All the Weigh Down to Hell: The Cult of Gwen Shamblin Lara by Too Good to be True (2023)

All the Weigh Down to Hell: The Cult of Gwen Shamblin Lara Welcome to today's episode, where we'll be discussing the tragic death of Josef Smith and the controversial religious organization that may have contributed to it. We'll be exploring the history of the Weigh Down and Remnant Fellowship, a religious, cult-like group founded by Gwen Shamblin Lara, that has been at the center of the Smith family's story.Find us on socials: https://taplink.cc/toogoodtobetrueEmail us at toogoodtobetruepod@outlook.com with suggestions, questions, and listener stories!Intro/outro music by Yrii Semchyshyn from Pixabay. Cover art by Carime RennerSources: The Way Down: God, Greed, and the Cult of Gwen Shamblin, HBO Max, September 30, 2021Gwen Shamblin: https://peoplepill.com/people/gwen-shamblinControversy surrounded Brentwood church, founder for years; Gwen Shamblin Lara among those presumed dead by Phil Williams: https://www.newschannel5.com/news/newschannel-5-investigates/controversy-surrounded-brentwood-church-founder-for-years-gwen-shamblin-lara-among-those-presumed-deadWeigh Down: Faith or Fraud? By Mike Dello Stritto: https://culteducation.com/group/1224-weigh-down/21806-weigh-down-faith-or-fraud.htmlSmith v. State, 703 S.E.2d 629(Ga.2010) by Harold D. Melton: https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/2110998/smith-v-state/Gwen Shamblin interviews reveal late Remnant leader's thoughts on divorce, child spankings and cults by Phil Williams: https://www.newschannel5.com/news/newschannel-5-investigates/gwen-shamblin-interviews-reveal-late-remnant-leaders-thoughts-on-divorce-child-spankings-and-cultsWhat To Know About The Religious Diet Cult At The Center Of HBO's The Way Down by Justice Namaste: https://www.bustle.com/entertainment/the-remnant-fellowship-church-diet-beliefs-leaders-plane-crashWikipedia: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Georgia_v._Smith and https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gwen_Shamblin_LaraApr 13, 202349:52The Irish Heiress Con: The Mair Smyth Story Marianne Smyth is a diabolical con artist who has posed as a psychic, life coach, travel agent, mortgage broker, cancer victim, and more, all to scam people out of hundreds of thousands of dollars. She has victims all over the country and even in Northern Ireland. Her most recent con was pretending to be an Irish heiress who was embroiled in a setup by her family to keep her from inheriting her millions. She used this story to scam almost $100,000 from her best friend, reality tv producer Johnathan Walton. And guess what? After all of his hard work to put her behind bars, she’s once again a free woman. Tune in to hear all about her cons and where she is today.Find us on socials: https://taplink.cc/toogoodtobetrueEmail us at toogoodtobetruepod@outlook.com with suggestions, questions, and listener stories!Intro/outro music by Yrii Semchyshyn from Pixabay. Cover art by Carime RennerSources: “The Heiress Con,” The Con, ABC News, October 21, 2020Court Records: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1i2MEYtog8ykjW5tleDmIUnTRNwxFEF7R/view , https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XPPejs0aPbt1uKR6Vwruy-WZNOHkAuVZ/view , https://drive.google.com/file/d/1r8f0ch3U99QpTcfp91nzjh7-QX5cWPOi/viewMair Smyth aka Marianne Elizabeth Smyth is Wanted by Police in Northern Ireland: http://mairsmythpsychicscam.blogspot.com/2017/05/marianne-elizabeth-smyth-is-wanted-by.html?m=1Business Card Scam Evidence: https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ma0YNiWmvmU/Wx02BkR9oGI/AAAAAAAAAMI/_ZLyWBQixwE6VaNlgQfBSW7aYECv2-ArACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/Marianne%2BSmyth%2B-%2BMortgage%2BBusiness%2BCard.jpgCancer Scam: http://mairsmythpsychicscam.blogspot.com/2017/07/mair-smyth-aka-marianne-smyth-scammed.html?m=1Marianne Smyth: https://en.everybodywiki.com/Marianne_SmythMarianne Smyth: Where is the Con Artist Today? By Kriti Mehrotra: https://thecinemaholic.com/where-is-marianne-smyth-now/Podcast, Queen of the Con, “The Irish Heiress,” Johnathan Walton, AYR Media and iHeartPodcasts, 2021Apr 06, 202351:18Uncle Jerry’s Monopoly MadnessJerome Jacobson’s dream was to be a police officer, and he actually did get to be one, but his dream was eventually crushed by a debilitating wrist injury and neurological illness combo. Afterwards, he went on to work for a company that printed the game pieces for the famous McDonald’s Monopoly game. While there, he created a massive crime ring that included the mafia and defrauded the company of about $24 million. Join us to find out how he did it and where all the money went. Find us on socials: https://taplink.cc/toogoodtobetrueEmail us at toogoodtobetruepod@outlook.com with suggestions, questions, and listener stories!Intro/outro music by Yrii Semchyshyn from Pixabay. Cover art by Carime RennerSources: How the ‘McMillions’ scammers rigged McDonald’s Monopoly game and stole $24 million by Tom Huddleston Jr: https://www.cnbc.com/2020/02/07/how-mcmillions-scam-rigged-the-mcdonalds-monopoly-game.htmlWhere