Sociopath Article (A Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing; Something Wicked This Way Comes)
My intention is to provide a shocking alarm such that your subconscious will jolt you to be aware that something wicked is afoot should you become targeted by a predator.
As I meet successful business owners and entrepreneurs what comes to mind is these well-schooled intuitive professionals are taught to embrace capitalism and be American, and to a lesser extent to run a business that is publicly-facing, fraught with the dangers of ‘all things retail’. Retail by its very definition means you open your doors to all comers – we hope for wonderful referrals from our favorite customers or patients, whose compassionate attitudes draw ever more qualified new customers and patients to the business we run. What we cannot screen out with an open door policy is those who want to gain from the loss of others – The Fraud Artist / Sociopath.
Traits of a parasite/swindler:
· Once the con artist understands and recognizes a victim’s vulnerability, it’s open season for fraud – regardless of age, denomination or gender
· Fraudsters are parasitic; continuing to feed on their prey until the carcass is lifeless
· A wolf in sheep’s clothing: The story does not add up, seems too good to be true. Lavishes flattery too fast, too soon
· He loves a “pity party” – he is always hard done by
· He lacks empathy, He scapegoats people, and He’s self-centered. It is all about him
· He does not reciprocate generosity
· He ingratiates himself to any person who he can gain from
Characteristics of a Narcissist: Narcissism is a personality disorder whose traits can be diagnosed by degrees. Their needs are paramount. No one else is important. They have no remorse. They don’t care about the damage they cause their victims. They believe people can and should be manipulated. They will not admit to being wrong. When things go bad, they always blame someone else. They usually are pathological liars. Typically they dress well, drive an impressive vehicle, and are never short of words and charm. He displays a strong ego with an abundance of self-confidence or better, a grandiose sense of self-importance. He employs a halo-effect and coercion. A fraudster typically has created such a mythical organizational Adonis Persona, it seems ludicrous that anyone would challenge such a leader – the myth being the leader is beyond reproach ethically.
Prevention is key… that’s easy to say, but within your circle of influence utilize the strengths you have such as your professional accountant, lawyer, Better Business Bureau, Chamber of Commerce, Industry Association, Securities Commission or even a private investigator. Have any documentation prepared by a professional with registry into the Personal Property Registry / Land Titles Office. In short, don’t cut corners. If it is a good deal – it will still be a good deal after paying $1000 to a lawyer.
Conduct an audit of your vulnerabilities – again, a PI can do this. What is out there publicly about you? What can others see in regard to your office computer system? Use enhanced password security. Be vigilant, be aware!
React quickly if the worst comes. What I cannot provide here is a suitable solution to what “react quickly” actually means. Your resources are different than the writer – just be resourceful – always retain your backup documentation in a format that it can be easily provided to relevant authorities. You can file a complaint with the Police, but be prepared for an answer such as, “this is a civil issue and you’ll need to sue to recover any damages”. Other places to go: Provincial/State Securities Commissions, check for past and current civil matters through office of Crown Counsel, open dialogue with IRS / Canada Revenue Agency “confidential informant” lines. If you can show a pattern of behavior that trends toward fraud, extortion, larceny, and generally sociopathic behavior – call in the professionals and distance yourself from explosive situation – the predator is counting on you losing your cool as it renders your “facts” impotent.
Source: The writer with reference material from Spring 2010 edition of The Scrivener Magazine special feature Fraud and the Autumn 2011 Focus on Forensic Accounting & Fraud Supplement of LexisNexis.
Biography: R. Brent Lang, CIM, FCSI, is active in the field of finance and philanthropy. He obtained the CIM (Chartered Investment Manager), FCSI (Fellow of the Canadian Securities Institute) and Branch Manager’s designations. He has invested over 19 years in financial services, compliance, and philanthropy.
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