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Scam Goddess: Lessons from a Life of Cons, Grifts, and Schemes
A hilarious,delightfullysubversive essay collection from Laci Mosley, host of the award-winning “Scam Goddess� podcast, about the frauds, cons, and schemes that make up our world—and how the scammer mindset has affected her own upbringing, career, friendships, love life, and more. From an early age, comedian and actress Laci Mosley knew her path would be riddled with scams, cons, robberies, and frauds. Little ones. Ones that didn’t hurt people or get her in trouble. But ones that would get her where she needed to be.“You see,� she writes,“everyone’s a scammer and everything’s a scam. Some people are better at it than others, but we all do it.The system wasn’t built for people like me. Scamming saved me and has taught me how to navigate a messy and unfair world while looking out for myself, too.� InScam Goddess, Laci recounts how her scammer instincts have guided her throughout her life—from a religious childhood inruralTexas, to a stint as a city bartender at whatmighthave been a drug front, to swindling her way past the gatekeepers of Hollywood—recounting the greatest true-crime scam stories that inspired her along the way. Whether it’s by the beauty industry, capitalism, or the people we date, we’re all getting scammed. In this book, Laci identifies the secrets to flipping the script and coming out ahead.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published September 10, 2024
72 people are currently reading
3655 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 170 reviews
January 25, 2024
Ooh, the con-gregation is in for a TREAT!!!
August 25, 2024
I was surprised by how strong the writing and structure of this book was. I liked that it was memoir and famous scams plus some personal scams Laci has been involved with. It feels additive to the podcast and not just a rehashing of the show.
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August 11, 2024DNF at 64%, I couldn't keep listening to her after the chapter about ozempic. I get it, you're on TV. I get it, you have money now. I get it, you're in Hollywood. What I couldn't stick around for? Implying that since she's in Hollywood she just has to keep striving to meet the ridic beauty standards. But for us peasants (lol OK I'm being a lil dramatic, but she really bothered me w this) we should just say screw em and live our lives in whatever way makes us happy. But she can't do that. Bc she's in Hollywood, where how she looks really matters. She doesn't agree with the unfair, shallow standards though! But such is life. OH! Did you know she also has money now? And is on TV?
Okay I'm done being petty (nobody come for me plz). I was already really disappointed before the ozempic chapter, because I was expected way more scam, way less advice.
I didn't know Laci from TV or podcasts, so maybe I'd feel differently if my expectations were at least kinda close to what I got. Dare I go as far to say as this may be mismarketed? Probably not, since I didn't finish it. But if I were to go that far, I'd say this is more a memior in essays than a collection of essays about scams. Also maybe I'm just silly and didn't realize "life lessons" meant very memior-y? But the word SCAM is what popped out to me first soooo
{Thank you bunches to NetGalley, Laci Mosley and publisher for the Audiobook ARC in exchange for my honest (a key word, that one) review!}
Okay I'm done being petty (nobody come for me plz). I was already really disappointed before the ozempic chapter, because I was expected way more scam, way less advice.
I didn't know Laci from TV or podcasts, so maybe I'd feel differently if my expectations were at least kinda close to what I got. Dare I go as far to say as this may be mismarketed? Probably not, since I didn't finish it. But if I were to go that far, I'd say this is more a memior in essays than a collection of essays about scams. Also maybe I'm just silly and didn't realize "life lessons" meant very memior-y? But the word SCAM is what popped out to me first soooo
{Thank you bunches to NetGalley, Laci Mosley and publisher for the Audiobook ARC in exchange for my honest (a key word, that one) review!}
September 18, 2024
4 stars.
