health

Scamanda Review

This documentary about a megachurch attendee who took donations for her alleged treatment – and experienced numerous ‘miracles’ that kept her alive – is a great story. What a shame this telling isn’t the most thrilling.

Scamanda Review

TL;DR

  • Amanda Riley faked terminal cancer for seven years to defraud people of money.
  • She documented her fabricated illness and treatments on a blog, soliciting donations.
  • Riley's scam involved claiming 'miracles,' such as a pregnancy that temporarily halted her supposed cancer.
  • Her deception was exposed by a suspicious friend, Lisa Berry, who alerted an investigative producer.
  • An investigation involving the IRS led to Riley's arrest and a five-year prison sentence.
  • The documentary 'Scamanda' is criticized for being too long and for its heavy reliance on silent reenactments.
  • The film lacks insight into why Riley committed the scam, focusing instead on the narrative of the con and its exposure.