The Psychology of Con Artists, and How to Avoid Them | Maria Konnikova | Big Think

[@richardeast3328]

When money is involved, always keep your guard up.

[@betsymonroe8288]

Absolutely!! I knew this freak was after me for money and after years of abuse omg BE CAREFUL LADIES THESE BOYS SUCK

[@ladybug947]

100% and con artists will use an emotional plea such as “now that were engaged we should get a joint account” or “since were planning a future we should merge our finances”

[@TheAcolossus]

Step 1: Learn to say NO to people

[@specialsnowfake6744]

Exactly. its not hard to spot bullshit just stop being a victim

[@EnergyOM]

NO

[@thenarcissistsscapegoat5091]

Or write a very tiny 'yes' on the ceiling and put a ladder under it, you might end up marrying John Lennon and single-handedly destroying the best rock band of all time.

[@codinginthecold2376]

Then learn a response to, "Why"?

[@MaestroTJS]

+The Narcissist's Scapegoat What?

[@zhain0]

a 'real' con artist will get you to offer them what they want

[@itchykami]

Joke's on them. I don't like anybody, and am immediately suspicious of anyone similar to me in any way.

[@antoinettenovella1630]

That can be either ominous or aware.

[@itchykami]

@Rahul Sharma No, I'm just an ass.

[@AndrewAttard78]

I met this guy at the supermarket the other day. He started bull shitting with me about my kid and his kid and some other common things. Then he told me about his awesome job and how he met a guy who took him under his wing. Long story short it was a pyramid scheme type sales job he was pitching me. That fucker wasted like 20 minutes of my life. Lesson learned. Don't talk to strangers.

[@Dr.BestBuy]

ayy... saw you at school of life... I completely agree with your comment in response to the video on how we should look back on history to make us feel better... also would you be interested in buying a bottle of shampoo for 4.99?

[@AndrewAttard78]

Eddar Stark am I really commenting that much that you recognize me from another channel or do I have my comment history public somewhere? Also I use white rain shampoo. $1.29 a bottle.

[@Dr.BestBuy]

Andrew Attard I actually saw you in the other channel Lol.

[@AndrewAttard78]

+Eddar Stark lol. Cool. I post some stupid ass comments. I'd hate to have a directory of nonsensical bullshit attached to my google account.

[@AndrewAttard78]

+bart hennin is that comment directed to me?

[@Strongerxthanxall]

How to avoid con artists? Study narcissism.

[@honorforever2254]

Be an absolute freak and fucking react so unpredictable that a con artist will not burn his/her hands on you.

[@venusessentials]

this.

[@michaeltaylor9316]

And the church says Amen.

[@davidmorris2378]

Will you please go on and explain it.

[@icalotdonthide2646]

Perfect answer.

[@themadlibrarian2933]

The trick is to not feel guilty about the demands that others would make on you, particularly when there is a low probability that the demand will be reciprocated. Another is to not respond to pressure. If an offer is valid and fair today, it should also be valid and fair next week.

[@nathanmciver6496]

Correct, evolution of proper science!

[@00000ghcbs]

Microsoft is pressuring me with this Windows 10 bullshit :(

[@BlackEpyon]

And you missed the year-long free upgrade. Shame for you.

[@amojak]

"upgrade" why use that word with windows 10. it is an abomination , my upgrade path from win 7 will be Linux (most likely Ubuntu) . Windows 10 is the last straw in the MS desperate desire to dominate the desktop. I encourage others to do the same. Linux is free , capable and has many flavours to choose from.

[@BlackEpyon]

amojak Good luck getting all your games to run. What were you using for that again? Some emulator running WINDOWS!?

[@amojak]

BlackEpyon erm i am not 12 and don't play a loads of games. Oddly enough there are a load of people out there who do not use their PC to play games. If the games are web based then they just work as usual and many other games work in "wine" too . If you have never used Linux and enjoyed an ultra stable, secure platform that doesn't require all the hassles of windows then you are the one missing out :) If you aspire to Windows 10 then you are a lost soul..

