Pretend - a true crime podcast about con artists

By Creative Babble

Society & Culture

What's Pretend - a true crime podcast about con artists about?

PRETEND exposes the masterminds behind some of the most notorious scams and cons. From cult leaders to con artists and undercover FBI agents, this podcast pulls back the curtain on those who've pretended to be someone they're not.

4.8

1,047 ratings

Download our free app to listen on your phone

LAST EPISODE

1504: The Red Collar Killer...

11.28.2023

Today on "PRETEND," we explore the unsettling world of red-collar criminals, as defined by Frank Perri. These are white-collar offenders who commit murder to hide their frauds. This episode takes a closer look at the motivations and warning signs of ...

Pretend - a true crime podcast about con artists episodes:

11.28.2023 1504: The Red Collar Killer part 2 Today on "PRETEND," we explore the unsettling world of red-collar criminals, as defined by Frank Perri. These are white-collar offenders who commit murder to hide their frauds. This episode takes a closer look at the motivations and warning signs of ...
11.21.2023 1503: The Red Collar Killer part 1 Red Collar Killers: The Hidden Violence of White Collar Crimes Can white-collar criminals be driven to murder? In this episode of PRETEND, we explore 'Red Collar Criminals,' a term coined by attorney, CPA, and Certified Fraud Examiner Frank Perri. Perri ...
11.20.2023 The Stalker - Is this the end? I checked the Arizona court website and it looks like Tanya and Rick Fernandez accepted a plea deal. So is this the end? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
11.14.2023 1502: The Stalker - Beyond a Reasonable Doubt (part 17) "PRETEND: The Stalker" is back with a bombshell that you've all been waiting for: new court audio from The Fernandez Settlement Conference. It's been a while since we've delved into the world of Tanya and Rick Fernandez, the subjects of ...
11.10.2023 PREVIEW: The Stalker Settlement Conference Get ready, folks! I've just wrapped up listening to the Settlement Conference audio, and let me tell you, it's nothing short of mind-blowing. Right now, "WOW" is all I can muster. It's jam-packed with the answers we've all been itching ...
11.07.2023 The Lie Detector Revisited Learn how to cheat a polygraph test. Ex-cop, Doug Williams, says it’s a lot easier than you think. Doug Williams is looking over his shoulder because, since 1979, he’s been on a crusade to defeat the polygraph machine. In 1996, ...
10.31.2023 The Babalawo Revisited In today's episode titled "The Babalawo," we delve deep into the world of Santería - the religion, not the song. While many might recognize the song, few are familiar with this mysterious Afro-Cuban faith, also known as Regla de Ochá, ...
10.27.2023 Listen Now: New Podcast “Ghost Story” Tristan Redman is a journalist who doesn’t believe in ghosts. But weird things happened in his teenage bedroom – weirder than normal. When, years later, he discovers subsequent occupants of his family home say they have been visited by the ...
10.24.2023 1413: The Haunted Tourist This week, we journey into the heart of dark tourism, exploring iconic haunted locations like the Winchester House, The Myrtle Plantation, and the eerie Lost City of Frenier. But how much of what we hear is historically accurate, and how ...
10.17.2023 1412: The Puppet Master Former Lieutenant Governor's Ex-Staffer Arrested for Elaborate Deception in Divorce; Husband Speaks Out Beth Green, a former member of Georgia Lieutenant Governor Geoff Duncan's staff, was arrested, facing felony charges stemming from a plot to torment her husband during their ...
10.10.2023 1411: The Lost and Found part 2 (Rudy Farias) On the next episode of Pretend, we investigate the perplexing case of 17-year-old Rudy Farias. While he was presumed missing for eight years, an unexpected twist raised suspicions of a hoax. Our investigation uncovers a trail of fraud linked to ...
10.05.2023 Listen Now—Agent of Betrayal: The Double Life of Robert Hanssen Here’s a preview of a new podcast I think you’ll enjoy. Amid the nuclear threat of the Cold War, America's prized secrets were falling into the hands of its sworn enemy—the Kremlin. The FBI's hunt for the leak led to ...
10.03.2023 1410: The Lost and Found part 1 (Rudy Farias) Missing teen is found. From Heartwarming Reunion to 'Wait, What?' Hoax Claims So, here's a plot twist for you: Rudy Farias, the Houston teen who was reported missing in 2015, returned after eight years. Instead of celebration and joyful tears, ...
09.28.2023 Listen Now: 48 Hours One of television's most popular true-crime series is now adapted for your ears with the “48 Hours” podcast. Every week, award-winning CBS News correspondents investigate the most intriguing crime and justice cases. Here’s a preview of a new “48 Hours” ...
09.26.2023 1409: The Shit Show (plus Stalker update) Subscribe to the Ponzi Playbook podcast: https://linktr.ee/ponziplaybook Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
