Phoebe Gates’ AI shopping app Phia is facing controversy over allegations that its affiliate technology could take credit for sales it didn’t actually generate. In this episode of FAKD, we break down how the system worked, how researchers discovered it, the internal messages that fueled the controversy, and why the story sounds surprisingly similar to the allegations surrounding PayPal’s Honey extension.

We also get into cookie stuffing, last-click attribution, the ongoing Honey litigation, the old eBay fraud cases that show how serious affiliate manipulation can become, and the bigger question: when you click “buy,” who actually gets paid for sending you there?

This week on FAKD: This Week In Scams, we're breaking down five wild stories involving millions of dollars, romance scams, fake marriages, counterfeit technology, and investment fraud.

First, a New Jersey man has pleaded guilty in a $47 million Ponzi-like investment scheme where victims were promised returns as high as 53%—while millions allegedly went toward gambling debts and personal expenses.

Then, federal prosecutors say a tax preparer targeted mostly self-employed truck drivers, collecting money that clients believed was being sent to the IRS. We also follow the money behind a $2.27 million romance-scam laundering operation involving a member of the Maryland National Guard.

Plus, authorities have charged 11 people in an alleged nationwide operation responsible for arranging more than 1,000 sham marriages, with some customers allegedly paying as much as $100,000.

And finally, U.S. Customs didn't just seize counterfeit designer bags and clothing—they also discovered fake Jaguar Land Rover automotive computer systems in shipments containing goods that would have been worth roughly $3.7 million if genuine.

Five stories. Millions of dollars. And another reminder that scams aren't always as obvious as they seem.

Stay informed, stay skeptical, and don't get FAKD.

This week on FAKD, we're breaking down five wild stories involving scams, fraud, and a little bit of bizarre history.

First, the FTC has shut down a massive credit-repair operation accused of taking consumers for nearly $200 million—and investigators say some companies even filed false identity-theft reports in customers' names. Then, we look inside a $16 million corporate fraud scheme involving a former Williams-Sonoma executive who admitted accepting millions in kickbacks.

We also follow the money behind a $2.7 million romance scam laundering operation, uncover an $11 million stolen-check conspiracy involving government refund checks, and finish with something completely different: fishermen discovering a 2,100-year-old Roman shipwreck carrying hundreds of ancient amphoras off the coast of Sicily.

From modern scams worth millions to a shipment that disappeared beneath the Mediterranean more than two millennia ago, we're breaking down what's real, what's alleged, and what you need to know.

Stay informed, stay skeptical, and don't get FAKD.

Avocado oil is everywhere. Chips, mayonnaise, salad dressing and cooking oils proudly advertise it as a premium — and often more expensive — ingredient. But what if the avocado oil you're paying extra for isn't actually what you think it is?

In this episode of FAKD, Joe Rowan investigates the growing controversy surrounding avocado oil after UC Davis researchers tested 54 processed foods labeled as containing avocado oil and found that 48 had oil compositions inconsistent with authentic avocado oil.

We break down how real avocado oil is made, why it's so expensive, how cheaper oils can potentially make their way into the supply chain, and why the words “Made With Avocado Oil” may deserve a much closer look.

We also dive into the laws surrounding food labeling, the regulatory gaps involving avocado oil standards, previous research that found problems with bottled avocado oil itself, and why olive oil performed dramatically better in the same UC Davis testing.

Plus: What does “pure” avocado oil actually mean? Can companies legally misrepresent the oils they're using? How can consumers tell what's authentic? And should independent testing and certification become mandatory for companies charging a premium for avocado oil?

You might be paying avocado-oil prices without actually getting what you think you're paying for.

In this week's episode of FAKD: This Week In Scams, we're diving into one of the strangest scam operations uncovered this year—a fake Brazilian police station allegedly used to convince victims they were speaking with real law enforcement. We also break down INTERPOL's massive global crackdown that led to thousands of arrests, explore how artificial intelligence is making scams faster and more convincing, discuss the FTC's latest action against deceptive student loan relief schemes, and explain how to tell the difference between legitimate government refunds and refund scams.

If you want to stay ahead of the latest scams, frauds, counterfeit schemes, and criminal tactics making headlines around the world, this episode is packed with the stories—and the red flags—you need to know.

Topics This Week:

- The Fake Brazilian Police Station Scam

- INTERPOL's Global Scam Crackdown

- How AI Is Supercharging Fraud

- Student Loan Relief Scams

- Real FTC Refunds vs. Recovery Scams

Stay informed, stay skeptical, and don't get FAKD.

