a false sense of authenticity.

• Nancy Moscatello: "Amanda pulled the kids into everything... she did that to kids in middle school, you know, to be inspirational." ([15:30])

The duo also touches upon the psychological scars left on victims who continue to grapple with the betrayal, even after Amanda's incarceration.

• Nancy Moscatello: "Did it dent their spirit? Did it dent their way?... there's some live cases going on right now." ([22:15])

Amanda's Manipulative Online Presence

Timestamp: [23:14 – 29:38]

Nancy provides an in-depth look at the sophisticated online manipulation Amanda engaged in, including creating multiple personas to attack and discredit individuals who opposed her.

• Nancy Moscatello: "She created accounts to sandbag someone else... quite vicious." ([23:36])

Charlie shares insights from off-record conversations with other victims who feared Amanda's potential for vindictiveness, even from behind bars.

• Nancy Moscatello: "There's a sophistication of her manipulation... she created different personalities online." ([24:40])

This segment underscores the lingering fear and mistrust Amanda instilled in her victims, highlighting the lasting damage of her deceit.

Legacy and Roadmap for Future Investigations

Timestamp: [30:20 – 31:05]

Nancy reflects on the positive outcomes stemming from Amanda's case, particularly how the investigative strategies employed have set a precedent for future cases of similar fraud.

• Nancy Moscatello: "The work that Special Agent Lee and Detective Martinez did is a roadmap now that... this can be done, or this is how I went about it." ([30:20])

She expresses hope that Amanda's case will serve as a model for law enforcement agencies to more effectively tackle sophisticated fraud schemes in the future.

Closing Remarks

Timestamp: [31:25 – 31:25]

Charlie and Nancy conclude the conversation by thanking each other and encouraging listeners to continue engaging with the podcast. They acknowledge the community's support and the importance of sharing these stories to prevent future deceptions.

• Charlie Webster: "We're so grateful for you and thanks again." ([31:25])

Conclusion

This bonus episode provides a profound exploration of the Scamanda case through the lens of those who were most intimately involved in unraveling Amanda Riley's elaborate deception. Nancy Moscatello's firsthand experiences and emotional recounting offer listeners a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in uncovering fraud that intertwines with personal traumas and community trust. The episode not only sheds light on the specificities of Amanda's methods but also serves as a testament to the resilience of those determined to seek justice and protect others from similar deceit.

Notable Quotes

• Nancy Moscatello: "It is infuriating to see a perfectly healthy person take on the plight of true warriors of cancer for financial gain and attention." ([11:27])

• Charlie Webster: "Did you really have to involve yourself in her sentencing? What does that say about accountability?" ([09:33])

• Nancy Moscatello: "She was bringing community together... but she's also fleecing them for even more for her." ([29:05])

• Nancy Moscatello: "There's a sophistication of her manipulation... she created different personalities online." ([24:40])

Further Listening

For those captivated by this in-depth discussion, additional bonus episodes are available, featuring more personal stories and investigative revelations. Stay tuned to Scamanda for upcoming content that continues to explore the ripple effects of Amanda Riley's actions on individuals and the community at large.

Scamanda is hosted and produced by Charlie Webster, with production support from Lionsgate Sound and Pilgrim Media Group.