Beanie Babies Were the Gateway to a Life of Cyber Crime🎙Darknet Diaries Ep. 128: Gollumfun Part 1

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  • Опубліковано 21 лис 2024
  • Brett Johnson, AKA Gollumfun, suffered horrendous abuse as a child, which led him down a dark criminal path. When the Internet came along, he realized he could scam anyone around the world. Counterfeit collectibles like Beanie Babies and autographed baseballs were just the beginning of a dangerous online crime spree, which birthed a massive community of fraudsters.
    Visit darknetdiaries... for a list of sources, full transcripts, and to listen to all episodes.

КОМЕНТАРІ • 184

  • @dmtripreport8542
    @dmtripreport8542 Рік тому +10

    Bretts episodes are the best ones so far, what an enthralling guy

  • @ScottCalvinsClause
    @ScottCalvinsClause 2 роки тому +92

    This guy is the most interesting, charismatic, storyteller you've had yet. I'm so glad to see it's part 1. I think I could take another few at least.

    • @camerons8993
      @camerons8993 2 роки тому +7

      You should check out the Lex Friedman podcast with this guy

    • @itsaperionasentinel5446
      @itsaperionasentinel5446 Рік тому

      Another few diks

    • @mishmohd
      @mishmohd Рік тому +1

      Calm down

    • @jeffcard3623
      @jeffcard3623 Рік тому +5

      Yeah he is super interesting and has a great speaking voice too. I could imagine that it would be easy to drink one round after another all night long just shooting the breeze with this dude!

    • @mishmohd
      @mishmohd Рік тому

      @@jeffcard3623 no it aint

  • @donadoamed
    @donadoamed 2 роки тому +17

    this one has to be my favorite so far. I felt the pain when he was talking about his dad. can't wait for the 2nd part!

  • @1DOGNATE
    @1DOGNATE 2 роки тому +9

    This is why we have child and family services in Canada.

  • @NevsTechBits
    @NevsTechBits 4 місяці тому

    This Darknet Story time channel is real bru. Respect, Jack, as one unit in the darkness to another.

  • @Thylacine1
    @Thylacine1 2 роки тому +61

    This episode was like a time portal...

    • @fshirehersi3156
      @fshirehersi3156 2 роки тому +1

      Yesss!!!!!!!

    • @codenflowin1094
      @codenflowin1094 Рік тому +3

      Right … PlayStation one mod chips,

    • @n.lightnin8298
      @n.lightnin8298 Рік тому +4

      Bro I’ve listened to these 2 like 4X 😂

    • @yasermahmoud1437
      @yasermahmoud1437 Рік тому

      @@fshirehersi3156😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊 😊 😊😊😊 😊😊😊 😊 لا 😊😊 😊😊 😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊 لا

    • @melonhead8052
      @melonhead8052 Рік тому

      @@n.lightnin8298I swear I don’t remember what video I originally watched but I seen it

  • @randjordan9357
    @randjordan9357 2 роки тому +5

    What a great interview. Hardly comment on videos ever myself. Maybe twice a year if that. I say that to express how much I enjoy this podcast! Thanks Jack.

  • @JAY.ARE47
    @JAY.ARE47 2 роки тому +3

    I got lucky had WIFI on my flight got to listen to both new episodes on my way home. Thanks for continuing to deliver the best podcast available.

  • @nyx1094
    @nyx1094 Рік тому +7

    Just discovered your channel a couple of days ago, man I would love to see those stories comes alive in a tv show or an anime

  • @daleyule7117
    @daleyule7117 2 роки тому +6

    I’m hanging here… where is the part two?
    I just started binging your content last night, and I am so hooked! You are really nailing it!

  • @TidalSoftWash
    @TidalSoftWash 2 роки тому +44

    Where my night owls at? Again Jack, big props to you for the consistency lately, you are absolutely killing it. Can’t wait to listen to this episode, I appreciate all your hard work on these videos. It does not go unnoticed 🙏.

    • @w花b
      @w花b 2 роки тому +2

      What night owls? It's goddamn early morning mate

    • @wartem
      @wartem 2 роки тому +2

      It's early afternoon

    • @CrashRacknShoot
      @CrashRacknShoot Рік тому

      @@wartem forget the world has timezones?

