Con Artists
139 episodes - English - Latest episode: almost 3 years ago - ★★★★★ - 2.1K ratingsAnyone can fall victim to a con. But what kind of person intentionally tries to deceive and manipulate someone? Peek behind the masks of hustlers, swindlers, and fraudsters, and explore how far someone would go to gain money, power, and respect. Con Artists is a Spotify Original from Parcast.
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Episodes
Victor Lustig Pt. 1
January 22, 2020 08:01 - 51 minutesHe cut his teeth swindling victims through a series of card game tricks. Soon Victor Lustig would move onto more elaborate, skilled schemes in which he would systematically earn his mark's trust for weeks before taking off with thousands of dollars. But it was in Paris where Lustig pulled his biggest con—selling the Eiffel Tower—twice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Con Artists Bites: Psychological Manipulation
January 17, 2020 08:01 - 31 minutesIn addition to new episodes of Con Artists each week, you’ll now also hear Crime Bites every Friday. Each Crime Bites episode gives you a deeper, yet brief look into true-crime topics covered at Parcast. Today we explore the idea of Psychological Manipulation—the tactics criminals use to deceive, coerce, and exert control over their victims. We'll dive into clips from shows across the Parcast Network, and discuss how these methods work, and most importantly, their dangerous consequences. Lea...
George Graham Rice Pt. 2
January 15, 2020 08:01 - 51 minutesIn 1904, George Graham Rice took his scams out West. Like many Americans in the early 20th century, Rice came to California looking to strike it rich. Except Rice wasn't looking to seek his own fortune, he was hoping to swindle others out of theirs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
George Graham Rice Pt. 1
January 08, 2020 08:01 - 50 minutesA master swindler who operated in the early 1900s, George Graham Rice was a con artist before America even knew the term. He went from amateur forger as a teenager to full-blown criminal in only a few short years, even stealing from his father’s fur business to finance his gambling habit. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Best of 2019: Sante Kimes Pt. 2
January 01, 2020 08:01 - 56 minutesHere’s one of our listeners’ most requested episodes of 2019: In 1998, Sante and Kenny Kimes started a spree of crimes by stealing a green Lincoln Town Car. But their biggest gambit—to snatch a $10 million mansion out from under New York socialite Irene Silverman. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Best of 2019: Sante Kimes Pt. 1
December 25, 2019 08:01 - 55 minutesHere’s one of our listeners’ most requested episodes of 2019: Sante ran cons for the majority of her life and involved both her husband, Kenneth Kimes, Sr., and their son, Kenny, in her elaborate plots. She made them accomplices to fraud, arson, human trafficking—and murder. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jeffrey Dahmer Special Pt. 3
December 23, 2019 08:10 - 52 minutesParcast Exclusive! DAHMER: A SERIAL KILLERS 3-PART SPECIAL While on probation after an early release from prison in March of 1990, Jeffrey Dahmer continued his wave of sadistic violence. A chance event would finally lead to his arrest, and a media spectacle would bring Dahmer to the masses.
Jeffrey Dahmer Special Pt. 2
December 23, 2019 08:05 - 43 minutesParcast Exclusive! DAHMER: A SERIAL KILLERS 3-PART SPECIAL It was a murderous rampage that could have possibly been stopped. Although Jeffrey Dahmer failed numerous times to turn his life around, his multi-year killing spree also went ignored by his family, neighbors, sentencing judges, and court-appointed therapists.
Jeffrey Dahmer Special Pt. 1
December 23, 2019 08:01 - 39 minutesParcast Exclusive! DAHMER: A SERIAL KILLERS 3-PART SPECIAL You know the name, but do you know the whole story? Jeffrey Dahmer—one of history’s most notorious serial killers, and our most requested episode, is now the subject of an exclusive 3-part special event. You can now listen to all 3 episodes within SERIAL KILLERS, and all of Parcast’s true-crime related feeds. He was one of the most infamous serial killers of the 20th century, murdering 17 young men between 1978 and 1991 through a va...