is Jerome P. Jacobson Now? By Shuvrajit Das Biswas: https://thecinemaholic.com/where-is-jerome-p-jacobson-now/The ‘McMillions’ Monopoly Scheme, Explained by Nancy Coleman: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/03/arts/television/mcmillions-hbo-explained.htmlHow An Ex-Cop Rigged The McDonald’s Monopoly Game — And Scammed The Company Out Of $24 Million By Natasha Ishak: https://allthatsinteresting.com/mcdonalds-monopoly-scamWikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McDonald%27s_MonopolyMar 30, 202342:02Fraud Film: Ingrid Goes West In this installment of Fraud Film, we watch yet another Aubrey Plaza film. We just can’t get enough of her! This one is a little different, since it doesn’t involve a scam or fraud involving money. This time, the fraud is Ingrid herself. She’s a lonely woman with nothing really going for her and a deep desire to be liked. Coupled with extremely unhealthy attachments, this leads her down a crazy road of personal growth that finally gets her noticed. SPOILER ALERT: this episode includes spoilers and in depth discussion of the movie Ingrid Goes West. Find us on socials: https://taplink.cc/toogoodtobetrueEmail us at toogoodtobetruepod@outlook.com with suggestions, questions, and listener stories!Intro/outro music by Yrii Semchyshyn from Pixabay. Cover art by Carime RennerFilm: Ingrid Goes West, Neon, August 25, 2017Mar 23, 202335:35Sam Bankman-Fried, the Modern Day Bernie MadoffSam Bankman-Fried founded FTX, a cryptocurrency trading company, and became the youngest billionaire in the world, but it all came crashing down. The company filed bankruptcy, and word of the misuse of funds spread. Now, he faces up to 115 years in prison for his actions. Tune in to hear about his rise and abrupt fall.Find us on socials: https://taplink.cc/toogoodtobetrueEmail us at toogoodtobetruepod@outlook.com with suggestions, questions, and listener stories!Intro/outro music by Yrii Semchyshyn from Pixabay. Cover art by Carime RennerSources:Billions Missing: Inside the FTX Crash, Hulu, December 3, 2022Here's the apology letter Sam Bankman-Fried sent to FTX employees: 'When sh---y things happen to us, we all tend to make irrational decisions' by Kate Rooney and MacKenzie Sigalos: https://www.cnbc.com/amp/2022/11/23/heres-the-apology-letter-sam-bankman-fried-sent-to-ftx-employees.htmlBahamian rap: Crypto villain Sam Bankman-Fried arrested by Simon Sharwood: https://www.theregister.com/2022/12/13/sbf_arrested/Sam Bankman-Fried by Forbes: https://www.forbes.com/profile/sam-bankman-fried/?sh=38b99ef74449FTX to Politicians: Return our Donations or We'll Sue by Meg Cunningham: https://www.investopedia.com/ftx-seeks-donations-returned-7106383Sam Bankman-Fried’s $16 Billion Fortune Is Eviscerated in Days by Tom Maloney: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-11-08/sbf-net-worth-is-eviscerated-in-days-with-binance-set-to-buy-ftxCrypto’s golden boy Sam Bankman-Fried sees $14.6 billion wiped from his personal wealth overnight after agreeing to FTX bailout deal by Cheyenne Ligon and Coindesk: https://fortune.com/2022/11/09/sam-bankman-fried-14-billion-wiped-from-personal-wealth-overnight-ftx-bailout-deal-binance/Wikipedia: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sam_Bankman-FriedMar 16, 202340:06Charles PonziJoin us to hear all about the wild adventures of Charles Ponzi! Yes, THAT Charles Ponzi. This week we dive into the story behind the infamous Ponzi scheme. Find out what this “financial idiot who didn’t know how to add” was up to and how the term got named after him. Find us on socials: https://taplink.cc/toogoodtobetrueEmail us at toogoodtobetruepod@outlook.com with suggestions, questions, and listener stories!Intro/outro music by Yrii Semchyshyn from Pixabay. Cover art by Carime RennerSources:Charles Ponzi Biography by biography.com editors: https://www.biography.com/crime/charles-ponziCharles Ponzi And The Incredible Story Behind His Notorious Scheme by Genevieve Carlton: https://allthatsinteresting.com/charles-ponziWho Was Charles Ponzi? What Did He Create? By Jim Probasco: https://www.investopedia.com/who-is-charles-ponzi-5216783Wikipedia: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_PonziMar 02, 202355:23Fraud Film: I Care a LotI Care a Lot is about a legal guardian who takes over the care of elderly people with the help of some sketchy individuals. She then takes everything they have for her own personal gain, but this time, she’s picked the wrong woman who has ties to a powerful gangster. Join us for a discussion of the film and its topics! Find us on socials: https://taplink.cc/toogoodtobetrueEmail us at toogoodtobetruepod@outlook.com with suggestions, questions, and listener stories!Intro/outro music by Yrii Semchyshyn from Pixabay. Cover art by Carime RennerFilm: I Care a Lot, Netflix, Feb 19, 2021Feb 23, 202341:41The StepfatherIn this week’s episode, Carime tells the story of a knight in shining armor who swooped in and promised to make everything better for a small family, only to end up financially and emotionally