Think you're scoring the vacation of a lifetime with Groupon's Mystery Vacation deals? In this episode of FAKD, we're pulling back the curtain on one of the internet's most talked-about travel offers.

We break down how these mystery vacation packages work, why many travelers walk away disappointed, and how these deals often rely on unsold flights and hotel inventory. While the advertised price may look incredible, the restrictions, extra fees, and limited options can leave you paying more—and with far less control—than if you had simply booked the trip yourself.

We'll also cover the psychology behind mystery purchases, why people are drawn to them, and the red flags to look for before spending your money on any "surprise" travel package.

Before you book your next getaway, listen to this episode to learn what you're really buying—and whether these mystery vacations are actually a deal or just clever marketing.

FAKD is the podcast exposing scams, frauds, misleading marketing, and the surprising stories hiding in plain sight.

In 1983, one of the biggest news stories in the world turned out to be one of the biggest scams in modern history.

When 62 handwritten diaries, supposedly written by Adolf Hitler, surfaced in Germany, historians, journalists, collectors, and one of Europe's largest magazines believed they had uncovered one of the most important historical discoveries of the century. Millions of dollars changed hands, experts vouched for their authenticity, and plans were already underway to rewrite history books.

There was just one problem: they were completely fake.

In this episode of FAKD, we break down the incredible story behind the Hitler Diaries hoax—from the skilled forger who created them, to the reporter who became obsessed with proving they were real, to the scientific tests that exposed the deception. We also explore the psychology that allowed so many intelligent people to fall for the scam and why the same tactics are still used today in AI-generated content, fake documents, counterfeit collectibles, investment fraud, and viral misinformation.

If you've ever wondered how one lie managed to fool the world, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

In this week's episode of FAKD, we're breaking down some of the biggest scam, fraud, and counterfeit stories making headlines around the world. We cover the arrest of a suspect accused of passing counterfeit cash, the takedown of a massive €50 million international phone scam network, and one of the largest global anti-fraud operations ever conducted by INTERPOL, which resulted in thousands of arrests across nearly 100 countries.

We also dive into a massive European counterfeit goods seizure, discuss how AI is making scams more convincing than ever, and explain what these stories mean for everyday consumers. Join us as we separate fact from fiction, uncover how these schemes work, and share practical ways to recognize the warning signs before becoming the next victim.

Stay informed, stay skeptical, and don't get FAKD.

What makes a farmers market truly authentic—and how can you tell when a vendor isn't?

In this episode of the FAKD Podcast, Joseph Rowan is joined by Miguel, who was raised on a farm in Portugal's Douro Valley and Porto and has spent his entire life immersed in farming and farmers markets. Drawing from decades of firsthand experience, Miguel separates fact from fiction in the world of local food.

Together, we explore the history of farmers markets, why they've become such an important part of communities around the world, and what makes shopping at a genuine market such a unique experience. We also dive into the growing problem of vendors who pass off wholesale or store-bought products as locally grown or handmade.

Miguel shares the biggest red flags to watch for, the questions every shopper should ask, and the signs that you're buying directly from the people who actually grew or produced what they're selling. We also discuss why authentic farmers markets are worth supporting, how they strengthen local economies, and why they're one of the best places to find fresh, seasonal food.

Outside of agriculture, Miguel has also been an EDM music producer since the 1990s and previously worked with the iconic Pacha nightclub in Portugal and Ibiza, bringing a unique perspective shaped by both rural traditions and international culture.

Whether you're a farmers market regular or just want to become a smarter shopper, this episode will change the way you look at every stand you visit.

Featuring: Miguel

Hosted by: Joseph Rowan

Subscribe to the FAKD Podcast for more conversations exposing scams, fakes, counterfeits, and the fascinating stories hiding in plain sight.

Scammers have entered a dangerous new era—and now they're using artificial intelligence to make their crimes more believable than ever.

In this episode, I sit down with David Stuckman, President of the Professional Bail Agents of the United States, to break down the rapidly growing AI voice cloning scam that's convincing families their loved ones have been arrested and need bail money immediately.

We explore how these scams actually work, why senior citizens are being targeted more than anyone else, and how criminals are cloning voices from just a few seconds of audio found online. David explains how scammers impersonate family members, law enforcement, attorneys, and legitimate bail bond agents to create panic and pressure victims into sending money before they have time to verify the story.

We also discuss the biggest warning signs that an emergency call could be fake, practical steps to protect yourself and your family, what to do if you receive one of these calls, and how the bail bond industry, law enforcement, and technology companies are working to stay ahead of increasingly sophisticated AI-powered fraud.

If you've ever wondered whether you could recognize a cloned voice—or if someone you love could become the next target—this episode is essential listening.