ScamWow

Scammers, swindlers, con artists: unethical rogues who should be brought to justice? Or brilliant players in the game of capitalism that can help you get a free mattress? Comedian and author Caitlin Brodnick can’t always decide. Each week, join Caitlin and a special guest as they dive into current and historic scams, from skillful mobsters to Real Housewives fraudsters, from MLMs to YouTube grifters. Together, they’ll explore the thin line between swindle and survival, between fleecing an easy mark and just launching a startup. Listen and embrace the art of the dupe with true crime’s less-disturbing sister: the true con. 

Comedy
True Crime
Society & Culture
1
S02E33 - Special Announcement & Special Mailbag...
With over 180 episodes of ScamWow (HELL YEAH) we can’t thank you enough!!!!!! Thank you so all our listeners and fans and guests who have supported ScamWow from the beginning! We are not going anywhere, don’t worry. We explain it all in the episode and how you can have special and additional access to even more! We covered so much today, so let’s start with our listener Dabney’s Book! And sadly Caitlin does not understand that Shopkins are not Neopets. For a great resource everyone should check out the podcast What The Hack with Adam Levin with great tips and tricks to protect yourself from scams. Caitlin receives a visit from The Fly that sucks, the invasive insect all New Yorkers hate. We have important questions being asked about our Summer Of Scam Movies: Never Been Kissed or Never Been Convicted? With Sarah Grace Welbourn. And some extra NFT help as you attempt to venture into the world of NFTs from another brilliant friend of the pod. Plus hear exclusive episodes on our Patreon. RESOURCES: @caitybrodnick @scamwowpodcast Scamwowpodcast.com DISCLAIMER: We are comedians and this is satire. C’mon Send us your scams! scamwowpodcast@gmail.com Or call: 347-509-9414
35 min
2
S02E32- I Want My Chickens To Be Sexually Activ...
This week Caitlin is joined by comedians Priya Patel and Chet Siegel, hosts of their own podcast, Nibbles and Bits. This episode covers so many scams. Without exaggeration, the wild ride of today’s episode includes: Food marketing scams Modern gathering and foraging 30-minute meals Crude animal protein PSAs Sexual chickens The Tara Reid of Pittsburgh Mommy bloggers Diet culture Pink Sauce TikTok Animal shelters Childbirth And Lady Gaga’s Bad Romance. Enjoy! Plus hear exclusive episodes on our Patreon. RESOURCES: Nibbles and Bits Podcast Add to Cart Podcast, with Kulap Vilaysack & SuChin Pak Trader Joe’s Baby Chicks! TikTok’s Pink Sauce Is a Gooey, Pepto-Colored Mystery Forbes, Food Scams You Need To Avoid Darius Cooks @niceonepriya @chetsiegel @caitybrodnick @scamwowpodcast Scamwowpodcast.com Get those couch DISCOUNTS!!! https://allform.com/lp/scamwow/podcasts DISCLAIMER: We are comedians and this is satire. C’mon Send us your scams! scamwowpodcast@gmail.com Or call: 347-509-9414
60 min
3
S02E31 - The Worst Catfish In The World W/ Cara...
One of the nicest people in New York City and also one of the funniest comedians, Cara Devins joins Caitlin to discuss the time her entire family was catfished in person by a lonely soldier. Did he want to marry Cara’s dad or did he just want to buy everyone a round of drinks?
45 min
4
S02E30 - Queenpins Movie, Is It A Scam ? W/Anna...
Caitlin and actress Anna Callegari watched the movie Queenpins and discovered how easy it is to create a coupon conglomerate in your own backyard! Unfortunately this movie was neither a comedy or documentary, and it did not have enough Kirby Howell-Baptiste for both of them. But hey, Bebe Rexha is a hacker in super uncomfortable pants, so if she can do it anyone can! Also is couponing a scam, or is it only a problem after you begin to launder money through weapon sales? Who’s to say? So grab your smoothie, slam it on the table, and get ready to hear about this ridiculous movie they watch so you don’t have to! Plus hear exclusive episodes on our Patreon. RESOURCES: Queenpins http://www.annaecallegari.com Dinour Callegari Team Anna’s Triumph Page @bananascalamari @annasellsbrooklyn @caitybrodnick @scamwowpodcast Scamwowpodcast.com Get those couch DISCOUNTS!!! https://allform.com/lp/scamwow/podcasts DISCLAIMER: We are comedians and this is satire. C’mon Send us your scams! scamwowpodcast@gmail.com Or call: 347-509-9414
39 min
5
S02E029 - The Money App scams that could make y...
