Inheritance Cons: Meet the Bakers and the 'Drakers'
In this 2-for-1 inheritance scam special, Holly and Maria talk about William Cameron Morrow Smith and Oscar Hartzell, who, separately, bilked thousands of people out of millions of dollars, just by te...
2 Maj 202329min
There’s Something About Mary -- But It’s Not Royal Blood
There was something about Mary, but despite her claims, it wasn't an inheritance, prestigious titles, peerage, or any aristocratic honors. Mary Carelton became famous-for-being-famous when the paparaz...
25 Apr 202326min
How “Dr.” Samuel Bennett Became the 'King of the Thimbles'
You can't talk about confidence artists and their games without talking about one of the classics: the shell game. It's been called a lot of things over the decades, and during the time and place we'r...
18 Apr 202325min
The So-Called 'Dr.' Blood and His 'Oxygenized Air' Cure
In January of 1881, the Cincinnati Examiner described Charles Lewis Blood as a "very affable" man, but questioned his right to the title M.D. And the Boston Globe described him as having a, "national ...
11 Apr 202328min
The Legend of Jefferson 'Soapy' Smith, Uncrowned King of Skagway
Jefferson 'Soapy' Smith had a different sort of destiny than his siblings, who were doctors and lawyers. Soapy led a dishonest life that included bribery and graft, fraud, theft, and extortion. When h...
4 Apr 202336min
The Miners Who Fooled Millionaires: The Great Diamond Hoax
During the 19th century it seemed like the American West held endless possibilities for great wealth, and Americans were looking for that next big thing. Two Kentucky swindlers, taking advantage of ge...
28 Mars 202334min
Sarah Emily Howe and the Ladies' Deposit Company
Calling herself a financial agent, Sarah Emily Howe introduced the women of the greater Boston area to the Ladies’ Deposit Company, which potentially sounds a lot better than what it really was: a swi...
21 Mars 202334min
Reed C. Waddell and the Goldbrick Game
Psst, buddy, want to buy some cheap gold? It may appear to be a gold bar on the surface, but in reality, what's for sale is something far less valuable. American Reed C. Waddell is credited with one o...
14 Mars 202327min
