34 episodes

It was a relationship that was going just the way Andrew Thomson planned...
right up until the point, Emma discovered his real identity. WOULD YOU HIT RECORD....?

Conning the Con CONNING THE CON AD FREE

    • True Crime
    • 4.8 • 482 Ratings

Listen on Apple Podcasts
Requires subscription and macOS 11.4 or higher

It was a relationship that was going just the way Andrew Thomson planned...
right up until the point, Emma discovered his real identity. WOULD YOU HIT RECORD....?

Listen on Apple Podcasts
Requires subscription and macOS 11.4 or higher

    TONKA TRILOGY 1 It's CONplicated!

    TONKA TRILOGY 1 It's CONplicated!

    EP 1 It's CONplicated

    Well, it's been a hot minute since we released Conning The CON to the World back in 2021, and since then, top of the list of questions asked is where can we hear the whole Tonka Trilogy? And so without further ado, we are sharing the actual recordings we made as we received the Tonka Trilogy. 
    It's probably the equivalent of the UK show GoggleBox, if you've ever heard of it, where you watch people react to TV shows. But you know, this is kind of the podcast version. 

    Obviously, we can't get into Andrew's mind and understand what the hell he was thinking when he sat down and tipity typed out this bonkers attempt to convince Emma he was actually a spy, but we can share how we received it at the time. So to set the tone for these Tonka Trilogy bonus episodes, there is a lot of laughter in them, which might seem slightly incongruous with the rest of the podcast, but do keep it in mind.

    As we recorded this, we were completely gobsmacked that this was Andrew's next move. And of course, Emma was spending the other 90% of her days in this state of anxiety keeping up the pretense that she was still dating this con man. 

    So these recordings are the 10% of the day that we could finally have a little laughter therapy because imagine if you will
    you've just found out that your boyfriend of six months is not only a serial conman but is trying to convince you that he's the world's most unassuming spy. 

    I mean, I'm not sure that the term laughable has ever been more appropriate to a situation. 

    And without further ado, let's take a little time machine back to April 2019 when Emma's inbox has just pinged with the latest email from Andrew......

    HAVE YOU ENJOYED OUR INDEPENDENTLY MADE PODCAST?
    WANT TO SUPPORT US? 
    CLICK THE LINK buymeacoffee.com/conningthecon

    DON’T forget to use DISCOUNT CODE “FERRIS” For CRIMECON US and UK
    This is a CONmunity Podcast Production @conmunitypodcast
    Check out more:
    STOP THE KILLING 
    KLOOGHLESS - THE LONG CON
    GUILTY GREENIE
    Join Emma @thebreatheffect on Facebook and Instagram
    To learn the tools that Emma used to help both survive and thrive through trauma join Emma on one of her amazing online courses. Choose to reset your stress response and rewire your brain over 30 days.
    The Breath Effect - thebreatheffect.com
    If you have your own true crime story to share please contact us.
    email: conningthecon@yahoo.com
    Facebook: conningtheconpodcast
    Instagram: conningthecon
    Twitter: conningthecon1

    If you believe you have been targeted by a Fraudster then please reach out for help. Many places can help, below are a few to get you pointed in the right direction. 
    UK: Action Fraud
    NZ: NZ Government - Scams
    NZ: Netsafe
    Australia: Scamwatch
    US: USA Government - Scams

    Our thanks to the talented:
    Aroha Min for the theme tune
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    • 23 min
    TONKA TRILOGY EP 2 CONsumating A Threesome

    TONKA TRILOGY EP 2 CONsumating A Threesome

    EP 2 CONsumating a Threesome

    Welcome back to episode two of the Tonka Trilogy's bonus series, the autobiography, penned by Serial Con Artist Andrew Tonks, to convince my little sister, Emma, that he has lived a life worthy of a ghostwriter:

     "Introduction, a brief on the possible ghostwriter or myself, depending on my skill. My spelling infatuation sucks, so more likely someone else interviewing me"

    "he's literally thinking, he's writing this. We're gonna really, feel bad if this is a true story." 

    Well, spoiler alert, this won't be populating the non-fiction shelves of your local library anytime soon. And as I said last episode, apologies for the not so flash audio at my end of this recording.

    The lesson there is always to be prepared. You just never know when the world's most unassuming spy is getting ready to spill the tea. So let's fire up the time machine and head back to April 2019.