Who knew you could have so much fun talking about Venmo, Zelle, and other money app scams? Ariel Elias is back this week with Caitlin and they discuss the trening scams that are fooling millions. Did you recently get a random $5000 payment for “an antique doll” that you know nothing about? Well guess what- you’re rich baby!Hold on to your voicemails, because this episode might be the most fun you will ever have hearing about bank tax write off! Plus hear exclusive episodes on our Patreon. RESOURCES: https://www.arieleliascomedy.com https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/bbb-comed-warn-of-rise-in-mobile-payment-app-scams/2933357 https://www.forbes.com/sites/emilymason/2022/09/08/despite-a-late-start-bank-owned-zelle-moves-more-money-than-venmo-and-cash-app-combined/?sh=fd47f219d3f3 https://www.alphr.com/venmo-scam-facebook-marketplace/ https://www.latimes.com/business/technology/story/2022-09-06/venmo-zelle-scams-money-sent-by-accident https://www.scam-detector.com @ariel_comedy insta @Ariel_comedy twitter @caitybrodnick @scamwowpodcast Scamwowpodcast.com Get those couch DISCOUNTS!!! https://allform.com/lp/scamwow/podcasts DISCLAIMER: We are comedians and this is satire. C’mon Send us your scams! scamwowpodcast@gmail.com Or call: 347-509-9414
56 min
6
RERUN! Oh No? More like, Au Pair!
She’s a talent scout, devoted babysitter, and sometimes impersonates Florida judges: It’s Australian con artist Samantha Azzopardi.
48 min
7
02E028 - Recycling
This week Caitlin is joined by comedian and actress Cody Lindquist to discuss plastics and the scam of recycling. Of course, Caitlin begins with her latest obsession (veneers), but all roads quickly lead to the heaps of plastic trash bags piled throughout New York City. All you 80’s babies gather ‘round with your Capri Suns and candy cigarettes as Caitlin and Cody reveal the real enemy in America’s battle with plastics (hint: they’re the villain in just about everything). From billiards to Gatorade bottles, there are plenty of lies and coverups to go around. But hey: The Bronx has dolphins now, so things are looking up! Plus hear exclusive episodes on our Patreon. RESOURCES: https://codylindquist.com Two Beers In: A Tipsy Political Round Table Podcaast How Big Oil Misled The Public Into Believing Plastic Would Be Recycled Plastic Recycling Doesn’t Work and Will Never Work ‘Sightings of a lifetime’: Whales and dolphins flock to NYC waters @Codylindquist @caitybrodnick @scamwowpodcast Scamwowpodcast.com Get those couch DISCOUNTS!!! https://allform.com/lp/scamwow/podcasts DISCLAIMER: We are comedians and this is satire. C’mon Send us your scams! scamwowpodcast@gmail.com Or call: 347-509-9414
53 min
8
S02E027 - MOVE Over Ann Hathaway, This is a Ban...
Caitlin is joined by comedians and podcasters Caitlin Bitzegaio and Lauren Brickman of the hit podcast We Stan Together to discuss the scams percolating percolating scams in pop culture. Whether it’s Dane Cook’s brother, Jen Shah, or your own nightmares, these three are ready to dissect them. Also, did you offend Ann Hathaway at a child’s birthday party? Plus: Wwatch out for those improv comedians;, they will sneak into your dreams and blow up your marriages. This completely bananasis the funniest episode is brought to you by the soon-to-failnewest members of the Varsity Comedy Club. Plus hear exclusive episodes on our Patreon. RESOURCES: https://www.westantogether.com The Ekin-Su Transformation Caity is Obsessed With This Week Natalia Dyer weird makeover TikTok thing A Fraud Case Study: Dane Cook and Darryl McCauley Victoria Beckham Coming To America - Part 1/3 @westansocial Twitter @westansocial @laurenabrickman @caitorade @caitybrodnick @scamwowpodcast Scamwowpodcast.com Get those couch DISCOUNTS!!! https://allform.com/lp/scamwow/podcasts DISCLAIMER: We are comedians and this is satire. C’mon Send us your scams! scamwowpodcast@gmail.com Or call: 347-509-9414
57 min
9
RERUN! The Inaugural Scammer with Dartanyon Wil...
