Black Gold Bust

Update: On Friday, March 28th, 2025, the White House confirmed that President Donald Trump has pardoned Trevor Milton, founder of the electric vehicle startup Nikola. Milton, who was sentenced to four years in prison for overstating his company's technology, could now avoid paying hundreds of millions in restitution to defrauded investors due to the pardon. According to the Federal Election Commission, Milton and his wife donated more than $1.8 million to a Trump re-election campaign fund less than a month before the November election. Original Episode Description: Serial entrepreneur Trevor Milton founds the electric vehicle company Nikola, which suggests it will be the next Tesla, but for long-haul trucks. (Original airdate 10/04/2022)

A man claims to own half of Facebook and says he has the contract to prove it. (Original air date: 6/30/2016)

Bars, strip clubs and nightclubs shell out millions to an insurance company founded by a bouncer. (Original air date: 10/22/2018)

Ephren Taylor preaches his "safe" investments at church seminars and on the internet. (Original air date: 9/10/2018)

Vitaly Borker sells designer knock-off eyewear as genuine; complaining customers are threatened. (Original air date: 6/18/2018)

When a sexy Florida former escort plots to take her husband's money and his life, her lover tips off the police and her deadly plan gets caught on tape. (Original air date: 3/12/2018)

A man burns through $52 million from a trust he was hired to protect, buying helicopters, fighter jets, rocket launchers, and a fleet of WWII bombers to feed his fantasy of running "black ops" for the CIA. (Original air date: 9/4/2017)

Heartless crooks use photos of real military men to lure women into sending them love and money. (Original air date: 8/28/2017)

A school supply vendor steals millions from Detroit public schools by enlisting shady school officials. (Original air date: 8/28/2017)

Memorabilia legend Bill Mastro rigs bids to scam collectors and sellers. (Original air date: 8/21/2017)