logo
episode-header-image
Feb 2025
53m 26s

Priscila Barbosa: The Rideshare Robinhoo...

Wondery
About this episode

When Priscila Barbosa moves to Boston from Brazil in 2018, she sets out to pay off her debts and send money back home by driving for rideshare platforms like Uber and Lyft. Eventually, she decides her cut isn’t enough, and she rallies other undocumented immigrants to create one of the most lucrative illicit rideshare rings in Beantown. But this millennial #girlboss learns that suspicious groupchats and Instagrams flaunting her cozy new lifestyle will hurt her chances of staying one step ahead of Silicon Valley and the feds. Eventually, Priscilla’s free ride delivers her to a final destination: jail.

Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletter

Listen to Scamfluencers on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/scamfluencers/ now.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Up next
Jul 7
Phil Kitzer and the G Men | 166
Phil Kitzer was a globe-trotting scammer who spent more than a decade creating fake banks and insurance companies, ripping off customers to pay for his lavish lifestyle. By the late 70s, Phil’s scam is so prolific that the FBI authorizes the first-ever white collar undercover sti ... Show More
42m 39s
Jun 30
Earl Washington: A Rip Off the Old Block | 165
Singer-actor Earl Washington turns out to be a triple threat when he takes up carving wood blocks to make ends meet while hustling to make a life as an entertainer in Los Angeles. But just like any other artist, his wood carvings need a good origin story, so Earl creates a new id ... Show More
48m 16s
Jun 24
Listen Now: Liberty Lost
In Evangelical homes across the United States, sex outside of marriage is a sin against God. So, when Abbi becomes pregnant at 16, her devout parents hide her away at the Liberty Godparent Home, a little-known facility for pregnant teens on the campus of Liberty University. The H ... Show More
5m 38s
Recommended Episodes
Mar 2025
Kara Swisher
This week on Reclaiming, we welcome renowned tech journalist and industry expert Kara Swisher. Kara offers a thoughtful prediction on the political landscape under Trump and Musk. She drops a provocative take on AI's gender problem and why she believes men are at the heart of it ... Show More
50m 30s
Mar 2025
Salma Hayek Pinault: When Determination Meets Destiny | 270
Salma Hayek has always believed in her destiny. After becoming a telenovela superstar in her native Mexico, she ditches fame and fortune in her own country, and leaves it behind her for the mere chance of making it in Hollywood. Once she lands in LA, however, it’s clear to her th ... Show More
53m 14s
Aug 2024
High School Forever | PlanBri Uncut Episode 284
Brianna Lapaglia and Grace O'Malley are back this week to once again bring up their high school years. The two also discuss the demure trend, Harry Styles, and Ken Eurich's crazy week. Brianna reveals why Dave Portnoy was angry with her and we finish off by looking at some crazy ... Show More
1h 5m
Jun 10
RuPaul: You Better Work (Encore) | 281
RuPaul is born feeling like an outsider. Rejection by his father and peers makes him doubt whether he’ll ever fit in. But instead of conforming, he doubles down and becomes a gender-bending punk musician.Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendation ... Show More
49m 48s
May 27
The Woman Who Sold Babies | Supply and Demand | 2
Georgia Tann tightens her grip on adoption in the city of Memphis, with the help of a growing network of accomplices.Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterListen to American Scan ... Show More
37m 46s
Mar 2025
Negotiation with the Devil | 5
Charlie finally has a plan to save her brothers from the scam factory when she gets a chilling phone call. Now, she must race to rescue them before it’s too late.Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wonder ... Show More
28m 32s
May 20
The Woman Who Sold Babies | The Judge's Daughter | 1
In the early 20th century, a young woman named Georgia Tann begins her career in social work and becomes determined to change adoption in America—even if it means destroying lives and tearing families apart.Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendat ... Show More
38m 58s
Dec 2024
Snoop and Martha: Snoop Dreams (Encore) | 258
Meeting Dr. Dre finally gives Snoop his big break. It’s the start of his new life. But before he can make it out of Long Beach, he'll have to learn that old lives die hard.Binge the full season early and ad free with Wondery+ in the Wondery App. https://wondery.app.link/eventheri ... Show More
41m 20s
Feb 2025
Sacrificial Lambs | 2
Charlie is determined to get her brother back at all costs. But who is she willing to sacrifice to pay for his freedom? Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterFollow Scam Factory ... Show More
34m 1s