7 Traits Scam Artists Have in Common
Scam artists aren’t always easy to spot at first glance, but once you know what to look for, they are much easier to identify.
Here are 7 traits most scam artists have in common:
1. Likable, Confident Personality
Most scam artists are actually very easy to like. This is one way they build trust with their “marks.” Scam artists are often overly confident in their own abilities — and potential customers are drawn to this confidence because they’re looking for answers.
2. Exorbitantly Expensive Coaching Programs
Most scam artists charge five-figure fees for coaching programs. The fees can be $20,000 or more. And the coaching programs are usually sold by promising future wealth because it’s the only way to justify such high prices.
3. Lots of Outspoken and Unhappy Clients
Scam artists are good at getting paid, but nearly always fail to deliver on their promises. Do some research and you will probably find dozens of unhappy clients who’ve posted complaints online.
4. Selling One Solution While Using Another
Most scam artists sell one solution while using another. For example: Using a product launch to sell an Adwords course. The disconnect is obvious once you know to look for it.
5. Failure to Deliver
In case after case, the scam artist’s basic operation looks like this. Step 1: He or she takes your money. Step 2: There is no step two. Some scam artists actually do deliver something for their fee, but it’s always far short of the outlandish promises.
6. Highly Polished Marketing Combined with Unpolished or Non-Existent Products
Most scam artists spend nearly all of their time marketing and almost none of their time delivering on their promises. Products are not delivered and services are not rendered. Hence, the term “scam artist.”
7. Stage Selling at Big Events
Many scam artists pitch their programs via seminars and other live events. They may speak dozens of times a year because of their ability to sell from the stage. This builds their credibility and helps them perpetuate their scams without being detected.
Do Your Due Diligence!
Anytime you’re considering making a hefty investment with any kind of “guru,” make sure you do your due diligence — especially if it’s a high-priced coaching program. You may even want to use this blog post as a check list to make sure you don’t get ripped off.
Please also remember this: Scam artists do not think of themselves as scam artists. They are often delusional and think they are doing the world a favor. This is another reason so many people get taken in. I hope this list of common traits will help you see through the deception.
-Ryan M. Healy
P.S. If you enjoyed this article, you may also enjoy this one: How to Spot a Con Man.