John Duval Gluck, Jr. Pt. 2: “Santa Claus Man”
December 18, 2019 08:01 - 54 minutesIn 1914, after two successful Christmas seasons, John Duval Gluck Jr.'s Santa Claus Association had become world-renowned. But the conman's greed led him to even bigger ventures, and his fundraising fraud only grew more brazen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Only on Spotify! FAMOUS FATES, A Parcast Limited Series!
December 12, 2019 08:01 - 11 minutesDiscover the stories of incredible people whose grandiose lives were matched only by their shocking demise in Parcast’s new limited series, FAMOUS FATES. With 5 episodes released every Wednesday, each group will center around a common theme, such as Hollywood Icons, Influential Women, Music Legends, and more. Check out this exclusive clip chronicling the impact of larger-than-life Hollywood icon, John Candy. To finish this episode, subscribe to FAMOUS FATES, free and only on Spotify.
John Duval Gluck, Jr. Pt. 1: “Santa Claus Man”
December 11, 2019 08:01 - 53 minutesIn the 1910s, John Gluck Jr. had such a desire for fame and wealth that he abandoned his business ventures and established himself as a reputable good Samaritan. But in a few years, he turned his successful charitable organization into a massive fraud operation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Debby Montgomery Johnson Pt. 2: “The Woman Behind the Smile”
December 04, 2019 08:01 - 50 minutesIn 2012, after borrowing nearly $100,000 from her parents to loan to her online boyfriend, Debby Montgomery Johnson was growing worried about the relationship's financial burden. She'd soon find the man she had been dating for nearly 2 years had a secret of his own. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Debby Montgomery Johnson Pt. 1: “The Woman Behind the Smile”
November 27, 2019 08:01 - 49 minutesAfter the death of her husband, Debby Montgomery Johnson joined an online dating site in hopes of finding love again. What she found was an online relationship with a companion fulfilled her every need, but at what cost? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Listen First! SPORTS CRIMINALS, A Parcast Original Series!
November 24, 2019 08:01 - 18 minutesThey’re sport’s greatest heroes… displaying superhuman-like abilities to overcome intense pressure. But when it comes to the downfalls of fame, money, and ego—they’re far more human than super. Every Thursday, Parcast’s original series SPORTS CRIMINALS keeps score on the darker side of sports. Each episode chronicles the meteoric rise and fall of some of sport’s biggest names. Enjoy this exclusive clip from the first of two captivating episodes on disgraced figure skater Tonya Harding. To fi...
Charles Ponzi Pt. 2: “The Father of Fraud”
November 20, 2019 08:01 - 51 minutesWithin 16 years of coming to America, Italian immigrant Carlo Ponzi would build a financial empire based on a massive scam. But by 1920, Ponzi would be exposed as a fraud, but unwilling to go away quietly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Listen First! DOG TALES, A Parcast Original Series!
November 14, 2019 08:01 - 16 minutesThey’re four-legged, full of love and often times more like family than their nickname suggests. Parcast’s endearing original series, DOG TALES, tells the true stories of heroic canines that have gone above and beyond their “best friend” duties. Every Monday, embark on a new journey of courage, service and unwavering sacrifice by our most loyal companions. Enjoy this exclusive clip from the first episode on Buddy the German Shepherd—America’s first seeing-eye guide dog. To finish this episod...
Charles Ponzi Pt. 1: “The Father of Fraud”
November 13, 2019 08:01 - 56 minutesItalian immigrant Carlo Ponzi came to Boston in the early 1900's intent on making a name for himself. But as he struggled to make ends meet, he discovered a highly lucrative investment method involving the resale of Italian postage. Just one catch—there was no investment plan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Madame Rachel Pt. 2: “The Beauty of Lies”
November 06, 2019 08:01 - 52 minutesNot only were Madame Rachel's claims about the magical qualities of her cosmetics false, she also used her London salon as a front for shadier practices like blackmail and prostitution. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Par for the Crime: POLITICAL SCANDALS, A Parcast Original Series!
