Scamanda: She lied about having cancer and stole over $100,000 in donations. How? Why?

For nearly ten years, Amanda C. Riley relied on her community as she struggled through multiple relapses of cancer. Family, friends, and a group of online strangers supported Amanda emotionally, and made financial donations. There was just one problem: Amanda never had cancer. It was all an elaborate lie. 

Charlie Webster, host of the hit podcast Scamanda, details the extremes Amanda went to in carrying out her con — and why she believes Amanda was not only able to lie about having cancer, but steal from those closest to her.

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This episode's transcript can be found here.

This is true crime with journalistic integrity — and a curious, conversational edge. Each Monday, Crime Story dives into gripping cases of every kind: from white-collar scandals and high-profile trials to under-the-radar stories you’ve never heard before.

At the heart of each episode is a deep, intimate interview with someone who knows the case inside and out — the journalists, documentarians, and storytellers who’ve reported on these crimes, chased leads for years, and lost sleep uncovering the truth. Their insights cut through the noise, revealing not just what happened, but why it matters.

Hosted by award-winning journalist Kathleen Goldhar — a true crime devotee with more than 20 years of experience and a track record of critically-acclaimed podcasts — the show blends sharp reporting with an authentic love for the genre.

• No. of episodes: 94
• Latest episode: 2025-06-30
• True Crime

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