If you own, run, or advise a business, you’ve probably asked yourself: Is this person a real partner—or are they setting me up for a fall? In a world filled with high-pressure deals, acquisition “experts,” and shady consultants promising unrealistic outcomes, knowing how to avoid business scams could mean the difference between a life-changing exit or losing everything you built.

This guide breaks down real-world wisdom from Jason Sisneros of Built to Exit into actionable steps that business owners can use right now to vet partners, avoid scams, and take control of their company’s destiny.

The Truth About Business Scams: What Every Owner Must Understand

You’ve probably seen the headlines: “The Great Wealth Transfer,” “Billions in Business Ownership Changing Hands.” But most of these narratives are either oversimplified or just flat-out false. According to Jason, the truth is grimmer—and more urgent.

Here’s what’s really happening:

• Most businesses don’t sell for top dollar.
• Many are acquired through predatory business scams.
• Owners often walk away with nothing—or a fraction of what they should have earned.

These scams rely on the fact that most business owners don’t plan their exits. They’re too busy working in the business to work on it. That’s where the scammers strike—fast-talking buyers, consultants, or M&A “specialists” who make promises they never intend to keep.

Key Point:

The best way to defend against business scams is to begin with a plan and vet every person you bring into your business circle like your livelihood depends on it—because it does.

How to Spot Business Scams and Choose Real Partners

So how do you tell the difference between a predator and a partner? Jason Sisneros lays it out with brutal clarity:

🚩 Red Flags of a Business Scam

1. They speak in buzzwords but can’t show a single deal they’ve successfully closed.
2. They offer seller-financing deals with no capital at risk on their side.
3. They rush you with fake deadlines and fear-based urgency.
4. They avoid tough questions and push contracts before due diligence.
5. They promise big outcomes before they even understand your business.
6. They ask you to stay on—but tie your earnings to impossible earn-outs.

✅ Green Flags of a Real Partner

1. They show proof—past deals, bank letters, references.
2. They ask deep questions about your operations, people, and end goals.
3. They respect the process, encourage third-party reviews, and operate transparently.
4. They customize a plan for your exit—not just copy-paste a cookie-cutter model.

Scam artists want to control the process. Real partners want to build with you.

Protect Yourself From Business Scams with These 3 Steps

1. Get a Real Business Assessment
Don’t guess. Know your numbers, weak points, and how much your business is truly worth. Built to Exit offers a free assessment to help you identify vulnerabilities scammers love to exploit.

2. Do Due Diligence—on Them
Search public records. Check references. Ask tough questions. Don’t be afraid to walk away.

3. Build a Real Exit Strategy
Waiting until you’re ready to retire is a mistake. Plan early, build systems, reduce owner dependency, and structure your company for sale before someone makes an offer.

Escaping the Most Common Business Owner Traps

Not all business scams come from the outside. Sometimes, the problem is inside your team.

If your staff resists measurement, systems, or optimization, you could be hemorrhaging value. Ask yourself:

• Would this business survive if I left for 3 months?
• Are my team and systems supporting an exit—or just a paycheck?
• Is my financial house in order?

The moment you take control of these answers, you’re already beating 90% of owners out there.

Don’t Be the Target—Be the Architect of Your Exit

Whether you want to sell in 1 year or 10, you’ll exit eventually. How—and whether you win or lose—depends on who you trust, how you prepare, and what system you follow.

Here’s the formula Jason recommends:

• Assessment → Know your valuation, team strength, and operational holes.
• Optimization → Clean house: processes, finances, team accountability.
• Pre-Due Diligence → Gather buyer-ready data before anyone asks.
• Targeted Buyer Fit → Say yes only to proven buyers who match your goals.

Final Word: Beat Business Scams by Taking Ownership

This is your legacy we’re talking about. You spent years—maybe decades—building something real. Don’t hand it over to a slick-talking predator who hasn’t earned the right.

✅ Vet everyone.
✅ Build with the end in mind.
✅ Control your price, your timing, and your terms.

Because at the end of the day, you don’t just deserve a great exit—you can design one.

Want help spotting business scams and preparing your exit the right way?
Take the free Built to Exit assessment, subscribe to the podcast, or join the after-show strategy sessions with Jason Sisneros on X (@thejsisneros). This is where smart business owners build real wealth, legacy, and freedom.