Duped: The Dark Side of Online Business

Author: Michelle Mazur and Maggie Patterson

If you've ever felt like you've been duped by a celebrity entrepreneur or coach, or watched with wonderment as people do downright dirty things to grow their business online, this is the show for you. When it comes to starting and growing a business online, there's no denying the appeal of a flexible, freedom-filled life where you can make more money than you ever imagined. But behind the glossy images on Instagram and big promises, there's a dark side. In Duped, your hosts Dr. Michelle Mazur and Maggie Patterson do a deep dive into everything that's wrong with the online business world. From scammy life coaches to sleazy sales practices to cult and MLM style tactics we talk about all of it. You'll learn what to watch for as a consumer so you can protect yourself from falling prey to these tricks and tactics.
Be a guest on this podcast

Language: en-us

Genres: Business, Entrepreneurship, Marketing

Contact email: Get it

Feed URL: Get it

iTunes ID: Get it

Get all podcast data

Listen Now...

The Grift Halftime Report
Tuesday, 30 June, 2026

It's halftime, and the online business industry is still running the same plays. This season, we watched old grifts make a comeback, influencers continue replacing experts, and tired tactics get dressed up as innovation. So for our season finale, we're stepping back to look at the big picture: who's still running the grift, what plays they're using, and where all of this is heading next. Topics Discussed: Why the online business industry's favorite grifts keep coming back in new packaging. The key players shaping the 2026 landscape. How visibility, lifestyle branding, and aspirational income claims continue to replace genuine expertise. Why trust is collapsing online—and how "authenticity" may become the next big marketing tactic. What economic pressure, AI, and ongoing wealth obsession mean for the future of online business. For detailed show notes and links to everything mentioned in this episode, please visit duped.online. For more Duped, including monthly bonus episodes, join the Patreon.