Laci Mosley's "Scam Goddess" is a riot! I was unfamiliar with her before reading this book, but I am glad I have seen the light. Mosley takes on true crime, acting, college, job hunting, comedy and improv, the grift of religion, friendships, boundaries, social media, a little history, and, of course, scams, in this hilarious memoir. Her anecdotes had me laughing the entire novel. She clearly has natural talent for storytelling! I learned a little bit about a lot of scams while reading this book. I do think listeners of her podcast will have a leg-up on those who don't. I also think you'd be doing yourself a disservice by not listening to this via audiobook. Mosley's voice is perfect, her inflection an important tool for the way she tells her stories with engaging ease and frenetic energy. I dug it, and I think you will, too!
Thank you to NetGalley, Laci Mosley, and Running Press Adult for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
Laci Mosley's "Scam Goddess" is a riot! I was unfamiliar with her before reading this book, but I am glad I have seen the light. Mosley takes on true crime, acting, college, job hunting, comedy and improv, the grift of religion, friendships, boundaries, social media, a little history, and, of course, scams, in this hilarious memoir. Her anecdotes had me laughing the entire novel. She clearly has natural talent for storytelling! I learned a little bit about a lot of scams while reading this book. I do think listeners of her podcast will have a leg-up on those who don't. I also think you'd be doing yourself a disservice by not listening to this via audiobook. Mosley's voice is perfect, her inflection an important tool for the way she tells her stories with engaging ease and frenetic energy. I dug it, and I think you will, too!
Thank you to NetGalley, Laci Mosley, and Running Press Adult for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
August 15, 2024
As a member of the con-gregation (a regular listener of Laci Mosley's podcast), I was naturally excited for the book! But I was also a bit skeptical; what new information could I, an invested para-social girly, get from the podcast companion book? Let me tell you, I was wrong for that skepticism. Mosely seamlessly weaves together memoir, true-con investigation, and, surprisingly, motivational advice that is way better than Girl, Wash your Face (will I ever get over the scam that is Rachel Hollis? Probably not).
The memoir sections are often funny, occasionally devastating, and always honest. Mosley is as open about her struggles as she is with her triumphs and the scams that brought her to both. Pairing these with another scammer story - and her commentary - works remarkably well, sorting thematically what might otherwise be a good, but expected, comedian memoir. Even the "self-help" sections, which are typically groaners for me, felt so earnest, in a way that acknowledges reality, I embraced them instead of being put off.
While I worried that listening to the audiobook might feel like an extended podcast episode, those fears were also misplaced. Mosley's narration is a fun listen, incredibly charming, and ample proof of her actor credentials. Less like listening to a podcast and more like being a guest on the episode.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the Audio ARC.
The memoir sections are often funny, occasionally devastating, and always honest. Mosley is as open about her struggles as she is with her triumphs and the scams that brought her to both. Pairing these with another scammer story - and her commentary - works remarkably well, sorting thematically what might otherwise be a good, but expected, comedian memoir. Even the "self-help" sections, which are typically groaners for me, felt so earnest, in a way that acknowledges reality, I embraced them instead of being put off.
While I worried that listening to the audiobook might feel like an extended podcast episode, those fears were also misplaced. Mosley's narration is a fun listen, incredibly charming, and ample proof of her actor credentials. Less like listening to a podcast and more like being a guest on the episode.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the Audio ARC.
November 21, 2024
What a storyteller!!!
When Laci said she had more stories up her sleeve that she hadn't shared before, she wasn't kidding.
Loved getting to hear more about her life's history and what got her into scamming and scheming!
When Laci said she had more stories up her sleeve that she hadn't shared before, she wasn't kidding.
Loved getting to hear more about her life's history and what got her into scamming and scheming!
November 3, 2024
Laci Mosley (b. 1991) is an American actress and comedian who, like seemingly >50% of entertainers, also has a podcast. In Scam Goddess, her book named after her podcast, she writes a typical comedian memoir full of flippant, outrageous, and irreverent stories from her life, but also randomly throws in brief vignettes of scams unrelated to her story, trying to relate them back to her stories with mixed success. I was unfamiliar with Mosley before picking up this book -- I just picked it up due to the interesting title, which didn't really match the content inside (maybe that was part of the scam as well).
