9 True-Scam Stories Brought to Life in Movies on OTT Platforms

These nine real-life scams were so outrageous, they inspired blockbuster movies and hit series on Netflix, Prime Video, and other OTT platforms. From Anna Sorokin to Jordan Belfort, here’s how con artists fooled the world, and what happened next.

Amit Diwan
Editorial
Updated - 2025-08-20, 14:54 IST

Some stories seem too wild to be true, until you find out they are. Real-life scammers have pulled off jaw-dropping cons involving millions of dollars, fake identities, and worldwide media attention. Many of these stories have inspired gripping films and series on OTT platforms, showing just how blurred the lines between fact and fiction can be.

True-Scam Stories on OTT

Here are nine true scam stories that found their way to screens, shocking viewers with every detail.

Inventing Anna (2022)

Streaming on: Netflix
Directed by: Shonda Rhimes

Anna Sorokin, who went by Anna Delvey, posed as a German heiress and scammed New York’s elite, hotels, banks, and individuals out of more than $200,000. She became the talk of high society before being exposed and arrested.

Reality check: “I’m not sorry,” Sorokin said in one interview. She served nearly four years in prison and is currently under house arrest, giving media interviews.

The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)

Streaming on: Prime Video
Directed by: Martin Scorsese

Jordan Belfort ran a massive pump-and-dump stock scheme, making millions while living a life of extreme excess.

Reality check: After being caught by the FBI, Belfort served prison time and now gives motivational talks on ethics.

The Act (2019)

Streaming on: Hulu (U.S.) / Prime Video (in select regions)
Directed by: Nick Antosca & Mickey Liddell

Gypsy Rose Blanchard’s mother, Dee Dee, falsely claimed her daughter had multiple illnesses to gain donations and sympathy. The disturbing manipulation ended in murder.

Reality check: Gypsy was released in 2023. In 2025, she is now a mother and artist, off parole and living a quiet life.

Fyre: The Greatest Party That Never Happened (2019)

Streaming on: Netflix
Directed by: Chris Smith & Julia Willoughby Nason

Marketed as an elite music festival in the Bahamas, Fyre Festival turned into chaos. Guests found disaster tents, no artists, and barely any food.

Reality check: Organiser Billy McFarland served time and now owes $26 million in restitution to investors.

The Tinder Swindler (2022)

Streaming on: Netflix
Directed by: Felicity Morris

Simon Leviev tricked women on dating apps into sending him money, claiming he was under threat from enemies. The scam totalled over \$10 million.

Reality check: Leviev served only 5 months in prison and now promotes business coaching seminars.

Bad Vegan: Fame. Fraud. Fugitives. (2022)

Streaming on: Netflix
Directed by: Chris Smith & Julia Willoughby Nason

Celebrity chef Sarma Melngailis was manipulated by her husband, who promised to make her dog immortal if she handed over her restaurant’s money.

Reality check: Sarma lost everything and served nearly 4 months in jail.

The Bling Ring (2013)

Streaming on: Prime Video
Directed by: Sofia Coppola

A group of teens from L.A. broke into celebrity homes and stole over \$3 million in luxury items. Paris Hilton’s house was burglarised multiple times.

Reality check: The ringleader served just over a year in prison.

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