Hardison claims to be a member of "the SEC, the BBB, and the JLA". The JLA is the Justice League of America.
The con artists Greg Sherman mentions in his pedigree are a mix of real historical conmen and ones made up for the show. "The Yellow Kid," who Sherman claims was his grandfather, was a legendary con man whose marks included Benito Mussolini, from whom he scammed two million dollars. Titanic Thompson and Wildfire John are also recorded names of real conmen. However, Joseph "The Yellow Kid" Weil was not recorded as having any children, so "The Springfield Wonder," who Sherman says was his father, is not real. There are records of a real con artist called "The Indiana Wonder," which may have been the inspiration for this character.
Greg Sherman's self-given nickname, "The Mako," is a type of shark, and is a constant source of derision in the episode; he is called "Marco," "blowfish," and other fish names. The FBI agent who arrests him calls him "Mr. Limpet," which is a comical character played by Don Knotts in the film The Incredible Mr. Limpet (1964).
Although Agent McSweeten had previously interacted with Hardison when he was impersonating Special Agent Thomas, Parker's partner as Special Agent Hagen, McSweeten makes no reference to knowing Hardison before. However, it's possible McSweeten believed Hardison and Parker were undercover, seeing as his partner Agent Bob knew Parker would be there.
The plot involving a false crop report to corner the market is reminiscent of the movie Trading Places starring Dan Ackroyd and Eddie Murphy.