Watch Love Fraud

Love Fraud is a gripping docuseries that aired on Showtime in 2020. The show follows the harrowing story of Richard Scott Smith, a man who exploits women he meets online for money and other material benefits. Throughout the series, viewers are taken on a journey detailing the lengths to which Smith will go to deceive and exploit vulnerable women.

The series is a collaboration between directors Rachel Grady and Heidi Ewing, who also served as executive producers alongside Carolyn Hepburn. Love Fraud focuses on the story of one particular woman, Carla Campbell, who sets out on a mission to bring Smith to justice. Campbell initially met Smith on a dating website and she soon discovered that he was a con artist who had a history of scamming women. Undeterred, she decides to take matters into her own hands, joining forces with other women targeted by Smith to pursue legal action against him.

Campbell's determination proves contagious, as other victims join her in the pursuit of justice. These women are from all walks of life, with varying backgrounds and experiences. The series follows them as they work together to track down Smith, uncovering a trail of deceit and manipulation that spans several states.

As the investigation unfolds, viewers are shown the various tactics that Smith employs to prey on women. For example, he often claims to be a wealthy and successful businessman, but in reality he is a master manipulator who uses women for his own financial gain. In one particularly disturbing scene, Smith is shown on camera boasting about his exploits, clearly unconcerned about the harm he's caused to his victims.

The series is expertly crafted, with each episode building on the previous one to create a sense of urgency and tension. Viewers are drawn into the story, experiencing the emotional journeys of the victims as they attempt to grapple with the fallout of Smith's actions. The show uses a mix of interviews, archival footage, and reenactments to tell its narrative, resulting in a captivating viewing experience.

One of the standout aspects of Love Fraud is the strength and resilience of the women at its center. They are shown to be fighters, determined to hold Smith accountable for his crimes. Additionally, the series sheds light on the importance of sisterhood and community, as these women come together to share their stories and offer support to one another.

Overall, Love Fraud is a compelling and timely exploration of the insidious nature of toxic masculinity and the harm it can cause. It's a must-watch for anyone interested in true crime stories, social justice, and the power of collective action.

Love Fraud is a series that ran for 1 seasons (4 episodes) between August 30, 2020 and on Showtime