Fraud Secrets:

A Backstage Tour

Start the Tour here

Why con artists scam:

You're in for a surprise.

Profile of a con artist

What con artists look for:

How scammers chose their victims.

 

Why so few scammers go to jail

How con artists set up their victims:

The 10 steps con artists use to get your money.

What a con artist won't tell you: Questions you can ask a scammer that will make him run from you.

What a con artist will tell you

14 excuses a scammer will give you for not returning your money

Have I been scammed?

The line between a scam and poor business ethics can be hard to determine.

Where did my money go?

How do I find my money?

 

 

A con artist will tell you everything and anything you want to hear - up to the point where you start asking pointed questions.  These are the questions a con artist will not answer, or will answer with false information,  or lull you with excuses and then flee the scene: 

 

 

	Rule 1:	Never ask the fox if he is guarding the hen house, meaning don't ask the person with the offer if the offer is legitimate.
	Rule 2:	Never accept an excuse.
	Rule 3:	Always verify information independent of any phone numbers or addresses given to you by the person with the offer.
	Rule 4:	Always contact the account holder to verify a suspicious check against the ledger.

 

Questions a con artist will dodge: 

1. May I have your business license number?

2. Do you belong to the Chamber of Commerce?

3. May I call your local Chamber of Commerce?

4. What is the name of your banker so I can verify your statements?

5. May I have your broker's license number?

6. Would you mind going with me to speak with my bank officer?

7. What state/country agencies are you registered with?

8. What sort of references can you provide?

9. Can you give me addresses where I can see samples of your work?

10. Do you mind if I get a second opinion?

11. May I call your embassy about that?

12. Do you mind if I check with the local authorities?

13. May I have your contractor's license number?

14. Do you mind if I call the AMA (American Medical Association)?

15. Do you mind if I call the ABA (American Bar Association)?

16. Do you mind if I call the Banking Commission?

17. Will you show your Trustee papers to my lawyer?

18. Do you mind if I verify that procedure with my banker and/or my attorney?

19. Will you wait while I contact the account holder to verify the check?

^Top

 

Given the situation, I'll bet you can think up a few questions of your own.  If not, please contact us.

 

Next, find out what scammers tell you to manipulate your actions >