Hosted by Sarah Hagi and Scaachi Koul
Written by a model from the transcript; not yet reviewed.
This episode of Scamfluencers explores the true story of Rosie Keo and Samantha Barbash, two former strip club workers who ran an elaborate, multi-year credit card scam in New York City. Operating primarily between 2011 and 2014, the duo and their crew lured wealthy Wall Street clients to upscale venues, non-consensually drugged them with substances like ketamine and MDMA, and ran up hundreds of thousands of dollars in fraudulent charges on their victims' credit cards. The hosts explain how the scheme capitalized on the hidden vulnerabilities of strip club culture and the deep shame that prevented victims from initially reporting the crimes. Eventually, a combination of internal crew tensions, a courageous victim named Dr. Ziad Yunan who spoke out, and a police sting operation brought the operation down, leading to guilty pleas and probation for the ringleaders.
Hosts introduce the episode, set the tone, and provide a brief overview of the story to be told.
Hosts introduce themselves and the episode’s focus on club scamming.
The duo expands their operation, recruiting more dancers, using drugs, and targeting high‑net‑worth men, turning the scheme into a lucrative but risky enterprise.
Discussion on how club scams operate and why they’re often ignored.
Hosts suggest better regulation and using cash limits to prevent scams.
Hosts promote the podcast and invite listeners to submit story ideas.
Listing writers, producers, editors, and other crew involved in the episode.
An ad segment promoting Audible’s new Dracula audiobook adaptation.
Discovering the Massive Credit Card Fraudstory
A cardiologist wakes up after a date with massive, unauthorized charges from a Manhattan strip club, uncovering a widespread drugging and robbery ring.
The Financial Realities of Strippinginsight
Independent contractors at strip clubs face substantial house fees, paying for everything from stage time to wardrobe supplies before earning any profit.
Targeting Clients With Pills and Powderstrategy
An experienced dancer mentors younger staff on how to use substances to keep affluent clients spending heavily in private rooms.
Unexpected Empathy Amidst a Griftstory
While targeting a vulnerable single father on Long Island, one of the scammers experiences a brief moment of genuine human connection and guilt.
Victim Blaming From Venue Managementdata
A strip club spokesperson publicly defends the establishment by suggesting that a drugged and robbed customer must have enjoyed the experience.
The Ringleaders Turn on Each Otherdebate
Upon being arrested and placed in a holding cell, the two former partners immediately point fingers at one another when questioned by police.
“Sachi, I've read your memoir, One Day We'll All Be Dead and None of This Will Matter.”
“Samantha's number-one trick to keeping customers happy is to ply them with pills and powder.”
“The more time she spends around these men, the more disillusioned she becomes.”
“If you're going to buy it, buy it.”
“If you pay these women a livable wage, they won't steal from your credit card.”
“Strippers should be paid more.”
“Strippers in t-shirts should be paid more.”
“You used to not get got like this because you only had so much money in your pocket.”
“In some ways, the lesson could be use cash only.”
Back in the 2000s, Rosie Keo is a scrappy young single mom barely making rent – until she meets Samantha Barbash, a seasoned dancer who shows Rosie that the real money isn’t on the pole…it’s in the wallets of the men sitting around them. Together, they build a lucrative business fueled by drugs, charm, and a scheme their clients never see coming. But as their operation grows, so does the tension between the two women. And before long, Rosie discovers that eventually, last call comes for everyone. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
9,553 words · 6 speakers
Speaker names marked are inferred from speaking time and the show’s known hosts — they are not voice-verified.
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