Anyone listen to the Scamanda podcast?

[pugz]

I haven't finished the bonus episodes but have listened to the main 8. 

[turkletsmom]

Oooh I didn't know there were bonus eps. I'm downloading now. H and I listened to the first 8 a couple of weeks ago on a road trip. There are a few things I can't figure out how she pulled off easily- like taking pictures inside oncology units. I'm wondering if she was like donating blood or plasma, etc and tweaking photos that way? Crazy.

[cleo29]

Yes! So good and crazy. I listened to the first bonus episode, but have not listened to the second one regarding her blogs yet.

[cleo29]

also, there is no way her husband was not in on it at some level. He sounds like he is a real jerk.

[quesyrah]

I am surprised people didn’t question her earlier to be honest. I know no one wants to be the “are we sure she has cancer?” Ahole, but her story was so unbelievable.

[quesyrah]

Jul 7, 2023 15:26:08 GMT -5 turkletsmom said:

Oooh I didn't know there were bonus eps. I'm downloading now. H and I listened to the first 8 a couple of weeks ago on a road trip. There are a few things I can't figure out how she pulled off easily- like taking pictures inside oncology units. I'm wondering if she was like donating blood or plasma, etc and tweaking photos that way? Crazy.

I get monthly infusions for an autoimmune disease but they’re done in the oncology center. I could easily take so many pictures making it look like I was getting chemo. Anyone can walk up to the wall that says “oncology center”

I think she probably took strategic photos in doctors offices, ER, urgent care, etc. and was able to play it off. Especially given that it seems she was buying medical tubing which is surprisingly easy to get at medical supply stores.

[cleo29]

Jul 7, 2023 15:43:32 GMT -5 quesyrah said:

I am surprised people didn’t question her earlier to be honest. I know no one wants to be the “are we sure she has cancer?” Ahole, but her story was so unbelievable.

yes! looking healthy, not losing weight, etc. 

[eb777888]

Uhhhhh, no, but I'm very intrigued after reading the description and added it.

[sugarbear1]

I finished it last week but didn't know about the bonus episodes.

I too, wondered how she managed all the photo evidence, and then I was shocked to hear that the total monetary value was only $100k (and change). I know she received a lot of in-kind gifts but still, for so many years of work -- because keeping track of this web had to be exhausting -- the payout didn't seem all that great to me.

[pugz]

The custody battle made me SO mad. Jessa was just a pawn. A free baby sitter for them

[thebreakfastclub]

I didn't know there was a bonus! It was a great podcast.

[treschic]

Jul 7, 2023 16:10:58 GMT -5 sugarbear1 said:

I finished it last week but didn't know about the bonus episodes.

I too, wondered how she managed all the photo evidence, and then I was shocked to hear that the total monetary value was only $100k (and change). I know she received a lot of in-kind gifts but still, for so many years of work -- because keeping track of this web had to be exhausting -- the payout didn't seem all that great to me.

The 100k was only the electronic traceable donations. Altogether, I read upwards of $800k.

[jewel]

She got a lot of people to make direct purchases for her, that probably weren't traced as monetary donations - flights, hotels, shows, etc.

I think she probably went to the ER a few times and faked some symptoms to get pics of her in the hospital, but mostly just walked around available hospitals taking pictures of areas that are accessible to the public. The podcast people said a lot looked like they were taken in her bathroom, and that she was dressed in similar hospital gowns for multiple locations, that should’ve have different color gowns. I’m sure she purchased medical equipment and supplies and probably stole a bunch too, as she was able.

There’s probably a lot of sunk cost fallacy with the supporters too, like once you’ve donated or supported her, it’s really hard to back out and question her.

[yourmother]

I don’t understand why the authorities couldn’t go after the husband for the false allegations in court about Alleeta. He also had to be a part of the con.

[artichokie]

The thing that really was ODD was that Amanda was hired as a teacher for a short period but was absent so much from being "sick", then she was a camp counselor for a while, which then landed her a job as a PRINCIPAL???  

This does not happen (or shouldn't happen IMO) in real life without at least a Master's, several years of classroom teaching, ed leadership, curriculum development, I could go on...

