DeepSummary
The episode starts with a comedic conversation between the hosts about bringing McDonald's for breakfast and hormone disruptions. Speaker A, Ashley Nicole Black, then discusses her previous job in fraud prevention, where she would receive calls from women claiming fraudulent charges, often from their partners or family members using their credit cards without permission. She explains how she would investigate these claims and became adept at identifying the real cases of fraud.
The hosts transition into discussing the episode's main topic, the story of Samuel Curtis Upham, a counterfeiter during the American Civil War who produced fake Confederate currency to undermine the Southern economy. Upham capitalized on replicas of Confederate notes printed in newspapers by acquiring the printing plates and mass-producing counterfeit bills, which he sold as souvenirs while knowing some would use them as real currency. His actions significantly devalued the Confederate dollar.
After the Civil War ended, Upham's counterfeiting operation was discovered, but he faced no legal consequences from the Union as his actions were considered outside their jurisdiction. The episode highlights the significant financial damage Upham inflicted on the Confederacy, with estimates of $15 million worth of fake currency circulated. His actions were praised by some for aiding the Union victory, while the Confederacy condemned him as a scoundrel.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- Samuel Curtis Upham was a counterfeiter during the American Civil War who produced and circulated millions of dollars' worth of fake Confederate currency, significantly undermining the Southern economy.
- Upham capitalized on newspaper replicas of Confederate notes by acquiring the printing plates and mass-producing counterfeit bills, which he sold as souvenirs while knowing some would use them as real currency.
- Upham's actions were considered outside the jurisdiction of the Union, as he targeted the Confederacy, which had seceded and formed its own nation.
- The episode explores the ethics of fraud and scams, with the hosts discussing their perspectives on what constitutes an ingenious scam versus exploiting systemic biases or privileges.
- The conversation touches on various topics, including fraud prevention, customer service experiences, and the portrayal of marginalized communities in the entertainment industry.
- Ashley Nicole Black shares her experiences working in fraud prevention, where she would investigate cases of credit card fraud, often involving family members or partners.
- The hosts engage in humorous banter and commentary throughout the episode, adding levity to the discussion of serious topics.
- The episode highlights the power of counterfeiting and financial fraud in undermining economies and contributing to broader conflicts or societal issues.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “Yeah, you wanna be your own country, be your own country, then figure out how to extradite. That's what countries do.“ by Ashley Nicole Black
- “To me, a good customer service experience is when I get what I needed or at least an answer. If you don't get what you want, at least get a quick no and get off the phone.“ by Ashley Nicole Black
Entities
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Episode Information
Scam Goddess
Earwolf & Laci Mosley
6/28/24