FAKD

Avocado oil is everywhere. Chips, mayonnaise, salad dressing and cooking oils proudly advertise it as a premium — and often more expensive — ingredient. But what if the avocado oil you're paying extra for isn't actually what you think it is? In this episode of FAKD, Joe Rowan investigates the growing controversy surrounding avocado oil after UC Davis researchers tested 54 processed foods labeled a...

In this week's episode of FAKD: This Week In Scams, we're diving into one of the strangest scam operations uncovered this year—a fake Brazilian police station allegedly used to convince victims they were speaking with real law enforcement. We also break down INTERPOL's massive global crackdown that led to thousands of arrests, explore how artificial intelligence is making scams faster and more con...

Think you're scoring the vacation of a lifetime with Groupon's Mystery Vacation deals? In this episode of FAKD, we're pulling back the curtain on one of the internet's most talked-about travel offers. We break down how these mystery vacation packages work, why many travelers walk away disappointed, and how these deals often rely on unsold flights and hotel inventory. While the advertised price may...

In 1983, one of the biggest news stories in the world turned out to be one of the biggest scams in modern history. When 62 handwritten diaries, supposedly written by Adolf Hitler, surfaced in Germany, historians, journalists, collectors, and one of Europe's largest magazines believed they had uncovered one of the most important historical discoveries of the century. Millions of dollars changed han...

In this week's episode of FAKD, we're breaking down some of the biggest scam, fraud, and counterfeit stories making headlines around the world. We cover the arrest of a suspect accused of passing counterfeit cash, the takedown of a massive €50 million international phone scam network, and one of the largest global anti-fraud operations ever conducted by INTERPOL, which resulted in thousands of arr...

What makes a farmers market truly authentic—and how can you tell when a vendor isn't? In this episode of the FAKD Podcast, Joseph Rowan is joined by Miguel, who was raised on a farm in Portugal's Douro Valley and Porto and has spent his entire life immersed in farming and farmers markets. Drawing from decades of firsthand experience, Miguel separates fact from fiction in the world of local food. T...

Scammers have entered a dangerous new era—and now they're using artificial intelligence to make their crimes more believable than ever. In this episode, I sit down with David Stuckman, President of the Professional Bail Agents of the United States, to break down the rapidly growing AI voice cloning scam that's convincing families their loved ones have been arrested and need bail money immediately....

What if someone told you they make a living selling New York City's trash? In this episode, I sit down with Justin, better known as @newyorkcitygarbage on TikTok, to explore one of the internet's most unusual—and surprisingly legitimate—businesses. Justin collects discarded items from the streets and major events across New York City, then transforms them into collectible pieces of history that se...

Why are millions of people spending hours filling virtual grocery carts, building fake food delivery orders, decorating imaginary homes, and shopping for products they'll never buy? In this episode of FAKD, we explore the rise of "dopamine websites"—digital experiences designed to deliver the satisfaction of everyday tasks without the real-world commitment. We dive into why these trends have gaine...

Did "Breakfast Is The Most Important Meal Of The Day" come from science... or marketing? Why do we buy diamond engagement rings? And how did a World War II propaganda campaign convince generations that carrots improve your night vision? In this episode of FAKD, we dive into the fascinating history of advertising and explore how some of the world's most successful marketing campaigns became accepte...

Most EMF blocking products promise protection from invisible radiation—but do they actually work? In this episode of FAKD, we break down what electromagnetic fields really are, the difference between ionizing and non-ionizing radiation, how real EMF shielding works, and why so many stickers, pendants, and "quantum" devices fail basic scientific scrutiny. We also cover the history of EMF fears, the...

What happens when Hollywood's newest rising star... doesn't actually exist? In this episode of FAKD, we dive into the story of Tilly Norwood, the AI-generated actress set to star in a feature film, and explore what her debut means for the future of entertainment. We break down the legal gray areas surrounding AI performers, whether studios have to disclose when a character is artificial, how union...

Everyone has seen the words "Based On A True Story." But how much of it actually has to be true? In this episode of FAKD, we uncover one of Hollywood's most powerful marketing tools. From blockbuster movies and bestselling books to hit TV shows, we explore how creators can stretch, rewrite, and even invent major parts of a story while still calling it "true." We'll break down some of the biggest o...

