How to Spot a Con Artist

Deal sound too good to be true?  You may want to look into things before you sign on the dotted line - you could be getting yourself in a mess of trouble.  Here are some steps you should take in order to spot a con artist before you get yourself in trouble.

1. Ask how they found out about you.  If they do not have a good answer, they found you on the Internet, phone book, or though another victim.
2. Get the "deal" in writing.  Con artists do not like to put anything in writing, so they may refuse to provide you with this information.
3. Ask them to talk with your attorney, financial advisor, accountant, or other advisor's that you may have.  Again, they may tell you that they will and never move forward.  Your advisor's will be able to "red flag" any schemes.
4. Ignore all pressure to act immediately.  If the deal goes away tomorrow, then it is not a good deal at all.  If it is legit, they will wait until tomorrow (or next week for that matter) to sell it to you.
5. Check BBB and other agencies for complaints.
6. Look for red flags in the initial conversation.  Cash only?  Are they stringing you along on the deal?  Do they not want you to tell anyone else about this great opportunity?
7. Con artists attack certain characteristics:  loneliness, taking advantage through charity work, desperation ("get rich quick"), falling in love (new love interest with "big ideas"), elderly
8. Common Scams:  home improvements, false banks & investments, postal frauds, debt consolidation, on line dating, psychics, job placements