American Greed: Scams, Scoundrels and Scandals Season 12 Episode 15 An Ungodly Scammer

In season 12, episode 15 of American Greed: Scams, Scoundrels and Scandals, viewers are introduced to the story of an ungodly scammer. This particular episode delves into the life of Trinity Broadcasting Network's Janice Crouch, her love for flashy things, and scamming her naïve old age fans.

Janice Crouch is the co-founder of the Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN), one of the largest religious television channels in the world. With a congregation of millions across the globe, TBN was one of the most influential religious organizations of its time. Janice was the epitome of a televangelist, but behind the camera, she was a completely different person.

Janice had a passion for wealth, and she had a fetish for luxurious possessions. Her obsession with money and glitz was evident in her demeanor and lifestyle. She spent millions of dollars on palatial mansions, private jets, and extravagant clothes, which were all funded by her loyal followers who believed that their contribution was going towards the betterment of their spiritual life.

As the network grew bigger, Janice's love for wealth also increased. She began creating an elaborate scam where she would pocket millions of dollars from her naïve and gullible viewers. By using the tactic of the 'prosperity gospel,' Janice convinced her followers that their materialistic blessings would only come to fruition if they donated to TBN. She assured them that their donations would get them blessings from God. In reality, their money was lining the pockets of Janice, her family, and her friends.

Despite being caught in previously alleged illegal activities, Janice continued with her scams. An investigation into her empire was launched after the death of Janice's husband, Paul. The investigation uncovered evidence of the couple's lavish spending, including Janice's $100,000 airbrushed motorhome. Their expenses were paid for with the donations of their viewers, and the couple wasn't even apologetic. Janice and Paul saw their ill-gotten lifestyle as a reward for the work they had done in spreading the gospel further.

This episode exposes how the greed for money could be disguised under the pretense of piety, leading to the belief that people in positions of religious power and prestige should never be questioned. It is a warning about how it's essential to know the difference between a genuine preacher of faith and a scam artist preying on the vulnerabilities of others.

The episode details the controversy surrounding Janice’s lavish lifestyle – one that continued even as TBN's religious programming struggled to maintain its viewership. Highlights include interviews with former employees of TBN, who recount the lengths that Janice went to when it came to keeping her dirty little secret.

The interviewer interviews several attorneys who prosecuted Janice and her network for embezzlement, fraud, and money laundering. Viewers are given the rare opportunity to see the documents and evidence that were presented in court.

Overall, American Greed: Scams, Scoundrels and Scandals season 12 episode 15, "An Ungodly Scammer," is a remarkable expose of unscrupulous televangelists who use religion as a cover to swindle and scam millions of vulnerable followers of faith. It is a cautionary tale about the dangers of greed and excess and an indictment of the lack of accountability that befalls the religious leaders of charlatans.