My statistics:
Book 266 for 2024
Book 1869 cumulatively
My statistics:
Book 266 for 2024
Book 1869 cumulatively
October 21, 2024
I'm only a sometime member of the CONgregation (aka listener of the Scam Goddess podcast) but I really enjoyed Laci's book! I don't listen to a lot of audiobooks but I sought it out, bc, duh, podcaster. It was a fun listen and I liked the blend of iconic scam stories + her own memoir. And I was genuinely moved to tears by her description of her abusive relationship & the friend who got her out of it.
October 31, 2024
Everything in life is a bit of scam if really you think about it. Comedian Laci Mosley, host of the titular podcast (which I’ve yet to experience), lays out specific moments of her scammy life in relatable, often funny, essays. An enjoyable listen!
June 7, 2025
Fun look at scams and a honest account of how we fall for them. Most people would never admit how in so many different ways they have been scammed and lived to tell the tale.
September 15, 2024
I’d not heard of the author or her podcast before but I found this essay/memoir style book really engaging to listen to on audiobook. Just the right amount of funny with a good helping of ‘learn from my mistakes.� I will definitely be checking out her podcast.
December 15, 2024
Funny stories from a bubbly actress who also hosts a popular podcast about every day scammers.
I had never heard of her before selecting this audiobook, basing the decision simply on the fact that I love almost all stories about con artists. Turns out the author is quite the personality and raconteur, especially when it comes to sharing true tales of life in Los Angeles as experienced by an aspiring actress from very small town Texas.
Most books about con artists feature the big headliner types who commit egregious crimes, such as a Bernie Madoff level character. Refreshingly, the author of this one focuses simply on everyday scams people play on each other to survive and advance their station in life, and not just in LA.
3 stars for the pure, unadulterated and unexpected comedic value contained in this one. Recommended for light entertainment as needed in your quotidian life.
I had never heard of her before selecting this audiobook, basing the decision simply on the fact that I love almost all stories about con artists. Turns out the author is quite the personality and raconteur, especially when it comes to sharing true tales of life in Los Angeles as experienced by an aspiring actress from very small town Texas.
Most books about con artists feature the big headliner types who commit egregious crimes, such as a Bernie Madoff level character. Refreshingly, the author of this one focuses simply on everyday scams people play on each other to survive and advance their station in life, and not just in LA.
3 stars for the pure, unadulterated and unexpected comedic value contained in this one. Recommended for light entertainment as needed in your quotidian life.
October 4, 2024
This was not the book I was expecting when I decided to read it, but once it started up, I found Laci Mosley’s storytelling to be extremely engaging and I was immediately hooked!
In Scam Goddess, Laci Mosley takes the reader through a personal memoir based around scams and then proceeds to relate her lived experiences to famous and not so famous scams and grifts from history and current day.
This blending of stories creates every relationship with the other and brings to life the real world cause an effect of scams.
I did not already know author/narrator Laci Moseley from my previous acting work or her national podcast, but after reading this book, I do want to know more about!
Mosley narrates her book in a fashion that feels like she’s speaking directly to the audience. Her podcast experience and she easily engages through her personal stories and relaying the related stories.
This is such an enjoyable listen, and Mosley is an excellent storyteller. I can easily recommend this audiobook to fans of the book, I’m Glad My Mom Died, and true crime stories!
In Scam Goddess, Laci Mosley takes the reader through a personal memoir based around scams and then proceeds to relate her lived experiences to famous and not so famous scams and grifts from history and current day.
This blending of stories creates every relationship with the other and brings to life the real world cause an effect of scams.
I did not already know author/narrator Laci Moseley from my previous acting work or her national podcast, but after reading this book, I do want to know more about!
Mosley narrates her book in a fashion that feels like she’s speaking directly to the audience. Her podcast experience and she easily engages through her personal stories and relaying the related stories.
