Scamfluencers: Episode 170 - Doris Payne: Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Grift

Introduction

In episode 170 of Scamfluencers, titled "Doris Payne: Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Grift," Wondery delves deep into the fascinating life of Doris Payne, arguably the most glamorous and relentless jewel thief the world has ever known. Hosts Scaachi Koul and Sarah Hagi intertwine Doris's personal history with her notorious criminal career, exploring the motivations, methods, and relentless pursuit by law enforcement agencies worldwide.

Early Life and Formative Experiences

Doris Payne's journey into the world of high-stakes theft begins against a backdrop of adversity. Born in the early 1930s in a West Virginia coal mining town to a black coal miner father and a Cherokee mother, Doris's childhood was marked by both inspiration and trauma.

• Inspiration from Finer Things: Doris's mother, Clemie, despite their working-class status, exposed her daughters to the elegance of high society by reading them magazines like Harper's Bazaar and Town and Country. This environment nurtured Doris's fascination with luxury and finery, fostering her desire to lead a life beyond the constraints of her upbringing. "So she reads to them from Harper's Bazaar and Town and Country magazines," Sarah notes, highlighting the early seeds of Doris's future endeavors.

• Witnessing Domestic Abuse: Tragedy struck early as Doris witnessed her father physically abusing her mother. At just four years old, Doris intervened, showcasing her innate bravery and protective instincts. These traumatic experiences instilled in her a fierce determination to never be under anyone's control. "I am afraid of her and would like to give her all of my money," Sarah reflects on Doris's protective nature.

The Birth of a Mastermind

Doris's first foray into petty theft was less about necessity and more about asserting control and agency in a world that often sought to marginalize her.

• Early Theft Incidents: By her teenage years, Doris began experimenting with shoplifting, not out of desperation but as a means to wield influence and command respect. "She's so good at pulling the wool over this man's eyes that he actually thanks her," Sachi observes, emphasizing Doris's charm and tactical intelligence.

• First Major Heist: In 1956, Doris orchestrated her first significant theft alongside her friend Judy, cleverly disguising themselves to exploit vulnerabilities in department store security. This heist marked the beginning of Doris's career as a sophisticated jewel thief, utilizing her understanding of jewelry business intricacies to avoid detection.

Partnership with Babe and Expansion of the Empire

Doris's collaboration with Babe, a well-connected nightclub owner, was pivotal in scaling her operations internationally.

• Meeting Babe: Doris's encounter with Babe, a man described as looking like a "bag of ground meat rearranged to have an eye socket, a nose, and a mouth," led to a powerful alliance. Babe's expertise in the black market provided Doris with the necessary channels to sell her stolen goods discreetly. "He's a fascinating figure because he's like…" Sarah muses on Babe's role in Doris's life.

• International Exploits: With Babe's support, Doris expanded her thefts across nine countries, mastering the art of high-end jewelry thefts. Her ability to adapt to different cultures and security systems underscored her unparalleled skill and determination.

Personal Struggles and Losses

Doris's relentless pursuit of luxury and autonomy was not without personal costs.

• Loss of Loved Ones: The death of Babe and later her partner Kenneth left Doris grappling with profound grief. These losses significantly impacted her, driving her deeper into her life of crime as a coping mechanism. "It's so sad," Sachi expresses sorrow over Doris's losses, highlighting the human side of her complex character.

• Family Tensions: Doris's relationship with her mother, Clemie, was strained by her criminal activities. Despite Clemie's pleas for her to lead an honest life, Doris's commitment to her thievery remained unshaken. "How's God gonna judge her when it's her time?" remarks Sarah, underscoring the moral dilemmas faced by Doris.

The Final Chapters of a Storied Career

As technology advanced and surveillance tightened, Doris's ability to remain undetected dwindled.

• Increased Scrutiny: By the 1990s and 2000s, Doris faced relentless pressure from law enforcement agencies worldwide. Despite her numerous aliases and cunning methods, advancements in surveillance technology made it increasingly difficult for her to evade capture.

• Final Arrest and Legacy: At the age of 80, Doris was finally convicted and sentenced to five years in prison. However, her time behind bars was marred by harsh conditions and deteriorating health. Upon release, Doris's obsession led her to commit one final theft in 2017 at the age of 86, cementing her legacy as an unstoppable force in the world of theft. "She just can't stop," Sarah concludes, emphasizing Doris's unyielding nature.

Notable Quotes

• "She's so good at pulling the wool over this man's eyes that he actually thanks her." — Sachi Koul [Timestamp: 35:45]

• "It's not really about the stuff. It is really just about what the stuff represents." — Sarah Hagi [Timestamp: 27:30]

• "It's so sad, she doesn't care about the stores that much either." — Sarah Hagi [Timestamp: 05:15]

• "It's so deep. I don't know. There's just something so incredible about someone's mind working that way." — Sachi Koul [Timestamp: 19:50]

Conclusion

Doris Payne's story, as meticulously crafted by Scamfluencers, is a compelling tale of resilience, intelligence, and the unyielding pursuit of autonomy. Her ability to navigate and exploit societal biases, combined with her charismatic demeanor, made her a shadowy legend in the world of high-end theft. Through Doris's life, the podcast examines broader themes of power, agency, and the complexities of human motivation, leaving listeners both fascinated and reflective on the thin line between right and wrong.

Production Notes

This episode was penned by Liz Galalis with additional writing by Sachi Kol and Sarah Hagi. It draws extensively from sources like The Life and Crimes of Doris Payne directed by Kirk Marcelina and Matthew Pond, and Doris Payne's memoir, Diamond Doris: The True Story of the World's Most Notorious Jewel Thief. The narrative is enriched with sound design by James Morgan and meticulous fact-checking by Gabrielle Drollet, ensuring a vivid and accurate portrayal of Doris's life.

Scamfluencers continues to unravel the intricate webs spun by deceptive individuals across various industries, offering listeners unparalleled insights into the mechanics of modern-day cons and the psychology behind them. For those intrigued by tales of deception and the allure of power, this episode on Doris Payne serves as a masterclass in the art of the grift.