December 20, 2021
EP. 117 — The Santa Claus Con w/ Larry Owens
What’s poppin’ con-gregation? This week, we have Larry Owens discussing John Duval Gluck, the conman who popularized writing letters to Santa Claus in the beginning of the 20th century. Plus, investors in an NFT project titled “Evolved Apes” learn that the world of NFTs isn’t immune to scams. Stay Schemin’!
Research By Kaelyn Brandt
SOURCES:
https://nypost.com/2015/09/20/meet-the-con-artist-who-popularized-writing-to-santa-claus/
https://www.historyextra.com/period/20th-century/the-con-man-who-saved-christmas/
Recent Episodes
See AllApril 7, 2025
EP. 289 — Grifting Graceland w/ Ronald Young Jr.
Guest Ronald Young Jr.
On today’s episode, Laci is joined by Ambie Award-winning podcaster Ronald Young Jr. to unpack the wild Graceland grift — the one that had Priscilla Presley firing up Microsoft Paint to fight back against scammer Lisa Jeanine Findley.
April 3, 2025
EP. 288.5 — Fraud Friday: The Bootleg Bourbon Heist w/ Frankie Quiñones
Guest Frankie Quiñones
In this week’s Fraud Friday, Frankie Quiñones (The Fool, Creator of CholoFit) joins Laci us to discuss the disappearance of 18 barrels of bourbon from Buffalo Trace Distillery, the makers of the renowned Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon.
March 31, 2025
EP. 288 — The Great Shrimp Skimp w/ Dan Pashman
Guest Dan Pashman
On today’s episode, Laci is joined by pasta inventor and OG podcaster Dan Pashman (The Sporkful) to dive into a seafood scandal affecting shrimp lovers everywhere.