Scams, Money & Murder: Interview with Jessica Pressler on Anna Delvey

Episode Title: INTERVIEW: Jessica Pressler, Expert on Anna Delvey
Host: Nicole Lapin
Release Date: June 19, 2025
Podcast Series: Scams, Money & Murder by Crime House
Guest: Jessica Pressler, journalist and author of the groundbreaking New York Magazine article on Anna Delvey.

1. Introduction

In this engaging episode of Scams, Money & Murder, host Nicole Lapin welcomes Jessica Pressler, the esteemed journalist behind the infamous New York Magazine article that unveiled the intricate scam of Anna Delvey Sorkin—a fake German heiress who duped New York's elite. Jessica's in-depth reporting not only shed light on Anna's elaborate fraud but also inspired the popular Netflix series Inventing Anna.

2. The Anna Delvey Scam

Jessica Pressler delves into the audacious world Anna Delvey navigated. Anna posed as a wealthy socialite, frequenting high-end restaurants, yachts, and exclusive events, convincing banks, hotels, and even friends to fund her extravagant lifestyle.

Jessica Pressler [00:08]: “A lot of people were very insistent that she was real. She had bought these dinners, she was on yachts. The audacity of it is fascinating. I don't think I've ever met anybody so unwilling to take no for an answer.”

Jessica highlights the impressive facade Anna maintained, infiltrating prestigious institutions like Fortress City National Bank and Gibson Dunn law firm despite being labeled a "27-year-old nobody" in the tabloids.

3. Economic Backdrop and Social Media Influence

The conversation transitions to the socio-economic climate during Anna's rise. Post the 2008 financial crisis, there was an influx of venture capital and "easy money," creating an environment ripe for ambitious entrepreneurs.

Jessica Pressler [04:12]: “I definitely think that her story is so much a story of the time we were kind of in... very the easy money startup venture capitalists throwing funding at whatever to see if it sticks.”

This environment, coupled with the burgeoning influence of social media, made it easier for Anna to project an image of success and manipulate perceptions.

4. Unraveling the Web of Deception

Jessica recounts the moment her investigation into Anna shifted from curiosity to a major story, emphasizing the extensive network Anna had woven involving art collectors, real estate investors, and influential figures.

Jessica Pressler [06:14]: “Every rock you looked under there was like a whole bunch of other bold faced names scurried out from underneath it... the size of the web was very large.”

The complexity and scale of Anna's network highlighted her ability to convincingly portray herself as a legitimate heiress.

5. Challenges in Reporting the Truth

One of the most significant hurdles Jessica faced was establishing trust with Anna, who was incarcerated and accused of fraud. This made direct communication unreliable, necessitating thorough triangulation of facts from multiple sources.

Jessica Pressler [10:45]: “She was never, like, a reliable source, so there was a lot of triangulation that had to happen... most of the information that I got about her came from other people.”

Despite these challenges, Jessica believes Anna was mostly truthful, with her deceit primarily consisting of omissions rather than outright lies.

6. Anna’s True Intentions and Ambitions

Jessica provides insight into Anna's genuine desire to create a legitimate arts foundation, distancing her actions from mere financial gain. Anna was determined to gain respect as a savvy businesswoman rather than simply scamming for personal enrichment.

Jessica Pressler [08:04]: “She really wanted to start the business. She really believed that this arts foundation that was named after her was a great idea and that it could have taken off.”

This revelation paints Anna as a complex character driven by ambition and a genuine, albeit misguided, vision.

7. Media Influence and Heroification of Scammers

The discussion shifts to the impact of media portrayals, specifically the Netflix adaptation, which risks glamorizing scam artists by adding layers of human complexity and enigmatic charm.

Jessica Pressler [19:07]: “I find it kind of disturbing that Anna has kind of been perceived like a hero in a lot of ways.”

Jessica expresses concern that dramatizations can inadvertently turn scammers into folk heroes, overshadowing the deceit and harm they caused.

8. Evolution of Scamming in the Modern Era

Jessica identifies current trends in scamming, noting that while the methods evolve, the underlying tactics remain consistent. She points out the rise of scams related to AI, cryptocurrency, and personal relationships, akin to the Tinder Swindler's elaborate deceptions.

Jessica Pressler [25:23]: “The biggest trend in my inbox, weirdly, is the amount of people who are like, I was scammed and it was my husband or my wife.”

She emphasizes that as long as there is new technology or opportunities, scams will adapt and persist.

9. Anna Delvey’s Life Post-Scam

Jessica shares updates on Anna's life following her arrest, highlighting her resilience and continuous hustle to maintain her notoriety. From participating in Dancing with the Stars to auctioning NFTs, Anna remains a prominent yet controversial figure.

Jessica Pressler [30:24]: “She was doing art for a while and kind of having these art auctions and she was auctioning off NFTs... she just ignored him. I think she lives there.”

Despite her criminal background, Anna continues to leverage her fame, demonstrating her unwavering tenacity.

10. Final Reflections and Takeaways

In concluding the interview, Jessica Pressler reflects on the broader implications of Anna's story. She underscores the importance of not glorifying criminals and reiterates the fundamental lesson: crime does not pay.

Jessica Pressler [34:22]: “Don't do crime.”

Jessica hopes listeners understand the complexities behind such scams and recognize the systemic issues that allow them to thrive.

Notable Quotes

• Jessica Pressler on Anna's Audacity:
  “I don't think I've ever met anybody so unwilling to take no for an answer.”
  [00:08]

• On the Economic Backdrop:
  “The amount of money that was kind of changing hands... easy to see and interesting how somebody could just be like, why not me?”
  [04:12]

• Regarding Media Heroification:
  “I find it kind of disturbing that Anna has kind of been perceived like a hero in a lot of ways.”
  [19:07]

• Final Takeaway:
  “Don't do crime.”
  [34:22]

Conclusion

This episode offers a profound exploration of Anna Delvey's intricate scam through the lens of Jessica Pressler's investigative journalism. It not only unravels the layers of deception employed by Anna but also critically examines the societal and media influences that shape our perceptions of such figures. Listeners gain a nuanced understanding of the thin line between ambition and fraud, the evolving landscape of scams, and the ethical responsibilities of media portrayals in true crime narratives.

For more in-depth discussions and analyses of financial crimes, follow Crime House on Instagram and TikTok @crimehouse, and don't miss their latest offerings, including the audiobook Murder in the Media available on Spotify.