69 min
10
S02E026 - BLANK CHECK Summer of Scam Movies W/ ...
The ‘90s: where $1 million feels like $100 million!!! This week, we’re joined by comedian and Caitlin’s former college roommate Victoria Montalbano. Together, they rewatched the scammy classic Blank Check. The movie, a Blockbuster favorite of millenials, just might have inspired a generation of catfish. Falling madly in love with Karen Duffy and being terrified of Miguel Ferrer were pretty common back then, so what else can a ten-year-old do? Caitlin and Victoria discuss all these formative moments with no detail (like that… um… kiss) spared.
56 min
11
S02E025 - Don’t Incriminate Yourself with Stick...
Journalist and husband extraordinaire Allen Arthur joins Caity to explore a top cop con job. They discuss the recent scam pulled by former NYPD Sergeants Benevolent Association President Ed Mullins, in which he (allegedly) used around $1 million of his union’s money to fund his grocery shopping and steakhouse dinners. Not only did this special boy in blue (allegedly) defraud his own union members, but he found the time to dox former Mayor Bill de Blasio’s daughter on Twitter! (That’s not allegedly. That one definitely happened.) There’s really nothing like a guy tweeting about the dangers of crime while skimming a few hundred grand of cop money. And the way this hero does it (allegedly) is jaw-dropping. Because hey, if you can expense a dinner for $50.00 why not make it $500? They’re just numbers guys! Plus hear all our uncut bits and more on our Patreon. RESOURCES: Dept. of Justice press release Full indictment ProPublica reporting on Ed Mullins’ history Now he’s getting sued So don’t you want to think beyond police? https://millionexperiments.com @lissomelight @caitybrodnick @scamwowpodcast Scamwowpodcast.com Get those couch DISCOUNTS!!! https://allform.com/lp/scamwow/podcasts DISCLAIMER: We are comedians and this is satire. C’mon Send us your scams! scamwowpodcast@gmail.com Or call: 347-509-9414
59 min
12
S02E024 - Jen Shah’s Shamazing Shocker W/ Ellen...
ScamWow’s fan favorite Ellen Haun is back to discuss our beloved Jen Shah. Nothing about this case quite adds up from last season's canceled uber rides to her recent guilty plea, she keeps us guessing. Jen Shah is one of the Real Housewives of Salt Lake City who has lived a life of luxury, and much of that luxury was from a scheme in which she sold and traded personal information of the elderly. Shah who has claimed she was innocent appeared in front of US District Judge Sidney Stein this month to change her plea to guilty.
53 min
13
S02E23 - Chrisley Knows House Arrest w/ Molly T...
Have you ever watched Chrisley Knows Best, because we sure haven’t! But that is not an issue because this reality star scam is so transparent you could write it yourself. Comedian Molly Thomas joins Caitlin to discuss this trainwreck of a family, their go-to scheme, and their fraud conviction... which apparently will be airing on USA Network next season! Nothing is sacred in reality television, except for uber-religious people lying about their taxes. Also, for all you Chrisleyheads, if your dad is threatening you with a sex tape — time to get a new dad!
59 min
14
S02E022 - “Your Beanie Baby is Worthless” W/ B...
