The Twisted Scam that Bilked Movie Crews Out of Millions On the new episode of 'Dirty Money,' we learn about the Hollywood Queen, a mysterious con artist who stole from low-level Hollywood types by luring them to Indonesia.

By Dan Bova

boonchai wedmakawand | Getty Images

The phone rings and you answer. On the other end of the call is a woman who says they've heard all about the great work you do and want to hire you for an incredible project in Indonesia that is happening right now. They tell you to get to the airport ASAP and get yourself on the next plane. Keep all of your receipts — you'll be reimbursed as soon as you land, you're told. This job not only pays well, but it will also surely elevate your profile and lead to bigger and better projects.

So what do you do?

If you are one of the hundreds of people who got this call, you get on that plane. And after weeks — sometimes months — of getting the runaround once you're situated in Indonesia, you learn that you've been scammed.

Related: The Scam Artist Who Robbed Backstreet Boys and NSYNC Blind

On this week's episode of Dirty Money, Entrepreneur Media's new podcast dedicated to telling the behind-the-schemes stories of legendary scammers, con artists, and barely-legal lowlifes, hosts Jon Small and Dan Bova speak with journalist and co-founder of Campside Media Josh Dean about the strange twist and turns of the Hollywood Con Queen. We won't give away too much, but this Queen posed as various higher-ups at companies like Lucasfilm and Sony, and preyed on worker-bee types in the film industry (make-up artists, stunt man, and the like) who were duped into spending money out of their own pockets that they never got back.

The more details, the sleazier and weirder this story gets!

Subscribe to Dirty Money on Apple | Spotify | Stitcher | Google Play

About Dirty Money

Dirty Money is a new podcast series from Entrepreneur Media telling the tales of legendary scammers, con artists, and barely-legal lowlifes who stop at nothing to bilk their marks of millions. Hosted by Entrepreneur editors Dan Bova and Jon Small, the podcast takes a deep dive into the deviants behind the deeds.

Dan Bova

Entrepreneur Staff

VP of Special Projects

Dan Bova is the VP of Special Projects at Entrepreneur.com. He previously worked at Jimmy Kimmel Live, Maxim, and Spy magazine. His latest books for kids include This Day in History, Car and Driver's Trivia ZoneRoad & Track Crew's Big & Fast Cars, The Big Little Book of Awesome Stuff, and Wendell the Werewolf

Read his humor column This Should Be Fun if you want to feel better about yourself.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Leadership

7 Telltale Signs of a Weak Leader

Whether a bully or a people pleaser who can't tell hard truths, poor leadership takes many forms.

Thought Leaders

Cultural Fit Can Make or Break an M&A Deal

One of the most critical components for success -- cultural fit -- often falls by the wayside.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Starting a Business

"Nothing Is Obvious the First Time": How This Serial Entrepreneur Is Redefining Sports Media with On3

On3 founder and serial entrepreneur Shannon Terry shares his thoughts on the evolving sports media landscape and his insights on building and growing a business from personal experience.