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Latest Episodes:

The Stalker - Fly on the Wall part 15 May 30, 2023

Show notes

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 with them.

Last week, out of the blue, Brittni Stone reached out to me because she lived with the Fernandez family for five years. She has a lot to say about the Stalker series. But maybe her insights can lead us closer to the truth.

Plus, hear the latest on the trial. Has the state offered Tanya and Rick a plea deal?

Listen to the latest bonus episode of The Stalker, then post your reaction on Patreon, Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

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George Santos & The Harbor City Capital Ponzi Scheme (THE PONZI PLAYBOOK) May 23, 2023

Show notes

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, exploring the twisted minds of the people behind some of the most audacious Ponzi schemes in history.

Episode 1 Description:

We peel back the layers of the Harbor City Capital Ponzi scheme, exposing the deceptive tactics orchestrated by Jonathan Paul Maroney and shedding light on the involvement of George Santos. In this episode, we delve deep into the intricate workings of the scheme, where enticing promises of remarkable returns through internet advertising conceal a web of deceit.

The first two episodes are available right now. Download wherever you get your podcasts

https://linktr.ee/ponziplaybook

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The Stalker - In Time You'll Get the Truth Part 14 May 16, 2023

Show notes

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 that could help them solve the mystery.

Listeners are clamoring for more updates. But it's important to note that this type of investigation takes time, and it took me two years to report on this story. The series ended with Tanya and Rick Fernandez being indicted by a grand jury on computer tampering charges and aggravated harassment.

Initially, I wasn't sure if the case would even make it to trial. I expected Tanya and Rick to plead guilty and accept a lighter sentence. However, that has yet to happen.

In this episode, I will provide an update on where the trial stands and share some interviews I recorded with Tanya and Rick that were not included in the original series. While these interviews didn't align with the story's central plot at the time, they shed some light on the type of drama surrounding this case.

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1304: The Cuban Spy part 2 May 09, 2023

Show notes

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 after 17 years in this dangerous tango, her own bloodline played an unexpected role in her downfall. Dive in as we delve deeper into the captivating world of espionage, loyalty, and unexpected betrayals.

From Shadows to Spotlight: The Unraveling of Ana Montes, the Cuban Spy

Hidden within the Pentagon's vast maze, Ana Montes expertly spun her web of secrets for Cuba. Yet, as with all intricate schemes, the threads began to loosen. Over 17 covert years, her dance with deception went unnoticed, but even the best-laid plots have their breaking point. Venture with us into the moment it all came undone.

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1303: The Cuban Spy part 1 May 02, 2023

Show notes

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." - Jim Popkin is a long-time journalist and author of "Codename Blue Wren," the story of Ana Montes, the Cuban Spy.

Ana Belen Montes spied on the US for Cuba for 17 years. Find out what made her so dangerous and how she spied on the Cubans from within the US intelligence community.

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The Real Catch Me If You Can - The Promissory Note Apr 25, 2023

Show notes

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 her money. However, she was unsuccessful. Abagnale ignored the court summons and failed to appear in court.

So, Virginia did what anyone who lost more than $20,000 would do. She showed up at one of Frank Abagnale's speaking events and confronted him.

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The Real Catch Me If You Can part 9 (update) Apr 18, 2023

Show notes

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 a group of teachers on an "all-expense paid" trip to Puerto Rico

Abagnale's true life story is featured in the New York Post.

Frank Abagnale is getting national attention. Just this month, the New York Post published an article citing an 87-page file of old newspaper clippings, court documents, and letters — from airlines, university officials, government sources, and others. Here's a link to the article written by Abby Ellin.

Abagnale featured in STR8DADVIBES

We end the episode with a song inspired by my 'Real Catch Me If You Can' Series.

STR8 DAD VIBES by KENDONTCRY

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It has been featured in the New York Times, the BBC, & Netflix.

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1215- The Proxy part 2 Apr 11, 2023

Show notes

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 wrong? We're going to get into it all of this. Plus, we'll talk about Hope Ybarra's downfall.

Munchausen Support:

https://www.munchausensupport.com/resources/

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1214- The Proxy part 1 Apr 04, 2023

Show notes

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 that this form of abuse is far more common than we even realized. You may know someone who is a victim of Munchausen by proxy and not even realizes it.

Follow Pretend on social media:

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TikTok

YouTube

PRETEND is consistently in the top True Crime Podcasts about con artists in U.S., UK, Canada, and Australia.

It has been featured in the New York Times, the BBC, & Netflix.

To advertise on our podcast, please reach out to sales@advertisecast.com or visit https://www.advertisecast.com/Pretend and https://www.advertisecast.com/CriminalConduct

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The Stalker part 13 (The Arraignment) Mar 28, 2023

Show notes

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 on Facebook and makes a surprise announcement. To almost all of her friends' shock and surprise, she announced a new addition. Yes, you read correctly. The night before her court appearance, she let everyone know she was the mother of a brand new baby girl. Where did this child come from?

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How Ana Montes' Family Ties Unraveled the Cuban Spy Plot Against the U.S.

From Shadows to Spotlight: The Unraveling of Ana Montes, the Cuban Spy

Abagnale's true life story is featured in the New York Post.

Abagnale featured in STR8DADVIBES

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