    HAVE YOU ENJOYED OUR INDEPENDENTLY MADE PODCAST?
    WANT TO SUPPORT US? 
    CLICK THE LINK buymeacoffee.com/conningthecon
    CRIMECON UK TICKETS
    CRIMECON US TICKETS
    DON’T forget to use DISCOUNT CODE “FERRIS” 
    This is a CONmunity Podcast Production @conmunitypodcast
    Check out more:
    STOP THE KILLING 
    KLOOGHLESS - THE LONG CON
    GUILTY GREENIE
    Join Emma @thebreatheffect on Facebook and Instagram
    To learn the tools that Emma used to help both survive and thrive through trauma join Emma on one of her amazing online courses. Choose to reset your stress response and rewire your brain over 30 days.
    The Breath Effect - thebreatheffect.com
    If you have your own true crime story to share please contact us.
    email: conningthecon@yahoo.com
    Facebook: conningtheconpodcast
    Instagram: conningthecon
    Twitter: conningthecon1

    If you believe you have been targeted by a Fraudster then please reach out for help. Many places can help, below are a few to get you pointed in the right direction. 
    UK: Action Fraud
    NZ: NZ Government - Scams
    NZ: Netsafe
    Australia: Scamwatch
    US: USA Government - Scams

    Our thanks to the talented:
    Aroha Min for the theme tune
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    • 27 min
    TONKA TRILOGY EP 3 Top Secret CONtracts

    TONKA TRILOGY EP 3 Top Secret CONtracts

    EP 3 Top Secret CONtracts

    Welcome back to this Tonka Trilogy's bonus series. If you're enjoying it, please do feel free to leave us a five-star Apple review. 

    So let's jump straight back to that barmy Central Otago Evening in April 2019 when only a few hours earlier, Emma's inbox pings announcing the arrival of the first five chapters of the aforementioned trilogy.

    Now, I have to say it has been quite fascinating listening back to this as I edit because, at the time of the recording, we had no idea that a few months later we would end up interviewing some of the people that get a special mention in today's episode, like Andrew's ex-girlfriend. Her name makes an appearance in today's episode, but as for the story that he spins, well I think Kate said it best back in episode eight of Conning The CON "Andrew, eh, he couldn't lie straight, even in bed."


    HAVE YOU ENJOYED OUR INDEPENDENTLY MADE PODCAST?
    WANT TO SUPPORT US? 
    CLICK THE LINK buymeacoffee.com/conningthecon
    CRIMECON UK TICKETS HERE
    CRIMECON US TICKETS HERE
    DON’T forget to use DISCOUNT CODE “FERRIS” 
    This is a CONmunity Podcast Production @conmunitypodcast
    Check out more:
    STOP THE KILLING 
    KLOOGHLESS - THE LONG CON
    GUILTY GREENIE
    Join Emma @thebreatheffect on Facebook and Instagram
    To learn the tools that Emma used to help both survive and thrive through trauma join Emma on one of her amazing online courses. Choose to reset your stress response and rewire your brain over 30 days.
    The Breath Effect - thebreatheffect.com
    If you have your own true crime story to share please contact us.
    email: conningthecon@yahoo.com
    Facebook: conningtheconpodcast
    Instagram: conningthecon
    Twitter: conningthecon1

    If you believe you have been targeted by a Fraudster then please reach out for help. Many places can help, below are a few to get you pointed in the right direction. 
    UK: Action Fraud
    NZ: NZ Government - Scams
    NZ: Netsafe
    Australia: Scamwatch
    US: USA Government - Scams

    Our thanks to the talented:
    Aroha Min for the theme tune
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    • 26 min
    TONKA TRILOGY EP 4 MisCONstrued - Guilt By Association

    TONKA TRILOGY EP 4 MisCONstrued - Guilt By Association

    EP 4 MisCONstrued - Guilt By Association

    Welcome back to episode four of the Tonka trilogy bonus series a story, just so unbelievable, you couldn't write it. Unless, of course, you're Andrew Tonks! It seems like the obvious move. Right? 

    But before we dive back into Andrew's failed Pulitzer entry, lett me remind you of what's actually going on in the real world at the time of this recording. 

    Emma is still a hundred thousand dollars out of pocket, give or take..... obviously more take if you're Andrew!

     Behind the scenes, she's working with the police to build a case against him. However, Andrew has managed to slip the net. 

    In the time it took for the police to issue an arrest warrant for Andrew. He was busy sunning himself back in Tasmania, not wasting a hot minute before he was back on dating sites.

    And while Andrew is pulling out all his favorite lines on Danielle, his new Australian girlfriend, Emma and I are hoping and praying for Andrew to be caught….

    Well, that was priority number one. But if we couldn't have that.....

    Then for God's sake, at least send us chapter six of the Tonka Trilogy. 

    "Becoming a Spy, WTF! I wanted to be a businessman"

     and a full 19 days of being left dangling off this particular cliff. 

    "So this is where the party at, he has across the room,"

     Emma's inbox pings again…..

    HAVE YOU ENJOYED OUR INDEPENDENTLY MADE PODCAST?
    WANT TO SUPPORT US? 
    CLICK THE LINK buymeacoffee.com/conningthecon
    CRIMECON UK /US TICKETS
    DON’T forget to use DISCOUNT CODE “FERRIS” 
    This is a CONmunity Podcast Production @conmunitypodcast
    Check out more:
    STOP THE KILLING 
    KLOOGHLESS - THE LONG CON
    GUILTY GREENIE
    Join Emma @thebreatheffect on Facebook and Instagram
    To learn the tools that Emma used to help both survive and thrive through trauma join Emma on one of her amazing online courses. Choose to reset your stress response and rewire your brain over 30 days.
    The Breath Effect - thebreatheffect.com
    If you have your own true crime story to share please contact us.
    email: conningthecon@yahoo.com
    Facebook: conningtheconpodcast
    Instagram: conningthecon
    Twitter: conningthecon1

