They target the vulnerable
A con artist is able to detect vulnerable people based on their body language, the way they dress, and other observable factors. They will rarely go for confident, self-assured yet cautious people with their lives together because such people are less likely to fall for a con, which they are aware of. People going through big life changes such as job loss or moving out of your family home for the first time are more susceptible to cons.
They use their assets
Whatever a con artist is born with, they will try to use to their advantage in pulling off a con. If they are tall, they may use this to appear more competent, or if they’re very beautiful, they may try and use how pretty they are to trick you into liking them more. Even if they’re not naturally attractive, they might try and use that fact in gaining your pity somehow.
They flirt
What better way to appeal to people than pretending to be attracted to them? Flirting with someone you’re trying to con is not an uncommon way for con artists to get what they want out of a situation. If someone is flirting with you excessively but has something to gain from you, then be incredibly cautious!
They use the fear and relief technique
A con artist will quite possibly make you think something terrible has happened. They will make you anxious or afraid about a situation only to tell you “actually never mind” to wash you over with a feeling of relief. Giving you this mood boost makes you more amenable towards them and gives them a greater chance of success when it comes to conning you.
They say your name a lot
Con artists study parts of psychology that will be useful to them. Something a lot of psychologists know is that saying someone’s name will often get them to feel more of a connection to you and they will therefore trust you more. Con artists find this useful because they will be able to deceive you more easily if you feel a personal connection with them.
They start by letting you win
A con artist will try to prove that they aren’t a con by letting you win against them in some small way when you first meet. One example of this would be street magicians pretending to lose the first one or two times, but a seasoned con artist might let you win something like money or a sense of belonging before wrecking you.
The look is part of their con
Con artists deliberately present themselves physically in ways that would make you think they’re probably not a con artist. They put on a façade of professionalism and confidence to increase your level of trust in them and to seem as legitimate as possible. If they look like someone who already has money, why would they need yours, and what need would they have to con you?
They know how to build trust
Trust is everything to a con artist. If you don’t trust them, they’re not going to get your money. If a con artist can master the art of trust and getting others to trust them, then they will have immensely more success. There is so much that goes into conning someone else out of money, and without trust there would be none of that.
They get you chatting
A con artist will get you talking about yourself, your life, and your situation however they can. They will ask you questions or make statements about you that they know aren’t quite correct to get you to talk. The more a con artist knows about you, the more they can use that information to con you. The more you talk to them, the more you will also feel connected to them and therefore trust them more.
They show their “flaws”
Everything that con artists do is to do with manipulation. Showing their flaws to develop trust on your end is a common way of manipulating others. This will make them seem more human to the person they’re trying to con. They will reveal their insecurities in order to bond with you to get that trust to the level it needs to be at for the big con.
They create a time limit
Con artists want you to comply, and what better way to get you to do what they want than putting a time limit on an opportunity? You’ve seen this done by just about every shop ever. They put a sale on their items with the promise that this is their only chance to get these items at that low price. Con artists will also claim that you can only invest for a certain amount of time, or at least make that statement applicable to their con.
They start small
Compliance techniques are psychological techniques that people use to get others to comply in some way. One of these techniques is called the foot in the door technique. This is where the con artists will get you to agree to something very small. Once you’ve agreed to that, they up the ante and get you to agree to a much larger request. Because you’ve already agreed to something you are more likely to agree to something bigger. This is how con artists manipulate what you’re willing to do.
They rely on social norms
You would be shocked what people are willing to agree to in order to fit into social norms. If people believe you are a waiter, they’ll hand their card over, for example. It’s only normal, after all. People do not want to cause a fuss and have learnt the normal social patterns of the world. They have no reason to believe people would take advantage of that… until they’re targeted by a con artist.
They’re charming
No one is going to convince you of anything if they don’t come off as likeable. A con artist will teach themselves something that can only partially be learned: charm. Charm is something a person has to naturally have the knack for. You know those charismatic people who you just can’t help but like? They’re a lot more likely to be good con artists!
They’re masters of body language
These are the cons that happen at least partially in person. Con artists study people’s body language so they can tell people’s intentions based on what they accidentally give away. This allows them to spin their tales around however it is the other person is feeling, letting them manipulate others a lot easier.
They act victimized
Good people are often the easiest for con artists to manipulate. If a good person truly believes someone is in need, then they will do all sorts of things to try and help the other person. Great con artists are amazing at playing the victim to get the outcome they desire. This is why believing people’s suffering can come at your own risk, unfortunately.
