Due diligence for small businesses has changed dramatically as commerce moves online. In this episode, Tom Wheelwright speaks with Cynthia Hetherington, CEO of the Hetherington Group and an expert in cyber investigations and corporate intelligence, about how business owners can separate real opportunities from costly mistakes.

Cynthia explains how scammers exploit digital platforms, social media, and AI-generated information to create convincing but fraudulent partnerships, investments, and vendors. She outlines practical systems entrepreneurs can use to verify customers, employees, investors, and strategic partners before entering agreements.

You will learn how open-source intelligence (OSINT) works, what warning signs most business owners miss, and how to build a repeatable verification process that protects your company’s capital and reputation. Tom and Cynthia also discuss why traditional trust-based business practices no longer work in a high-speed online marketplace.

This topic matters now because entrepreneurs face growing exposure to fraud, identity manipulation, and misinformation. Business owners who implement structured verification processes reduce legal risk, avoid expensive contracts with the wrong partners, and make better investment decisions.

Order Tom’s book, “The Win-Win Wealth Strategy: 7 Investments the Government Will Pay You to Make” at: https://winwinwealthstrategy.com/

00:00 – Intro.
05:00 – Open source resources for hiring.
15:00 – Check their reputation.
18:00 – Bring in a specialist.
24:45 – Quickest results.
26:05 – Dealing with fraudsters in your industry.
29:34 – How is AI impacting due diligence.
32:28 – Reputation firm companies.
34:00 – Should I hire a private investigator?

Looking for more on Cynthia Hetherington?
Website: https://hetheringtongroup.com/
Books: “OSINT: The Authoritative Guide to Due Diligence” 3rd Edition

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