In this episode of FAKD, we're diving into the surprisingly large world of fake guitar players on social media. With millions of views and followers on the line, some creators have built entire audiences by appearing to play instruments they may not actually know how to play, using pre-recorded tracks, editing tricks, and carefully crafted videos. Joining us is TikTok creator Samee (@sameeguitar),...

What if the FBI didn't break into a criminal network… but convinced the criminals to invite the FBI inside? In one of the most unbelievable law enforcement operations in history, the FBI secretly built an encrypted phone company called ANOM and sold it directly to organized crime groups around the world. Drug cartels, mafia members, money launderers, and hitmen all trusted the devices—completely u...

In this episode of FAKD, we break down the strange world of social media psychics, viral predictions, and the psychology behind why people believe them. From TikTok fortune tellers to a bizarre claim that aliens could abduct soccer players during a World Cup match, we look at how psychics operate, why vague predictions spread so fast, and how failed prophecies quietly disappear. We also explore co...

DOGUE founder Oli joins FAKD to discuss the DOGUE vs. Vogue trademark dispute and the legal battle that has captured attention across the fashion and publishing industries. We dive into the origins of DOGUE Magazine, the rise of luxury dog fashion, trademark law, brand protection, entrepreneurship, and what it's like building an independent media brand while facing scrutiny from a globally recogni...

Most people think of the FBI's Most Wanted list as bank robbers, mob bosses, and violent fugitives. But the FBI has launched a new Most Wanted Fraudsters list featuring eight individuals accused of everything from investment scams and mortgage fraud to COVID relief fraud, illegal gambling schemes, and a Medicare operation that allegedly generated more than $1.2 billion in fraudulent claims. In thi...

From snake oil salesmen and miracle tonics to detox teas, weight-loss gummies, and viral wellness trends, the health industry has always had its share of products that promised far more than they delivered. In this episode of FAKD, Joseph Rowan sits down with Adam Rader of Apple A Day to explore some of the biggest health product scams and misleading wellness claims—both past and present. Together...

Millions of people know the phrase “Don’t Drink The Kool-Aid”… but what if that’s not even what was used during the Jonestown tragedy? In this episode of FAKD, we explore how false details become permanent parts of history, from the Kool-Aid myth to misquoted movies, fake historical quotes, and pop culture facts that were never actually true.

Searching for the H.H. Holmes house in Indianapolis? You’ve probably been sent to the wrong address. For years, 5811 E Julian Ave in Indianapolis has gone viral as the so-called H.H. Holmes murder house in Irvington. It’s been featured online, visited by curious explorers, and widely believed to be real. But it’s not. In this episode, I sit down with Edward Russo, the actual homeowner, to talk abo...

You’ve heard the jingle — but what’s really behind Kars4Kids? In this episode, we break down the origins, lawsuits, and controversy surrounding where donation money actually goes. From its connection to Oorah to accusations of misleading advertising, we uncover how this charity operates — and how to spot red flags before you donate.

What’s actually in the candle you’re burning? In this episode, I sit down with Sharon from Seemy Candles to break down the difference between true hand-poured candles and mass-produced products disguised as premium. We also dive into a viral example from my page—where a $4 Mainstays candle from Walmart was allegedly relabeled and resold for $30—and how common practices like white-labeling can blur...

Castile soap sounds like one of those fake “miracle” products that claims to do everything — body wash, laundry detergent, dish soap, household cleaner, even pet shampoo. But unlike most products with outrageous claims, Castile soap actually has centuries of history and real science behind it. In this episode, we break down the origins of Castile soap from Spain and Aleppo, why olive oil soap beca...

Are food scanner apps actually helping people… or are some of them fear-mongering for clicks and subscriptions? In this episode of the FAKD Podcast, we dive into the rise of barcode-scanning food apps like Yuka, the psychology behind “toxic food” culture, and how AI is beginning to supercharge nutrition paranoia online. We break down the original food scanner apps, the legit concerns around proces...