They make it seem like it will benefit you
The main reason people get conned is because they believe it will benefit them in some way. A con artist will build up some sort of tale about how a manufactured situation will benefit the person they’re trying to get money out of. If people feel like they will be benefited by a situation, they are incredibly likely to agree to it.
They bribe you
You may think bribery is a thing of the past when it comes to con artists. Who would fall for that now? You’d be surprised! When the right thing is offered, whether that be a large enough amount of money or a wonderful enough opportunity, people are willing to agree to all sorts of things. Maybe $10,000 isn’t enough to consider someone’s offer, but $10 million? Many would re-evaluate
They use your emotions, not your logic
Logic actually isn’t that helpful when it comes to getting people involved in a con or scam. It takes a lot of work to convince someone that a con is a good idea logically because factually speaking, it’s not. Emotions on the other hand are much easier to manipulate and have an even greater effect on our choices than logic does. If they can make you feel like something is a good idea emotionally, you’ve already been manipulated.
They mimic your posture
Their are countless techniques used to manipulate others, and con artists tend to know most of them. mimicking someone’s posture gets them to trust you easier. When someone mimics your posture, it subconsciously creates a mental connection to them in that they are behaving similarly to you. If your brain thinks someone is similar to you, you are more likely to like and therefore trust them.
They use your embarrassment against you
No one likes to feel embarrassed or humiliated and so most people will try to avoid this feeling at all costs. This is why so many scams go unreported. Nobody wants to admit that they well for someone’s lies, especially if it sounds like a ridiculous, obvious scam when you say it out loud. This is how con artists rely on your embarrassment to get away with their cons time and time again.
They use the herd principle
People aren’t always as clever as they’d like to believe. We are natural conformists, and con artists rely on that to get what they need. It has been proven time and time again that we will agree to something we know isn’t right just because we see or believe that every other person is doing so. Our desire to fit in often outweighs our common sense which is super helpful for con artists.
They use other people’s dishonesty
Some cons involve situations that both people in question know to be illegal. This is beneficial to the con artist because once the con is exposed, the person they targeted can do very little about the whole situation. You cannot go to the police about a con artist when you were also technically breaking the law.
They use people’s needs
Desperate people are some of the easiest to trick into cons, according to con artists. Those who are in difficult situations are more likely to take risks because they have everything to gain and often feel that they have very little to lose at such a point. By appealing to people’s needs and desperation, con artists get a lot further.
They use people’s greed
Generally speaking, people always want the best possible outcome of a deal for themselves. Con artists will sometimes work in teams, one offering money and one needing money with the target not knowing they both know one another. That way the target will offer the person requesting money much lower than the person offering the money is actually offering, but still loses out on a chunk of money ultimately, when both con artists disappear before they can give the target to promised money.
They form relationships
Some scams are elaborate and are set up over months. There are con artists and scammers out there who will go through the motions of a romantic relationship just to con you. The way scams work are by hitting you when you’re vulnerable and by appealing to your emotions. What could do that better than pretending to be your romantic partner?
They make the target feel special
a good con artist knows how to make their target feel special. If the target feels like they’re being prioritised over everyone else, they are more likely to go along with whatever it is the con artist is asking of them. When people feel special, they want to please whoever it is putting them on that pedestal over others.
They let the target in on a “secret”
This is an extension of making the target of a con feel special. The con artist will reveal something they claim to be a secret to the target which is likely a part of the con. The target is more likely to agree to the scam not only because they feel special for being the only person to know this secret, but because they want to be one of the exclusive few to be involved in whatever venture the con artist has claimed it to be.
They make joint decisions
The con artist does not want to be blamed for what they are going to take from their target. Because of this, they will make it seem like whatever choices are made for the con are thought of together with the target. If the target believes that their choices are made on mutual trust, then more responsibility will fall on them, and they will not suspect the con artist as much.
They rely on insecurities
Insecurities are the key to a lot of people’s emotions which is why they are so important for con artists to grasp if they want to do their job well. If a con artist can figure out what makes you feel insecure and tells you how this new opportunity could take away that insecurity, many people would want to take that chance. Nobody likes to feel insecure, after all.
They make you feel guilty
While there is no way a con artist will have due cause to blame you for whatever their con involves, they are masters of the guilt trip. To not go along with this venture would let your family down or could hurt vulnerable people, at least according to the scammer. They will get you feeling bad about not accepting their con, so you are more likely to go along with things due to a guilty conscience.