This is such an enjoyable listen, and Mosley is an excellent storyteller. I can easily recommend this audiobook to fans of the book, I’m Glad My Mom Died, and true crime stories!
November 9, 2024
My gripe with this book is that it reads too much like a podcast transcript. That doesn’t mean it’s a bad book. She’s hilarious and the book is so personal and inviting. It’s like getting to talk to a friend who you’re getting to know.
October 11, 2024
I often listen to this podcast to fall asleep and you can expect about the same from the book
September 17, 2024
3.5 stars!
Overall this was an enjoyable how-did-I get-to-where-I-am memoir in essays, with some life advice to readers on how to confidently navigate the world, peppered with a few true-crime scam stories in between.
I would have preferred if this book was either all memoir or all true crime, the mix of both didn't really do it for me. I understand that she has a true crime podcast so wanted to do something different here, but the structure of this with the real scam chapters shoe-horned in between Laci's own anecdotes didn't add much for me.
I really enjoyed Laci's stories of growing up/moving to Hollywood, her exploits with the headshots and improv and getting an audition to making her first movie and dating etc etc... HOWEVER for all the talk about how she's a master scammer I kept expecting ...more? Maybe the emphasis should have been on how the world is full of scams and she is out here navigating them, rather than scamming people herself.
If you want to read this I would definitely recommend the audiobook, because Laci is incredibly entertaining and I'm pretty sure I could listen to her read the phone book and still have a fun time. I have never listened to her podcast "Scam Goddess" before, however after reading this I might give it a go!
Thank you to Hachette Audio and NetGalley for the ALC!
Overall this was an enjoyable how-did-I get-to-where-I-am memoir in essays, with some life advice to readers on how to confidently navigate the world, peppered with a few true-crime scam stories in between.
I would have preferred if this book was either all memoir or all true crime, the mix of both didn't really do it for me. I understand that she has a true crime podcast so wanted to do something different here, but the structure of this with the real scam chapters shoe-horned in between Laci's own anecdotes didn't add much for me.
I really enjoyed Laci's stories of growing up/moving to Hollywood, her exploits with the headshots and improv and getting an audition to making her first movie and dating etc etc... HOWEVER for all the talk about how she's a master scammer I kept expecting ...more? Maybe the emphasis should have been on how the world is full of scams and she is out here navigating them, rather than scamming people herself.
If you want to read this I would definitely recommend the audiobook, because Laci is incredibly entertaining and I'm pretty sure I could listen to her read the phone book and still have a fun time. I have never listened to her podcast "Scam Goddess" before, however after reading this I might give it a go!
Thank you to Hachette Audio and NetGalley for the ALC!
August 16, 2024
Laci Mosley is a born en 👏🏻 ter 👏🏻 tain 👏🏻 er 👏🏻 and a bitch was entertained. I always love when an author narrates their own book and Laci knocked it out of the park 💅🏻
I’m familiar with Laci’s podcast (same name, Scam Goddess, check it out!) and I guess I benefited from this familiarity because it seems the folks who didn’t know about the pod were caught off guard by what this book would be about. I guess didn’t really know either but I liked how Laci would tell us a con and then that con led us into the next scam Laci would talk about with her own life experience.
This was like listening to a 6 hour Scam Goddess episode and I was here for it. Not to get too personal but it was a tough day for me and Laci genuinely had me lol’ing at certain points. That’s talent! I don’t laugh for just anyone 😌
I’m sure the book is also great but if you have the chance to listen to the audiobook version, do it.
That’s all for now, con-gregation! 😉
Thanks to NetGalley, Laci Mosley, and Hachette Audio for this audioARC in exchange for an honest review!
I’m familiar with Laci’s podcast (same name, Scam Goddess, check it out!) and I guess I benefited from this familiarity because it seems the folks who didn’t know about the pod were caught off guard by what this book would be about. I guess didn’t really know either but I liked how Laci would tell us a con and then that con led us into the next scam Laci would talk about with her own life experience.
