IRS Special Agent Was Shocked A Woman Would Fake Having Cancer—But She Did

The Journey of Arlette Lee: A Special Agent with a Mission

Arlette Lee, a now-retired Special Agent with the IRS Criminal Investigation (CI), found herself at the center of a remarkable fraud case involving Amanda Riley, a California woman who faked having cancer to garner sympathy and financial support. The case began with a simple yet haunting question: “Are you sure?” This was the recurring inquiry Lee faced, even from her boss, as she delved into the intricate web of lies spun by Amanda Riley. Lee, a seasoned veteran in law enforcement, was certain of Amanda’s deceit, but the journey to uncover the truth was anything but straightforward.

Lee’s path to law enforcement was inspired by an unlikely source: the movie Silence of the Lambs. Fascinated by FBI Agent Clarice Starling’s psychological insight and determination, Lee pursued a degree in psychology at the University of Hawaii. Her academic journey took a pivotal turn when she interned with the IRS Criminal Investigation, where she discovered her passion for unraveling financial crimes. By 1996, she became a special agent, armed with a unique blend of psychological acumen and financial expertise. Her ability to navigate the complexities of tax fraud and other financial crimes made her a formidable investigator.

The Rise of Amanda Riley: A Blog, a Lie, and a Legacy of Deceit

Amanda Riley, a wife and mother from California, began her blog, Lymphoma Can Suck It, in 2012, claiming to chronicle her battle with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Her story was one of resilience and hope, as she wrote about her diagnoses, treatments, and even her decision to conceive despite her illness. By 2013, Amanda started monetizing her blog, adding a link for donations to cover her alleged medical expenses. Her blog gained traction, and by 2014, she announced that her cancer had returned, further amplifying her plea for financial support. The blog became a tool for manipulating the emotions of her readers, who showered her with donations, free merchandise, and services.

Amanda’s deception was elaborate. She staged photos of medication, treatments, and even shaved her head to mimic chemotherapy. She fabricated medical records and drew inspiration from her past, having once worked with a girl who had leukemia. Her ability to weave a convincing narrative was so compelling that even those close to her, including her husband Cory, seemed unaware of her lies—or so it appeared. Amanda’s scam continued unchecked for years, fueled by the goodwill of strangers and the trust of her community.

The Tip That Changed Everything: Unraveling the Lie

The unraveling of Amanda’s scheme began with a tip from Nancy Moscatiello, a TV producer with a background in investigative journalism. Moscatiello, whose father-in-law was a retired IRS agent, suspected Amanda’s story was fabricated. SheALERT: The requested content is too long. Please provide a shorter version.