True Crime Obsessed - Episode 428: Scamanda Summary

Title: Scamanda
Host(s): Julian Penzavalli & Patrick Hines
Release Date: May 8, 2025
Description: In this gripping four-part series, the hosts delve into one of the most audacious frauds they've ever covered—Amanda Riley's elaborate scam of faking cancer to exploit her wealthy church community and friends for money. With a blend of humor, sass, and heart, Julian and Patrick unravel the layers of deception, betrayal, and manipulation in this true crime saga.

Introduction to the Scamanda Series

Julian Penzavalli [00:21]:
"This is Scamanda episode one."

Julian and Patrick introduce their Patreon-exclusive four-part series, Scamanda, highlighting it as one of the craziest and maddest stories they've tackled. They express their frustration with individuals faking serious illnesses for personal gain.

The Genesis of the Scam

Patrick Hines [00:34]:
"I'm really sick of these jerks faking cancer. I'm over it."

The scam centers around Amanda Riley, a seemingly beloved member of the Fox Hollow community. Amanda, a mother and wife, gains the trust and sympathy of her church and friends by portraying herself as a terminal cancer patient.

Amanda's Integration into the Church Community

Unnamed Speaker 2 [00:50]:
"Everyone knows she was being accused of faking cancer."

Amanda marries Corey in April 2011 and quickly becomes an active, charismatic member of the Franciscan Community Church (FCC), a mega church similar to Hillsong with around 5,000 congregants. Her involvement includes managing church social media and participating in large-scale events, all while presenting a façade of vulnerability and illness.

Manipulating Trust and Exploiting Generosity

Unnamed Speaker 5 [03:34]:
"This is an absolute nightmare."

Amanda leverages her position in the church to solicit donations under the guise of battling cancer. Through her blog titled "My Story, Our Journey," she gains overwhelming support, raising substantial funds (e.g., "the community raised $100,000") from well-meaning congregants and supporters like Rebecca, a wealthy friend who donates $500 monthly.

Red Flags and Suspicious Behavior

Patrick Hines [00:58]:
"Why would somebody fake cancer?"

As Amanda continues her deceit, inconsistencies start to surface. Friends like Lisa Berry begin to notice discrepancies in Amanda's stories—such as the questionable legitimacy of her medical conditions and the odd behavior of her husband, Corey, who remains conspicuously absent during her moments of supposed crisis.

Amanda Riley [06:25-06:42]:
"Amanda was probably 24, 25. She was younger than the moms in the class... Amanda C. Reilly is the faker."

Lisa, sensing something amiss, confronts Amanda but feels powerless to address the situation directly, leading to mounting tension and eventual estrangement.

The Climactic Confrontation

Unnamed Speaker 4 [28:24]:
"I need to get some water. So she exited the church and on the way back, fainted while simultaneously urinating on herself."

A dramatic moment occurs when Amanda faints in church, leading to an outpouring of immediate support without any medical intervention, further solidifying her deceitful image. This incident heightens suspicion among close friends, especially Lisa, who begins to piece together the layers of Amanda's manipulation.

Amanda Riley [29:10]:
"The pregnancy is reversing the disease. They just wanted to be in pretend mode."

Amanda's continuous fabrications, including a miraculous pregnancy that supposedly cures her cancer, escalate the scam. Lisa decides to cut ties, realizing the depth of Amanda's deceit.

Unveiling the Truth

Unnamed Speaker 1 [48:22]:
"There is a 30 year old woman in Silicon Valley, California, who is now claiming to have stage four blood cancer... This person was adamant that they knew that what she was saying was false."

The hosts reveal that Lisa Berry becomes the anonymous tipster, uncovering Amanda's fraudulent activities. Through investigative efforts, the truth about Amanda's manipulations is exposed, leading to widespread betrayal and financial loss for those she deceived.

Amanda Riley [49:08]:
"My name is Lisa Berry and I am the anonymous source. It's time. I'm proud of it."

In a pivotal moment, Lisa publicly acknowledges her role in unveiling Amanda's scam, bringing closure to the series.

Fundraising Exploits and Financial Deception

Julian Penzavalli [34:37]:
"This one time during a Sunday service, the pastor brought Amanda and Corey up on stage... People are dropping 50s, hundreds, twenties. Not a cult at all, though."

Amanda orchestrates various fundraising schemes, including campaigns at local restaurants like Chili's, where a portion of bills is donated to her under false pretenses. This not only exploits the generosity of her community but also ingrains her deeper into the fabric of the church's philanthropic activities.

Patrick Hines [36:37]:
"It's Lisa's her birthday party... Amanda and Corey had just met Steve. Lisa and Steve are devastated because not only were they really, really close..."

These financial exploits are meticulously planned to maximize donations, exploiting both emotional appeals and the trust inherent in close-knit community structures.

The Aftermath and Lessons Learned

Julian Penzavalli [50:36]:
"We're not doing it. Bam. All four episodes are available right now and ad free on the Patreon feed."

The series concludes with reflections on the pervasive nature of scams within trusted communities and the importance of vigilance. Julian and Patrick emphasize the need to trust one's instincts and the devastating impact of deceit on personal relationships and community trust.

Patrick Hines [50:55]:
"Don't fake cancer. And listen to your gut."

The hosts urge listeners to remain cautious and discerning, highlighting how even well-intentioned communities can fall victim to sophisticated scams.

Notable Quotes

• Patrick Hines [00:34]:
  "I'm really sick of these jerks faking cancer. I'm over it."

• Amanda Riley [29:10]:
  "The pregnancy is reversing the disease. They just wanted to be in pretend mode."

• Lisa Berry [49:08]:
  "My name is Lisa Berry and I am the anonymous source. It's time. I'm proud of it."

• Patrick Hines [50:55]:
  "Don't fake cancer. And listen to your gut."

Conclusion

In Scamanda, Julian and Patrick provide a comprehensive exploration of Amanda Riley's deceitful manipulation within a wealthy church community. Through meticulous investigation and engaging storytelling, they uncover how Amanda exploited faith, trust, and generosity for personal gain. The series serves as a cautionary tale about the vulnerability of tight-knit communities to charismatic frauds and the importance of skepticism and vigilance in safeguarding against such deceptions.

Listeners new to Scamanda will find themselves enthralled by the intricate web of lies, the emotional toll on the victims, and the ultimate revelation of the truth. Julian and Patrick skillfully balance humor and heart, making this episode a compelling addition to their true crime repertoire.

Listen to Scamanda exclusively on Patreon for the full, ad-free experience and over 450 additional bonus episodes.

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Disclaimer: All names and events portrayed are based on provided transcript content for summarization purposes.