American Greed: Scams, Scoundrels and Scandals Season 11 Episode 15 Red Carpet Rip-Off

In the season 11 episode 15 of American Greed: Scams, Scoundrels and Scandals titled Red Carpet Rip-Off, viewers are taken on a journey exposing the fraudulent activities of a Hollywood con artist.

The episode delves into the life and career of Umar Awan, a Pakistani-born scammer who posed as a high-end Hollywood talent manager and film producer. Despite lacking any legitimate background in the entertainment industry, Awan managed to persuade aspiring actors and investors alike to part with their money by promising to represent them and produce high-budget films.

Using his charm and good looks, Awan duped everyone from struggling actors to wealthy businessmen into believing his lies and investing in his phony projects. In one instance, he convinced a wealthy businessman to invest $250,000 in a fictitious Canadian film by forging fake contracts, financial statements, and emails. Awan even claimed that he had secured A-list celebrities to star in the film.

In another instance, Awan allegedly defrauded a Hollywood actor by convincing him to invest $180,000 in a fake movie production. Awan promised the actor that he would be reimbursed for his investment, along with additional profits, within six months. However, when the deadline approached, Awan disappeared, leaving the actor with nothing.

As the episode unfolds, viewers learn that Awan's criminal activities extended beyond defrauding his clients and investors. He also used his knowledge of the entertainment industry to trick local businesses into giving him goods and services on credit, claiming that he was preparing for high-budget projects.

In one case, Awan convinced a Beverly Hills tailor to lend him over $40,000 worth of suits, shoes, and accessories by claiming that he was dressing the cast of a major movie. When the tailor finally discovered that the movie did not exist and that Awan had no means of paying him back, he sued Awan in court.

Through interviews with victims, former employees, and law enforcement officials, the episode exposes the intricate web of lies and deceit that Awan used to carry out his schemes. It also highlights the devastating consequences that his actions had on the careers and finances of those who trusted him.

Overall, Red Carpet Rip-Off offers a realistic and eye-opening look into the dark side of the entertainment industry, revealing how even the most glamorous and promising opportunities can hide dangerous scams and scoundrels.