November 03, 2019 07:01 - 15 minutesEvery Tuesday leading up to the 2020 election, POLITICAL SCANDALS counts down the 52 most controversial events in American history—uncovering the crimes and deceptions by some of our most infamous elected officials. And now you can hear a special clip from the first episode on the cutthroat circumstances surrounding the election of 1800. To finish this episode, subscribe to POLITICAL SCANDALS free on Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts!
Madame Rachel Pt. 1: “The Beauty of Lies”
October 30, 2019 07:01 - 53 minutesIn 1860s Victorian London, a woman from humble beginnings cons her way into the world of high society—selling exorbitantly priced bogus cosmetics to the very women she aims to befriend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Christian Gerhartsreiter Pt. 2: “The Unknown Rockefeller”
October 23, 2019 07:01 - 55 minutesIn 1995, Sandra Boss married who she thought was “Clark Rockefeller.” What she didn’t know was that his name was actually Christian Gerhartsreiter, and he held within him a slew of secrets, violent tendencies and increasingly erratic behavior. A wild divorce settlement and kidnapping would send Gerhartsreiter on the run. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Listen First! VILLAINS, A Parcast Original Series!
October 22, 2019 07:01 - 20 minutesBad guys. Black hats. Evildoers. They are the bane of every hero’s existence…and the subject of Parcast’s dastardly new original series, VILLAINS. Every Friday, join Alastair from CON ARTISTS, as he dissects the greatest foils from history and fiction—uncovering origins, analyzing impacts, and exploring the complexity of character and motive. In this clip, we explore the creation of an iconic, modern-day psychopath of the silver screen—Anton Chigurh from No Country for Old Men. To finish th...
Christian Gerhartsreiter Pt. 1: “The Unknown Rockefeller”
October 16, 2019 07:01 - 50 minutesBorn in Germany in the 1960s, Christian Gerhartsreiter had dreams of going to America...conning his way when necessary to get there. He would assume a number of identities, including an exchange student and a long-lost relative of European nobility. But his greatest deception was yet to come. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Bonus: Today In True Crime - Zodiac Killer
October 11, 2019 07:01 - 14 minutesOn this day in 1969, the Zodiac Killer’s last confirmed victim was shot and killed.
Jeanne de Saint-Rémy Pt. 2: Comtesse de la Motte
October 09, 2019 07:01 - 54 minutes18th Century France—con artist Jeanne de la Motte hoodwinks the royals, ultimately contributing to the fall of the monarchy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jeanne de Saint-Rémy Pt. 1: Comtesse de la Motte
October 02, 2019 07:01 - 47 minutesJeanne de la Motte was an 18th-century French confidence artist. She eventually hoodwinked the members of the royal family in such a dramatic fashion, it ultimately contributed to the fall of the monarchy, and hastened the French Revolution. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Sante Kimes Pt. 2: Escalation
September 25, 2019 07:01 - 56 minutesIn 1998, Sante and Kenny Kimes started a spree of crimes by stealing a green Lincoln Town Car. Before the summer was over, they'd escalated to fraud, kidnapping, and murder. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Sante Kimes Pt. 1: Mother and Son
September 18, 2019 07:01 - 55 minutesSante ran cons for the majority of her life and involved both her husband, Kenneth Kimes, Sr., and their son, Kenny, in her elaborate plots. She made them accomplices to fraud, arson, human trafficking, and murder. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Introducing: SPORTS CRIMINALS, a new Parcast Original!
September 17, 2019 07:01 - 23 minutesIn our new show SPORTS CRIMINALS, we break down the crimes and careers of the most controversial sports figures in history. From kidnapping and murder to widespread corruption scandals, we give you the play by play of what lurks in the shadows of the sports world. New episodes come out every Thursday! In this clip we introduce the incredible rise and precipitous fall of Oscar Pistorius, who captured the attention of the world by participating in the 2012 Olympic games as a double-leg amputee...