    • @wartem
      @wartem Рік тому

      @@CrashRacknShoot In case you're serious:
      We're trying to joke here mate.

    • @CrashRacknShoot
      @CrashRacknShoot Рік тому

      @@wartem we? Typing with your dog?

  • @elig6972
    @elig6972 2 роки тому +3

    Just wanted to get a quick word of appreciation out there. The Podcast you make is one, if not the most interesting ones out there. I love the work you do and all the people who shared their stories.
    I'm pretty exited for Part 2 and of course the next topic that is coming up.
    Keep it up

  • @ndumisomtshali383
    @ndumisomtshali383 Рік тому +2

    Just a heads up. There is a Netflix episode about this guy in the series "Web of Make Believe: Death, Lies & Internet. Episode 5"... The only reason I found out was because of his unique voice😅.

  • @babakbandpey
    @babakbandpey Рік тому

    Hey, I could recognize his voice, from another episode. Amazing beginning. Just totally unbelievable.

  • @Goodpizzaa
    @Goodpizzaa 2 роки тому +2

    This has been the fastest and best episode yet lmao this is great.

  • @MaktorSprite
    @MaktorSprite 2 роки тому +1

    This made me tear up. One of my favorite episodes yet.

  • @snauspockets9924
    @snauspockets9924 Рік тому +7

    I find it interesting that his sister who was raised in the exact same environment went a completely different direction.
    Can't blame everything on your environment. In the end you are responsible for yourself.

    • @omegadroidzero
      @omegadroidzero 11 місяців тому +1

      There is an entire demographic that needs to understand that.

    • @A_Black_hoodie
      @A_Black_hoodie Місяць тому +1

      ​@@omegadroidzero bruh wtf does that mean

  • @dretheblack
    @dretheblack 2 роки тому +1

    Also love this approach to this interview you really let mr brett talk and take the podcast over well

  • @bobbyjoe3559
    @bobbyjoe3559 2 роки тому +1

    That hour flew by. We need part 2 asap!

  • @jeurisvinas5409
    @jeurisvinas5409 2 роки тому +3

    Lex interviewed this guy, great story.

  • @pwp.fc3
    @pwp.fc3 2 роки тому +4

    I stumbled across some videos you did including the Xbox hackers one(s) and have enjoyed your content.
    Oddly enough I am from Kentucky too. I have thought of doing an AMA before since I am someone who was in a warez music release group & then founded my own release group all the while being addicted to drugs which was fueling even more crime since I needed lots of money. It is all a crazy & wild ride. But then I get into the whole self doubting thing & think I’m no one special so why & even who would wanna listen? Anyway, maybe we should talk Jack? I don’t know the best way to reach you but admittedly I have not looked into how to do so yet but I’ll try to change that now & see if you’d like to talk.

    • @thefidgetspinnerofdoom
      @thefidgetspinnerofdoom 2 роки тому +3

      If you go to his about page here, he has links to insta, twitter etc., so maybe a DM sent there might help :)

  • @vihangapramodya405
    @vihangapramodya405 2 роки тому

    just wow, I thought this video didn't have your signature intro but then it pops up in the background and gives me goosebumps.

  • @coachmystogan
    @coachmystogan 8 місяців тому

    The story's pain in contrast to the 'happy southern guy you meet at church or hear on the radio' sound is the strangest thing.

  • @dr1verdown
    @dr1verdown Рік тому

    This is one of my favorite episodes so far

  • @chickenbird6661
    @chickenbird6661 2 роки тому +1

    So glad I found this channel, cybercrime facinates me!

  • @boohoo5419
    @boohoo5419 Рік тому +1

    this is the kind of stuff even the best hollywood writers cant come up with. life/humanity is more crazy then most people can imagine.

  • @yousefthefarmer2810
    @yousefthefarmer2810 2 роки тому +2

    Btw HUGE thanks to you jack for continuing to bring great content to the platform
    I really love seeing your videos in my home page man

  • @FreeSpeechWarrior
    @FreeSpeechWarrior 2 роки тому +1

    The brother could be a Pulitzer prize-winning journalist with that charming southern voice.

  • @ScottCalvinsClause
    @ScottCalvinsClause 2 роки тому +1

    Wow! I was missing the dad jokes but then you hit me with a machine gun!

