Ep 7. The Fake Prince's Royal Scam

Using real-life cases of financial fraud and white-collar crime, American Greed season 13 episode 7 explores the story of a conman who claimed to be a member of a wealthy Middle Eastern royal family. The episode titled "The Fake Prince's Royal Scam" features the case of Anthony Gignac, who posed as a Saudi prince and lived a lavish lifestyle while defrauding unsuspecting victims.

Born in Colombia and adopted by a Michigan family, Gignac was known for his flashy lifestyle and extravagant spending habits. As a young adult, he started impersonating wealthy businessmen and conning people out of money. At the age of 32, he began impersonating members of the Saudi royal family, using the name Sultan Bin Khalid Al Saud.

Gignac would often wear a traditional Saudi robe and carry a briefcase full of cash to add authenticity to his persona. He traveled in a private jet, stayed in luxury hotels, and dined at expensive restaurants, all while convincing people that he was a member of the royal family. He also used his fake identity to get access to high-profile events, including the Academy Awards and the inauguration of President George W. Bush.

To maintain his image, Gignac created fake credentials and documents, including passports, driver's licenses, and business cards. He even had a fake royal seal that he used to sign official documents. Moreover, he convinced people to invest in his fake business ventures and promised to use his royal connections to help them get ahead.

Gignac's scam went on for years, and he defrauded people out of millions of dollars. However, his luck ran out when he tried to purchase a Miami Beach mansion using a fraudulent cashier's check. The seller became suspicious and contacted the authorities, leading to Gignac's arrest.

American Greed season 13 episode 7 takes a deeper look at Gignac's life and his elaborate scam. Through interviews with his victims and law enforcement officials, the episode shows how Gignac was able to pull off his con for so long. It also explores the psychological aspects of white-collar crime, including the sense of entitlement and the need for attention and power that motivates people like Gignac.

Overall, "The Fake Prince's Royal Scam" is a fascinating and cautionary tale of how greed and deception can lead to devastating consequences for both the victims and the perpetrator. The episode highlights the importance of due diligence and skepticism, especially when dealing with offers that seem too good to be true.