[@BlackEpyon]

amojak Are you referring to a Linux distro that includes a GUI pre-installed or straight BASH? Props if you've worked on servers running the latter, and if not, then you're not nerdy enough :P I didn't mind Ubuntu before the Unity GUI (which I don't care for), so long as you don't run software or games that don't run on a Debian kernel. Been a while since I tinkered with Linux... However, I've built enough desktops and servers (Active Directory and related services) from scratch to be able to get Windows to do EXACTLY what I want it to do. Even in Win 10, which works just nicely, TVM.

[@tauruswinds37]

Covert narcissist are the most cunning of all con artists ....

[@dreamwishergirl]

I guy I was seeing was a con artist and had me completely fooled. He knew I had just gotten over a one-sided relationship and was down and he told me his ex died in a car accident so we became friends over that, then started to date... long story short turns out he made the entire story up to gain my sympathy and made up his ex dying to explain where he was in life claiming he lost their house & his job due to her death when he was just a loser who lacked any ambition. This guy wanted a future with me and I almost screwed up my life! It’s so scary .

[@nicholasschroeder3678]

I got conned once out of a thousand dollars by a friend. After the fact, I realized I was being groomed all along. Still makes me sick to think about it, but I did--at least--analyze it and figured out what were the vulnerabilities that I had that he used against me. Basically, I was lonely and needed a friend at the time. I consoled myself with the idea that it was my kindness that was exploited--the money was supposed to pay his rent--and that I learned some lessons. But it still hurts: not the money, the being a fool.

[@nicholasschroeder3678]

@@yvonnejensen1969 Really sorry to hear it. Predators without conscience😫

[@nicholasschroeder3678]

@@yvonnejensen1969 One last bit. The last time I saw that guy, he scolded me for not being angry. I was, but I wasn't going to show it. I guess that's part of the kick for them. Sadism

[@hoosierbaddy3052]

@@nicholasschroeder3678 so sorry for your experience. And kudos to you for being vulnerable on this format. ✌

[@agnowing7974]

@@nicholasschroeder3678 lol i am glad to hear that you didn't give them what they wanted. they only did that to emotionally dis-regulate you. be happy to know that at that moment that monster was terrified and insecure- that's why they wanted that emotional reaction. these people are walking husks constantly trying to fill that empty with ANYTHING. they walk in terror every moment, no matter how much they smile. even the money was more about this than the actual rent. i have compassion but only in the way that i see them for exactly what they are. they will always hurt you because that's how they handle pain and uncertainty and being human is always being in a little pain and uncertainty. these people have very low resilience levels for pain and are constantly trying to relieve it rather than build resilience. childhood abuse and a narcissistic only worsens the situations. do not be hard on yourself. anyone can be foolish and anyone can be fooled. the only true way to be a fool is to ignore these two facts. that's what con-artists count on - that our ego will override our common sense and that we will blame ourselves for being fooled and keep quiet.

[@justaneditygangstar]

I know someone conned by a friend by a thousand dollars too, the friend made this big act up that his mother was gonna die and he couldn’t pay treatment. Turns out that he never moved in with his mother he was just pure scum and really really good at acting too

[@largerooster2059]

This is so true! How often do dead beat relatives come around with a sob story about being broke? Too often? Yeah... I thought so. It really is ok to say no! Don't let the trolls drag you down!

[@GMarieBehindTheMask]

No family should have eachother's back

[@ArsenGaming]

@@GMarieBehindTheMask I think this person meant the kinds of idiot relatives who think it's completely fine to just keep asking for money and using it on something useless rather than trying to improve their lives with it. Those types of relatives would lose my respect very quickly and would never gain it back unless they manage to improve their life themselves.

[@juliehwang8482]

omg plz help me.

[@JCResDoc94]

*☼ i like this girl. she seems nice, we have similar backgrounds, she could hold my watch o ...hey HEY! NICE TRY LADY!*

[@MsValeriaHeart]

People who get conned are doing one of two things, one is they’re being trusting and the other is they’re being too concerned with how they look to the other person. The former is honorable. The latter one is not.

[@colonia8]

1. thing i've thought my doughter. . . You have the right to say NO. . . if you don't want to do it if you feel unconfortable with it . . what so ever. . . to your friends. . to strangers. . . your teachers. . . future bosses. . . uniforms. . . and even your own parents!!!!!! No is more important to your live then yes !!!!!

