The Ones Who Nearly Won

The Phantom Pinnacle: The Mountain That Wasn't Climbed

In this episode, we delve into the audacious story of a mountaineer who faked his way to the top of the world's highest peaks. We'll explore how he fooled the world with manipulated photos, false GPS data, and a web of lies, until one tiny mistake brought his deception crashing down. Hear from climbing experts, investigators, and the fraudster himself about the lengths he went to maintain the illusion and what would have happened if he had succeeded. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

The Phantom Planet: The Space Rock That Wasn't There

In this episode, we delve into the audacious plot of a group of con artists who fabricated the discovery of a new planet, complete with valuable resources, to swindle investors out of millions. We'll explore how they almost got away with it, and the tiny, astronomical mistake that led to their downfall. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

The Phantom Frequency: The Radio Station That Wasn't On Air

Dive into the story of a group of tech-savvy con artists who set up a phantom radio station, broadcasting fake news and advertisements to manipulate stock prices. Their plan was flawless, until a single frequency slip-up led to their downfall. Hear from the investigators who traced the signal, the victims who were duped, and explore what could have happened if the frequency had stayed stable. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

The Phantom Papyrus: The Ancient Scroll That Told Too Much

Dive into the world of antiquities forgery with the tale of a mastermind who almost fooled the world with a seemingly ancient scroll. Discover how this near-perfect crime was undone by a single, overlooked detail and explore the implications had the forgery remained undetected. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

The Phantom Feast: The Food Scam That Left a Bitter Taste

In a world where luxury and exclusivity often dictate the rules, we delve into a high-stakes game of culinary deception. This episode uncovers a mastermind who nearly pulled off an audacious food scam, selling cheap, mass-produced food as gourmet, artisanal products. We'll explore the intricate details of the scheme, the fatal slip-up that led to its downfall, and the aftermath of this gastronomic scandal. Hear from food critics, investigators, and the con artist themselves about the scam that almost fooled the culinary world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]