I see many well intentioned founders that do not have well defined stock ownership plans in place in the first 6 months. In order to tell the difference between a scammer and a well intentioned person that is simply shy of defining the options you have to judge the person's character and past history.

The way I've dealt with this problem is simple. ShellShadow is not my first start-up (both as founder and as one receiving equity from founders). I have solid equity contract in place from day one. I know the value of a good key employee and can quantify that value in the equity contract from day one. Additionally, my contracts are short and easy to understand with no legal double talk.

This approach works for me and I would like to see others that supposedly have "done it all before" to follow this approach. If your a leader, act like it!!!