American Greed: Scams, Scoundrels and Scandals Season 7 Episode 11 Greedy, Groovy Guru/Doomsday Profit

In American Greed: Scams, Scoundrels and Scandals season 7 episode 11, titled "Greedy, Groovy Guru/Doomsday Profit", viewers are introduced to a spiritual guru who swindles his followers out of millions and a doomsday preacher who capitalizes on people's fear of the apocalypse.

The first half of the episode focuses on James Arthur Ray, a self-help guru who gained fame and fortune through motivational speeches and retreats. Ray's message of personal transformation and spiritual enlightenment drew in thousands of followers, including high-profile celebrities like Oprah Winfrey.

But behind the slick marketing and charismatic persona, Ray was a fraudster who exploited his followers for his own financial gain. He charged exorbitant fees for his seminars and retreats, promising life-changing experiences that never materialized. He also pressured his followers into buying expensive supplements and equipment, claiming they were essential for their spiritual growth.

In 2009, Ray held a sweat lodge ceremony at one of his retreats which ended in tragedy. Three people died from heat stroke and dozens more were injured. Despite his negligence and lack of medical training, Ray continued to hold himself out as a spiritual expert and even wrote a book about his experience.

The second half of the episode features a man named Victor Barnard, who claimed to be a messenger from God with a mission to prepare his followers for the end of the world. Barnard founded a religious community in Minnesota and convinced more than 100 people to join him in a remote compound.

Once there, Barnard imposed strict rules and rituals on his followers, including celibacy and total obedience to his authority. He also preached about the impending apocalypse and claimed that only his followers would survive.

But behind the guise of religion, Barnard was a sexual predator who abused young girls and young women in the community. He used his position of power and influence to coerce his victims into performing sexual acts, often in front of other members of the community. He would often tell his victims that he was doing God's work and that their actions were necessary for the survival of the group.

Eventually, Barnard was arrested and charged with dozens of counts of sexual assault and abuse. His followers were left to pick up the pieces of their shattered lives and confront the reality that their beloved leader was a fraudster and a monster.

In "Greedy, Groovy Guru/Doomsday Profit", American Greed takes a deep dive into the world of fraudsters and con artists who exploit people's faith and vulnerability for their own financial gain. The episode is a cautionary tale about the dangers of blindly placing trust in charismatic figures and emphasizes the importance of skepticism and critical thinking in navigating the world of self-help and spirituality.