The Disturbing and Incredible Story of Fake Cancer Survivor 'Scamanda,' With Host Charlie Webster

Megyn Kelly is joined by journalist Charlie Webster, host of the hit true crime investigative podcast "Scamanda," to discuss how Webster found the story, the massive reaction to the podcast, the sordid story of Amanda Riley and her "cancer" journey detailed through her blog, how Amanda is accused of swindling hundreds of thousands from friends and and family, the important background of her family, how she may have learned so much about cancer, the character Amanda created, taking advantage of people of faith, whether Amanda's husband knew about the fraud and if Amanda actually believed her lies, how Amanda actually stole much more than she was charged with, the incredible turn of events when Amanda sued a journalist looking into her, Amanda's disturbing infiltration of cancer support groups, how Amanda was caught and the lengthy prison sentence she received, how medical records work in America, a warning about online scams, and more.

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Today's episode is brought to you in part by the following:

[Obsidiansoul]

I am a cancer survivor. 4 yrs in remission. I'm horrified at this story and going straight to the pod to listen.

[liowacowgirl]

I'm so angry with the husband!
My daughter had cancer and died of cancer!
How can a man who had a daughter who had cancer go along with this crazy lady and her evil plan!

[reneepolin]

What makes me sick is she says to the Judge
" I feel horrific that this thing happened "Not for what she's done, she completely takes herself out of the equation .

[SB-mmzh]

I have a cousin who is just like this. When I phoned her brother to ask if she really had a blood cancer and had only 6 months to live I apologised for checking it with him to verify it. He said "don't worry, this isn't the first time she's been dying". A complete liar.

[melindarodriguez]

I lost my husband to cancer 7 1/2 years ago, and quickly realized after he became sick that the American Cancer Society doesn't actually do much for cancer patients. They raise a lot of money for "research", but not much for actual cancer patients. Sadly, this is why I never participate in Relay for Life, though I would love to honor him and other loved ones who have been lost to cancer in such a way. I do love St. Jude's for that reason since they do so much for the families of children who are going through this terrible disease.

[bribach]

One of my childhood best friends, her mother faked her cancer too. I recently found that out it was fake. I wasn't surprised by some red flags in the past. Makes me sick. We were kids and distraught. She had us help her painfully shave her hair, sit out in the car while she was "getting chemo". I will never understand.

[RN_soonB_DNP]

I have cancer and diagnosed 6 years ago. When people do this, it is absolutely disgusting and to just see the evil and low people will do. For those of us who have this our options are “refinance your house so you can live, or pay out of pocket” it’s sad.

[darrenmiller]

So glad there is a break from politics today. This is more like Megyn's true crime stuff. Watched Forbes, the Hill Rising, and Greenwald and others. I need a break. I really like that Megyn does other things too. Don't get me wrong her deep dives on political news is some of the best out there. But her true crime stuff is tops too. Another great guest. You can tell how deep she went into the story by how she talks about the parts of the case. Seems to have taken a toll. She seems like a great reporter. She and megyn gel magnificently. Sometimes you can't beat reporter to reporter telling a story. Megyn is one of the best interviewers around. Great show. Wonderful welcomed distraction.😊

[colleen]

Megyn is so incredibly beautiful, smart, and talented. Every American woman should be pointing to HER as an idol, rather than Harris.

[laur]

The Scamanda podcast is such a great listen. So glad you are covering this!

[gatorade]

Why would someone do that? With so many people struggling with this life threatening disease that takes the life of so many!

[gaylevincent]

My daughters monster in law pulled a similar stunt she started claiming to her children and friends that she had been diagnosed with bladder cancer and went as far as calling her grown children together to plan out her funeral even going so far as to discuss with them exactly what she what wanted to be buried in as as they are crying and struggling to come to terms with the fact that not only was their Mother going to die but she was going to die in her early 50’s and all this was drug out for weeks and then she calls them together again then she starts laughing and told them it was all a joke. I was just like who does that??? My own Mother had died from Breast cancer and I think anyone who lies jokes or swindles others in any manner much less faking cancer should really have to suffer and die of the same fate. Cancer is a horrific diagnosis to receive and it is no joke and to scam people by using something like that might cause a person not to want to donate the next time to someone who really needs it…

[starfernandez]

I have studied narcissism extensively. I was married to a sociopathic narcissist and was determined to figure out why they say and do the things they do. Psychiatrists admit that it's almost impossible to treat these narcissists. Because they will tell you what you want to hear, thus you can't work with them. They are that good at fooling people. They fully take advantage of genuinely honest people. I believe narcissists absolutely believe their own lies. I am convinced they have a mental illness. I've come to that conclusion with my research and many doctors conclude too, that sociopathic narcissism is incurable. Amanda will go right back to what she knows how to do. The judges sentence wasn't long enough.

[vickycorey]

Thank you Megyn. I look forward to your channel everyday ❤

[PozoBlue]

I pressed play on this MK episode then paused 5 mins in to avoid spoilers and go listen to the Scamanda podcast. 2 days later after binging it I am back here, mindblown & scandalized with this story!!😮 Thanks so much for having the show producer. Riveting & enraging story 🤯

[elizabethivey]

I started listening to this yesterday but turned it off to listen to "Scamanda". I listened to the entire podcast in one day and am back to hear this interview.

[ericajean]

I had a lady in our church fake cancer. Crazy how often this happens.

[brendaloveless-nulr]

I heard this episode as i was driving home. As soon as i got home I listened to the podcast. Wow.
As someone currently getting chemo, I kept shaking my head thru out the podcast.
Please let us know of any other podcasts we should listen to. This one was well worth the time.
Thank you to your guest for This wonderful podcast!

[annettemoore]

It's disgusting, I've been fighting cancer for the last 25 years, Non Hodgkins and Hodgkins together, it's all over my lymphatic system and I relapsed 5 times, nobody outside of my immediate family know I've just had my final treatment and I'm happy with that, i kicked it 6 times, 😳 but ya gotta know when to quit 🤣 cancer sufferers don't really need or want an audience at these times and people who "blag" cancer or miscarriages for attention are the lowest of the low to me, 😡

[annedoll]

Only person I trust for news. Plus she’s funny as hell