EP. 175 — The Chief Appropriator w/ Emma Gray & Claire Fallon

What’s poppin’ con-gregation? This week, Claire Fallon & Emma Gray join the show to discuss Edgar LaPlante, who impersonated a chief of the Cherokee Nation across countries during the turn of the 20th century. Plus, a young real estate agent’s reputation is on the line after his identity was stolen and used to stage a New Year’s Eve boat party that never happened. Stay Schemin’!

Research done by Kaelyn Brandt.

SOURCES:

https://www.museolombroso.unito.it/en/photographs-at-liberty-chief-white-elk-and-the-blackshirts-tuscany-1924/

https://www.nytimes.com/1929/09/20/archives/indian-chief-back-shorn-of-his-glory-says-false-claims-won-him.html

https://www.cbc.ca/radio/thecurrent/the-current-for-september-4-2018-1.4808812/king-con-man-successfully-impersonates-indigenous-leaders-his-whole-life-acquiring-riches-and-fame-1.4809858

https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/life/999371/edgar-laplante-conman-biography-chief-white-elk

https://thecrimewire.com/money/Edgar-LaPlante-Impostor

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11591199/Adelaide-New-Years-Eve-scam-Fake-party-boat-event-Glenelg-frauds-150-people-money.html

Photos

Recent Episodes

See All

August 28, 2025

EP. 309.5 — Fraud Friday: The Fake Fossil Finder w/ Adam Conover

Guest Adam Conover

In this week’s Fraud Friday, Laci is joined by Adam Conover (Adam Ruins Everything) to discuss amateur British archeologist Charles Dawson, who committed one of the greatest frauds in all of archaeological history.

Listen

August 25, 2025

EP. 309 — Bridgerton, Bar Tabs & Baby Daddies w/ Chris Powell (CP)

Guest Chris Powell

Laci welcomes comedian Chris Powell, a.k.a. Comedian CP (How to Die Alone), to sip on the CONgregation’s tea. Yup, it’s another listener letter compilation, and the CONgregation is spilling all their tea.

Listen

August 21, 2025

EP. 308.5 — Fraud Friday: See Ya Money Disappear as a F.A.P (Fine Art Partners) w/ Chelsea Devantez

Guest Chelsea Devantez

In this week’s Fraud Friday, Laci is joined by Chelsea Devantez (The Problem with Jon Stewart) to discuss Inigo Philbrick, a young art dealer who took the fine arts world by storm with a few Ponzi schemes.

Listen