Did your mom collect beanie babies with hopes it would become your 401k? Well so did everyone! And this investment went the way of the tomigachi. Sit back and enjoy this journey through the many lies we’ve told ourselves about millions of plush toys. Becky Chicoine, comedian, and actress, dissects her own personal beanie baby collection. Her mother is still convinced it could one day pay off. If only she had collected cool edgy toys like comic books, she would be rolling in dough. https://www.forbes.com/profile/ty-warner/?sh=4877d936d708 https://nypost.com/2015/02/22/how-the-beanie-baby-craze-was-concocted-then-crashed/ https://public.com/learn/beanie-babies-boom https://www.wbur.org/hereandnow/2015/03/02/beanie-baby-bubble https://www.businessinsider.com/rise-and-fall-beanie-babies-ty-warner-2021-8 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ty_Warner https://luxe.digital/lifestyle/scene/most-valuable-beanie-babies/
65 min
15
S02E021 - “Scam Calls Are Ramping it up For Sum...
Are you a creative engineer who recently lost a job? Are you an unemployed actor? Are you looking to get back at the “man”? Well this is your summer because scam call centers need smart, self-starters, and creatives like you!
50 min
16
S02E020 - You’re Being Lied To About Baby Formu...
Comedian and Producer Dara Katz joins Caitlin to discuss her coverage on the current baby formula shortage. In her recent article for Pure Wow “I Need You to Care About the Baby Formula Shortage” Katz addresses the major problems with this crisis. It involves a cover up, whistle blowers, and babies. You can blame the shortage on supply chains but that is only a fraction of the story. This episode is packed with shocking facts and upsetting truths that can no longer be ignored. And for all the parents out there, we see you. Plus hear more on our Patreon. RESOURCES: I Need You to Care About the Baby Formula Shortage by Dara Katz. FDA Infant Formula Recall CNBC Abbott Nutrition restarts baby formula production in reopened Michigan plant ByHeart Bobbie Hipp Baby Formula https://abc13.com/baby-formula-shortage-enfamil-similac/11954705/ The Hill, House passes bills to address baby formula shortage CNN Senate passes bill to improve access to baby formula for families in need President Biden Enacts Bipartisan Law to Address Baby Formula Shortage https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/2333/text https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/7790/text @Kdara @caitybrodnick @scamwowpodcast Scamwowpodcast.com Find us on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/scamwowpodcast?fan_landing=true Get those couch DISCOUNTS!!! https://allform.com/lp/scamwow/podcasts DISCLAIMER: We are comedians and this is satire. C’mon Send us your scams! scamwowpodcast@gmail.com Or call: 347-509-9414
63 min
17
S02E019 - The Great Muppet Caper with Chelsey W...
The Summer of Scam Movie of The Week is the iconic Great Muppet Caper. And this week’s guest, performer Chelsey Whitelock, is not only an actor/singer/dancer, but also a muppet expert. The gang’s all here, from Kermit and Miss Piggy to Lady Holiday and Charles Grodin. Caity and Chelsey unpack the actual caper while indulging in 80’s nostalgia and tallying the benefits of being a blonde. Is lying about your occupation to infiltrate a prison to visit your love who’s in there because she lied about her occupation also and possibly stolen her boss's diamonds a romantic gesture? Find out how this beloved movie (and Miss Piggy’s glamorous grifts) shaped them into the “weirdos” they are today. Plus, you guys think cartoon fox Robin Hood is hot too right???
59 min
18
S02E018 - Happy Birthday Conor! Throwback Episo...
This week is Caitlin’s brother Conor’s birthday and what better way to celebrate than to listen to him talk about a super creepy cult/religion/belief system ?! Sit back, relax and learn all about the Hermetic Order of the Gold Dawn, with Conor Brodnick!
54 min
19
S02E019 - To Scam Is to Love, with Angel Yau
Artist, actress, and filmmaker Angel Yau shares her lifelong journey of pulling the kindest scams you’ve ever heard of. Is loving your family so much that you simply lie to them about your life such a bad thing? Maybe it’s secretly the answer to a peaceful home! The emotional level of these scams pushes us closer to “very special episode” territory than we’ve ever been. Should ScamWow sell “Love. Laugh. Lie” throw pillows? Probably not, but this episode covers all that anyway. Plus hear more on our Patreon. RESOURCES: http://angelyau.com Angel on BBC More Angel @yauangel @caitybrodnick @scamwowpodcast Scamwowpodcast.com Find us on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/scamwowpodcast?fan_landing=true Get those couch DISCOUNTS!!! https://allform.com/lp/scamwow/podcasts DISCLAIMER: We are comedians and this is satire. C’mon Send us your scams! scamwowpodcast@gmail.com Or call: 347-509-9414
61 min
20
S02E018 - Hey Hustlers! Money is Meaningless So...
