2404: Open Enrollment, Open Season for Scammers

PRETEND

12/09/25

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28m

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This is the story of Simple Health Plans, a $150 million health insurance scam that preyed on desperate Americans and left thousands buried in medical debt. We'll meet Dawn, who nearly fell victim to their scheme, and Steven Dorfman, the mastermind who spent over a million dollars on jewelry while his customers discovered their "insurance" was worthless.

With Open Enrollment happening right now, scammers are out in full force. This episode will help you spot the red flags and protect yourself.

PROTECT YOURSELF - ESSENTIAL RESOURCES Verify a Company is Legitimate: - NAIC.org - Find your state insurance commissioner - Google: Company name + "scam" or "complaint" Shop for Real ACA Health Insurance: - HealthCare.gov - Federal Marketplace - LocalHelp.HealthCare.gov - Get free help from navigators Report Fraud: - ReportFraud.FTC.gov - File FTC complaint - Contact your State Insurance Department RED FLAGS: ✗ Not listed with state insurance department ✗ Pressure to sign up immediately ✗ Won't provide documents before purchase ✗ Suspiciously low prices ✗ Can't ask questions during "verification"

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Previous Episode

2403: The Cancer Sympathy Machine part 3

December 2, 2025

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41m

Harry spent nearly two years believing the woman he loved was dying of brain cancer. He stood by her for every surgery, organ failure...None of it was real.

In this episode, Harry walks us through the emotional fantasy Rachel built.

Want the full story?

🎧 Listen to The Rachel Cancer Scam

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6Hn5De466DmCIN8Sppw5Ik?si=6ba6b8cee95e4697

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-rachel-cancer-scam/id1772955263

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Next Episode

Off Script: Pretend, Murder She Told & Sins and Survivors Spill the Tea (BONUS)

December 16, 2025

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36m

Join hosts Javier from Pretend, Kristen Seavey from Murder She Told, and Shaun from Sins and Survivors for a special holiday crossover episode where three true crime podcasters let their guard down and talk shop.

Featured Guests:

Kristen Seavey, host of Murder She Told

https://open.spotify.com/show/0n9q2IMjGQyrHMMByvnA2H?si=5975eb73d4714d07

Shaun, host of Sins and Survivors

https://open.spotify.com/show/1W2swCx9LP38sFY06294pB?si=05c3269c69b94a73

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