Ep 6. The "Prison" Escape/Living the American Scheme

American Greed: The Fugitives is an gripping true crime series that delves into the twisted minds and audacious escape attempts of some of America's most notorious fraudsters and con artists. In season 1, episode 6, titled "The "Prison" Escape/Living the American Scheme," viewers are introduced to two captivating stories of cunning criminals who stopped at nothing to deceive and manipulate their way to illegal wealth.

The episode begins with the extraordinary story of Robert Smalls, a former slave who became a wealthy con artist in post-Civil War America. Smalls managed to escape from a Southern plantation during the chaos of the war, but instead of using his newfound freedom for good, he embarked on a life of crime. Smalls became an expert counterfeiter, creating and distributing counterfeit currency across the country. With his vast network of criminal associates and his ability to forge impeccable notes, Smalls amassed a fortune and became one of America's most wanted fugitives.

As law enforcement closed in on him, Smalls employed a remarkable strategy to avoid capture: he faked his own death. Under the alias of Richard Luster, Smalls staged an elaborate funeral complete with a dummy corpse and fooled everyone, including the authorities. From that point on, Smalls disappeared off the grid and began living a life of luxury under his new identity. Using his ill-gotten wealth, he traveled extensively, enjoying a life of opulence and indulgence.

Meanwhile, the episode also tells the compelling story of Samuel McMaster Jr., a charismatic entrepreneur who built a multimillion-dollar empire based on his highly successful pyramid scheme. McMaster's magnetism and persuasive charm lured in thousands of investors who eagerly handed over their hard-earned money. But as his empire crumbled under mounting debts and legal troubles, McMaster found himself facing the grim reality of prison.

Refusing to accept his fate, McMaster concocted an audacious escape plan. With the help of a corrupt prison guard, he managed to break out of the confines of his prison cell and successfully fled from authorities. For several years, McMaster lived as a fugitive, evading capture and continuing to defraud unsuspecting victims. His ability to stay one step ahead of the law was testament to his cunning and adaptability.

"The "Prison" Escape/Living the American Scheme" takes viewers on a thrilling journey into the lives of these two colorful criminals. Through interviews with law enforcement officials, victims, and those who have crossed paths with these fugitives, the episode unravels the complex web of deceit and manipulation that allowed them to lead lives of crime and elude justice.

Drawing upon archival footage, reenactments, and expert analysis, the episode paints a vivid picture of the lengths to which these fugitives were willing to go in order to amass wealth and evade punishment. It explores the psychological motivations and mindset of these individuals, as well as the devastating impact their actions had on their victims.

American Greed: The Fugitives, season 1, episode 6, "The "Prison" Escape/Living the American Scheme," provides a fascinating insight into the world of white-collar crime and the extraordinary lengths some individuals will go to in their pursuit of ill-gotten gains. From counterfeiters to pyramid schemers, the show uncovers the dark side of the American dream and the devastating consequences it can have for those who fall under the spell of greed and deception.