abusing them instead. Learn to spot the signs of a narcissist and romance scams with us. Find us on socials: https://taplink.cc/toogoodtobetrueEmail us at toogoodtobetruepod@outlook.com with suggestions, questions, and listener stories!Intro/outro music by Yrii Semchyshyn from Pixabay. Cover art by Carime RennerSong: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=syhBqULC99IResources: Warning Signs of Abuse: https://www.thehotline.org/identify-abuse/domestic-abuse-warning-signs/Local Resources for Assistance: https://www.thehotline.org/get-help/domestic-violence-local-resources/Deaf Services: https://www.thehotline.org/get-help/domestic-violence-deaf-services/Native American Services: https://www.thehotline.org/get-help/native-american-domestic-violence/Create a Safety Plan: https://www.thehotline.org/create-a-domestic-violence-safety-plan/Little Things by Kate Taylor (10 Signs Your Friend Is In An Abusive Relationship And Might Need Your Help): https://www.safehorizon.org/safe-horizon-in-the-news/abusive-relationship-signs/ How to help a friend who is being abused: https://www.womenshealth.gov/relationships-and-safety/get-help/how-help-friendIs Your Partner a Narcissist? Here Are 50 Ways to Tell by Karyl McBride Ph.D.: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-legacy-distorted-love/201412/is-your-partner-narcissist-here-are-50-Feb 16, 202356:17Welcome to Amerikkka: The David Duke StoryDavid Duke is probably the most recognizable figure of the American radical right. He is a white supremacist, anti-Semitic far-right politician who was the youngest ever grand wizard of the Ku Klux Klan. He’s also a scammer who lied to his followers and succeeded in getting them to send him thousands of dollars, which he then used for gambling and investments. Join us to hear all about his past crimes and what he’s up to now, since he is unfortunately still around (gag). Find us on socials: https://taplink.cc/toogoodtobetrue Email us at toogoodtobetruepod@outlook.com with suggestions, questions, and listener stories! Intro/outro music by Yrii Semchyshyn from Pixabay. Cover art by Carime RennerSources:David Duke Pleads To Federal Charges: http://www.thesmokinggun.com/documents/crime/david-duke-pleads-federal-chargesMetairie Klansman Charged with Illegal Entry to Canada: The Shreveport Journal, Shreveport, Louisiana · Wednesday, April 02, 1980: https://www.newspapers.com/clip/77749747/the-shreveport-journal/Ex-KKK leader David Duke takes credit for Donald Trump and Tucker Carlson by Ja’han Jones: https://www.msnbc.com/the-reidout/reidout-blog/david-duke-donald-trump-tucker-carlson-rcna3413David Duke pleads to mail fraud, tax charges: https://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/nation/2002-12-18-david-duke_x.htmDavid Duke by ADL: https://web.archive.org/web/20171010104637/https://www.adl.org/sites/default/files/documents/assets/pdf/combating-hate/David-Duke.pdfClipping from Daily World, Opelousas, Louisiana • Friday, December 7, 1979: https://www.newspapers.com/clip/77750180/daily-world/Wikipedia: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_DukeFeb 09, 202336:48Fraud Film: Emily the CriminalWelcome to our first installment of Fraud Film, a series we’ll be doing once a month as a palate cleanser! This week we discuss the Netflix film, Emily the Criminal. Emily is a young woman deep in student loan debt with few options to get out of it, so she turns to a life of crime to find some freedom. But does the motivation behind crime really matter or is it all ultimately about who gets hurt in the end?SPOILER ALERT: this episode includes spoilers and in depth discussion of the movie Emily the Criminal.Find us on socials: https://taplink.cc/toogoodtobetrueEmail us at toogoodtobetruepod@outlook.com with suggestions, questions, and listener stories!Intro/outro music by Yrii Semchyshyn from Pixabay. Cover art by Carime RennerFilm: Emily the Criminal, Vertical Entertainment and Roadside Attractions, August 12, 2022Jan 26, 202355:12Pastel QAnon: Sadbeige Girls Living in a Sadbeige WorldThis week we go on a mind blowing journey into the world of QAnon conspiracy theories and how they’re infiltrating social media through mommy bloggers, MLMs, fitness coaches and models, and health and wellness influencers. It’s an incredible view into the manipulation we can so easily experience without even realizing it. Join us to find out exactly what QAnon, and more specifically, Pastel QAnon, is and how you’re being targeted.Find us on socials: https://taplink.cc/toogoodtobetrueEmail us at toogoodtobetruepod@outlook.com with suggestions, questions, and listener stories!Intro/outro music by Yrii Semchyshyn from Pixabay. Cover art by Carime RennerSources:QAnon by ADL: https://www.adl.org/resources/backgrounder/qanonThe Dark Virality of a Hollywood Blood-Harvesting Conspiracy by Brian Friedberg: https://www.wired.com/story/opinion-the-dark-virality-of-a-hollywood-blood-harvesting-conspiracy/QAnon Followers Intercept Migrant Kids at Border Amid Trafficking Worries by Natalie Colarossi: https://www.newsweek.com/qanon-followers-intercept-migrant-kids-border-amid-trafficking-worries-1704830FLYER ARRESTED Airman and Qanon follower who lost GOP race for Congress is charged with child pornography by Israel Salas-Rodriguez: https://www.the-sun.com/news/1955892/airman-who-lost-gop-race-arrested/What Is QAnon, the Viral Pro-Trump Conspiracy Theory? by Kevin Roose: https://www.nytimes.com/article/what-is-qanon.htmlQAnon is a Nazi Cult, Rebranded by Gregory Stanton: https://www.justsecurity.org/72339/qanon-is-a-nazi-cult-rebranded/Pastel QAnon by Marc-André Argentino: https://gnet-research.org/2021/03/17/pastel-qanon/Jan 19, 202301:00:51Bernie Madoff…with Everyone’s MoneyJump into the world of Wall Street fraud with us as we cover the “serial killer of wallets,” Bernie Madoff. Bernie started off with a legitimate business and was actually doing well, but it wasn’t enough for him. Eventually he developed a Ponzi scheme to defraud investors with fake stock exchanges to the tune of over $60 billion. How did he get away with it for more than 20 years? Tune in to find out.Find us on socials: https://taplink.cc/toogoodtobetrueEmail us at toogoodtobetruepod@outlook.com with suggestions, questions, and listener stories!Intro/outro music by Yrii Semchyshyn from Pixabay. Cover art by Carime RennerSources:Bernie Madoff by CFI Team: https://corporatefinanceinstitute.com/resources/wealth-management/bernie-madoff/Bernie Madoff Biography by biography.com: https://www.biography.com/crime-figure/bernard-madoffBernie Madoff: 6 Famous Victims of His Ponzi Scheme by Eudie Pak: https://www.biography.com/news/bernie-madoff-famous-victimsWhere Is Bernie Madoff Now? The ‘Financial Serial Killer’ Took 150 Years in Jail to ‘Avoid a Mob Hit’ by Sophie Hanson: https://stylecaster.com/bernie-madoff-now/‘MADOFF: The Monster of Wall Street,’ Netflix, January 4, 2023Jan 12, 202301:26:37Hushpuppi: The Billionaire Gucci Master of ScamsRamon Abbas grew up in poverty in Lagos, Nigeria but escaped after becoming involved in e-mail scamming. Once poor and selling secondhand clothing to get by, he was now living a life of luxury in Dubai. This ultimately made him an influencer on Instagram under the handle Hushpuppi, where he would frequently show off his designer clothes, cars, and other perks of being an online celebrity. It all came crashing down in 2020, when the FBI arrested him and other scammers in several raids. Once the Gucci Master, now he’s mastering life in prison. Join us to hear all about his wild story.Find us on socials: https://taplink.cc/toogoodtobetrueEmail us at toogoodtobetruepod@outlook.com with suggestions, questions, and listener stories!Intro/outro music by Yrii Semchyshyn from Pixabay. Cover art by Carime RennerSources:Wikipedia: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/HushpuppiThe Fall of the World's Flashiest Scammer by Bloomberg QuickTake Originals: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=PMenb4TU5xISt Kitts still probing Hushpuppi citizenship by alleged sham marriage by Loop News: https://caribbean.loopnews.com/content/st-kitts-still-probing-hushpuppi-citizenship-alleged-sham-marriageThe Fall of the Billionaire Gucci Master by Evan Ratliff: https://www.bloomberg.com/features/2021-hushpuppi-gucci-influencer/U.S. court dismisses fraud case against Woodberry by Alfred Olufemi: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/404679-u-s-court-dismisses-fraud-case-against-woodberry.htmlAlleged Ex-Wife Of Hushpuppi Reveals She Married Him For His Money And Nothing Else (Watch) by GH Gossip: https://www.ghgossip.com/alleged-ex-wife-of-hushpuppi-reveals-she-married-him-for-his-money-and-nothing-else/Chatham House: https://www.chathamhouse.orgGovt. Assures Hushpuppi a citizen through Marriage by Loshaun Dixon: https://www.thestkittsnevisobserver.com/govt-assures-hushpuppi-a-citizen-through-marriage/Dec 29, 202245:36iScam: The Rise and Fall of iSpoofEvery day, new sites emerge on the internet, some good and some bad. You can find almost anything on there: tax advice, cute cat videos, memes, and a way to scam people out of millions of dollars. In 2020, a site named iSpoof appeared, and it allowed users to fake, or spoof, any number they wanted. Criminals paid to use the site to pretend to be banks or creditors and scam people into giving them access to their accounts until the operation was shut down and over a hundred people were arrested. Join us to hear all about one of the biggest frauds in UK history.Find us on socials: https://taplink.cc/toogoodtobetrueEmail us at toogoodtobetruepod@outlook.com with suggestions, questions, and listener stories!Intro/outro music by Yrii Semchyshyn from Pixabay. Cover art by Carime RennerResources:Action Fraud, the reporting centre for England, Wales and Northern Ireland: Call 0300 123 2040. In Scotland, call 101.The charity Victim Supportoffers a free and confidential helpline on 0808 168 9111 (lines open 24/7).Samaritans provides free and confidential support, call its helpline 116 123 (lines open 24/7).Mind also has a support line, Mind Infoline, available on 0300 123 3393 (lines open 9am-6pm, Monday-Friday).In