The 20 Most Addictive Books About Scammers and Con Artists

I enjoy reading books about people who are excellent at their craft because these stories are important to know.

But over the years, some particularly elaborate scams have been pulled off, and I have no doubt that the people behind them were highly skilled – just in the wrong way.

Now, let me be clear: I do not believe in idolizing anyone, least of all con artists.

However, I do think their stories should be told – firstly, so others can be aware, and secondly, because there are valuable lessons to be learned from them.

In this post, I’ve written about some of the most infamous scammers and con artists who had remarkably successful careers – until they got caught.

Trust me, while reading the books to compile this list, I was often shocked and in complete disbelief at how long some of these scams went on.

But when you see why, you’ll understand.

Ponzi’s Scheme by Mitchell Zuckoff

Charles Ponzi was the king of empty promises.

In 1920, he told people he could double their money in just three months. And, for a while, it looked like he could.

He was bringing in millions every week, living the high life in Boston.

But, of course, it was all a scam – he was using new investors’ money to pay off old ones, the classic “rob Peter to pay Paul” scheme.

Eventually, it all came crashing down when reporters dug into his too-good-to-be-true operation.

This is the story of the man whose name is still used to describe financial fraud today.

It’s fascinating to see how many people fell for it – and how Ponzi himself seemed to believe his own lies.

The Wizard of Lies by Diana B. Henriques

Bernie Madoff pulled off the biggest Ponzi scheme in history – $65 billion gone.

And the worst part? He fooled not just strangers but his closest friends and family.

This book digs deep into his story, from how he became one of Wall Street’s most trusted figures to how his entire empire turned out to be a lie.

There’s drama, betrayal, and tragedy – including the heartbreaking fallout for Madoff’s victims.

The most chilling part? He got away with it for decades.

It really makes you wonder how many other scams are hiding in plain sight.

Can You Ever Forgive Me? by Lee Israel

Lee Israel had a knack for writing, but when her career started failing, she turned to something more creative.

Instead of writing books, she started forging letters from famous authors and selling them as rare collectibles.

She was smart, witty, and so convincing that collectors had no idea they were being scammed.

This memoir is funny, sad, and surprisingly charming – I mean, you almost want to root for her.

It’s a wild ride through the world of literary fraud, and honestly, it makes you wonder how many authentic letters in museums are actually fakes.

My Friend Anna by Rachel DeLoache Williams

Imagine thinking you’ve made a glamorous new best friend – only to realize she’s a professional scammer who just tricked you into paying $62,000 for a luxury vacation.

That’s exactly what happened to Rachel Williams, who became friends with Anna Delvey, a fake heiress living large in New York.

Anna was stylish, fun, and always seemed to have endless money until the bills started falling on Rachel.

This book is frustrating and addictive at the same time.

How did Anna get away with it for so long? And why did people keep believing her?

If you like stories about con artists, this one is both infuriating and impossible to put down.

Provenance by Laney Salisbury and Aly Sujo

This is the story of one of the biggest art frauds in history, where hundreds of fake paintings ended up in museums and private collections.

John Drewe, the mastermind, wasn’t just selling fake paintings – he was rewriting history, sneaking fake records into museum archives so that the forgeries would seem legitimate.

And his partner in crime? A struggling artist named John Myatt, who painted the forgeries.

It’s a mix of crime, art, and deception that shows how even the most respected institutions can be fooled.

The craziest part? Many of these forgeries are still out there, hanging on walls as if they’re real.

The Smartest Guys in the Room by Bethany McLean and Peter Elkind

The Enron scandal is the kind of corporate disaster that makes you question everything about big business.

Once seen as one of the most successful companies in the world, Enron was actually built on lies, fake profits, and shady deals.

This book follows the key players – men who were brilliant, arrogant, and, in the end, completely reckless.

They thought they were untouchable, but their empire came crashing down, ruining lives and shaking Wall Street to its core.

It’s a gripping read, but also a reminder that if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

King Con by Paul Willetts

Edgar Laplante was the ultimate chameleon.

In the 1920s, he reinvented himself as Chief White Elk, a Native American leader, war hero, and all-around legend.

The only problem? He wasn’t Native American, he wasn’t a chief, and he definitely wasn’t a war hero.

But that didn’t stop him from convincing people – including royalty and politicians – to shower him with money and gifts.

His biggest mark was a wealthy Austrian countess, who funded his lavish lifestyle without realizing she was being conned.

It’s a story so bizarre that it reads like fiction, but somehow, it’s all true.

A Disposition to Be Rich by Geoffrey C. Ward

Ferdinand Ward was basically the 19th-century version of Bernie Madoff.

He built a massive financial empire that promised huge returns on investments, and for a while, it seemed like he was a genius.

In reality, he was running a giant pyramid scheme that eventually collapsed, taking down famous figures – including former President Ulysses S. Grant.

What makes this book unique is that it’s written by Ward’s great-grandson, who gives an inside look at how a master manipulator operated.

It’s part scandal, part family reckoning, and a fascinating glimpse into one of the biggest financial frauds of the Gilded Age.

The Man in the Rockefeller Suit by Mark Seal

Clark Rockefeller seemed like the perfect gentleman – rich, charming, well-connected.

He even claimed to be part of the legendary Rockefeller family.

But in reality, he was a complete fraud who spent decades conning his way into high society, marrying a wealthy woman, and even kidnapping his own daughter.

His real name? Christian Karl Gerhartsreiter, a German immigrant with a long history of fake identities.

This book is a jaw-dropping look at how someone can lie their way into an elite life, fooling some of the smartest people around.

It’s both terrifying and fascinating – how did no one catch on for so long?