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3mo ago

Amanda Riley's Fake Cancer Scheme Explored in New Docuseries

The ABC docuseries 'Scamanda' delves into how Riley defrauded over $100,000 by faking terminal cancer and the legal repercussions she faced.

"Scamanda" premieres on ABC on January 30 and will stream on Hulu the following day.
Amanda Riley raised money for a false cancer diagnosis for eight years.
Amanda C. Riley.
An aerial view of a suburban neighborhood near San Jose, California.

Overview

  • Amanda Riley, a California blogger and former school principal, faked having Hodgkin's lymphoma for seven years to solicit donations.
  • Riley's fraudulent scheme raised over $105,000 from 349 donors, including individuals, businesses, and a megachurch community.
  • Her deception included shaving her head, forging medical records, and maintaining a blog chronicling her fake cancer journey.
  • In 2022, Riley was sentenced to five years in prison for wire fraud, marking the first IRS conviction for faking cancer to fundraise.
  • The new ABC docuseries 'Scamanda,' based on a 2023 podcast, examines the intricate lies and the investigation that exposed her.