the US: Report the scam to the FTC online,or by phone at 1-877-382-4357 (9:00 AM - 8:00 PM, ET).For immediate mental health assistance, please dial either 911 for emergency services or 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis LifelineSources:100 people arrested in UK’s biggest fraud investigation by Jess Clark: https://www.theguardian.com/money/2022/nov/24/100-people-arrested-ispoof-uk-biggest-investigationUK Police Lift Lid on Largest Ever Counter-Fraud Operation: :https://www.bangkokpost.com/world/2445299/uk-police-lift-lid-on-largest-ever-counter-fraud-operationVoice-Scamming Site 'iSpoof' Shut Down, 100s Arrested by Marco Marcelline: https://www.pcmag.com/news/voice-scamming-site-ispoof-shut-down-100s-arrestedispoof: What is Ispoof and how did police take down scam call site linked to 200,000 victims? by Stephen Mcilkenny: https://www.scotsman.com/news/crime/ispoof-what-is-ispoof-and-how-did-police-take-down-scam-call-site-linked-to-200000-victims-3930096Police text 70,000 victims in UK's biggest anti-fraud operation by Tom Symonds: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/police-text-70-000-victims-015332168.htmlSunny Balwani update sources:Former Theranos executive Sunny Balwani gets nearly 13 years in prison for his role in company's fraud by Rob Wile: https://www.nbcnews.com/business/business-news/former-theranos-executive-sunny-balwani-sentenced-fraud-conviction-rcna60512Former Theranos COO sentenced to nearly 13 years by Catherine Thorbecke: https://www.cnn.com/2022/12/07/tech/sunny-balwani-theranos-trial-sentencing/index.htmlDec 15, 202247:04PPPromises Promises: CARES Act FraudThe COVID-19 pandemic affected more than our health - many Americans also had their jobs and finances severely disrupted. The CARES Act was passed to help people struggling to pay bills or keep their businesses afloat, but it attracted fraudsters from all over. Join us to hear about how some people, including a dentist, Dr. Adjaj, exploited the system for their own financial gain and why it’s been called the biggest fraud in a generation.Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 (tel:866-720-5721) or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disas ter-complaint-form.Find us on socials: https://taplink.cc/toogoodtobetrueEmail us at toogoodtobetruepod@outlook.com with suggestions, questions, and listener stories!Intro/outro music by Yrii Semchyshyn from Pixabay. Cover art by Carime RennerSources:Former Oregon Dentist Pleads Guilty to Stealing Nearly $11.5 Million in Covid-Relief Program Funds: https://www.justice.gov/usao-or/pr/former-oregon-dentist-pleads-guilty-stealing-nearly-115-million-covid-relief-programOregon Dentist Faces Federal Charges for Stealing Nearly $8 Million in COVID-Relief Program Funds Published By U.S. Attorney's Office: https://www.secretservice.gov/newsroom/releases/2021/12/oregon-dentist-faces-federal-charges-stealing-nearly-8-million-covidEx-West Linn dentist charged with $8M COVID fraud by Holly Bartholomew: https://www.koin.com/news/crime/ex-west-linn-dentist-charged-with-8m-covid-fraud/Oregon man pleads guilty to stealing millions in COVID-19 relief loans by Jashayla Pettigrew: https://www.koin.com/news/oregon-man-pleads-guilty-to-stealing-millions-in-covid-19-relief-loans/Collin County Dentist Guilty of COVID-19 Relief Related Fraud: https://www.justice.gov/usao-edtx/pr/collin-county-dentist-guilty-covid-19-relief-related-fraud'Biggest fraud in a generation': The looting of the Covid relief plan known as PPP by Ken Dilanian and Laura Strickler: https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/justice-department/biggest-fraud-generation-looting-covid-relief-program-known-ppp-n1279664Nov 24, 202201:09:55The Brethren, the Cult of Garbage EatersNot all scams revolve around money - sometimes, it’s about control. The Brethren, formed in the early 1970’s by Jim Roberts, were an extreme Evangelical group that completely isolated themselves, turning away from their own families. It wasn’t long before it became clear that this group was actually a cult, and it’s still running to this day. Tune in to hear all about the rules and secrecy of the Jim Roberts Group and the families who are still searching for their missing sons and daughters.Visit The Roberts Group Parents Network website to see if you recognize any missing members: https://nfishel.tripod.com/index.htmlFind us on socials: https://taplink.cc/toogoodtobetrueEmail us at toogoodtobetruepod@outlook.com with suggestions, questions, and listener stories!Intro/outro music by Yrii Semchyshyn from Pixabay. Cover art by Carime RennerSources:Wikipedia: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jimmie_T._Roberts and https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Brethren_(Jim_Roberts_group)TRGPN: https://nfishel.tripod.com/index.htmlReligious Group, Skeptics Differ on Path by Coleman Cornelius: https://extras.denverpost.com/news/bro0827.htmThe Brethren/ The Jim Roberts Group By Phillip Arnn: https://www.watchman.org/profiles/pdf/brethrenprofile.pdfThe Brethren a.k.a. The Brotherhood, Garbage