They lie
This one may seem obvious, but a person trying to con you is not going to be honest about it. They will come up with outlandish situations and tell you all sorts of falsehoods in order to get your money. That’s what a con or scam is at the end of the day: just a big lie.
They change their expectations
A con artist will fake some kind of misunderstanding between you and them so that they can change their expectations of you. They will first get you to agree to one thing and then later act like you agreed to something different which asks a lot more of you. The con artist will essentially gaslight you into thinking you agreed to something you didn’t in order to scam you.
They give you everything you could ever want
Some con artists and scammers will give you gifts or take you to wonderful places and give you a glimpse of the high life. They do this to show you what your life could be like if you go along with their deals and advances. By giving you this, they not only earn your trust but they will convince you that sticking with them will give you even more.
They pretend they’ve done the hard work already
No one is going to agree to some scheme or deal that sounds a little sketchy if there’s also going to be hard work to do. This is why a lot of con artists will say they’ve already set their plan into motion and make it seem like you are the missing puzzle piece. Once you agree, they say opportunity will be endless. Decreasing the amount required of you in the deal they present increases your likelihood of agreeing.
They eliminate risk
A good con artist will have learned how to make the matter at hand seem completely risk free. It isn’t of course, but by the time they’re done talking, the target will not see a risk or downside in sight that could come along with the situation the scammer is presenting.
They moralize the cause
Scams come in many different forms. Some scammers will make it seem like going along with their plot is the only moral option available. To ignore someone who is suffering or a morally unjust situation would be wrong and would thus make you a bad person. Anyone who doesn’t want to be seen as a terrible person is likely to agree to whatever they need to in such a situation.
They share things about themselves
Just like it is important for a con artist to get you talking about yourself, it is crucial that they share information about themselves as well. This can get you talking which allows them to gain a better understanding of you, but it also builds your trust in them. If you believe you know more about a person, you feel a greater connection to them.
They use tit-for-tat disclosure
Tit for tat disclosure is when someone reveals something personal without ever being prompted and therefore states the other person owes them personal information in return. A con artist might reveal their emotional troubles and then expect to know your salary in exchange, for example. This can allow them to manipulate you or use your assets more easily further on.
They blackmail you
There are ways to blackmail people that will not be immediately recognised as blackmail, but con artists do it all. They may hack your computer and delete all your files, only giving them back if you pay a certain amount, as an example. They can use information about you against you and seek to destroy your life if you don’t go along with what they want.
They use their looks
Con artists often use their looks to manipulate their victims. If they’re good-looking, they’ll play on that fact. It’s been proven that people are more likely to trust someone they find attractive, so if they’re blessed genetically, it’s definitely the easiest way to get someone to do something. People are shallow, and con artists will use any means necessary to get what they want. But sooner or later, looks fade, so they won’t be able to use this method forever.
They blend in with the crowd
Con artists know that the best way to scam someone is to make the victim feel comfortable. They dress and speak like the people around them, so that you may not realize that you have been targeted until it is too late. They may often try to befriend members of your community, such as at senior centers or religious gatherings. They may try to gain your trust by becoming involved in your group’s activities and even making donations. Then they can use that trust to trick you into investing in an unsafe, fraudulent scheme.
They avoid your questions
Con artists often try to shift the focus away from their cons by bringing up something else. For example, they might bring up a completely unrelated matter to avoid discussing a current situation. A con artist will do whatever he or she can to confuse you and keep you from focusing on the fact that they’re scamming you. If someone isn’t interested in a sincere conversation, then forget about it. It’s not worth your time.
They involve your friends and family
Frauds are often introduced to victims by friends and family. Con artists count on people trusting their loved ones, which makes it easier for them to sell their scheme. Because you trust your friend or family member, you mistakenly believe that an investment opportunity is safe. This can be dangerous: never trust an investment opportunity without having it examined by a lawyer you trust.
They love bomb you
Love bombing is a strategy used by manipulators to gain control over you. It involves showering you with attention, affection and gifts. Although it’s less commonly used, love bombing can be applied to friendships and professional relationships as well, when a new person in your life showers you with affection and love for no readily apparent reason. This behaviour is often used to get something from you, like time or money.
They use pauses
You may have noticed that when politicians or other speakers announce big decisions, they often pause before telling you about them. This technique is very effective in gaining the listener’s attention and making him or her curious about what comes next. A con artist may use this technique when trying to sell a victim on their latest scam, with the intention of building suspense and getting the victim excited about the investment opportunity.
