‘Scamanda' Producer reveals off-the-record conversation with prisoner Amanda Riley
In an exclusive interview with Us Weekly, Charlie Webster, creator and host of the Scamanda podcast and docuseries, revealed she has been in contact with convicted cancer fraudster Amanda Riley since her sentencing in May 2022.
Webster, who initially began engaging with Riley during the production of the podcast and documentary, shared that Riley has expressed deep regret for her actions. "She regrets everything she's done. Every single day," Webster said, adding that Riley now faces the consequences of losing everything.
Riley, a former Bay Area wife and mother, was convicted in 2021 for wire fraud after using a personal blog and staged photos to deceive donors into believing she had multiple life-threatening cancer battles. She raised over $100,000, along with additional perks such as gifts and celebrity meet-and-greets. Despite her conviction, Riley declined to participate in the podcast or the documentary and is unable to speak publicly due to ongoing legal restrictions.
Webster emphasized her journalistic approach to understanding Riley, stating that she aimed to discern if Riley was a "vindictive, horrible monster" or if there were underlying mental health issues at play. While Riley's motivations remain complex, Webster noted that Riley has expressed a desire to apologize to the people she hurt after serving her sentence.
Riley's fraudulent scheme began to unravel after an anonymous tip, later traced to her former friend Lisa Berry, led to an investigation. Webster speculated that Riley's fear of losing everything kept her from stopping the lies, ultimately leading her deeper into deceit.
Riley is scheduled to be released from prison earlier than expected, with a current release date set for December 9, 2025. Webster expressed hope that Riley, now in a transitional facility, will not attempt to scam again, acknowledging the challenge of rebuilding a life after such notoriety.
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