[devonpow]

I haven’t listened to it yet, but we had this happen in our town and the woman was good friends with several of my friends. One of my friends was the person who caught on and eventually outed the situation. She didn’t steal as much money (there was a Go Fund Me) but so much effort and energy was put in by friends taking care of her and thinking she was close to death several times. Her husband (they are now divorced) still claims he didn’t know which makes NO sense. It’s baffling.

[fivechickens]

I had not heard about it but am listening now. Thanks for the recommendation.

[pugz]

Jul 8, 2023 11:19:26 GMT -5 artichokie said:

The thing that really was ODD was that Amanda was hired as a teacher for a short period but was absent so much from being "sick", then she was a camp counselor for a while, which then landed her a job as a PRINCIPAL???  

This does not happen (or shouldn't happen IMO) in real life without at least a Master's, several years of classroom teaching, ed leadership, curriculum development, I could go on...

Private Christian school so does not surprise me

[joy]

Oh, I have SO MANY thoughts on this now that I’m done.

- Amanda’s entire statement in court was all about her. It was infuriating to listen to. Daycare Lady (forgot her name) is 100% correct: Amanda will never change. Ever.

- The way Corey and Amanda used the court system to get Jessa away from her mother is disgusting and yet another reminder that family court is clueless about emotional abuse.

- One lady at the end who said she’d be there for Amanda and no one should judge Amanda any more because she wouldn’t want anyone to do that to her for a mistake she made is CLUELESS. CLUELESS.

- When Corey and Amanda changed Jessa’s school without putting Aleta on the forms? I’ve seen that happen in real life. People who do these things are disturbed and society needs to stop gawking at it and dig into the psychology around it. These cheats and liars are in many many places.

The courts need to learn, the general public needs to learn, and we all need to help each other put boundaries around these abusers rather than wallow in the “maybe it’s not lies,” “maybe it’s all a misunderstanding,” and “if you just heard my side, then you’d understand.” No. Enough.

Enough.

[winnied]

Jul 8, 2023 23:28:58 GMT -5 pugz said:

Jul 8, 2023 11:19:26 GMT -5 artichokie said:

The thing that really was ODD was that Amanda was hired as a teacher for a short period but was absent so much from being "sick", then she was a camp counselor for a while, which then landed her a job as a PRINCIPAL???  

This does not happen (or shouldn't happen IMO) in real life without at least a Master's, several years of classroom teaching, ed leadership, curriculum development, I could go on...

Private Christian school so does not surprise me

Yup. Some Christian schools have standards as high or higher than public schools but some basically just check that you're a Christian adult and have a pulse and that apparently qualifies you.

I forgot who said it, but someone commented that with how smart she was she could have done something really actually valuable v. scamming people. 

It blows my mind that she *STILL* hasn't admitted she didn't/doesn't have cancer. 

My heart breaks for her little boys because of how traumatizing it can be to have a sick parent let alone one who is faking the whole damn thing.

[egishere]

Yes! I'm only on episode 5 but I'm really enjoying it.

I feel bad saying this but someone I know from my gym (not a friend) has had cancer for a few years and a few of us have questioned if she really does. She has done things like saying she's going in for a surgery and then the following week after her surgery has competed in a tough mudder or other hard fitness competitions. She's a member at several boutique fitness places in our town and always gets them to wear pink on certain days..stuff like that. Seems to really like attention. She has asked for money for charity but doesn't ask for money for herself so that's why I'm just not sure. But some of it doesn't add up!

[underwaterrhymes]

I listened to this and while I found it fascinating and super gross, I thought overall the podcast was poorly produced and didn’t address some deeper questions.

@@@@uhhhh statutory rape, anyone?

I’m glad she’s in prison but am deeply disappointed her spouse is not there too. He clearly was in on it.

[underwaterrhymes]

Jul 8, 2023 11:19:26 GMT -5 artichokie said:

The thing that really was ODD was that Amanda was hired as a teacher for a short period but was absent so much from being "sick", then she was a camp counselor for a while, which then landed her a job as a PRINCIPAL???  

This does not happen (or shouldn't happen IMO) in real life without at least a Master's, several years of classroom teaching, ed leadership, curriculum development, I could go on...

I know of at least two people who teach at small private Christian schools and neither one has training or a background in education.

[tacokick]

Jul 13, 2023 10:49:56 GMT -5 underwaterrhymes said:

I listened to this and while I found it fascinating and super gross, I thought overall the podcast was poorly produced and didn’t address some deeper questions.