09.19.2023 1408: The Digital Pickpocket part 2 James Freedman: Unmasking the Modern-Day Pickpocket In a world where the hustle and bustle of everyday life increasingly revolves around smartphones and digital wallets, the age-old craft of pickpocketing has found new avenues to thrive. Enter James Freedman, a British ...
09.12.2023 1407: The Digital Pickpocket part 1 Pickpockets in the Digital Age: The Evolution of a Timeless Crime In a world where technology reigns supreme, the art of pickpocketing has not vanished into history's annals. While traditional pickpocketing still thrives in popular European tourist destinations like Barcelona, ...
09.05.2023 1405: The Pests part 5 In this bonus episode, we pick up where we left off, diving into the events leading up to the much-anticipated August 24th contempt of court hearing involving Patrick Tomlinson. In our previous episode, we shared the suspenseful build-up to this ...
09.01.2023 Listen Now: Sports Explains the World Sports Explains the World unveils some of the wildest and most surprising sports stories you’ve never heard - And they’re all true. From the teenager who wrote a Wikipedia page that got a young athlete signed to a million-dollar deal ...
08.29.2023 Criminal Conduct Season 4 - Getting Away with Murder A mother's anguish resurfaces as her son's convicted killer is set free due to a jury verdict reversal by a judge. This is the story of Pravin Varughese. Binge all 9-episodes ad-free: Patreon: https://patreon.com/CriminalConductPodcast PRETEND+ Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/channel/pretend/id6443456985 Learn more ...
08.22.2023 1404: The Pests part 4 There are always two sides to every story. In part 4, listen to my interview with the online forum administrator. We discuss the ongoing legal battle with Patrick Tomlinson and why Patrick may go to jail over this feud. _____________ ...
08.15.2023 1403: The Pests part 3 WARNING: This episode contains language and disturbing content. Listener discretion is advised. Sci-Fi Writer Patrick Tomlinson Loses Harassment Lawsuit Against Online Forum, Faces Hefty Legal Fees Patrick Tomlinson, known for his imaginative works in the science fiction genre, took a ...
08.08.2023 1402: The Pests part 2 WARNING: This episode contains language and disturbing content. Listener discretion is advised. Police Storm Sci-fi Writer's Home 42 Times in "Swatting" Campaign Wisconsin science fiction author Patrick Tomlinson and his wife have been living a nightmare, enduring years of terror ...
08.01.2023 1401: The Pests part 1 (Gang stalking) WARNING: This episode contains language and disturbing content. Listener discretion is advised. Wisconsin Author Faces Cyberstalking Nightmare After Tweeting that Norm MacDonald Isn't Funny. Wisconsin science fiction author Patrick Tomlinson and his wife have been living in fear for years, ...
07.18.2023 1311: The Stalker - Interview with the Doctor (part 16) This is the episode you've been waiting for! While we've primarily heard from Tanya and Rick Fernandez's perspective, it's time to introduce you to a key figure in this fascinating case: Dr. Grace Gressman (not her real name). As a ...
07.17.2023 Suspect: Five Shots in the Dark Leon Benson spent 24 years in an Indiana state prison for the 1998 murder of a young man named Kasey Schoen. His conviction hinged on the testimony of two eyewitnesses – but what if their memories turned out to be ...
07.11.2023 The Undercover White Supremacist (FBI Retired Case File Review) In this episode of FBI Retired Case File Review, retired agent Scott Payne reviews his undercover role in the investigation that resulted in averting a mass shooting at a synagogue by a white supremacist. Subscribe to FBI Retired Case File ...
07.04.2023 1310: Love and Taxes (plus Stalker update) The IRS knocked on John Coutu's door, demanding $80,000. Jennifer Mitchell, his girlfriend, offered to handle John's taxes. At first glance, it seemed like a simple act of love. Little did he know that this act of goodwill would lead ...
07.03.2023 Up In Arms, from Alphabet Boys This week, we’re sharing an episode of Alphabet Boys. Alphabet Boys takes you inside secret investigations that the FBI, DEA, CIA, and other alphabet agencies never wanted the public to know about. These cases are both dangerous and absurd … ...
06.13.2023 1309: The Pale-Faced Lie part 2 Previously on PRETEND, we heard the story of David Crow and his criminal father, Thurston. In today's episode, we delve deeper into "The Pale-Faced Lie," a memoir about growing up as his father's accomplice. David's father, Thurston Crow, lived a ...
06.08.2023 Wondery & Bloomberg Present - Spellcaster: The Fall of Sam Bankman-Fried When nerdy gamer Sam Bankman-Fried rocketed to fame as the world’s richest 29-year-old, he pledged to donate his billions to good causes. But when Sam's crypto exchange FTX collapsed, billions of dollars went missing, and Sam was in handcuffs, those ...
06.06.2023 1308: The Pale-Faced Lie part 1 David Crow says he was his father's criminal accomplice. In today's episode, we delve into the extraordinary story of David Crow, author of the book titled "The Pale-Faced Lie." It's the story of a father and son entangled in a ...