Jordan Belfort Pt. 2: Wolf In A Cage
September 11, 2019 07:01 - 47 minutesTremendous wealth fueled an incredibly lavish lifestyle, filled with luxury goods and debauchery. However, the glitz and glamour was supported by a web of lies. Within five years of its founding, both the SEC and the FBI were investigating Stratton Oakmont’s activities. Jordan Belfort’s dream life was coming apart at the seams. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jordan Belfort Pt. 1: The Wolf of Wall Street
September 04, 2019 07:01 - 49 minutesOn Jordan Belfort’s first day as a Wall Street Stockbroker, in October 1987, the market crashed over 500 points. A month later, he was out of a job. Down, out, and completely broke, the soon to be Wolf of Wall Street reinvented himself as a penny stockbroker, and devised a scam so simple – so ingenious – he was soon earning almost $1 million a week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Anna Anderson Pt. 2: Princess Imposter
August 28, 2019 07:01 - 51 minutesBy 1925, 28-year-old Franziska Schanzkowsky had forged a new life for herself posing as the long lost Russian monarch, Anastasia Romanov. For decades she would bounce from the palaces and mansions of her wealthy supporters across Europes and America, honing her skills as a master manipulator. But when a series of events threatens to unmask her, Franziska will go to great lengths to maintain her con at any cost. Parcasters - Watergate forever changed the way Americans look at the presidency, b...
Anna Anderson Pt. 1: The False Anastasia
August 21, 2019 07:01 - 54 minutesFranziska Schanzkowsky always thought she was destined for something bigger than the life of a Polish peasant. In 1921, after the fall of the Romanov Empire, 24-year-old Franziska claimed she was the Grand Duchess Anastasia, the youngest daughter of deposed Tsar Nicholas II. But to maintain the lie, Franziska would have to surrender more of herself than she ever realized...including her sanity. Parcasters - This week on Crimes of Passion we take on the infamous case of Lorena and John Bobbit...
Stephen Glass Pt. 2: “Hack Heaven”
August 14, 2019 07:01 - 48 minutesIn May of 1998, rock-star journalist Stephen Glass tried to break into the burgeoning field of reporting: digital technology. He wrote an article that impressed his colleagues, his editor, and the general public. Unfortunately, not a word of it was true. Parcasters - Thank you so much for listening to our new podcast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Stephen Glass Pt. 1: The Devil’s Bargain
August 07, 2019 07:01 - 56 minutesIn the 1990's, young writer Stephen Glass left college and entered the journalism world, quickly becoming a rising star. At the New Republic magazine in Washington D.C., Stephen dazzled his editors and captured his readers with compelling pieces written in specific, colorful detail, but it was all false. Parcasters - Thank you so much for listening to our new show! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Bernie Madoff Pt. 2: The Soft Screw
July 31, 2019 07:01 - 59 minutesFor decades, Bernie Madoff ran one of the largest Ponzi schemes in history, stealing billions of dollars from thousands of people, all under the guise of savvy investment techniques. But in the early 2000s, the wrong people finally asked the right questions and took a closer look at his money management. Madoff scrambled to fool the SEC - again - and hold onto the fortune he built on lies. Parcasters - This week on The Dark Side Of, we move on from Hollywood and start our exploration of the m...
Bernie Madoff Pt. 1: Wizard of Wall Street
July 24, 2019 07:01 - 58 minutesHe stole from retirement funds, charities, and Holocaust survivors. And from the 1960s to 2008, people handed over their money willingly. In our first episode, we’ll see how Bernie Madoff turned his Manhattan broker-dealer firm into a vehicle for international fraud, and created the world’s largest Ponzi scheme. Parcasters - Don’t miss all of our special Summer of ‘69 episodes by subscribing to Parcast Presents: Summer of ‘69, on Spotify, or anywhere you listen to podcasts! Learn more about y...
Welcome to Con Artists!
July 01, 2019 22:01 - 3 minutesParcast’s Original Show, Con Artists, peeks behind the masks of hustlers, swindlers, and Nigerian Princes. We’ll dive into their psychology, and teach listeners how to spot a con. Every week tells the story of a different scammer, someone like Gregor MacGregor, who sold investments in a fictional South American colony. Or fake MI5 agent Robert Hendy-Freegard. Or Charles Ponzi, inventor of the eponymous scheme. What kind of person runs a scam? And why do we trust them? Con Artists premieres We...