This was like listening to a 6 hour Scam Goddess episode and I was here for it. Not to get too personal but it was a tough day for me and Laci genuinely had me lol’ing at certain points. That’s talent! I don’t laugh for just anyone 😌
I’m sure the book is also great but if you have the chance to listen to the audiobook version, do it.
That’s all for now, con-gregation! 😉
Thanks to NetGalley, Laci Mosley, and Hachette Audio for this audioARC in exchange for an honest review!
June 11, 2025
As a longtime member of the con-gregation, I was excited for this book but unsure how the content she uses in her podcast would translate into this format. I was very impressed by how she managed to weave personal stories and lessons learned with tidbits about con-artists and scammers.
I’ve listened to Lacey for years and watched her in pretty much all of her acting roles, and I felt like I learned so much more about her through this book. There were several parts where I actually giggled out loud, which is RARE for me when reading books. She had me laughing on a plane like a crazy person. You have to listen to the audiobook because Laci is just a star. I hope she comes out with more books!
I’ve listened to Lacey for years and watched her in pretty much all of her acting roles, and I felt like I learned so much more about her through this book. There were several parts where I actually giggled out loud, which is RARE for me when reading books. She had me laughing on a plane like a crazy person. You have to listen to the audiobook because Laci is just a star. I hope she comes out with more books!
August 16, 2024
Life is a Scam, Adulthood is a Scam, Everything is a Scam!! I have been a huge fan of Laci Mosley's Scam Goddess podcast and now her first book. Scam Goddess is a witty and sharp collection of essays that dives into the world of scams, frauds, and cons with unbridled humor and insight. Based on her personal experiences and the world around her, especially Hollywood, Mosley magnificently explores how the scamming mindset and situations has influenced her life. Through her unique lens, Mosley reveals that we’re all participants in a cruel game that has been rigged against us, but with the right attitude and scam up your sleeve, one can definitely flip the script to your advantage. This was a hilarious and Both entertaining read and at times thought-provoking. Mosley provides a very helpful list of ‘scam� tips at the end. Scam Goddess is a celebration of resilience, survival, and the art of the hustle. Let the church say Amen!!
Thank you to #NetGalley, the author Laci Mosley and Hachette Audio | Running Press Adult for a digital (audio) copy of the memoir #ScamGoddess in exchange for my honest opinion. Scam Goddess will be out September 10, 2024, so be on the lookout!!
Thank you to #NetGalley, the author Laci Mosley and Hachette Audio | Running Press Adult for a digital (audio) copy of the memoir #ScamGoddess in exchange for my honest opinion. Scam Goddess will be out September 10, 2024, so be on the lookout!!
September 2, 2024
This is a hodgepodge of a memoir, with the author flipping between stories of her life, historical scams, and attempts to connect the two (not always successfully). While I enjoyed some of her life stories, overall I found this rather flat, with not a whole lot of substance. I’m a big fan of Laci’s podcast, so this was rather disappointing, but also not surprising considering how young the author is.
The audiobook narration is done by Laci and she gives a great performance as expected of an actress and podcast host, though sometimes it does feel very apparent that she is *performing* (particularly with the laughs she would sprinkle in).
The audiobook narration is done by Laci and she gives a great performance as expected of an actress and podcast host, though sometimes it does feel very apparent that she is *performing* (particularly with the laughs she would sprinkle in).
