The Ultimate Cancer Con: How Amanda Riley Fooled Hundreds and Got Rich Off a Lie
Amanda Christine Riley pulled off one of the most heartless scams in recent history—faking cancer for nearly a decade to manipulate people's sympathy and fund her lifestyle. The 39-year-old mother from San Jose, California, convinced hundreds of well-meaning people that she was battling Hodgkin’s lymphoma, collecting over $100,000 in donations. Now, her shocking deception is exposed in the explosive new docuseries Scamanda, which premiered on ABC on January 30, 2025, and is now streaming on Hulu.
A Masterclass in Manipulation
Riley didn’t just lie—she created a fake world. In 2012, she started a blog called Lymphoma Can Suck It, where she shared emotional updates, fabricated medical records, and even shaved her head to mimic chemotherapy side effects. Her heartbreaking posts convinced strangers, friends, and even members of her church that they were helping a woman in need. What they didn’t know was that their donations were fueling Riley’s luxurious lifestyle, not her medical bills.
How It All Came Crashing Down
For years, Riley’s lies went unchallenged, but in 2015, an anonymous tip led investigative producer Nancy Moscatiello to look deeper into her story. Soon after, the IRS raided Riley’s home, uncovering the truth. Despite this, it took another five years for Riley to be charged. In 2022, she pleaded guilty to wire fraud and was sentenced to five years in prison—a punishment many feel is too lenient given the emotional and financial damage she caused.
The Docuseries Scamanda: The Truth Exposed
The four-part docuseries Scamanda takes viewers through the layers of Riley’s deceptive scheme. It features emotional interviews with her victims and the investigators who exposed her lies. The series reveals just how easily a manipulative person can exploit others' compassion—and how long it took for the justice system to put a stop to her fraud.
The Aftermath: A Community Betrayed
Riley’s scam didn’t just steal money; it shattered trust. Many of her biggest supporters were members of her local San Jose church, who prayed for her, raised funds on her behalf, and stood by her side as she claimed to fight a deadly illness. When the truth came out, those who had helped her felt devastated and betrayed, as the woman they had trusted turned out to be nothing more than a con artist.
Where Is Amanda Riley Now? Still Playing the Victim?
Today, Riley is serving her five-year prison sentence in Texas. Yet, even behind bars, she continues to deceive. Reports suggest that she still fakes illnesses in prison, displaying behaviors consistent with Münchausen syndrome, in an effort to get medical attention. Even in prison, Riley refuses to give up her manipulative ways.
Scamanda is more than just a documentary—it’s a wake-up call about the power of deception in the digital age, the dark side of online storytelling, and the unsettling ease with which con artists can exploit the kindness of others.