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A captivating portion of the true crime world has been taken over by scammers. These con artists, with their charm, charisma, and too-good-to-be-true pitches, are both fascinating and enraging. If you can’t get enough of stories about scams, cons, and deceptions, we’ve got you covered with a selection of daring documentaries.
### 1. The Inventor: Out for Blood in Silicon Valley
Step into the surreal world of disgraced Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes in *The Inventor: Out for Blood in Silicon Valley*. Director Alex Gibney guides viewers through the scam orchestrated by the former CEO, which not only fooled numerous high-profile investors but also saw the rollout of a completely fake blood-testing device called “Edison” in actual pharmacies. Using incredible footage originally meant for a Theranos advertising campaign, Gibney paints a striking portrait of this now convicted fraudster. Prepare to be mesmerized and wonder how easily you could be deceived by one of the biggest liars of the 21st century. (*Alison Foreman, Entertainment Reporter*)
*How to watch:* *The Inventor: Out for Blood in Silicon Valley* is available for streaming on HBO Max.
### 2. The Lady and the Dale
HBO’s 2021 mini-series, *The Lady and the Dale*, stands out among the network’s true crime offerings. Directors Nick Cammilleri and Zackary Drucker dive into the life and scandals of Elizabeth Carmichael, a nationally recognized automobile executive, con artist, wife, mother, and transgender pioneer. This four-episode documentary mini-series challenges the prevailing narrative about Carmichael by presenting different perspectives, including interviews with those who knew her best. With its animated photography, playful soundtrack, and sense of adventure, *The Lady and the Dale* captures Carmichael’s complexity and spirit, resulting in a surprising, thrilling, and unforgettable watch. (*Kristy Puchko, Film Editor*)
*How to watch:* *The Lady and the Dale* is currently streaming on HBO Max.
### 3. The Tinder Swindler
In 2022’s *The Tinder Swindler*, viewers are taken on a captivating journey into a scam that unfolded on Tinder. Shimon Hayut, also known as Simon Leviev, presented himself as a wealthy man who showered his matches with gifts and luxurious trips, only to swindle them out of large sums of money. As Hayut’s victims join forces to seek justice, the film keeps audiences on edge, wondering whether this serial scammer will face the consequences of his actions. Dive into this engaging documentary without spoiling the outcome. (*Belen Edwards, Entertainment Reporter*)
*How to watch:* *The Tinder Swindler* is now available for streaming on Netflix.
When it’s all said and done, you’ll have the full scoop on the historic McDonald’s Monopoly fraud case. But what FBI Agent Doug Matthews isn’t revealing in McMillions will leave you with plenty of lingering questions.* — Adam Rosenberg, Senior Entertainment Reporter
How to watch: McMillions is now available for streaming on HBO Max.
6. Operation Varsity Blues
Remember the college admissions scandal involving TV stars like Lori Loughlin and Felicity Huffman in 2019? Netflix’s documentary on the scam, orchestrated by mastermind Rick Singer, dives into the impact on deserving students who worked hard for college admissions. The exposure of how wealthy parents cheated the system and unfairly gained access to prestigious universities sheds light on the inequality ingrained in the education system.
If you are looking to learn more about the high-profile parents like Loughlin or her daughter Olivia Jade involved in Operation Varsity Blues, you’ll find it here. But the deeper themes of inequality and the broken system favoring the wealthy will leave a lasting impression.* — Nicole Gallucci, Senior Editor
How to watch: Operation Varsity Blues is now streaming on Netflix.
7. Fyre: The Greatest Party That Never Happened
The Fyre Festival disaster, spearheaded by Billy McFarland, unfolded into a comedy of errors. What was marketed as a luxurious music festival ended up as a nightmare for guests who endured subpar conditions. Director Chris Smith takes viewers behind the scenes of this failed event, showcasing the aftermath and fallout experienced by attendees and former employees who saw the chaos unfold.* —K.P.
How to watch: Fyre: The Greatest Party That Never Happened is currently available for streaming on Netflix.
Operation Odessa
starts with a Russian mobster known as Tarzan and culminates in a shady deal to sell a Soviet submarine to a Colombian drug cartel for shipping cocaine to the U.S. The story itself is wild enough to make Tiller Russell’s true-crime journey worth watching. However, the real treasure lies in Tarzan and his associates, who give interviews that are not only shockingly candid about their criminal activities but also full of flair. Whether they’re recounting arson hits, risqué strip club acts, or how they duped Soviets by pretending to be Pablo Escobar, they do so with a mischievous grin and a sailor’s tongue that will leave you in awe and laughter. —K.P.
How to watch: Operation Odessa is available for purchase on iTunes.
10. My Old School
One of the most intriguing documentaries of 2022 begins with the arrival of a new student in 1993 at a Scottish secondary school, introducing himself as Brandon Lee. From the beginning, there was something different about him, but his classmates accepted him as one of their own. That is until the scandal erupted.
Director Jono McLeod, a former classmate of Lee, uses these connections to encourage his peers – as well as the infamous Lee himself – to share their memories of those extraordinary school days. Conducting interviews in a classroom setting, often in pairs, creates a convivial atmosphere that keeps things light, even as the revelations take a bizarre turn. The documentary skillfully delves into the wonder of nostalgia and the perils of dwelling on the past. —K.P.
How to watch:My Old School
is available for purchase on Apple.
11. Catfish
It’s the eye-opening documentary that gave rise to a new definition in true crime – as well as a spinoff series. In the early days of social media and online dating, 20-something Nev Schulman formed a romantic connection over Facebook with a captivating young woman named Megan. But as their long-distance love affair intensifies, certain discrepancies emerge.
Documentarians Ariel Schulman and Henry Joost follow Nev’s quest to uncover the truth behind the online deception. In 2010, their revelations led to a shocking conclusion that unveiled a vast world of internet deceit. Years later, the film that spawned a franchise dedicated to exposing online deceivers may be less startling, but the filmmakers’ empathetic approach to their subjects keeps it enduringly poignant. —K.P.
How to watch:Catfish
is available for rent or purchase on Prime Video.
