Samantha Cookes, catfishing, and Netflix-style scams — can fraud be stopped?

From social welfare fraud to online catfishing, deception is thriving — sparking debate over new laws

Kaitlyn Dever plays fraudster Belle Gibson in hit series Apple Cider Vinegar. Picture: Netflix

As the last act looms for Samantha Cookes next month, when she will be sentenced for defrauding the Department of Social Protection, another extraordinary fraud tale is providing true crime enthusiasts with a gripping Netflix series to binge on.

Apple Cider Vinegar is one of the most popular series currently being streamed and is the latest media production based on the lives and schemes of true crime fraudsters.