@@@@uhhhh statutory rape, anyone?

I’m glad she’s in prison but am deeply disappointed her spouse is not there too. He clearly was in on it.

Yes. I was very puzzled why they glossed over the fact that she was their teenaged babysitter for what seemed like years and then married the father. They mentioned her age at the beginning but then stopped after she got involved with the husband. To me, that spoke of not only something up with him but her whole family. Her parents and brothers seemed really involved in every little thing and they were just okay with this? He was 12 years older than her! What was going on with them? Cory sounds awful in so so many ways. Not that what she did was right or excusable but I think some there was a lot more going on with her in her childhood and past that they could have explored.

[tacokick]

Jul 13, 2023 10:51:29 GMT -5 underwaterrhymes said:

Jul 8, 2023 11:19:26 GMT -5 artichokie said:

The thing that really was ODD was that Amanda was hired as a teacher for a short period but was absent so much from being "sick", then she was a camp counselor for a while, which then landed her a job as a PRINCIPAL???  

This does not happen (or shouldn't happen IMO) in real life without at least a Master's, several years of classroom teaching, ed leadership, curriculum development, I could go on...

I know of at least two people who teach at small private Christian schools and neither one has training or a background in education.

Yeah, my cousin and my ex-SIL went to these types of “schools” and the “teachers” were just like random parents. They did not learn much and it’s really held them back in life. Private schools aren’t as regulated as you’d think in a lot of areas.

[sporklemotion]

egishere, I can’t speak to your situation, but a remote-ish family member of mine lied about having cancer for years. It wasn’t to get money but more for attention. There was mental illness at play as well. She shaved her head, lied about chemo, etc. So I think it does happen. Not to say that’s what’s happening with the person you mention. It’s like the catfish that roll through here— sometimes, it’s more about attention and sympathy than anything else.

[Jalapeñomel]

Thanks to this, I’m listening! Wow, this is madness.

[dcrunnergirl52]

Jul 13, 2023 10:49:56 GMT -5 underwaterrhymes said:

I listened to this and while I found it fascinating and super gross, I thought overall the podcast was poorly produced and didn’t address some deeper questions.

@@@@uhhhh statutory rape, anyone?

I’m glad she’s in prison but am deeply disappointed her spouse is not there too. He clearly was in on it.

I agree..it left a lot of questions unanswered and the bonus episodes asked the same questions repeatedly. I'd love to have the Scamfluencer women do a few episodes on this b/c I think they'd be great.

[rubytue]

Jul 13, 2023 10:47:02 GMT -5 egishere said:

Yes! I'm only on episode 5 but I'm really enjoying it.

I feel bad saying this but someone I know from my gym (not a friend) has had cancer for a few years and a few of us have questioned if she really does. She has done things like saying she's going in for a surgery and then the following week after her surgery has competed in a tough mudder or other hard fitness competitions. She's a member at several boutique fitness places in our town and always gets them to wear pink on certain days..stuff like that. Seems to really like attention. She has asked for money for charity but doesn't ask for money for herself so that's why I'm just not sure. But some of it doesn't add up!

there was a [medical drama show, maybe Good Doctor?] episode about a guy like this. He lost a leg in a car accident, and was a runner. And started charity running, and someone assumed he lost the leg to cancer, and it stuck, and he leaned into it because if the attention. 

I just came into this post, I’m not much of a podcast person, but it’s getting talk on my Hodgkins support group, because I guess she claimed Hodgkins. And everyone there is talking about all the shit she claimed which anyone who actually had Hodgkins would know is wrong. So I may have to download it. But it also may piss me off too much. 

Things I learned in the cancer community - always good to watermark pictures because there are people that download then and use them to catfish. And that is just so sad. 

[cleo29]

Jul 13, 2023 10:49:56 GMT -5 underwaterrhymes said:

I listened to this and while I found it fascinating and super gross, I thought overall the podcast was poorly produced and didn’t address some deeper questions.

@@@@uhhhh statutory rape, anyone?It 
I’m glad she’s in prison but am deeply disappointed her spouse is not there too. He clearly was in on it.

Yes! He said under oath that he was at some of her treatments. Come on! It also sounded like he was not working or something, so in general, I think he is an asshat.