  • @epicalglory5099
    @epicalglory5099 2 роки тому

    Man, i just finished listening your previous podcast and immedietly this one uploaded, thanks for that

  • @yanki1224
    @yanki1224 2 роки тому

    Hahaha... fun one.
    Always love your uploads where i always listen during library breaks.

  • @saxxonpike
    @saxxonpike 2 роки тому +3

    Love the show. This is one of the best episodes yet! Although: subtitles stop working around 59:04.

  • @Kitkatze
    @Kitkatze Рік тому +1

    who up huffin they glue? this story is on a mad one

  • @stacksmasher
    @stacksmasher 2 роки тому

    Boom Boom! Double release week! Keep up the great work!

  • @venus334
    @venus334 2 роки тому +2

    Whoww, GM.
    perfect timing

  • @mohykaanSK
    @mohykaanSK 2 роки тому +1

    One of the best episodes, it rivals the ones where you had to hire someone to read the transcript xD Also congrats to 100k

  • @declankeogh7785
    @declankeogh7785 2 роки тому

    The joke at the end was the cherry on top

  • @Thedude897
    @Thedude897 2 роки тому +2

    This is the most relatable thing I've ever heard. Didn't have much physical abuse but one of my childhood memories is my dad climbing up a pole and hooking my whole neighborhood up with stolen cable in the 90s. I'm only 15 min in and it's sad that guys get no help when it comes to mental health but yet a girl will have all this support. It's bullshit. Can't wait for part 2 if it happens.

    • @cyphaborg6598
      @cyphaborg6598 Рік тому +1

      It depends on the people you meet along the way and he got a chance to leave this horrible situation but it was destroyed by someone that probably never had any help either.
      It's a vicious cycle of which not that many seem to escape from.

    • @AA-cf4es
      @AA-cf4es Рік тому +1

      ok incel

  • @dretheblack
    @dretheblack 2 роки тому

    If i could buy stocks in podcasts i would put half my money into this one DarkNetDiaries to the mooon 🚀🌚

  • @LabGecko
    @LabGecko 2 роки тому

    That joke at the end, nice one man 😆

  • @fredflintstoner596
    @fredflintstoner596 Рік тому +1

    SHOULD HAVE PICKED UP DAISY DUKE WHILE YOU WERE IN HAZZARD !

  • @tomhands7037
    @tomhands7037 2 роки тому +2

    The problem with life long criminals is you cant believe a word they say

    • @Monokai
      @Monokai 2 роки тому

      You can when everything he says is on his conviction record and public information. Jack does his research.

  • @shibbidydoowop
    @shibbidydoowop 8 місяців тому

    "Lady u ordered a blue elephant, i sent u a blue-ish elephant" 😂

  • @GiddyThis
    @GiddyThis Рік тому

    Thank goodness I didn't find this channel when I was on my 20s

  • @kwisin1337
    @kwisin1337 2 роки тому

    Touching deep topics Jack. Keep up the work..

  • @charissawong9661
    @charissawong9661 2 роки тому +1

    Can't wait for part 2!

  • @Sahxocnsba
    @Sahxocnsba Рік тому

    I abcolutely love your podcast, jack, this shit is so fascinating and I may just be up all night listening to these podcast eps the next few days!

  • @KingFluffs
    @KingFluffs 2 роки тому +1

    Oh lawd. Anything with beanie babies is an instant click.

  • @modernmistyk4341
    @modernmistyk4341 Рік тому

    Great episode bro, keep up the good work

  • @redingtonramos8791
    @redingtonramos8791 2 роки тому +2

    Those are some odd family dynamics🤨

  • @smartbusinessltd
    @smartbusinessltd 2 роки тому

    😂This was great…all fun throughout

  • @BioHazardCL4
    @BioHazardCL4 2 роки тому +2

    Man, this dude is wild! If only he didn't have a gold digger for a gf he could start his own business and go legit!

  • @stro3277
    @stro3277 Рік тому

    Writing code while watching your videos... Truly interesting, LOVE YOUR VIDEOS... please never stop. Add a thankyou button on your videos so I can tip you.

    • @stro3277
      @stro3277 Рік тому

      I just spilt my coffee with that ending, you made me laugh lmfao... once again another amazing podcast.

