How to watch ‘Scamanda:’ New docuseries about fake cancer hoax

The young woman at the center of a fake cancer scam is the focus of ABC News’ newest documentary series, “Scamanda.”

The four-part docuseries, based on a popular podcast by the same name, follows the story of Amanda Riley, who announced that she had been diagnosed with stage three Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2012. But not everything was as it seemed.

Riley began a blog called “Lymphoma Can Suck It,” falsely reporting to loved ones, her church and the community at large that she was dying. Her lie, which captivated thousands online, also proved to be pretty lucrative.

She reaped the benefits of her carefully curated online presence, getting tens of thousands of dollars from people to cover the costs of her alleged medical expenses. The hoax continued until 2019, when a close friend sent an anonymous tip to investigative producer Nancy Moscatiello, who spent five years unraveling the lie.

Here’s what to know about Riley, the subject of ABC News newest docuseries “Scamanda,” including how to watch.

Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.

Who is Amanda Riley and what did she do?

Riley was a young wife, mother and devout Christian living in San Jose, California.

Riley concocted a scheme to solicit donations from people to help her pay for cancer treatments she “never needed nor received,” by posting about her experience online, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in northern California said in a news release.