Ep 13. An Ungodly Scammer

In season 12 episode 13 of American Greed, viewers are taken into the world of an ungodly scammer who preyed on unsuspecting individuals under the guise of a religious leader. The episode details the fraudulent activities of Pastor Will Bowen, who operated a church in Missouri and claimed to possess the ability to heal individuals through the power of positive thinking.

Bowen attracted a large following, including several high-profile celebrities, with his self-help books and motivational speeches. He marketed himself as a spiritual leader and financial mentor, promising his followers a path to financial prosperity and success through his teachings. However, behind the facade of his public image, Bowen was engaged in a complex Ponzi scheme that defrauded his followers out of millions of dollars.

The episode walks viewers through Bowen's elaborate scheme - he convinced his followers to invest in his "Gold Program," which promised high returns on investment. The program was marketed as a unique financial opportunity that was only available to members of Bowen's church. In reality, the "Gold Program" didn't exist - Bowen was simply taking money from new investors to pay out returns to existing members.

To maintain the illusion of growth and profitability, Bowen regularly sent his followers fraudulent account statements, which exaggerated the returns they were supposedly earning. He also offered "Divine Money Miracles" to members who were struggling financially, promising to pay their bills and provide them with immediate financial relief. In many cases, Bowen simply used these opportunities to soak up more money from his followers.

Eventually, Bowen's scheme unraveled, and he was caught by federal authorities. In 2016, Bowen was sentenced to 46 months in prison for wire fraud and money laundering. The episode features interviews with several victims of Bowen's scam, who recount the sense of betrayal and devastation they felt upon discovering that their spiritual leader had defrauded them.

Overall, season 12 episode 13 of American Greed offers a compelling and cautionary tale about the dangers of financial fraud and deception. The episode serves as a reminder that even seemingly trustworthy individuals can engage in fraudulent behavior, and that individuals should always be cautious when considering investment opportunities.