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Hey, it's Lisa Z from RCP here. It feels like scams and scam stories are really having a moment.

There's so many shows and movies lately about these,

Razy con artists, and honestly, I think we can't get enough of them.

Speaking of which, there's a new podcast we wanted to tell you about called Persona,

the French deception, and this is the true story of Jibai Shikli, one of the greatest con artists of all time.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to pick up the phone, call someone, and end the phone call?

50 million dollars richer? This series investigates how Shikli successfully duped some of the world's

most powerful people into simply handing over their fortunes. It explores how he evaded the law for

years and evolved into a Robin Hood-like hero to many. More than just a tale of criminal genius,

this is a show about the moment we're living in right now, the golden age of scammers and the power

of seduction. But what happens when the fantasy we've been lured into finally crumbles away?

Listen to find out. In fact, we're about to play you a preview of Persona, the French deception.

While you're listening, follow Persona, the French deception wherever you get your podcasts,

or you can listen early on Amazon Music or Early and Add Free by subscribing to Wondery Plus

in Apple Podcasts or the Wondery app.

Hello.

Hello.

There's this word in French that means scam, Arnak. A scammer or a con artist is sometimes called

an Arnakur. An original definition translates roughly as one who amuses in order to defraud.

I guess a crutches comes along. It's a good way to think about scams, I find, or at least the most

inspired ones. The problem with the banks is saying me. I'm not talking about street-level swindles.

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