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The Net Closes In

Episode 2 of 2

The scam deepens as Samantha Cookes targets vulnerable families, masquerades as a dying author and defrauds the Irish state, until her victims unite to expose her.

The scale and audacity of Samantha Cookes's deception reaches disturbing new heights – she embeds herself into the lives of vulnerable families, gaining their trust under false pretences to exploit them financially.

In Dublin, she enters the lives of Lorraine, Lynn and Hillery, posing as a therapist for children with additional needs. Under the alias Lucy Fitzwilliams, she earns their trust seeking donations for a women’s refuge and then collects money under the guise of a bogus trip to Lapland. When they discover ‘Lucy’ isn't who she says she is, she flees.

But the deception doesn't end there. Reinventing herself yet again, Samantha moves to County Kerry, where she adopts a new identity as a terminally ill, award-winning author who hopes that pioneering brain surgery in Los Angeles might help prolong her life. She receives support, admiration and financial aid, including welfare payments from the Irish state under these false claims.

Meanwhile, the Irish victims discover the truth via a viral TikTok video exposing ‘Carrie Jade Williams’ for who she really is. They come together with the TikTok sleuths to expose the full extent of Samantha’s scams. Together, they seek answers, accountability and justice in the wake of betrayal.

9 months left to watch

52 minutes

Audio described

Last on

Wed 9 Jul 2025 23:10

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Credits

Role Contributor
Producer Alan Bradley
Director Alan Bradley
Executive Producer Des Henderson
Executive Producer Ed Stobart

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