Eaters, etc. by B.A. Robinson: https://www.religioustolerance.org/body_chr.htmABC Primetime: The Brethren (AKA Garbage Eaters) Parents Seek Kids Lost to This Controversial Cult, originally aired March 25, 1998 on ABC: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=tdXiPhmEHjgNov 17, 202245:50US v. Elizabeth A. Holmes, et al: The Secrets of TheranosA young woman developed a groundbreaking new machine that would allow people to test their health at home with only a few tiny drops of blood. What could possibly go wrong? As it turns out, everything. The machine is a fraud - and so is the woman behind it. Tune in to hear all about Elizabeth Holmes, Theranos, and the secrets and lies behind the company.Find us on socials: https://taplink.cc/toogoodtobetrueEmail us at toogoodtobetruepod@outlook.com with suggestions, questions, and listener stories!Intro/outro music by Yrii Semchyshyn from Pixabay. Cover design by Carime RennerSources:Wikipedia: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elizabeth_HolmesFormer Theranos executive Sunny Balwani is convicted of fraud by Bryan Logan and Rob Wile: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna33701Where is Sunny Balwani, subject of Hulu’s ‘The Dropout,’ now? By Alex Portée: https://www.today.com/today/amp/rcna20855The rise and fall of Elizabeth Holmes, the former Theranos CEO found guilty of wire fraud and conspiracy, whose sentencing has now been delayed by Avery Hartmans, Sarah Jackson, Áine Caine, and Azmi Haroun: https://www.businessinsider.com/theranos-founder-ceo-elizabeth-holmes-life-story-bio-2018-4?ampThe Dropout, Hulu, 2022The Inventor: Out for Blood in Silicon Valley, HBO, 2019Who Was Elizabeth Holmes' Neighbor Who She Accused Of Making A Patent To Spite Her? By Gina Tron: https://news.yahoo.com/elizabeth-holmes-neighbor-she-accused-035605616.htmlNov 03, 202249:12The Tinder SwindlerWomen were thinking they were getting the total package after matching with a charming man on Tinder. He was rich, he was CEO of a diamond company and the owner’s son. He took them on lavish dates, and they all swooned. Soon, his “enemies” were coming for him, and he needed money to evade them - but that’s not all he evaded. How did this man swindle women out of an estimated $10 million and still walk away a free man? Join us to find out!Find us on socials: https://taplink.cc/toogoodtobetrueEmail us at toogoodtobetruepod@outlook.com with suggestions, questions, and listener stories!Intro/outro music by Yrii Semchyshyn from Pixabay. Cover design by Carime RennerSources:Wikipedia: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simon_LevievWho Is the Tinder Swindler? By John DiLillo: https://www.netflix.com/tudum/articles/who-is-tinder-swindler-real-shimon-hayut'Tinder Swindler' Gets Sued By Diamond Mogul Family He Allegedly Impersonated By Gina Tron: https://www.oxygen.com/crime-news/shimon-hayut-gets-sued-by-lev-leviev‘Tinder Swindler’ breaks silence, claims he isn’t a ‘monster’ By Toi Staff: https://www.timesofisrael.com/tinder-swindler-breaks-silence-claims-he-isnt-a-monster/‘The Tinder Swindler’: Simon Leviev Is Still So Desperate for Fame That He Got Scammed Out of $7K Via Instagram: https://www.cheatsheet.com/entertainment/tinder-swindler-simon-leviev-still-desperate-fame-scammed-7k-via-instagram.html/The Tinder Swindler By Natalie Remøe Hansen, Kristoffer Kumar, Erlend Ofte Arnsten, and Tore Kristiansen: https://www.vg.no/spesial/2019/tindersvindler/english/Oct 27, 202201:18:28Anna Delvey, the “German Heiress” of SohoIn this episode, we discuss Anna Delvey and all of her fraudulent activities. Dive into a world of check and wire transfer fraud, lies, and deceit with us, and see what Anna has been up to before, during, and after her arrest.Find us on socials: https://taplink.cc/toogoodtobetrueEmail us at toogoodtobetruepod@outlook.com with suggestions, questions, and listener stories!Intro/outro music by Yrii Semchyshyn from Pixabay. Cover design by Carime RennerSources:Wikipedia: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anna_SorokinAnna Delvey's IRL Best Friend Neff Davis Told Us Why She Stays Loyal To The Grifter by Jessica Morgan: https://www.bustle.com/entertainment/the-real-neff-davis-anna-delvey-friendship-inventing-anna-netflix-interviewWho Was the Real Chase In Inventing Anna? Meet Anna Delvey's Boyfriend In Real Life by Jessica Sager: https://parade.com/.amp/1344470/jessicasager/anna-delvey-boyfriend/Anna Sorokin on ‘Inventing Anna’ and Life After Rikers by Emily Palmer: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/14/style/anna-delvey-sorokin-interview.htmlThe True Story Behind Netflix's Inventing Anna by Shannon Carlin: https://time.com/6147088/inventing-anna-true-story/Anna Delvey Is Officially Out of Jail by Claire Lampen: https://www.thecut.com/2022/10/anna-delvey-ice-detention-release.html20/20: The Sinfluencer of Soho, ABC, 2021Who is Anna Delvey? The true story of fake socialite portrayed in Netflix’s Inventing Anna by Kate Ng: https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/who-anna-delvey-inventing-sorokin-b2035734.htmlReal-life