05.30.2023 1307: The Stalker - Fly on the Wall (part 15) Imagine being a fly on the wall at the Fernandez house. What are they like? What do they talk about? Who in that house is capable of sending such disgusting messages? If only we could talk to someone who lived ...
05.23.2023 George Santos & The Harbor City Capital Ponzi Scheme (THE PONZI PLAYBOOK) The Ponzi Playbook: Welcome to The Ponzi Playbook, the podcast that exposes the dark underbelly of the financial world. Join hosts Neal McTighe and Javier Leiva as they take you on a journey through the seedy world of financial fraud, ...
05.16.2023 1305: The Stalker - In Time You'll Get the Truth (part 14) This podcast series on the stalker case has captured the attention of many listeners, making it one of the most talked-about series on PRETEND. Some listeners have even listened to it multiple times, hoping to find some clue or slip-up ...
05.09.2023 1304: The Cuban Spy part 2 How Ana Montes' Family Ties Unraveled the Cuban Spy Plot Against the U.S. When the lights of the Pentagon dimmed and the rest of D.C. settled into the night, Ana Montes began her covert dance as a Cuban spy. But ...
05.02.2023 1303: The Cuban Spy part 1 You've probably never heard the name Ana Montes because the FBI arrested her just ten days after 9/11. "Ana Montes, I believe, was one of the most dangerous American spies, period. And I would argue, the most dangerous female spy." ...
04.25.2023 1302: The Real Catch Me If You Can - The Promissory Note Virginia Morris, a retired real estate agent from Houston, Texas, doesn't want me to use her real name. She claims Frank Abagnale scammed her out of $20,000 through a bogus investment scheme. Virginia spent years suing Abagnale, trying to recover ...
04.18.2023 1301: The Real Catch Me If You Can part 9 (update) Frank is Back! This update episode is loaded with new allegations and never-before-told capers. Like the time Frank Abagnale: Impersonated a cop with a paper badge and a toy gun. Posed as a pilot to work at a preschool Took ...
04.11.2023 1215- The Proxy part 2 In today's episode, we will talk about how to treat perpetrators of Munchausen by Proxy—if that's even possible. And also, what happens when you suspect a mother of abuse? Should you report it? And what happens if you get it ...
04.04.2023 1214- The Proxy part 1 In today's episode, we'll discuss Munchausen by Proxy and how to identify it. And I'm not talking about scandalous stories like the ones you've seen on TV. In fact, we will focus on the less popular cases to show you ...
03.28.2023 S1213: The Stalker part 13 (The Arraignment) Just when you thought this case couldn't get any crazier. The night before the arraignment, Dr. Gressman's former patient, "Chelsea," starts badgering my followers on Instagram. The tone of her texts are eerily similar to the stalker. Then, Tanya goes ...
03.21.2023 S1212: The Stalker part 12 Note: Tune in to the end of the episode for some breaking news on this case. This series started as a whodunit about a menacing cyberstalker. But in reality, it turned into something else... something far more disturbing. We may ...
03.16.2023 INTRODUCING: Against the Odds: Alaska Bear Attack Against the Odds: Alaska Bear Attack What if you were stranded on a mountaintop? Or survived a plane crash? Or attacked by a bear in the dead of winter? These might sound like action movie plots, but for an unlucky ...
03.14.2023 S1211: The Stalker part 11 In this week's episode, we investigate who may be responsible for the harassing messages sent to the Rodriguez family. The postal inspector and the detectives assigned to the case have their sights set on the oldest daughter, Logan, but at ...
03.07.2023 S1210: The Stalker part 10 Examining the Evidence: Is Someone in the Rodriguez House Responsible for the Stalking? As the investigation into the cyberstalking of the Rodriguez family continues, new information has come to light about the possible culprit. To uncover potential leads, an ethical ...
02.28.2023 S1209: The Stalker part 9 Munchausen by Proxy Accusations: Is the Rodriguez Family Stalking Themselves? This series started out as a story of cyberstalking, but it has taken an unexpected turn. In the latest episode, we delve into the allegations that Claudia Rodriguez suffers from ...
02.21.2023 S1208: The Stalker part 8 Dr. Grace Gressman speaks out about the Rodriguez family stalking case In today's episode, we finally hear from Dr. Grace Gressman, the woman at the center of the Rodriguez family's cyberstalking saga. Despite having her statements in the police report, ...
02.14.2023 S1207: The Stalker part 7 Doctor and Husband Cleared as Suspects in Rodriguez Stalking Case The Rodriguez family has been the target of a cyberstalker for over three years. Despite their efforts to involve the police and find help, the stalking has continued until this ...
02.14.2023 S1206: The Stalker part 6 Cyberstalker Resumes Harassment of Rodriguez Family, Targets Infant Daughter After months of peace, the cyberstalker who has been tormenting Claudia and David Rodriguez for years has returned. This time, the stalker has directed his rage toward his own infant daughter, ...

Older episodes