We're kicking off this podcast with a billion-dollar scam that only old-school kids will recall! Miss Cleo and the Psychic Readers Network’s case is so full of questions and hilarious highlights that we decided to cover it for our pilot episode. Are big-time fraudsters sociopaths or psychopaths? Did Miss Cleo take off her false identity veil at some point? We explain how her phone scams worked and why her Jamaican accent and identity were totally fake. We also take a look at Miss Cleo’s last interview on The Gabby Bendel Show and why she couldn’t use her classic alias anymore.
TIMESTAMPS
(0:47) - An epic introduction to the show: Is fraud essentially a human problem? Is this podcast going to help at all?
(4:30) - Get to know our very first featured fraudster! Are you old enough to know who Miss Cleo is? If not, here’s her complete bio.
(9:36) - ‘Keep these people on the line for as long as possible': This is how the Psychic Readers Network scam worked.
(15:03) - Discussing what might be the most insidious thing about this billion dollar hoax and if real psychics really exist.
(23:14) - Where did Miss Cleo's motivations arised? Life before phone scamming, nonprofits and acting.
(30:50) - Psychic readers, assemble! How Miss Cleo joined the Psychic Readers Network in Florida.
(35:54) - On Miss Cleo’s last interview on The Gabby Bendel Show and why she couldn’t use her classic alias anymore.
(38:51) - Going over Miss Cleo’s book Keepin' It Real - A Practical Guide for Spiritual Living, her political comments and fake Jamaican roots.
(47:50) - How Miss Cleo mastered the art of taking advantage of systematic vulnerabilities to sell stuff.
(52:58) - Taking a look at Comedy Central’s branded content with Miss Cleo for a cosmetic company.
(58:07) - The alternate reality idea that some people can create around them, Miss Cleo’s last attempt to profit and this episode’s conclusions.
RESOURCES
Miss Cleo’s last interview on The Gabby Bendel Show (video)
Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Fraudsters ad-free.
Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!