American Greed: Scams, Scoundrels and Scandals Season 12 Episode 18 Scams on Film / God and Gold

American Greed: Scams, Scoundrels and Scandals is a true-crime show that explores the dark side of money and power in America. Season 12, episode 18 titled "Scams on Film / God and Gold" delves into two separate scams, each with its own unique twists and turns.

The first scam, "Scams on Film," focuses on the case of Dana Giacchetto, a former investment advisor to Hollywood's elite. Known as the "investment banker to the stars," Giacchetto managed the finances of A-list celebrities like Leonardo DiCaprio, Cameron Diaz, and Ben Affleck. But behind the scenes, Giacchetto was stealing from his clients to fund his lavish lifestyle.

Giacchetto's scams were built on a series of lies. He convinced his clients to invest in nonexistent companies, promising them high returns on their investments. He also embezzled money from their accounts, using it to pay for private jets, luxury vacations, and expensive meals. But Giacchetto's lavish lifestyle would eventually catch up to him. In this episode, viewers will see how the FBI caught Giacchetto, and how his clients reacted to the news that they had been robbed by a man they trusted.

The second scam, "God and Gold," tells the story of three men who defrauded nearly 200 investors of $35 million in a religious-themed investment scam. The men, who called themselves the "Three Hebrew Boys," convinced their followers to invest in gold mines in Africa, promising them great returns on their investments. But the gold mines were never operational, and the money was used to fund the men's lavish lifestyles.

The Three Hebrew Boys used their religious affiliations to gain the trust of their victims. They claimed to have a special connection to God, and that their investments were part of a mission to spread God's word to Africa. But in reality, they were using religion as a cover for their fraudulent activities. This episode will show how the men were caught, and how their scam affected the lives of the people they defrauded.

Overall, "Scams on Film / God and Gold" is a fascinating look at the world of financial crime and the people who commit it. The episode will take viewers behind the scenes of two high-profile scams, revealing the tactics used by con artists to steal from their victims. It is a cautionary tale about the dangers of greed and the importance of staying vigilant in the face of financial fraud.