[@dsnodgrass4843]

The fundamental nature of the confidence game is "Information Asymmetry". It's neither paranoid nor cynical to recognize that someone is trying to distract you from recognizing that they have information that you don't, and are attempting to exploit that to get something from you. It's still your choice to acquiesce or not, based upon whatever other factors are involved; but knowing the rules of the game that's being played is nothing to apologize for. Anyone who would try and shame you for that only does so in bitterness over their perceived lost advantage. Fuck those people.

[@bnikrictus609]

Many people like that in Cheyenne Wyoming and numerous police forces snd Intel across the country, they are not your friend.

[@natewsmith6941]

Devon?

[@dsnodgrass4843]

@@natewsmith6941 nope. Sorry.

[@plaguedoct0r]

"There's no way to spot a liar. Now here's how to spot a liar."

[@hattielankford4775]

I think part of the problem ties in to delusion. If you believe what you say, are you still a liar? It's easier to spot a con.

[@Ramezml]

This "life" thing is getting really complex. Remember when I thought I only had to calm down and think twice

[@allenmontrasio8962]

It's telling how sales people and con artists are mentioned in the same breath.

[@richsackett3423]

It is? What is it telling you?

[@Anamnesia]

A friend had to work interstate for a few weeks. They had a pet rabbit & asked if I would look after it. I didn't want to & even though my friend was persistent I said no. A few days before they were due to leave they asked if I would like to use their car while they were gone. I don't NEED a car & if I WANTED a car I would go out & buy one... I really didn't want to have their car - it was just another complication in my life I didn't need. But whatever, I don't need the car, but sure, if it makes you happy I'll look after your car for you while you're gone... Really, I thought I was doing them a favour... Next thing they say is, "Well, seeing as you'll have my car while I'm gone, you can look after my rabbit!" What a sucker I was - I should have seen that trap a mile off!!! But the story doesn't end there... So I'm at a friends house & I say that I've got to go & look after this rabbit, so I start to say goodbye. My other friend says, "Well, I'm not doing anything. Is it okay if I come with you?" So we jump in the car & drive to where the rabbit is. On the drive there my other friend looks at the windscreen & says, "Hey, did you notice that this car isn't registered???" WOW!!! No, the car was NOT registered. It had been registered (in their parents home state) but they'd been driving the car around for 6 years or so where we lived. I quizzed the rabbit owner when they got back & they swore to my face that they'd paid the registration... I guess the Motor Vehicle Department finally caught up with them, because eventually the car was towed & impounded. I'm not friends with the Rabbit owner any more & my life is uncomplicated again! :)

[@alexanders1330]

So the first trap was that they hoped you'd look after the rabbit, drive the car and wreck it? then after a couple times, they'd ask you to watch over the car and check out the rabbit in hopes you'd drive the car? was it a nice car? or were they just tryna get a couple hundred bucks from ya?

[@HFXmermaid]

This applies not just to sales people/con artists but manipulators too! Sounds like an interesting book. I'll have to pick it up

[@allenmontrasio8962]

Yep, well, con artists and sales people *are* manipulators.

[@nachannachle2706]

Forget about politicians and saleswo/men: most con-artists operate within their own family circle.

[@stefp2830]

Maria Konnikova - this video is highly irresponsible and incorrect. There are lot of people who are con artists, but your "flags" are completely false. The need to be liked, the drive to ask for help, setting deadlines, etc are all healthy human behaviors and and do not indicate the presence of a con artist. Holding a Masters in Psychology, I can tell you with all certainty that if people believe in your video and decide not to trust people with these basic human behaviors, they will find themselves isolated and cynical of the HEALTHY world which is very dangerous for their mental health. In conclusion, this video provides no information to recognize real cons, which have very real, predictable strategies that are nothing like the ones you described.

[@mediascissor2989]

Yet Stef P failed to state what are the actual "predictable strategies" of con artists are. Good job I already know about them, and I fail to state what they are myself.

