Netflix's vast library holds some of the most jaw-dropping, real-life stories of deception ever captured on film. For viewers in the UK seeking a thrilling dive into the world of elaborate cons and audacious frauds, the streaming platform is a treasure trove.
These documentaries expose the intricate minds of con artists and the stunning scale of their schemes, proving that truth is often far stranger than fiction.
The Socialite Who Never Was: Inventing Anna
This gripping series dramatises the incredible story of Anna Sorokin, a Russian-born German woman who posed as a wealthy German heiress under the name Anna Delvey. She successfully conned New York's social elite, banks, and luxury hotels into believing she had a €60 million trust fund, all while living a life of breathtaking luxury on someone else's dime.
Festival of Lies: FYRE: The Greatest Party That Never Happened
The definitive account of the catastrophic Fyre Festival, promised as a luxury music experience on a private island. This documentary meticulously details how Billy McFarland's fraudulent scheme unravelled in real time, leaving attendees stranded and investors millions out of pocket. It's a masterclass in influencer-driven hype and disastrous delusion.
Big Cat Crimes: Tiger King
A cultural phenomenon that swept the UK, this wild series explores the deeply interconnected and bizarre world of big cat breeders in America. At its heart is the feud between flamboyant zoo owner Joe Exotic and big cat conservationist Carole Baskin, which spiralled into a shocking plot-for-hire murder case, revealing a world of exploitation and madness.
Love, Lies & Spirituality: Wild Wild Country
This epic documentary chronicles the rise and fall of the controversial Indian guru Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh and his community in Oregon, USA. It details a shocking saga involving a massive immigration scam, attempted murder, and the first bioterror attack in US history, all orchestrated by a sprawling cult.
The Woman Who Never Existed: The Tinder Swindler
Follow the astonishing tale of Simon Leviev, a smooth-talking conman who used the dating app Tinder to charm women across Europe. Posing as the son of a billionaire diamond mogul, he manipulated his victims into funding his extravagant lifestyle through a complex web of lies and emotional abuse, leaving them deeply in debt.
These documentaries offer more than just entertainment; they provide a fascinating look into the psychology of persuasion, the dangers of blind ambition, and the captivating allure of a perfectly crafted lie. Ready to be shocked? Stream them all now on Netflix UK.
