How does a con man deceive senior leaders, veterans, and police detectives?

In this episode, Laura and Sarah Ferris profile Peter Cowell who posed as a military Admiral, extracting money from high-profile targets for a global humanitarian project called IntSAR (International Sea Air Rescue Service). It turns out, the entire organization was a complete work of fiction.

Drawing on lived experience and expert behavioral analysis, this episode explores how perpetrators create influence, maintain control, and continue offending across multiple victims while appearing completely credible and trustworthy.

Key Takeaways:
• The Pattern Behind the Persona: Why conmen rely on consistency, charm, and credibility - and how this masks repeat offending

• Grooming & Influence: How trust is built quickly and used to establish control and dependency

• Serial Behaviour: Why there is almost always a history -and often multiple victims

• Missed Warning Signs: How red flags are explained away, minimised, or only recognised in hindsight

• Turning the Tables: The power of awareness, collective action, and refusing to stay silent

• Prevention & Protection: Why recognising patterns early is key to reducing harm and protecting others

This conversation goes beyond the individual case - it is about understanding the psychology of deception and the patterns of behaviour that enable it. Laura and Sarah unpack the deeper patterns, behaviors, and mindset of a serial conman—and the critical lessons we must learn to protect ourselves.

Follow Sarah on Instagram: @conmunitypodcast
www.sarahferrismedia.com

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Website: https://www.crime-analyst.com https://www.thelaurarichards.com
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