[@vkrgfan]

Stef P OK would you be able to produce the video on Con Artists since you are holding Masters in Psychology? Because you didn’t provide any information, that would be much appreciated. She pointed out on some very important traits, con artist want to close the deal fast, so you wouldn’t have time to make rational decision. They bombard you with charm and positivity at first then after they got what they wanted from you they ghost you, disappear. So maybe she didn’t stated all traits but she specified early warning signs. That pertains to con artists that fall into Cluster B disorders Borderline NPD and ASPD

[@kliljkip3184]

I have Masters in Psychology also. Something. In conclusion I approve of this video.

[@darknightofthesoul8980]

Just read about sociopaths and you'll know all the techniques of con men, governments, and organized criminals.

[@RottenDoctorGonzo]

And females.

[@charleswesthoff5954]

@@RottenDoctorGonzo someone got turned down

[@rebeccashetter8389]

@@RottenDoctorGonzo Men too!!!

[@bnikrictus609]

No worry no stress my friend, when they show up, just walk away. I run into such a dreck and dreg just the other day that rolled up, and continued in stride to walk away. Why waste your time with a cesspool person. They know what a turd they are.

[@margoeasterling2853]

It’s mostly females

[@whiskeybent3780]

These are just basic sales techniques... charm the customer, sell yourself, close the deal. Difference between a salesman and a con artist is if they deliver on their promise. The problem isn't the sales techniques, its what happens after the deals done.

[@AnnaHappen]

Whiskey Bent THIS!^

[@melbro3669]

s Happen hullo

[@davidpagan1254]

Marketing is a con Mans paradise

[@allenmontrasio8962]

If you need to employ these techniques, chances are you're selling the punter short. Good/useful products sell themselves.

[@gspaulsson]

@@allenmontrasio8962 At bottom, all persuasion techniques are propaganda. Look up the 737Max on the Boeing website: do they admit that the crashes happened because they took shortcuts to get the product out fast? Of course not. Is a salesman ever going to admit that, actually, their product isn't perfect and a competitor's might in some ways be better? No. Is a smart-phone salesman going to go out of his way to tell you that lithium batteries can catch fire or even explode? Uh-uh. The tobacco companies knew that smoking causes cancer. Did they admit it? No way. They hired tame scientists to spin the data, exacted reprisals against whistleblowers and fought legislation and class-action lawsuits tooth and nail. Big-time lawyers get their reputations through their prowess at winning unwinnable cases. Propaganda, sales. advocacy all depend on saying the truth just enough to gain your confidence, the whole truth never, and nothing but the truth as long as it serves them. Sweet talk, confirmation bias, cognitive dissonance. You believe the nice man. You believe what you want to believe. It hurts to admit that you're wrong, and the more wrong you are, the more it hurts. And down the rabbit hole you go. Getting sucked into buying a vacuum cleaner that doesn't work is one thing. Getting sucked into an authoritarian political party is something else, though the techniques are the same. A few months after this video was posted, the RNC nominated Don the Con, who sucked the GOP and nearly half the population into his fictional universe and come close to staging a coup. There were Germans willing to die for their Fuehrer even after he offed himself. Trumpist true-believers still think the election was stolen, even after Fox News, McConnell, Pompeo and Bill Barr bailed; even after looney-tunes Sidney Powell was kicked off the team; even after Newsmax and Lou Dobbs issued abject retractions (still waiting on OANN). Caveat emptor. Something the Trumpists will never learn.

[@makayla8998]

You’re helping so many people spreading this information. Awesome job 👍🏼

[@toni25681]

Maria's understanding of the tricks used by con artists is remarkable.

[@Murduhface813]

step one to identifying a con artist: they're asking you for something the hard part is running away fast enough so they can't catch you.

[@andrelouisreyes2230]

Now im finally learning. I wished i listened to this video 3 years ago when i had money and i was conned by close friend con family business. I involved people i knew relatives family now im broke. My wife hates me and im back working in a job i use to hate.

[@Ohkeh640]

Always listen to the questions they ask you…. Or if they’re interested in what you have etc.

[@mj101inf9]

She's describing sales techniques but not con artists. Their game is to use your own greed against you by promising a big reward for little or nothing put in. But yes, they pressure you into making a decision faster for fear of losing out. They don't want you to have time to think about if things are on the level or not. Anytime somebody tries to push me into agreeing too fast I say NO.

[@sebastiang7394]

There are different types of con artists. There are a lot of people that work on the principles she talks about. And there are the ones who use greed.