Anna Delvey victim reveals what ‘Inventing Anna’ got wrong by Gina Vivinetto : https://www.today.com/popculture/popculture/real-life-anna-delvey-victim-rachel-williams-inventing-anna-got-wrong-rcna28181“Faking It,” 60 Minutes, 2021Oct 20, 202201:25:34Death House Landlady: Dorothea Puente (Part 2)Welcome to part two of our Dorothea Puente coverage. We pick up where we left off last week and cover the murders at the boarding house, and then we catch up with what’s happening at the house these days.Find us on socials: https://taplink.cc/toogoodtobetrueEmail us at toogoodtobetruepod@outlook.com with suggestions, questions, and listener stories!Intro/outro music by Yrii Semchyshyn from Pixabay. Cover design by Carime RennerSources:Dorothea Puente Wikipedia: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dorothea_PuenteGuide to the California Superior Court (Sacramento County) case files for The People v. Dorothea Montalvo Puente (criminal case #18056) CNTY0004: https://oac.cdlib.org/findaid/ark:/13030/c8b85fn5/entire_text/Murders at the Boarding House, Monster Films, Oxygen, 2021“Call Me Grandma,” Worst Roommate Ever, Netflix, 2022“Dorothea Puente,” Crime Museum: https://www.crimemuseum.org/crime-library/serial-killers/dorothea-puente/Where is Dorothea Puente’s House and Who Lives There Now? by Paul Fogarty: https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2022/03/04/dorothea-puente-house-sacramento-worst-roommate-ever/?ampWho was Dorothea Puente and what happened to her? by Kevin Quinitchett: https://www.the-sun.com/news/4796719/dorothea-puente-california-serial-killer/The Truth about Dorothea Puente’s Death by Luana Ferreira: https://www.grunge.com/447070/the-truth-about-dorothea-puentes-death/15 Facts You Didn't Know About Dorothea Puente, The World's Most Evil Granny by Lucas Wesley Snipes: https://www.therichest.com/shocking/15-facts-you-didnt-know-about-dorothea-puente-the-worlds-most-evil-granny/Oct 13, 202249:54Death House Landlady: Dorothea Puente (Part 1)Strap in for our first two parter! Join us as we talk about one of the deadliest scammers known - Dorothea Puente. We cover everything Dorothea: her early life, marriages, crimes, and the murders she committed at her boarding house.Find us on socials: https://taplink.cc/toogoodtobetrueEmail us at toogoodtobetruepod@outlook.com with suggestions, questions, and listener stories!Intro/outro music by Yrii Semchyshyn from Pixabay. Cover design by Carime RennerSources:Dorothea Puente Wikipedia: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dorothea_Puente Guide to the California Superior Court (Sacramento County) case files for The People v. Dorothea Montalvo Puente (criminal case #18056) CNTY0004: https://oac.cdlib.org/findaid/ark:/13030/c8b85fn5/entire_text/Murders at the Boarding House, Monster Films, Oxygen, 2021“Call Me Grandma,” Worst Roommate Ever, Netflix, 2022“Dorothea Puente,” Crime Museum: https://www.crimemuseum.org/crime-library/serial-killers/dorothea-puente/Where is Dorothea Puente’s House and Who Lives There Now? by Paul Fogarty: https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2022/03/04/dorothea-puente-house-sacramento-worst-roommate-ever/?ampWho was Dorothea Puente and what happened to her? by Kevin Quinitchett: https://www.the-sun.com/news/4796719/dorothea-puente-california-serial-killer/The Truth about Dorothea Puente’s Death by Luana Ferreira: https://www.grunge.com/447070/the-truth-about-dorothea-puentes-death/15 Facts You Didn't Know About Dorothea Puente, The World's Most Evil Granny by Lucas Wesley Snipes: https://www.therichest.com/shocking/15-facts-you-didnt-know-about-dorothea-puente-the-worlds-most-evil-granny/Oct 06, 202233:54Murder for Money: The Story of Deana Hubbard WildIn this episode, we cover the death of Deana Hubbard Wild. Deana was a young woman in an unfamiliar place, who moved in with her new boyfriend’s parents. Unbeknownst to her, they had a plot to murder her for insurance money, and they almost got away with it.Find us on socials: https://taplink.cc/toogoodtobetrueEmail us at toogoodtobetruepod@outlook.com with suggestions, questions, and listener stories!Intro/outro music by Yrii Semchyshyn from Pixabay. Cover design by Carime RennerSources:Murder Suspect Dies on Eve of Jury Selection in His Trial byAlan Abrahamson: https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1991-12-03-mn-621-story.htmlForensic Files Wiki: https://forensicfiles.fandom.com/wiki/Virginia_McGinnis and https://forensicfiles.fandom.com/wiki/Deana_WildVirginia Rearden McGinnis by Stephen Blake Jackson, Alyssa Jackson, and Tabitha Johnson, Department of Psychology Radford University: http://maamodt.asp.radford.edu/Psyc%20405/serial%20killers/McGinnis,%20Virginia%20_2012_.pdfForensic Files, “The Financial Downfall,” Tubi, originally aired August 11, 2004 on CourtTVVirginia McGinnis: The Cliffside Murder That Uncovered Her "Career" As An Insurance Beneficiary by Derek Mulch: https://derekmulch.medium.com/virginia-mcginnis-the-cliffside-murder-that-uncovered-her-career-as-an-insurance-beneficiary-2461668fe438“The