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**PRETEND**

PRETEND is an investigative true crime podcast about real people who lie for a living — con artists, scammers, and the victims caught in their web.

Hosted by journalist Javier Leiva, PRETEND exposes the human psychology behind deception and fraud. Each episode follows a real case of manipulation — from financial scams and Ponzi schemes to digital hoaxes and emotional cons

PRETEND explains how and why deception works without shaming victims, combining ethical journalism with cinematic storytelling.

Featured in lists of the best podcasts about con artists and scams, PRETEND investigates crimes of persuasion, trust, and betrayal. New episodes drop regularly with stories that reveal how manipulation shapes modern life, both online and off.

PRETEND is produced by Creative Babble, LLC.

© 2026 Creative Babble LLC

[CLAIM:B6BT3XC4]

Latest Episodes:

PREVIEW: The Stalker Settlement Conference Nov 10, 2023

Show notes

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 to find.

Ever wondered what might happen if this case goes to trial? Will the Fernandez's stand firm in their refusal to accept a plea deal? What does the judge think of all this madness? Well, get ready to find out as the judge describes Tanya and Rick's possible fate.

I've even got a sneak peek for you, a short clip of the judge painting a vivid picture of their chances in front of a jury. Trust me; you won't want to miss this.

I'm hard at work on the new episode, and my hope is to get it out to you as soon as humanly possible. Bracing myself for a busy weekend ahead.

Stay tuned – there's much more to come!

Cheers, Javier

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pretendradio

Pretend+: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/channel/pretend/id6443456985

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The Lie Detector Revisited Nov 07, 2023

Show notes

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, he started a website called polygraph.com, offering a handbook and one-on-one training teaching people how to pass the test.

“There is no Pinocchio response. Your nose does not grow when you lie.” Doug Williams, polygraph critic

According to Doug Williams, a lie detector test is about as accurate as a coin toss. He claims the machine doesn’t work, and as a result, innocent people are paying the price. Many innocent people have pleaded guilty and skipped trial because they failed a polygraph during an interrogation. And employers routinely administered polygraph tests as part of their hiring process. If you fail a lie detector test in the US federal government, you’re potentially placed on a blacklist and never allowed to apply for that government agency job again.

Doug Willams says that the polygraph is just a stage prop used to scare people. How does he know this? Because he spent most of his law enforcement career using it as what he calls a psychological billy club. To him, it was just a tool to beat a confession out of a bad guy. But over the years, he realized that a polygraph test is just that… a test. It can be cheated. And he would devote the rest of his life to destroying it.

Doug Williams made a career giving people polygraph exams. Now, he’s going to prison for teaching people how to cheat the test.

FOLLOW PRETEND ON YOUTUBE:

https://www.youtube.com/@PretendPod

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The Babalawo Revisited Oct 31, 2023

Show notes

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, La Regla de Ifá, or Lucumí, which translates to the worship of saints.

You might wonder, "Where's the twist in this tale?" I've always felt an unsettling vibe around this religion. My fellow Cubans often consult Santería priests as if seeking divination. But is this genuine spiritual guidance, or am I unfairly biased against it? Spoiler: I might be letting my biases cloud my judgment.

To truly understand, I need to immerse myself in the heart of Santería, right in my hometown of Miami. But first, what exactly is a Babalawo?

A Babalawo is a revered figure in Santería, a priest who communicates prophecies from the Orishas, spirits representing aspects of the divine God Olodumare. In this episode, we'll uncover the history and roots of Santería, engaging in enlightening conversations with both a Santería priest and priestess, shedding light on their clandestine ceremonies.

—–MUSIC—–

Our theme music is crafted by the talented Joe Basile from The Chicken Music and Sound Design. Discover more about Joe and The Chicken at www.thechicken.net.

We also feature tunes by Podington Bear.

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1413: The Haunted Tourist Oct 24, 2023

Show notes

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 much is just for show? Are the tales of the curse of Julia Brown rooted in fact, or are they just spine-chilling fables? Brandon Schexnayder of the Southern Gothic Podcast is here to help us separate spectral facts from fiction. Prepare for a deep dive into the stories that have both fascinated and terrified generations.

Listen to Southern Gothic:

https://www.southerngothicmedia.com/

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1412: The Puppet Master Oct 17, 2023

Show notes

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 divorce proceedings. Accused of impersonating her former boss and employing deceptive personas, Green's arrest follows a warrant issued by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI). But what's even more astonishing is what Beth's husband has to say about the extent of her alleged deception. In today's episode of the PRETEND Podcast, we explore the extraordinary story of betrayal, lies, and the unraveling of trust in the midst of a divorce.

Follow PRETEND on Social:

https://linktr.ee/pretendpod

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1411: The Lost and Found part 2 (Rudy Farias) Oct 10, 2023

Show notes

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 Rudy's mother, Janie Santana, spanning decades. This includes multiple marriages, charity scams, a fabricated cancer diagnosis, and even laying claim to the house of a late sheriff's deputy.

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1410: The Lost and Found part 1 (Rudy Farias) Oct 03, 2023

Show notes

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, rumors were swirling about possible deception. Where was Rudy Farias hiding? This is not your typical missing person's case.

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1409: The Shit Show (plus Stalker update) Sep 26, 2023

Show notes

Subscribe to the Ponzi Playbook podcast:

https://linktr.ee/ponziplaybook

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1408: The Digital Pickpocket part 2 Sep 19, 2023

Show notes

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 entertainer and professional pickpocket who has chosen a unique and unexpected path. Rather than succumbing to a life of crime, Freedman employs his extraordinary skills to aid law enforcement in apprehending criminals.

The notion that pickpocketing is a vanishing art form is a misconception. Instead, it has evolved and adapted to the digital age. Today, we delve into the intriguing world of modern pickpocketing with James Freedman, who will unveil the intricate techniques behind the art of "tapp, dip, and swipe."

Links:

James Freedman:

https://www.jamesfreedman.com/

CNET's Best Password Managers:

https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/best-password-manager/

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1407: The Digital Pickpocket part 1 Sep 12, 2023

Show notes

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, Prague, and Rome, the game has evolved. In an era where wallets bulging with cash have been replaced by minimalist essentials - a smartphone and keys - cunning thieves have adapted to exploit new opportunities. In this eye-opening interview with James Freedman, we delve into the world of pickpocketing in the digital age with a master of the craft, exploring a spectrum that spans from the classic pocket-wallet dip to the intricacies of credit card swipes and other forms of digital fraud that may leave you astonished—technology changes, as do the tactics of those seeking to exploit it.