This is the third and final part of the infamous Miss Cleo's case and to do that with a flourish, J. Michael Skiba, AKA. Dr. Fraud (trademark) tells us that 70% of the population is prone to being dishonest -but there are levels- and, spoiler alert, 30% of them are shitty persons; nice data, right? Find out with us if Miss Cleo is innocent and knows the real scammers out there. Also, Miami Vice, yes! the famous 80's series, is featured in this episode and it is clear to us that a fraudster will always be a fraudster.

TIMESTAMPS

(00:07) That the system is screwed up, justifies robbing a bank?: 70% of people believe that robbing or defrauding a bank is okay.

(8:30) Dr. Fraud (trademark) tells us how big corporations normalize fraud: it is not attacked, is not prevented and is not punished.

(12:13) Miss Cleo is innocent (?). Let's meet the three real fraudsters: Steve Feder, Peter Slotz and Lou Thomas.

(15:22) Feder and the fraud of houses and pizza boxes: This is America! and justice is just a business.

(27:33) Feder, Slotz and Thomas: The juicy business of the psychic hotlines.

(32:19) Miami Vice and a psychic hotlines in the same sentence: Oh! Thank you Philip Michael Thomas!

(40:30) Tutorial to make your fraud profitable: Bye, bye Miami Vice and welcome to New York City.

(47:14) This is how the fraudster ends up: A fraudster will always be a fraudster. Hey! If you are looking for a sugar daddy we tell you where to find him.

RESOURCES

Learn more about Dr. Fraud (trademark) here
The Philip Michael Thomas International Psychic Network 1994 commercial
Do you have a story? Send us an email

Special thanks to Joshua Sutherland for composing music for this episode.

Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ on Apple Podcasts to listen to ad-free new episodes.