Scam Factory
Wondery investigates people tricked into working at scam call centres in Myanmar under armed guard — the trafficking operation behind the messages you dismiss as spam.
Podcasts Like Scam Factory
If you loved Scam Factory, here are the best podcasts to try next. Matched by case type, storytelling style, and community ratings from our database of Fraud, International Crime, Human Trafficking shows.
Why listeners love Scam Factory
A 2025 standout — the human trafficking machinery behind the scam texts everyone gets. With a binge factor of 8/10, it sits among the most compulsively listenable shows in the genre. It follows a serialized format — each season covers one case in depth, building suspense across episodes.
Binge Factor
8/10
Community-rated compulsive listenability
Format
Serialized
One story told across multiple episodes
Style
Investigative, urgent, internationally focused
Presentation approach
Episode Length
35-45 min
Typical episode duration
Host Style
Solo narrator
Presentation format
Verdict
Good if you want the human trafficking side of the scam industry, not just the fraud itself
Our editorial rating
Recommendations
12 podcasts like Scam Factory
Sweet Bobby
Tortoise Media's definitive account of a years-long catfishing scheme — one of the most-discussed UK true crime podcasts of the decade.
The Retrievals
True crime fans interested in medical crime, systemic bias, and the treatment of women in healthcare; essential for anyone who has ever been dismissed by a doctor.
The Missing Cryptoqueen
BBC journalist Jamie Bartlett tracks down Dr Ruja Ignatova, who persuaded millions to invest in OneCoin before vanishing without a trace.
Two-Faced: John of God
Exactly Right and iHeart investigate João Teixeira de Faria, the Brazilian 'spiritual healer' known worldwide as John of God, accused of abuse by hundreds.
Fraudacious
Novel and BBC Studios trace how a London boutique owner was drawn into befriending a client posing as a wealthy Russian socialite.
Dr. Death
True crime fans interested in medical crime, institutional failure, and white-collar predators — compelling for anyone who has ever trusted a doctor blindly.
Crimetown
True crime fans who want novelistic, character-driven storytelling about organised crime and institutional corruption; listeners who want something that feels as much like great drama as documentary.
The Lazarus Heist
BBC World Service investigates North Korea's billion-dollar state-sponsored hacking operation.
Dirty John
True crime fans who love psychological manipulation, con artists, and domestic crime stories with high personal stakes.
The Clearing
Amanda Knox and Jon Ronson examine cult psychology through the prism of Knox's own experience.
The Dropout
People interested in tech fraud, startup culture, and white-collar crime; fans of The Dropout TV series who want the deeper journalism behind it.
Catch and Kill: The Podcast Tapes
Ronan Farrow's raw tapes from the Weinstein investigation — including what NBC refused to broadcast.
How they compare
| Podcast | Format | Country | Binge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scam Factory (original) | Serialized | United States | 8/10 |
| Sweet Bobby | Serialized | United Kingdom | 9/10 |
| The Retrievals | Serialized | United States | 9/10 |
| The Missing Cryptoqueen | Serialized | United Kingdom | 9/10 |
| Two-Faced: John of God | Serialized | United States | 8/10 |
| Fraudacious | Serialized | United Kingdom | 8/10 |
| Dr. Death | Serialized | United States | 8/10 |
| Crimetown | Serialized | United States | 8/10 |
| The Lazarus Heist | — | United Kingdom | 8/10 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What podcasts are similar to Scam Factory?
The best alternatives to Scam Factory are podcasts that share its Fraud, International Crime, Human Trafficking focus and serialized format. We've matched alternatives based on case types, storytelling format, and community ratings from our database.
Why do people love Scam Factory?
Scam Factory is known for its investigative, urgent, internationally focused approach to Fraud and International Crime. It scores 8/10 on our binge factor rating, reflecting how compulsively listenable listeners find it.
How long are episodes of Scam Factory?
Episodes of Scam Factory are typically 35-45 min long. It follows a serialized format, covering one story across multiple episodes.
Where can I listen to Scam Factory?
Scam Factory is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify. You can find it by searching the show name on any of those platforms.
What is the best episode of Scam Factory to start with?
New listeners are recommended to start with Episode 1. As a serialized podcast, it's best to start from the beginning of a season.