Comedian and writer Laura Willcox and Caitlin rewatch the iconic movie Hustlers. Though Hustlers and JLo have been celebrated in past episodes, this conversation takes a sharp turn. They discuss rhinestone thongs, economic challenges, and chinchilla coats. Laura and Caitlin roll up their sleeves and get down and dirty to discuss their new manifesto: Money is worth shit. Plus hear more on our Patreon. RESOURCES: Read Laura’s Book! http://laurawillcox.com/contact https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5503686/ https://www.thecut.com/2015/12/hustlers-the-real-story-behind-the-movie.html https://time.com/5671735/hustlers-movie-true-story/ @laura_willcox @caitybrodnick @scamwowpodcast Scamwowpodcast.com Find us on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/scamwowpodcast?fan_landing=true Get those couch DISCOUNTS!!! https://allform.com/lp/scamwow/podcasts DISCLAIMER: We are comedians and this is satire. C’mon Send us your scams! scamwowpodcast@gmail.com Or call: 347-509-9414
73 min
21
S02E017 - Weekend at Bernie’s or A Colonizer's ...
The Summer of Scam Movies is alive and thriving, and the best actor in this week’s film is dead. And that is where this episode starts. Comedian and artist Suni Reyes joins Caitlin to dive into the beloved 1989 classic, Weekend at Bernie’s. We’re the 80’s is so coke riddled that to die is to thrive? Even though it was a box office success, Suni and Caitlin are absolutely baffled by this scam story that has become a cult classic. This movie asks important questions like: can you have an affair in front of an open window? Do butts jiggle, and would your face fall off if you were dragged behind a boat?
52 min
22
S02E016 - Never Been Kissed or Never Been Convi...
Oh we’re back for part two because this movie can and should haunt us all. The META scam is finally revealed in our Summer of Scam Movie: Never Been Kissed. Sarah Grace Welbourn and Caity can’t quite figure out where they land and might be questioning all their middle school memories.
37 min
23
S02E015 - Never Been Kissed or Never Been Conv...
Were you alive in 1999? Were you also watching every teen romcom you could get your greasy little popcorn fingers on? Have you ever been kissed by a senior citizen? These important questions and more are discussed in today’s episode, as comedian and actor Sarah Grace Welbourn joins Caity to talk about this week’s Summer of Scam Movie: Never Been Kissed, starring Drew Barrymore. They’ll cover the various scams in the movie, the preposterous costumes, and the spy equipment while wondering, “Why does David Arquette, playing a 17-year-old, have a five-o-clock shadow?” Maybe the producers were scamming us too.
42 min
24
S02E014 - Get out of the Scam Schedule w/ Janie...
This week, comedian and writer Janie Stolar joins Caity to discuss a scam rooted in the most iconic con of all: The American Dream. No matter what your thoughts and feelings are on that picture perfect lifestyle, the pressure still manages to seep into our daily lives. Do I have a car and two kids and a great IRA by the time I’m 30? Isn’t owning a home a scam, but aren’t you also expected to own a home? Janie joins to confront all the hidden judgements we battle as we age, and the ways we fool ourselves to believe not hitting these imaginary targets makes us flawed. So stop scamming yourselves guys, you are doing great!
81 min
25
S02E013 - Summer of Scam Movies: The Eyes of T...
The Summer of Scam Movies starts strong with this week’s scam movie of choice: The Eyes of Tammy Faye. Hysterical comedian and writer, Corinne Caputo joins Caitlin this week to explain this film, or do their best to try. While discussing many scams inside and around this movie, they cover prosthetic cheeks, puppets,and the men Tammy should be having sex with. This episode is full-joy-10 and the most fun you can have while discussing exploitive religious organizations, manifesting with glasses of water, and children peeing their pants.
61 min