Lurkers
Lurkers
Lurkers is a narrative true crime podcast about online moments that spiral into real-world danger. Each episode follows a verified case that begins on screens, dating apps, DMs, group chats, and social platforms and traces how it crosses into everyday life. Told scene by scene with immersive sound and human storytelling, Lurkers exposes catfishing, stalking, AI deepfakes, sextortion, and romance-investment scams hiding in plain sight. New cases drop every two weeks. Stay Aware · Stay Present · Stay Safe.
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April 8, 2026

16. Laura Kowal: The Mysterious Disappearance

16. Laura Kowal: The Mysterious Disappearance
16. Laura Kowal: The Mysterious Disappearance
Lurkers
16. Laura Kowal: The Mysterious Disappearance

A federal voicemail. A missing mother. A scam that doesn’t end when the money’s gone.

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Season 2

Kelly Gowe gets a voicemail from a federal agent: “I’m calling in regards to your mother, Laura Kowal, who may have been involved in a fraud scam.” She calls her mom. Laura answers. She is alive. But her voice doesn’t sound right. Scattered. Distant. Like she’s already inside something she doesn’t want to explain.

Then Laura disappears.

What started as online dating becomes something darker: a romance-scam persona, a fake “investment” opportunity, and a slow shift from affection… to instructions… to control. We follow the breadcrumbs—messages, accounts, and a widening trail of movement that takes investigators far from home—leaving Kelly with a timeline full of gaps and a conclusion that doesn’t feel like an answer.

The official conclusion raises new questions… and Kelly believes the truth is darker.

Hosted by Frank Battiston. Produced by Daniel Urdanivia. A PowerTale Podcasts production.

Stay Aware · Stay Present · Stay Safe.

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Instagram: @thelurkers_podcast

TikTok: @thelurkerspodcast

YouTube: @TheLurkersPodcast

Website: www.thelurkerspodcast.com