Narcissist’s Prayer” by Dayna Craig“Justice for Annie: A Moment of Truth Movie,” NBC, 1996Sep 29, 202239:25Fyre Festival FraudIn today’s episode, we cover the scam of all scams, the Fyre Festival. Join us as we discuss the events leading up to the failed music festival and catch up with what the conman behind it is up to today.Find us on socials: https://taplink.cc/toogoodtobetrueEmail us at toogoodtobetruepod@outlook.com with suggestions, questions, and listener stories!Intro/outro music by Yrii Semchyshyn from Pixabay. Cover design by Carime RennerSources:Wikipedia: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billy_McFarland_(fraudster)Fyre Fraud, Hulu, 2019Billy McFarland Is Out of Jail and Ready for His Next Move by Jacob Bernstein: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/09/10/fashion/billy-mcfarland-release.htmlFyre Festival: Inside the world's biggest festival flop By Michael Baggs: https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-46904445Fyre, Netflix, 2019These photos reveal why the 27-year-old organizer of the disastrous Fyre Festival has been sentenced to 6 years in prison by Mary Hanbury: https://africa.businessinsider.com/strategy/these-photos-reveal-why-the-27-year-old-organizer-of-the-disastrous-fyre-festival-has/x359x2rCopycat Applebee’s Peach Sangria: https://www.food.com/recipe/copycat-applebees-peach-sangria-270393Sep 22, 202255:10Brittany Dawn: Fitness Queen or Lying Fiend?In this episode, we talk about Brittany Dawn and how she made a name for herself in the fitness world until allegations of deceptive business practices came to light.Find us on socials: https://taplink.cc/toogoodtobetrueEmail us at toogoodtobetruepod@outlook.com with suggestions, questions, and listener stories!Intro/outro music by Yrii Semchyshyn from Pixabay. Cover design by Carime RennerResources:National Eating Disorders Association: https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/help-support/contact-helpline Call or text: (800) 931-2237National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders: https://anad.org Call: (888)375-7767Sources:Influencer Brittany Dawn Sued by State of Texas for Allegedly Misleading Clients with Eating Disorders by Charmaine Patterson: https://people.com/crime/influencer-brittany-dawn-sued-by-state-of-texas-for-allegedly-misleading-clients-with-eating-disorders/Wikipedia: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brittany_DawnFollowers Of Christian Influencer Brittany Dawn Said They Are Angry That She Pivoted To Religion To Avoid Scrutiny Over Her Fitness Scam by Kelsey Weekman: https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/kelseyweekman/brittany-dawn-followers-criticism-fitness-christianityA YouTuber and fitness influencer said her husband shot her dog instead of taking him to the vet after a vehicle hit him by Kieran Press-Reynolds: https://www.insider.com/brittany-dawn-dog-husband-video-youtube-backlash-fitness-husband-shot-2021-1095th District Court: https://youtu.be/vv4zl8hz6k8'LIAR' AND 'SCAMMER' Who is influencer Brittany Dawn and why is she being sued by Kevin Quinitchett: https://www.the-sun.com/news/4641024/why-is-texas-suing-influencer-brittany-dawn/Influencer SUED for Allegedly Scamming Her Fans by Alex Lord: https://dramaalert.com/influencer-sued-for-allegedly-scamming-her-fans/ TexasAG sues fitness influencer Brittany Dawn for advising clients with eating disorders to lose even MORE weight through low-calorie diets and selling phony 'personalized' nutrition plans by Michelle Thompson: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10490941/amp/Texas-sues-fitness-influencer-giving-bad-health-advice-led-eating-disorders.htmSep 15, 202232:50LuLaNo. MLM: Moms Losing Money On this episode, we talk about the rise and fall of an empire: LuLaRoe. Learn about the founders, the women who became entangled in a pyramid scheme, and the cases against it.Find us on socials: https://taplink.cc/toogoodtobetrueEmail us at toogoodtobetruepod@outlook.com with suggestions, questions, and listener stories!Follow us on IG @toogoodtobetruepodIntro/outro music by Yrii Semchyshyn from Pixabay. Background music provided by Anchor. Cover art by Carime RennerSources: The Rise and Fall of LuLaRoe, 2021, Stephanie McNeal LuLaRich, 2021, by Jenner Furst and Julia Willoughby Nason LuLaRoeWikipedia: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/LuLaRoeHow LuLaRoe cost some women their homes, cars, savings, and marriages by Kirsten Fleming: https://nypost.com/2021/09/18/lularoe-cost-some-women-their-homes-savings-and-marriages/Sep 08, 202252:46Trailer: Too Good to be TrueJoin us every Thursday for a new episode! Aug 25, 202200:45

Videos

References

• https://finance.yahoo.com/news/20-best-countries-retire-overseas-083607068.html
• https://spearswms.com/wealth/citienship-by-investment-controversy-spears
• https://www.globalcitizensolutions.com/the-canada-startup-visa-explained/
• https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/toogoodtobetrue/episodes/All-the-Weigh-Down-to-Hell-The-Cult-of-Gwen-Shamblin-Lara-e2276ra