Amanda Riley, often referred to as "Scamanda," is a California woman who gained notoriety for fabricating a stage 3 cancer diagnosis (specifically Hodgkin's lymphoma) for nearly a decade, from roughly 2012 to 2019. She used her blog, social media, and church community to solicit over $105,000 in donations for non-existent medical treatments.
Key Details of the Case
The Scam: Riley documented her fake journey online, sharing staged photos of herself with IVs, chemo ports, and a shaved head to gain sympathy and money. She actually held a cancer fundraiser for herself and another person who was truly dying, taking more than half of the proceeds for herself.
Conviction and Sentence: In October 2021, Riley pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud. She was sentenced in May 2022 to 60 months (5 years) in federal prison and ordered to pay over $105,000 in restitution.
Current Status (As of early 2025): Riley was incarcerated at FMC Carswell in Texas but was moved to a residential re-entry program in Southern California in December 2024, with a projected release date in late 2025.
Continued Allegations: Reports indicate that even while in prison, Riley continued to try to convince people she was ill to gain early release, which was denied in June 2024, with a judge noting she likely continues to "fake her ailments".
"Scamanda" Media
Her story was investigated by Nancy Moscatiello, leading to a wildly popular 2023 podcast titled Scamanda. This was later adapted into a four-part ABC News Studios docuseries, which premiered on ABC in January 2025 and is streaming on Hulu.
Personal Life
During the scam, Riley was married to Cory Riley, who stood by her side during her trial. Reports indicate that Cory has since filed for divorce and is living in Texas with their two sons.
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