Netflix is a goldmine for true crime fans, especially those fascinated by scams, con artists, and shocking real-life fraud cases. From fake heiresses to international swindlers and corporate corruption, these true crime shows reveal just how far some people will go for money, power, or influence. Here are the top 5 Netflix true crime documentaries about fraud and scams you can stream right now.
What it's about: A British woman named Dionne reappears in her adult son’s life after decades apart. Claiming to be royalty and terminally ill, she manipulates her son and others into funding her luxurious lifestyle — all built on lies.
Why watch it: The emotional manipulation, family betrayal, and psychological games make this one of the most disturbing emotional scams ever documented. The Con-Mum is a must-watch for fans of identity fraud, family deception, and modern psychological crime stories.
What it's about: Based on the real-life case of Anna Sorokin, also known as Anna Delvey, this dramatized series explores how a fake German heiress conned New York’s elite and luxury hotels out of hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Why watch it: With its lavish lifestyle settings, elite deception, and jaw-dropping courtroom drama, Inventing Anna is equal parts thrilling and infuriating. It highlights one of the most infamous con artist cases in recent history.
What it's about: Simon Leviev used Tinder and other dating apps to lure women, gain their trust, and convince them to fund his jet-set lifestyle. This modern romance scam unfolded across several countries.
Why watch it: The documentary reveals how scammers exploit love and technology to commit fraud. It's fast-paced, emotional, and a wake-up call about the dangers of online dating scams.
What it's about: Sarma Melngailis, a celebrity vegan chef, falls under the influence of a mysterious man who manipulates her into transferring millions with outlandish promises—including making her dog immortal.
Why watch it: The bizarre mix of wellness culture, magical thinking, and financial manipulation makes this a uniquely compelling fraud case. It explores cult-like influence, coercion, and white-collar crime through an unforgettable lens.
What it's about: This investigative docuseries tackles a wide range of real-world financial crimes and corruption. Each episode focuses on a different scandal, including the Volkswagen emissions cover-up and Wells Fargo’s fake accounts scandal.
Why watch it: With deep dives into systemic fraud, political ties, and high-level corporate deception, Dirty Money is essential viewing for anyone interested in white-collar crime and global corruption.
Whether you're into psychological manipulation, fake identities, or massive financial cons, Netflix has a fraud documentary that will leave you stunned. These five documentaries are perfect starting points for anyone fascinated by real-life deception and con artistry.
Explore more Netflix true crime documentaries about fraud and scams. Got a favorite we missed? Drop it in the comments and let us know what to watch next!
