Born into poverty in 17th century England, William Chaloner pulled himself out using a con artist’s tongue and his artistry as a forger. Chaloner chose his nefarious path at a time and place when the deteriorating state of England’s currency made counterfeiting widespread and lucrative—although the penalty was death by hanging.
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Oct 2020
Herbalife Pt. 2: “Diet Shake Scam”
In 2012, investor Bill Ackman made it his mission to bring Herbalife down, citing unethical business practices. But the string of lawsuits, investigations, and news segments that followed did little to oust the billion dollar brand. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcast ... Show More
46m 50s
Aug 2024
Undercover Newton: William Chaloner
Sometimes the best way to make money is to literally make money. William Chaloner, a total dirtbag, made his living minting phony coins and framing his co-conspirators for all manner of crimes. That was until a genius stepped in and brought his whole operation down, just like an ... Show More
52m 43s
Mar 2021
“The Lipstick Killer” William George Heirens Pt. 1
Growing up in a family that didn’t have a lot of money, William Heirens turned to burglary to ease his economic anxiety. It became a compulsion he couldn’t control, and got him into trouble with the law in the early 1940s. Then, one day, it changed his life forever. Learn more ab ... Show More
42m 13s
Jun 2022
Captured Coin Con Consults Convicts Craving Corrections Cover
Michael Sabo was a classic con man. He posed as a respectable doctor, he wrote phony checks, he stole coins, and he misled trusting people. And what does a classic con man do after getting caught? Turn that grifter knowledge into another con: consulting.See omnystudio.com/listene ... Show More
46m 55s
Feb 2023
Fake It and You'll Make It: Elmyr de Hory
A talented artist is even more talented at forgery. He crosses paths with the rich, famous, and fabulous, and his forgeries are eventually forged themselves. Truly and wonderfully ridiculous, no?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
49m 31s
Aug 2024
Bampfylde Moore Carew: King of the Beggars
Colonial America, and England in the time of the Puritans... not exactly the time or places you'd expect to find a footloose and fancy-free beggar hopping and skipping back and forth across the Atlantic. His secret? Begging, borrowing and stealing. Also, the kindness of others. A ... Show More
59m 20s
Apr 2025
The Rugeley Poisoner Pt. 2
Struggling with gambling and spiraling into debt, William Palmer turned to murder. This week, we continue analyzing the deaths Palmer was accused of, and how the scheming doctor was finally caught. Keep up with us on Instagram @serialkillerspodcast! Have a story to share? Email u ... Show More
33m 7s