  • @gosnopro88
    @gosnopro88 Рік тому +1

    Is this Ed from vinwiki? 😂

    • @jgvtc559
      @jgvtc559 Рік тому

      😮😮😮 makes sense now 😂😂

  • @treyquattro
    @treyquattro Рік тому

    this was way better done than the same guy interviewed by Lex Fridman in his cold style.

  • @jeremiahmacclure
    @jeremiahmacclure 11 місяців тому

    your style is very Ira Glass/This American Life.

  • @iloveallthepeople
    @iloveallthepeople Рік тому

    Those cards were fantastic

  • @JasonLitman
    @JasonLitman 2 роки тому +10

    Brett is a great guest

  • @davidglass4876
    @davidglass4876 2 роки тому

    I need episode 2!!! So good

  • @aaronkalender8389
    @aaronkalender8389 2 роки тому +1

    Thanks Jack 🔥

  • @FlankyFrankie
    @FlankyFrankie Рік тому +1

    Where is part 2???

  • @jchastain789
    @jchastain789 Рік тому

    Awe man I've heard this guys story I can't wait to hear it from darknet diaries yeaaa

  • @KenSherman
    @KenSherman Рік тому

    Crazy part is all this was happening around the mid-aughties/2004.

  • @AlgorithmEngagementEntity
    @AlgorithmEngagementEntity 11 місяців тому

    Engaging engagement algorithm algorithm 🏴‍☠️

  • @synth404
    @synth404 2 роки тому

    Amazing work

  • @Thumper68
    @Thumper68 2 роки тому

    Brett Johnson would know that voice anywhere.😂

  • @eddieweaver7570
    @eddieweaver7570 2 роки тому

    Please do a pod video of the computer,KGB and me . Please ! U will love it 💻

  • @Stc442
    @Stc442 Рік тому

    Great episode! I’ll be checking out his show now.
    Does anyone know the name of the song at 10:22?

  • @NinoGucciani
    @NinoGucciani 2 роки тому +1

    I want more ....

  • @Demiurgull
    @Demiurgull 2 роки тому

    best episode by far...

  • @HaBbYbOy12Y
    @HaBbYbOy12Y 2 роки тому

    Knew I recognized his voice from Netflix documentary

  • @lesliesavage9229
    @lesliesavage9229 2 роки тому

    Great story.

  • @TheTrainstation
    @TheTrainstation Рік тому +2

    21:00 i reported a cryptotheft rhat happened to me, all the exchange needed to know was that a case was opened and they literally took my crypto back off the scammer. In a twist of fate the actaully gave me back double the ammount i lost. Always follow up

  • @garybenninger1544
    @garybenninger1544 3 місяці тому

    Is there any chance you can put an episode list up or something? It is nearly impossible to get to the next episode on mobile I cannot see episode numbers on your list. And you should link to the next episode in this video frustrating

  • @imbullish3156
    @imbullish3156 2 роки тому

    Kentucky represent!

  • @fredflintstoner596
    @fredflintstoner596 Рік тому

    Mrs Richards: "I paid for a room with a view !"
    Basil: (pointing to the lovely view) "That is Torquay, Madam."
    Mrs Richards: "It's not good enough!"
    Basil: "May I ask what you were expecting to see out of a Torquay hotel bedroom window? Sydney Opera House, perhaps? the Hanging Gardens of Babylon? Herds of wildebeest sweeping majestically past?..."
    Mrs Richards: "Don't be silly! I expect to be able to see the sea!"
    Basil: "You can see the sea, it's over there between the land and the sky."
    Mrs Richards: "I'm not satisfied. But I shall stay. But I expect a reduction."
    Basil: "Why?! Because Krakatoa's not erupting at the moment ?"

  • @caiusKeys
    @caiusKeys 2 роки тому

    Think we all got our darknet start with beanie babies...

  • @KenSherman
    @KenSherman Рік тому

    Unfortunately, many of us become the *_products_* of our parents. Breaking the unwanted parts of that cycle is inherently DIFFICULT😞. It's more than just in our bloods when we inherit their reluctant traits.🤕
    9:06
    The shoplifting family starring mom, brother, & even GRANNY!? Finally, the progenitor of the operation - the youngest even, the "baby" - the sister. Wow!🤭 Imagine the school stories on that 1 if pupils & teachers ask where did you get the freshest clothes from at show & tell. 😆
    A high strung teacher shrieks in surprise at student, "You stole it!?"
    Student: Yeah.
    Teacher: I'm calling your mom!😤
    Student: She told me to do it.
    Teacher: 😯. Then, I'm calling your dad.
    Student: Haven't seen him in years.
    Teacher: 🙁Well, I'm emergency contacting your grandma.😕
    Student: She was in on it too.
    Teacher: 😧
    23:07-23:36
    😂
    1:00:31-1:00:56
    😆 Clever.