    If you believe you have been targeted by a Fraudster then please reach out for help. Many places can help, below are a few to get you pointed in the right direction. 
    UK: Action Fraud
    NZ: NZ Government - Scams
    NZ: Netsafe
    Australia: Scamwatch
    US: USA Government - Scams

    Our thanks to the talented:
    Aroha Min for the theme tune
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    • 21 min
    TONKA TRILOGY EP 5 Silence of the CON's

    TONKA TRILOGY EP 5 Silence of the CON's

    EP 5 Silence of the CON's

    It has been a hot minute since we originally recorded the first four episodes of the Tonka Trilogy. Unfortunately, the last episode ended-up cut short because of a troublesome cat!

    So we stopped the recording back in 2019 but never fear, we are picking it back up where we left off, but this time in 2023, which is a bit of madness as, Emma and I have not read the script since then.

    So a full four years on, join us as we dive into the final chapters of the Tonka Trilogy!


    HAVE YOU ENJOYED OUR INDEPENDENTLY MADE PODCAST?
    WANT TO SUPPORT US?
    CLICK THE LINK buymeacoffee.com/conningthecon
    CRIMECON UK TICKETS HERE
    CRIMECON US TICKETS HERE
    DON’T forget to use DISCOUNT CODE “FERRIS”
    This is a CONmunity Podcast Production @conmunitypodcast
    Check out more:
    STOP THE KILLING
    KLOOGHLESS - THE LONG CON
    GUILTY GREENIE
    Join Emma @thebreatheffect on Facebook and Instagram
    To learn the tools that Emma used to help both survive and thrive through trauma join Emma on one of her amazing online courses. Choose to reset your stress response and rewire your brain over 30 days.
    The Breath Effect - thebreatheffect.com
    If you have your own true crime story to share please contact us.
    email: conningthecon@yahoo.com
    Facebook: conningtheconpodcast
    Instagram: conningthecon
    Twitter: conningthecon1

    If you believe you have been targeted by a Fraudster then please reach out for help. Many places can help, below are a few to get you pointed in the right direction.
    UK: Action Fraud
    NZ: NZ Government - Scams
    NZ: Netsafe
    Australia: Scamwatch
    US: USA Government - Scams

    Our thanks to the talented:
    Aroha Min for the theme tune

    TONKA TRILOGY EP 5 Silence of the CON's

    TONKA TRILOGY EP 5 Silence of the CON's

    EP 5 Silence of the CON's

    It has been a hot minute since we originally recorded the first four episodes of the Tonka Trilogy. Unfortunately, the last episode ended-up cut short because of a troublesome cat! 

    So we stopped the recording back in 2019 but never fear, we are picking it back up where we left off, but this time in 2023, which is a bit of madness as, Emma and I have not read the script since then. 

    So a full four years on, join us as we dive into the final chapters of the Tonka Trilogy!


    HAVE YOU ENJOYED OUR INDEPENDENTLY MADE PODCAST?
    WANT TO SUPPORT US? 
    CLICK THE LINK buymeacoffee.com/conningthecon
    CRIMECON UK TICKETS HERE
    CRIMECON US TICKETS HERE
    DON’T forget to use DISCOUNT CODE “FERRIS” 
    This is a CONmunity Podcast Production @conmunitypodcast
    Check out more:
    STOP THE KILLING 
    KLOOGHLESS - THE LONG CON
    GUILTY GREENIE
    Join Emma @thebreatheffect on Facebook and Instagram
    To learn the tools that Emma used to help both survive and thrive through trauma join Emma on one of her amazing online courses. Choose to reset your stress response and rewire your brain over 30 days.
    The Breath Effect - thebreatheffect.com
    If you have your own true crime story to share please contact us.
    email: conningthecon@yahoo.com
    Facebook: conningtheconpodcast
    Instagram: conningthecon
    Twitter: conningthecon1

    If you believe you have been targeted by a Fraudster then please reach out for help. Many places can help, below are a few to get you pointed in the right direction. 
    UK: Action Fraud
    NZ: NZ Government - Scams
    NZ: Netsafe
    Australia: Scamwatch
    US: USA Government - Scams

    Our thanks to the talented:
    Aroha Min for the theme tune
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    • 32 min

Customer Reviews

4.8 out of 5
482 Ratings

482 Ratings

Vicki M H ,

Absolutely gripping, sad and frustrating all in one.

Such a raw and emotional listen. Luckily I was listening on a long haul flight because I just couldn’t take the headphone off. So sorry you had to go through this Emma. Hopefully this podcast with Sarah is helping you heal. Our justice system is sadly lacking when it comes to considering the long term affects on the honest people conned and caught in these situations.

GinaWoodhouse12345 ,

Gripping tale of destruction and courage

Wow!! I have not been able to stop listening to this story!
Well done Emma and Sarah for sharing this story and hopefully shining a light for others!

Rjcpjc ,

Where’s episode 2?

Really enjoyed episode 1 but what about the case of the missing episode?

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