Where Is Amanda Riley Now? Wikipedia, Biography, Age, Family, Height, Net Worth, Fast Facts

For nearly a decade, Amanda Riley portrayed herself as a brave cancer warrior, a loving mom and devoted wife battling Hodgkin’s lymphoma while raising her “miracle babies.” She blogged about her treatment, posted shaved-head selfies, and shared hospital updates that rallied hundreds of supporters. Her story, wrapped in faith and sympathy, inspired many to donate.

But it was all a lie.

Now, the shocking tale of Amanda Riley, the woman behind one of the most elaborate health-related frauds in recent memory, is the subject of the gripping docuseries Scamanda, which delves into her deception, conviction, and the ripple effects still felt today. As of May 2025, Riley is nearing the end of her five-year prison sentence, and the world continues to unpack the layers of deceit she spun.

How Amanda Riley Became a Fake Cancer Survivor

Born Amanda Maneri in San Jose, California, on June 24, 1985, Amanda’s early life seemed typical. But those who knew her have since come forward with stories suggesting a long history of using illness to explain absences or avoid responsibilities. While attending San Jose State University, she was known for citing vague medical issues, long before her cancer hoax began.

She met Cory Riley while still a teenager, teaching dance to his daughter, Jessa. Eventually, Cory divorced his first wife, Aletta, and married Amanda. Together, they raised two sons—Carter and Connor—whom Amanda often referred to as “miracle babies” conceived despite her supposed chemotherapy.

In 2012, Amanda launched a blog titled Lymphoma Can Suck It, claiming she had been diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The blog detailed her emotional highs and lows, treatment updates, and photos of her in hospital settings. Over time, the blog became a platform for fundraising. Friends, strangers, and church members rallied around her, offering money, meals, services, and gifts. Even singer LeAnn Rimes sent a signed guitar.

But behind the scenes, Amanda was never sick. She had no cancer diagnosis, no real medical bills, and no chemotherapy. Instead, she crafted fake documents, falsified records using health apps, and walked through hospital hallways to snap believable selfies, all while cashing in over $100,000 in digital donations and even more in untracked support.

Why Nobody Questioned Amanda for So Long

The emotional weight of Amanda’s posts made it hard for many to question her story. Her church community embraced her, friends offered babysitting, and even cancer support groups welcomed her.

“A lot of people didn’t even read the blog because they were getting updates straight from her,” explained investigative journalist Nancy Moscatiello, who received an anonymous tip in 2015 that Amanda was faking it. That tip led to a years-long investigation, eventually resulting in Amanda’s arrest in 2020.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Amanda targeted people’s compassion and “aggressively solicited donations” under the false claim of needing cancer treatment. Behind closed doors, the money was used for her family’s living expenses.

“This Haunts Me Daily” Amanda’s Courtroom Apology

Amanda pleaded guilty to wire fraud in October 2021 and was sentenced in May 2022 to five years in federal prison, along with three years of supervised release and restitution to all 349 identified donors.

In court, she expressed remorse, saying, “I don’t sleep well at night because this haunts me daily. I can’t even look at myself in the mirror without feeling ashamed.”

Still, Judge Beth Labson Freeman wasn’t convinced Amanda had truly changed, telling her, “You had a really good act for eight years. It’s not the court’s job to clean that up for you.”

The court heard how Amanda had also used her “illness” to argue for reduced child support payments Cory owed Aletta, adding another layer of manipulation to the saga.

What’s Happened Since She Went to Prison?

Amanda began serving her sentence at Federal Medical Centre Carswell in Fort Worth, Texas, a facility often used for inmates with mental or physical health needs. She was later moved to a halfway house at RRM Long Beach in California, where she remains as of May 2025.

And the deception may not have ended behind bars. Reports show that in her first 18 months of incarceration, Amanda was taken to emergency rooms 24 times for various complaints—some legitimate, some questionable. One judge rejected her petition for early release, citing concerns that Amanda had interfered with medical tests to appear sicker than she was.

Doctors have speculated that Amanda may suffer from factitious disorder, also known as Münchausen syndrome, where individuals fake illness for attention. One physician even issued an official diagnosis, raising questions about Amanda’s long-term mental health and the possibility that she may never fully stop the cycle of deception.

Where Are Her Husband and Kids Now?

Cory Riley has not been charged in connection with Amanda’s scheme, though many, including Cory’s daughter Jessa, believe he knew the truth. Cory now lives in Austin, Texas, caring for his and Amanda’s two sons.

Jessa, now an adult, has spoken publicly about the emotional toll Amanda’s lie took on her childhood. On Scamanda, she revealed she hadn’t heard from her father or Amanda in years and never received a direct apology. “I was really hurt,” she said, “but also kind of relieved” when it all came to light.

FAQs

Who is Amanda Riley? Amanda Riley is a former teacher and blogger who faked a cancer diagnosis for nearly a decade, defrauding over 300 people out of more than $100,000. Her story was uncovered in the investigative podcast and docuseries Scamanda.

Did Amanda Riley really have cancer? No. Amanda never had Hodgkin’s lymphoma or any other form of cancer. She forged medical documents, created fake hospital visits, and even shaved her head to sell the illusion.

How much money did Amanda Riley steal? She was convicted of stealing $105,513.43 through online donations alone. Investigators estimate that an additional $80,000 or more was received in untracked gifts, cash, and services.

Was Amanda Riley diagnosed with a mental health condition? Yes. Multiple doctors have suggested Amanda may suffer from factitious disorder (Münchausen syndrome), a condition where individuals fake or induce illness for attention or sympathy.

Where is Amanda Riley now? As of May 2025, Amanda is in a halfway house in California, preparing for her release from prison in December.

Was her husband, Cory Riley, charged? No. Despite suspicions and speculation, Cory has not been charged in connection with Amanda’s crimes. He currently resides in Texas with their children.

What is the Scamanda docuseries about? Scamanda is a four-part ABC docuseries based on the podcast of the same name. It explores Amanda Riley’s hoax, featuring interviews with victims, investigators, and family members affected by her deception.

Quick Facts

Personal Life and Family 

Father’s name is Not Available. We have no more Information about his Father; we will try to collect information and update soon.

The mother’s name is Not Available. We have no more Information about his Father; we will try to collect information and update soon.

Also, we have no idea about his brother and sister, and we don’t know their names either. But we are trying hard to collect all the information about him and will update you soon.

His Girlfriend/boyfriend’s name is Not Available. They are in relation from previous few years of a strong relationship. We have no information about his girlfriend/boyfriend.

But we are sure that it is not available and his spouse’s name is not available. Now, his relationship is perfect. We have no more information about his spouse.

Also, we have no information about his son and daughter. We can’t say their name. If you know some information, please comment below.

Education and Favorite Things

Daily Habits

Facebook, Instagram & Twitter

Net Worth

The Estimated Net worth is $80K – USD $85k.