How To Spot A Con Man

[cornix]

First of all if a con man is really good, you most likely won't spot him/her. At least millions and millions of voters can't.

Second, if someone is vague in a business talk when it's time to be clear about details, that's suspicious.

Third, people rarely, very rarely do something without seeking for their own profit. If something contradicts common sense, there probably is some skeleton in the closet.

 

[marketsurfer]

Someone wearing "giant pinky rings and alligator shoes" is not a con man but an idiot. You think Bernie Madoff wore giant pinky rings and alligator shoes?

Seriously, you guys watch to many movies. How many of you have really spotted a con man? I mean someone who later was PROVEN to be a con man, i.e. caught? A bullshitter is not a con man.

Yep, several times.

If you ever met Bernie, you woukd know he wore a pinky ring-- do u wear a pinky ring?

Happy thanksgiving!

 

[karoshiman]

Yep, several times.

If you ever met Bernie, you woukd know he wore a pinky ring-- do u wear a pinky ring?

Happy thanksgiving!

You are one awesome character! Making statements that no one on this forum can verify... chapeau!

 

[EPrado]

Having moved to South Florida, I quickly discovered this area is crawling with schemers, dreamers and outright con men. I want to start this thread to share ways on how to spot someone who is out to con you.

My number one tell is that they insist on speaking with you or meeting with you PRIOR to sharing any details of their "deal or project".

They try to make you sign an NDA even if there is no reason for it. If they are so easy to go around, they don't have a relationship to begin with --

Another strong tell, which I learned from Rearden Metal on this site, and it has proven true is that they insist on calling you Buddy or Friend before they even know you.

Would like to see what others have used to smoke out these unsavory characters.

Thanks,

surf

I think the worst one was a guy down here who shared the same last name of a famous family. He claimed to have access to 50 million dollars because he was indeed a part of that family. He had come upon a trading system (yes...one of those....one that would be on the right side of every huge SP move ...this was back in 2008) and had found me down here. I quickly found out that all he had in common with this famous family was the spelling of his last name. He didn't quite have access to 50 million....take off a few zeros. He claimed to have some mansion on Fisher Island......which I never saw or could verify. He claimed to own a Bentley.......but showed up to meet me at some restaurant in a 10 year old dumpy Mercedes. You guessed it...he claimed his Bentley was at his mansion on Fisher island. And like you said, he insisted on meeting in person without giving any details about him or his plan.

 

[EPrado]

Someone wearing "giant pinky rings and alligator shoes" is not a con man but an idiot. You think Bernie Madoff wore giant pinky rings and alligator shoes?

Seriously, you guys watch to many movies. How many of you have really spotted a con man? I mean someone who later was PROVEN to be a con man, i.e. caught? A bullshitter is not a con man.

Are alligator shoes like fish boots? Great movie........Suicide Kings.....hilarious scene.

 

[marketsurfer]

You are one awesome character! Making statements that no one on this forum can verify... chapeau!

I made a donation to his victims that made worldwide news so you should quit now.

surf

 

[romik]

Good conmen are hard to spot.

 

[marketsurfer]

I think the worst one was a guy down here who shared the same last name of a famous family. He claimed to have access to 50 million dollars because he was indeed a part of that family. He had come upon a trading system (yes...one of those....one that would be on the right side of every huge SP move ...this was back in 2008) and had found me down here. I quickly found out that all he had in common with this famous family was the spelling of his last name. He didn't quite have access to 50 million....take off a few zeros. He claimed to have some mansion on Fisher Island......which I never saw or could verify. He claimed to own a Bentley.......but showed up to meet me at some restaurant in a 10 year old dumpy Mercedes. You guessed it...he claimed his Bentley was at his mansion on Fisher island. And like you said, he insisted on meeting in person without giving any details about him or his plan.

Yes, im vetting someone right now that sounds very similar. The verdict is still out but so far im skeptical.

The new scheme down here is the so called "family office". When u hear that term , you immediately think $$$. But every family office i have met is looking for money and some are broke. There are tons of heirs of wealth that are broke and desperate.

I wont mention any names but i know a guy who is legitimately part of a famous wealhy family. But reality is the money is controlled by a trust and the guy is near broke but has all the rich folks stuff to use. He is courted by a d travels the world for free funded by folks who are trying to get at the supposed money. He has acgreat lifestyle built on perception.

He is not a con man but people want his money so badly they con themselves

surf

 

[EPrado]

Yes, im vetting someone right now that sounds very similar. The verdict is still out but so far im skeptical.

The new scheme down here is the so called "family office". When u hear that term , you immediately think $$$. But every family office i have met is looking for money and some are broke. There are tons of heirs of wealth that are broke and desperate.

I wont mention any names but i know a guy who is legitimately part of a famous wealhy family. But reality is the money is controlled by a trust and the guy is near broke but has all the rich folks stuff to use. He is courted by a d travels the world for free funded by folks who are trying to get at the supposed money. He has acgreat lifestyle built on perception.

He is not a con man but people want his money so badly they con themselves

surf

Yep. The words "Family Office" are thrown around a lot down here. Totally see that.

The guy I met with seems EXACTLY like the person you describe. He claimed to be an heir but basically seemed like he was broke. He did mention something about trying to get money from his sister. There def could have been a trust involved.

 

[marketsurfer]

Yep. The words "Family Office" are thrown around a lot down here. Totally see that.

The guy I met with seems EXACTLY like the person you describe. He claimed to be an heir but basically seemed like he was broke. He did mention something about trying to get money from his sister. There def could have been a trust involved.

Exactly-- these guys are telling the "truth" but hiding the pertinent facts!! The wind is crazy today, barely see out my windows due to salt spray---