They play dumb
Con artists are experts at making people doubt their own memories and judgments. This is because con artists know how to play dumb when they get caught doing something wrong. Sometimes this means lying. Skilled con artists can be very persuasive. They look you straight in the eye and tell you things that are not true, but in a way so that you start to wonder if they’re right.
They impersonate authority figures
In the Milgram experiment, researchers found that most people will obey an authority figure even when they know they are hurting someone. This is why con artists often use titles and uniforms to appear legitimate. We are often more trusting of people we perceive to be professionals. We give them our credit cards and car keys and let them into our houses. An example of this is a phishing attack, where people give their bank details to fraudsters in response to an email supposedly from their bank.
They create an alter ego
Con artists are masters of putting on a mask and creating a character. Much like performers and salesmen, they often develop a persona or character that helps them feel more confident and powerful. They may give their character a name and wear an outfit that makes them feel connected to that character. They may alter their character traits and appearance based on whom they are attempting to target.
They exploit dishonesty
Some cons involve selling goods to marks that are used for illegal purposes. Fear is a powerful motivator, so con artists take advantage of it. For example, in one scam, people are sold pieces of paper that have been spray-painted and told they are cancelled banknotes. The victim is told he or she can clean off the ink and make the notes usable again using an amazing gadget. If the victim reports this to the police, he or she implicates themselves in a crime.
The bad grammar in emails is deliberate
Scam emails are notorious for their atrocious spelling and grammar, with most people assuming this reflects the scammer’s level of education. However, it’s actually deliberate. The idea is that the bad quality of the writing will weed out anyone who isn’t likely to fall for the subsequent steps of the scam. Essentially, con artists are getting people to self select for gullibility.
They mimic you
People tend to feel comfortable around those who are similar to them, and con artists routinely exploit this facet of human psychology. If a con artist is targeting a specific individual, they will make an effort to dress like them, adopt their mannerisms and way of speaking, and may even immerse themselves in their target’s interests to establish common ground.
They act naive
Naivety is a disarming trait, as it tends to convey weakness and submissiveness. Con artists capitalise on this, and will often try and act naive by asking obvious questions and avoiding any cynical takes. This establishes them as harmless in their target’s mind, and increases the chance that they will be able to manipulate them more effectively.
They use props
Con artists will frequently carry a range of carefully designed props that they use to project a certain image or disarm a target’s sense of suspicion. One of the most commonly used props is faked business cards. It’s astonishing how assured people feel after being handed a business card which carries the con artist’s personal details – never mind the fact that these details are entirely fabricated.
They target drunk people
Alcohol reduces your inhibitions and impairs the critical faculties you need to see through a scam. As a result, many con artists ply their trade in places where inebriated revellers congregate, like bars and nightclubs. If you’re out drinking and someone seems really keen to make friends, especially if they’re on their own, it might be time to sober up before you get conned.
They often find targets online
Many con artists use online platforms like Craigslist to get their targets to approach them. After advertising a service or product online, the con artist will wait for messages from prospective marks. They can then qualify targets from the comfort of their own home, asking probing questions to identify anyone who might be vulnerable or gullible enough to fall for their scam.
They use sob stories
Successful con artists are experts at preying on human kindness, and they are incredibly skillful at pulling heartstrings. Often, con artists will construct an elaborate, heartbreaking story to gain their target’s sympathy. One former con artist revealed in a Reddit AMA that he used to tell his marks that he was gay and living on the streets because his homophobic parents had thrown him out.
They set up fake businesses
When people think of con artists, they generally imagine smooth-talking crooks going door to door and swindling people out of cash. While this definitely happens, a lot of con artists are much more sophisticated and will run entire fraudulent companies. These businesses will often run ads on TV and radio, which can make them seem completely legitimate.
They target tourists
Tourists are generally out of their depth, disoriented by their unfamiliar surroundings and carrying plenty of cash on them. In other words, they are perfect targets. Scam artists the world over survive by preying on tourists, often by selling them nonexistent tours or experiences, or by exploiting their lack of knowledge of local prices to overcharge them.
They use your ego against you
One ex-con artist revealed that the majority of marks who fell for his scam were men. The reason? Men have bigger egos, and this can be easily exploited by skilful manipulators. A common tactic that con artists use is to subtly insinuate that their target isn’t handing over their money because they can’t afford to, which triggers a prideful reaction and gets them what they want.
