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Wed, Apr 16, 2025, 3:44 AM 5 min read
Atlanta businessman Calvin Darden Jr., a career fraudster with previous convictions, is facing 12 years in prison for his latest scam, convincing former NBA player Dwight Howard to part with $7 million for a fake bid to purchase WNBA team the Atlanta Dream.
Darden Jr. worked with Howard’s agent Charles Briscoe to convince the baller that the scam was real. Howard was duped into believing other big stars like actor Issa Rae, tennis star Naomi Osaka and filmmaker Tyler Perry were also investing in the team.
However, court records show that many of these supposed investors had never heard of Darden Jr., much less had any business dealings with him.
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For his involvement, Charles Briscoe is facing six months of house arrest, a three-year supervisory period and a penalty of $1.5 million.
Darden Jr. also duped former Houston Rockets player Chandler Parsons into “loaning” $1 million to NBA prospect James Wiseman. Wiseman was not involved in the deal, and Darden Jr. reportedly spent the money on luxury goods for himself.
While these large sums of money may convince you that scams of this type only happen to the rich and famous, the reality is that fraudsters can target anyone. You have to stay vigilant and informed to ensure you don’t become a victim.
Here’s how to help avoid falling for investment scams, how to vet potential business partners and deals — and how to know when to walk away.
Warren Buffett has offered some sage advice from his long career.
“We look for three things when we hire people. We look for intelligence. We look for initiative, or energy. And we look for integrity,” he says “And if they don't have the latter, the first two will kill you.”
Integrity is critical, as placing your trust in the wrong person can be financially fatal. Taking the case of Charles Briscoe: the agent was not only trying to outsmart Howard, but also duped other NBA players into buying more than $5 million in overpriced life insurance policies.
When you choose a new financial advisor, a new business partner or even a service provider like a mortgage or insurance broker, be sure to do your homework on them. Check for any required certifications, and membership in professional and regulatory organizations. Ask for references, and also look for testimonials from people in your own network whom you trust.
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