January 6, 2025
Even as a long time fan of the podcast, I was still pleasantly surprised by how fun but also interesting and revealing this was. Probably would have been 5 stars if I did the audiobook (this is silly but I also didn’t love the pull quotes in the hard copy; i found them distracting). Laci is so smart and funny and her perspective and view of the world comes through so clearly, and feels fresh in what can generally feel like an overcrowded (and even exploitative) space
February 21, 2025
Laugh out loud funny - Like I actually "HA HA HA'd" at this book multiple times. I don't know if I've ever left a ŷ review, definitely not in the last few years. But I need everyone on my feed to know I want them to read this. It was so good. I didn't know she had a podcast about scams (which is my jam) I got it cause I liked the cover. It's also a super quick read so if you don't get it now save it for December when you're rushing to hit your ŷ goal. I'm so sad it's over it was SO FUNNY TO ME.
September 9, 2024
I picked up *Scam Goddess* because I’m obsessed with scams, MLMs, and all things related! Going in, I didn’t know much about the author, her podcast, or any of the stories shared here, which made the book fun!
I really loved Laci’s storytelling style—she’s super engaging (choose the audio version!) While I didn’t agree with some of her commentary, especially when it didn’t align with my biblical worldview, she’s still incredibly entertaining and fun to listen to. Even with quite few disagreements (White men don’t do anything right) , I still found myself enjoying the book.
There were moments that raised some red flags for me, like casual mentions of drug use (she talks about showing up to a date on mushrooms). And prepare for some heavier content, including discussions of abuse. Laci does navigate these sensitive topics well I’m glad she shared her journey out of those tough situations.
The book felt like a personal memoir, scam stories, and a documentary/podcast vibe, which was super fun. I’d definitely recommend the audiobook—Laci’s voice really brings it to life! If you love scams and humor with personal reflection, this is for you!
*Thank you, NetGalley, for providing a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
I really loved Laci’s storytelling style—she’s super engaging (choose the audio version!) While I didn’t agree with some of her commentary, especially when it didn’t align with my biblical worldview, she’s still incredibly entertaining and fun to listen to. Even with quite few disagreements (White men don’t do anything right) , I still found myself enjoying the book.
There were moments that raised some red flags for me, like casual mentions of drug use (she talks about showing up to a date on mushrooms). And prepare for some heavier content, including discussions of abuse. Laci does navigate these sensitive topics well I’m glad she shared her journey out of those tough situations.
The book felt like a personal memoir, scam stories, and a documentary/podcast vibe, which was super fun. I’d definitely recommend the audiobook—Laci’s voice really brings it to life! If you love scams and humor with personal reflection, this is for you!
*Thank you, NetGalley, for providing a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
December 17, 2024
Mosley is a great storyteller, and I loved her twist on what constitutes a scam. She recounted both personal and well-known scams, with a great touch of humor. I've listened to her podcast off and on, and this is a great extension of it. I'm also just now getting into audiobooks, and while I know I need to be selective about the types that I'll be able to focus on and not drift, I knew her voice would keep me rapt.
December 22, 2024
I’m obsessed with Laci’s incisive and hilarious storytelling! The way she frames stories of scams, how she weaves in personal stories with public/historic scams, and the way you can tell her background is in comedy, the life lessons peppered in �..it’s all gold. Plus she’s a podcast host so she kills the audiobook with her delivery!! A must read!
December 18, 2024
This was a tightly written and delightful book! I really enjoyed it, and I especially enjoyed how Laci was able to merge famous scams with her personal stories. Also, she reads the audiobook, which brightened the stories.
March 1, 2025
What can I say I def enjoy Laci from the Hulu series to her podcast called Scam Goddess. This book was really transparent and makes valid points that no matter how you look at it everything is a scam somehow. You just how to know to angle and def enjoyed hearing about her life
April 25, 2025
Such an incredible book, especially as an audiobook!! It's so well written and researched, and laid out in a way that makes sense and flows so well! Listening to the author giggle and tell her own stories was SO much fun and she also has fantastic advice, I very highly recommend this book!!
October 16, 2024
I'm a fan so I already knew I was going to enjoy this book. I didn't know how much I was going to LOVE it.
December 14, 2024
I heard Laci's voice in my head the entire time reading this. I love her and her stories! She's right. We should all scam a little more 🤭
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