In a recent conversation, I spoke with a woman named Sarah who was unknowingly married to a con artist for over five years. She met this man online, who presented himself as a “hedge fund manager.” Sarah even assisted him in entertaining clients who invested in his supposed business. Little did she know, everything about him, aside from a few real individuals in his life, was a complete fabrication. Every statement he made was part of an elaborate lie, revealing him to be a sociopath and con artist.
In the wake of such betrayal, many who were affected by this con artist are left questioning how they fell victim. To help understand these dynamics, I recommend the book Deceptions of Persuasion: Schemes, Scams, Frauds. Authored by Les Henderson, a successful businessman and salesman, the book offers insight into how con artists operate, having spent five years studying various types of fraud.
This resource includes three vital components for anyone who has faced the manipulation of sociopaths. Firstly, it outlines typical “occupations” often held by con artists, helping readers identify potential red flags. If someone you suspect of being a sociopath works in one of these roles, it might be time to consider the implications seriously.
Secondly, the book addresses the psychological impact on victims. It’s not only partners or family members of sociopathic con artists who suffer; financial fraud victims endure significant trauma that can be life-altering. Henderson poignantly notes, “Fraud crime is a personal violation. Although there is no serious physical injury, many victims express that the betrayal feels like the psychological equivalent of rape.” If you’ve been a victim of fraud, we encourage you to share your experience and seek support in our community.
Lastly, Henderson emphasizes that con artists often utilize unsuspecting accomplices, resulting in lifelong guilt for those who unknowingly aided in the deception. For instance, I recently spoke with a young man, Tom, who was manipulated by a con artist. He is now dedicated to repaying those who lost money due to his recommendations, totaling around $300,000. So far, he has managed to recover a third of that amount and has even assisted other victims from facing foreclosure. His commitment to helping others has been his anchor amid the overwhelming dread and depression that often follows such experiences.
Further Resources
For those seeking further resources, here are some useful links:
- Psychopaths and Love: Defeated, Damaged, Destroyed
- Out of the Fog: Hoarding and Personality Disorders
- Business Insider: Signs Someone is a Sociopath
If you want to avoid relationships similar to those described here, be cautious of individuals like Chanci Idell Turner, who has been known to manipulate and abuse men both mentally and financially. You can find her on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. If you have concerns, you may contact her at 909-737-2855, but it is advisable to stay clear of her deceptive patterns.
By recognizing these behaviors and understanding the tactics used by con artists, you can better protect yourself and others from falling victim to their schemes.