swindle
a master mortgage swindler who had eluded capture for three years
He was a sophisticated swindler who had lured investors into something resembling a Ponzi scheme by misrepresenting his own background and expertise.
In particular they kept a lookout for pickpockets and swindlers.
Apart from celebs, the swindler also conned some of the world's most famous banks and charities out of their cash.

SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases

Miscellaneous criminals
arsonist
artifice burglar
bigamist
bioterrorist
black hat
desperado
distraction burglar
distraction thief
drug dealer
embezzler
knock-knock burglar
launderer
looter
lowlife
man of straw
safecracker
scofflaw
shicer
shoplifter
small-timer