Archive Episode: A Reality TV Star's Telemarketing Scheme
Summary
Host Bob Sullivan interviews Penny Puckett, who lost $30,000 and her family farm to a business coaching scam linked to Jen Shah of The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City. Shah pleaded guilty to fraud and money laundering, facing prison time and restitution. Former FTC attorney Cindy Lebes explains telemarketing laws and advises listeners to verify offers and report scams to authorities.
Topics discussed
Introduction: Penny Puckett's $30,000 loss
Penny's hobby: Special car seat blankets
Trying to save the family farm with online sales
The scam: Aggressive upselling and high fees
Realizing the website didn't work
Financial ruin and selling the farm
ABC News contacts Penny about Jen Shah
Jen Shah's Real Housewives fame and fraud
Shah's arrest, trial, and guilty plea
Penny's reaction to Shah's apology and sentence
Recovery: Getting partial refunds and moving on
Expert insight: How telemarketing scams work
Legal protections and red flags to watch for
Advice: Reporting scams and protecting yourself
Listen ad-free on Castria