Last Podcast On The Left
Last Podcast On The Left
"The internet has also become this collective tapeworm that has throughout all of our subconsciousnesses and that was just sucking the life force out of us and influencing us in a number of different ways." — Sina Ghaznavi
"The people that are recipients of the calls that are being defrauded, it's like the actual workers themselves. And so get this. Not only when they're taking your mail, information, all that stuff, but they're starting to send you direct mailers after that." — Justin Williams
"If you have more aliases than the Wu-Tang clan, that's a good sign. You might be a fraud." — Justin Williams
This inaugural episode of "Fraudsters" introduces the podcast's premise through an in-depth examination of the Miss Cleo and the Psychic Readers Network scam. Hosts Justin Williams and Sina Ghaznavi detail how the network exploited a loophole by using a 1-800 number for initial contact, then rerouting callers to a more expensive 1-900 number. The psychic operators were incentivized to keep callers on the line for extended periods, often employing manipulative tactics and vague pronouncements to maximize charges. The episode highlights the predatory nature of the business, targeting individuals experiencing financial, romantic, or career difficulties.
The discussion delves into the creation and persona of Miss Cleo (real name: Youry Dena Harris), emphasizing how her "psychic" character, complete with a fake Jamaican accent, became a cultural phenomenon. The hosts explore the ethical implications of this massive deception, which generated over a billion dollars between 1997 and 2002. They also touch upon the personal and professional backgrounds of those involved, including the company's structure and the legal repercussions faced. The episode contrasts the fraudulent activities with the notion of authenticity and the human susceptibility to believe in something that offers comfort or answers, even when demonstrably false.
Beyond the core Miss Cleo scam, the hosts broaden the discussion to the pervasive nature of fraud and the psychological underpinnings that allow it to thrive. They reflect on the societal acceptance of certain forms of deception, the concept of "buyer beware," and how even seemingly minor fraudulent acts can escalate. The episode concludes by positioning Miss Cleo within the larger landscape of fraudsters, suggesting that her methods, while elaborate, tap into timeless human vulnerabilities that continue to be exploited today through various mediums.