Romance scams, catfishing, and con artists: 11 podcasts like ‘Something Was Wrong’

Wondery’s “Something Was Wrong” is a docuseries sharing survivors’ firsthand accounts of abusive relationships, life events, trauma, recovery, and shocking discoveries. If you’ve already binged all the episodes and are waiting for the newest weekly episodes to drop, check out these podcasts like “Something Was Wrong.”

For relationship stories comparable to ones shared in “Something Was Wrong,” check out “It Doesn’t End Here,” “I Survived,” “Fool Me Twice,” and “Who the (Bleep) Did I Marry?” If you’re looking for unexpected stories, where all episodes aren’t necessarily discussing abusive relationships, tune into podcasts like “What Was That Like” and “This is Actually Happening.”

Some podcasts on our list are must-listen true crime series like “Generation Why” and “Red Collar,” which “Something Was Wrong” fans might enjoy

It Doesn’t End Here

“It Doesn’t End Here” is a 17-episode docuseries by Rachel Meadowcroft. Episodes share true stories about abusive relationships, trauma, recovery, and survival, just like “Something Was Wrong.” Start each season from the beginning to hear the complete narrative and deep dives into manipulation tactics like gaslighting, love bombing, and abuse cycles. While each toxic relationship is different, the victims on the podcast share their survival stories and breaking the cycle of feeling trapped and isolated.

Strictly Stalking

PodcastOne’s “Strictly Stalking” examines stalking stories told by survivors and reminds listeners that stalking can take many forms. In weekly true crime episodes, hosts Jaimie Beebe and Jake Deptula cover 1 stalking case and they’ll interview stalking survivors, experts, and advocates. Since 2020, this series has released over 130 episodes running an hour on average.

This is Actually Happening

Wondery’s “This is Actually Happening” is a true crime series covering a different story each episode. Guests share how they overcame adversity, navigated challenging circumstances, and survived situations ranging from cults to abusive households, addictions to animal hoarding, and getting tortured in an Iranian prison. Check out over 260 episodes running less than an hour on average.

The Opportunist

On “The Opportunist,” host Hannah Smith is diving into diabolical characters, scammers, doctors, con artists, cult leaders, and everyday people turning evil, doing anything in their power to get what they want. Some episodes are standalone, but check out the episodes’ description to see if it’s a multi-part investigation to be streamed in order. Recent episodes explored Fallon Blackwood’s scheming, how David Ghantt became an international fugitive, and Steven Benson’s dark, family business. This series is presented by Kast Media.

I Survived

From PodcastOne / A&E comes “I Survived,” featuring episodes based on the popular true crime TV show. Hear all-too-real stories of harrowing human experiences, survival, and how everyday people beat the odds stacked against them and lived to tell the tale. In an episode, Lynda was lured into a trap by a romantic interest online. There are abduction stories, survival tales from a school shooting, and more in 16 episodes less than an hour on average.

Do You Know Mordechai?

Kathleen Goldhar’s recently divorced friend, Arya, started dating Mordechai Horowitz. Kathleen was happy for her friend but found cracks in Mordechai’s “perfect” facade as investigated on UCP Audio’s podcast. Kathleen hosts this series and traveled to LA to find Mordechai and learn about his real identity. This 6-episode series is super-bingeable.

Fool Me Twice

Auscast Network’s “Fool Me Twice” investigates romance scams, catfishing, and the murky world of online dating. Season 1 shares Jules Hannaford’s story, a lonely woman who started online dating after being single for 10+ years. Jules met Truman, a construction firm’s project manager who appeared to have it all together. When Jules traveled to meet him, red flags began to fly, and she realized he planned to swindle her.

Who the (Bleep) Did I Marry?

“Who the (Bleep) Did I Marry?” is the audio-only version of ID’s TV series featuring twisted true crimes and happily never afters. In episodes, people believed they knew their partners until the truth bubbled up, and they learned of toxic secrets or double lives. Tune in for true stories of deception, murder, serial cheaters, and more in episodes less than 25 minutes each.

Red Collar

“Red Collar” shares nonviolent offenders’ stories and true crimes. We’re talking about white collar criminals like CEOs, financial schemers, and other groups who have broken laws. In this audiochuck series, join host Catherine Townsend unpacking these “real-life American Psychos who are often hiding in plain sight.”

What Was That Like

Scott Johnson’s “What Was That Like” shares real stories about unbelievable situations. From life or death scenarios to being a juror on a murder trial, to William Hung’s journey to American Idol, each episode is packed with personal anecdotes. Tune into over 100 episodes running 70 minutes each on average.

Generation Why

Aaron Habel and Justin Evans’ “The Generation Why Podcast” is a must-listen for true crime fans. Tune in for case investigations, unsolved murder discussions, commentary, mysteries, and theories. This series is presented by Wondery and you can check out its episode archive of 380+ episodes.