Exposing Deception: A Review of Hulu’s Riveting Scamanda (2025) Documentary

I first encountered the story behind Scamanda through the podcast by the same creators. That got me through training for my first half-marathon (shout-out to that podcast!). I loved it so much that I immediately began recommending it to friends. Naturally, I was intrigued when I learned that the story was being adapted for TV. The idea of putting faces to names—and even more curiously, putting faces to voices you’ve only ever known through audio—adds an entirely new dimension to the tale.

Scamanda follows a notorious con artist who exploited social media and digital platforms to scam vulnerable people. The documentary takes you on a journey that blends investigative journalism with personal stories from those who fell victim to the fraud. What I appreciated most about the film was its production quality. The visuals are crisp, and the narrative is engaging. However, I did find that some of the pacing and the presentation of timelines felt a bit confusing at times and other parts were repetitive. (There’s one video in particular that they replay 6+ times.) It wasn’t always clear how events were connected, which momentarily disrupted the flow.

That said, the documentary truly shines in its resolution. Unlike other similar stories that seem to end with a vague “that was wrong, please stop” message, Scamanda delivers a satisfying conclusion—there is genuine punishment for the actions committed by the con artist. This real sense of accountability is both refreshing and gratifying. It reminds us that while scams can leave deep wounds, there is also hope for justice.

I truly felt for the people who were scammed. They invested their time, money, and trust into someone who ultimately exploited their kindness for personal gain. Their stories are heartbreaking, and the film does a commendable job of giving these voices a platform. It makes you pause and consider the high personal cost of falling prey to such deception.

One element that left me with lingering questions was the role of the con artist’s husband. The documentary hints at the possibility that he might have been complicit in the scheme. While it’s never confirmed, I find it hard to imagine a scenario in which he wasn’t aware of what was happening. This ambiguity adds an extra layer of intrigue, though I would have loved to see a deeper investigation into his involvement.

Overall, Scamanda is a well-made documentary series now streaming in its entirety on Hulu. Originally released in four weekly installments, it’s perfect for binge-watching. Despite a few confusing moments in its structure, the series delivers a powerful narrative that exposes the darker side of digital deception. If you’re interested in modern scams and the real-life impact they have on people, I highly recommend giving it a watch.

Happy viewing, and let me know your thoughts on this fascinating exposé!

Should you watch it?

Yes – I reviewed a similar documentary (click here for that one) and of the two, this is the clear winner.

VERDICT