Con artists aren’t always shady figures in dark alleys—they might be your new romantic partner, a friendly neighbor, a generous new business contact, or even a charismatic employee. As Emmy-winning TV producer Johnathan Walton puts it, “Con artists don’t outsmart you. They out-feel you.”

This week on The Small Business Radio Show, I interviewed Walton, a former reporter and producer behind shows like Shark Tank, who fell victim to an elaborate scam that cost him $100,000. In response, he wrote Anatomy of a Con Artist: The 14 Red Flags to Spot Scammers, Grifters, and Thieves, and shared powerful insights all small business owners should hear.

Outsmarting the Con: How to Protect Your Business from Scammers

Walton’s story is a wake-up call: even the savviest professionals can be manipulated—especially when emotions are involved. Con artists thrive on trust, urgency, and psychological pressure, not technical tricks.

Why Small Business Owners Are Vulnerable

• Technology has made scams easier and more believable
  Sophisticated scammers can fake emails, documents—even AI-generated videos—to build trust.
• Victims often stay silent out of shame
  Walton’s own mother didn’t speak up when she was scammed, a common reaction that allows scammers to continue unchecked.
• Con artists are emotional manipulators
  They’re often charming, persuasive, and calculating. Their goal is simple: gain your trust, then your money.

The 7 Most Dangerous Red Flags for Small Business Owners

Walton’s book outlines 14 red flags—here are the seven most relevant to small business leaders, with actionable takeaways:

1. Unsolicited Help
   • Watch for: Someone offering to solve a problem you didn’t ask them to help with.
   • What to do: Politely decline and stick with trusted advisors.
2. Overwhelming Generosity
   • Watch for: Lavish gifts, favors, or praise—too soon, too much.
   • What to do: Slow the pace of the relationship and seek outside opinions.
3. Constant Emergencies
   • Watch for: A never-ending stream of personal crises.
   • What to do: Never make financial decisions under pressure.
4. TMI (Too Much Information)
   • Watch for: Emotional oversharing that draws you in quickly.
   • What to do: Protect your personal info and keep professional boundaries.
5. Fake Evidence
   • Watch for: Suspicious documents or “proof” that’s hard to verify.
   • What to do: Always validate using official channels before acting.
6. Exclusive Opportunities
   • Watch for: “Special deals” or opportunities available only to you.
   • What to do: Run them past a trusted advisor—urgency is a red flag.
7. Multiple Red Flags
   • Watch for: Three or more signs from this list.
   • What to do: Trust your gut and walk away.

Pro Tips to Keep Your Business Scam-Free

• Implement verification protocols (like passphrases for financial requests).
• Educate your team to recognize manipulation tactics.
• Foster a speak-up culture where staff can safely raise concerns.
• Stay up-to-date on cybersecurity and secure communications.

Listen to the entire conversation on The Small Business Radio Show.

This article, “Shark Tank Producer Was Scammed: How to Identify the Red Flags of Grifters” was first published on Small Business Trends