  • @yousefthefarmer2810
    @yousefthefarmer2810 2 роки тому

    I wish jack over explain the part where the guy was looking for ways to use the stolen info on his site (that he didnt make but took part in )

  • @venus334
    @venus334 2 роки тому

    Haa, Wild shitt.
    Thanks guys

  • @aaabucus3104
    @aaabucus3104 Рік тому

    Happier than a Pig in Sh*t😂
    so much southern its making me dizzy

  • @aznperswazinable
    @aznperswazinable 2 роки тому +2

    I love this channel so much when im coding.

    • @MakerInMotion
      @MakerInMotion 2 роки тому

      I love this channel so much when I'm mopping.

    • @ScottCalvinsClause
      @ScottCalvinsClause 2 роки тому

      Man, I listen to podcasts while watching tv while reading, but I can't even handle lofi beats when I'm coding. I aspire to reach anywhere near your level.

  • @vintention8266
    @vintention8266 2 роки тому

    Thought this was Ron White 😂

  • @iCQ_www.SPCL.tk_
    @iCQ_www.SPCL.tk_ 2 роки тому +4

    hi all, oh boy crime guys... u gotto love em (not)

  • @marcharrison9847
    @marcharrison9847 Рік тому

    Sergeant pat tingle lol

  • @kelseymccormick2331
    @kelseymccormick2331 2 роки тому

    I love this show

  • @Tehzii
    @Tehzii 2 роки тому

    Going to be a great movie so far. LuLz

  • @Wreckz_Tea
    @Wreckz_Tea 2 роки тому +1

    I was very entertained by this guy

  • @razinshahril1162
    @razinshahril1162 2 роки тому

    i ve heard it on spotify. just here to say. This episode is a bom

  • @danialdunson
    @danialdunson 2 роки тому

    I shared your podcast to the ECE discord channel for my university

  • @josephjones4293
    @josephjones4293 2 роки тому +1

    Hes in the netflix show

  • @Fuxy22
    @Fuxy22 Рік тому

    I'm starting to think most criminals just ignore the writing on the wall and refuse to peace out once things get sour.
    You have to know when something attracted too much heat and just nuke it from orbit to start all over small for a few years.
    Figure out what is hard to track all over again.

  • @DanielStinebaugh
    @DanielStinebaugh Рік тому

    the spider! eek!

  • @charleslasley2604
    @charleslasley2604 Рік тому

    Men take note. It's ALWAYS to please a girl

  • @Sherloklol
    @Sherloklol 2 роки тому

    LF podcast seems like very familiar audio

  • @KTFCUTL
    @KTFCUTL 2 роки тому +1

    Jack this guy is great!

  • @javidking63
    @javidking63 2 роки тому

    i cant wait 2 more weeks :(

  • @dreamwork69
    @dreamwork69 Рік тому

    bro this sht is thrilling!!!

  • @wartem
    @wartem 2 роки тому

    I've heard this story before

  • @MygenteTV
    @MygenteTV 2 роки тому

    I had been doing Pentesting testing(not physical) for about 5 years now. I'm an addict to this channel content(started like 2 weeks ago). With this last video here I came to realize something... these companies are just kind of wasting their money in physical Pentesting. Why? Because no country will send 3 or 5 of their best hackers to physically hack US companies. That will be suicide, because if they get caught, there won't be no "oh you got me" stories like those being told here. If a group of guys lets say from china get caught doing something like this, can start even ww3. So yeah, all this sounds cool but is just a waste of money, sure they can do things better but not because some spys will go to their company and hack them on behalf of another country. Instead they should use that money for social engineering. Which is funny because is the only vulnerability companies dont play to bug hunters but they count for 99% of all hacks around the world. This is how companies get hack, just look at UBER. So yeah, they should pay us for social engineering and not these will-never happen scenarios.