[@laomark9583]

From a more spiritual and non-too-mundane point of view, It is deeply sad that we, supposed evolved Humans, play so many tricks to succeed in their egoistic seft centered interests... it frequently reminds me the music Imagine: Imagine there is no countries...and no religion too... imagine all the people living for today..... and we are as ONE"

[@mikvance]

Do you guys like KZbin? Me too. Gimme your password.

[@RandolphAgarn1]

sure, it is "mikevance sucks and swallows "

[@EmmanuelGoldsteinINGSOC]

No, sorry, but if you have another smaller, more realistic request, I would still say no cause you are a total stranger to me and I don't trust you, since you have not yet told me that you are from the same area as me and like the same things I do (and no one likes KZbin :-) )

[@EmmanuelGoldsteinINGSOC]

Suddenly people with autism seem like really nice people - at least compared to some others...

[@planet60Co.]

stewierulz12?

[@chrislanejones]

Iloveelvi$1951

[@lukeyznaga7627]

Never make a decision based on fear. Better that you go through a hard time and master it, rather than be blessed financially for a little while but LOSE EVERYTHING later....permanently.

[@craigs1437]

All types of con artists have something in common; they are always hungry for money, they are terrible with managing money, and they have terrible work ethics i.e. poor attitude towards work and are simply lazy. Many of them are also sociopaths and/or drug addicts, heavy smokers and/or drinkers. They don't like other peoples company i.e. failed personal and professional relationships, just their money.

[@TheModernHermeticist]

This woman sells books, she must be a con too.

[@chimmy___]

The Modern Hermeticist - must be with a name like CONNikova

[@acharich]

☕🐸

[@McGyver777ATGMAIL]

The real trick is not caring so much about being good all the time, then you get the upper hand in all your negotiations.

[@MsValeriaHeart]

I don’t think you mean good, I think you mean liked.

[@McGyver777ATGMAIL]

@@MsValeriaHeart tomayto tomahto.

[@cryora]

What people need to do is practice rejection. Practice saying "no" with conviction. Practice saying "You're a hustler. Fuck you." Literally just say it out loud. Often we're too poised to be nice to people. That way, you are rehearsed and therefore you are prepared to react appropriately. The people likely to jump out at you may not necessarily stand out in public. If they physically block your path, that is a very good sign. Anyone else who blocks your path is being rude, so what makes them special? If they speak loudly at you, that is also a good sign. Normally it is rude to yell at people. If they're homeless, fuck them. If they're trying to raise money for dying children, fuck the children. If they act like they feel like shit when you leave, fuck them. It's their fault they got themselves in their situation. Even if you don't mean it, you have to adopt a fuck the poor, sick and dying, God doesn't exist - survival of the fittest attitude. If I give in, you win. I lose. But I am self-interested and I have conviction and I am the rightful owner of my own money and my own choices, therefore I have the upper hand, and I will win. It's hard trying to hustle people. I've tried it - tried approaching girls. It must be hard for this guy to sell stuff to me. If innocent looking girls can reject me so cold-heartedly, I can reject this guy. So fuck him and make him feel like shit. Be several steps ahead in the chess game. Ironically, when I was wearing a dress shirt the other day, no one tried to hustle me, although TSA from a cheap airline stopped me and thoroughly looked through everything I carried.

[@OverLordGoldDragon]

Psychology of priests, you say? I'm in.

[@selenem3384]

sounds like sales psychology of yoga teachers

[@knoxvillehermitfreemoviesm3625]

Con artist means confidence trickster. Confident they can fool you. Lying about accomplishments. The only real confidence is if the person actually has those accomplishments. Confidence must be based on an actual truth. Unfortunately confidence these days is considered to be a style of talking......presentation and vocal ability. Tricksters are all talk, but they are still confident. Do not place too much value on verbal confidence (how it's said) and more emphasis on whether it's true or not. Fake confidence is considered sexy and cool, but and real confidence based on cold, hard facts... true facts. The mechanic at the auto-shop is confident he can fix your car...because HE CAN. But many people see a stranger and if he talks good and has good verbal skills & no facts to back it up, people these days consider THAT to be real confidence. How ya talk is all that counts.

[@eventhisidistaken]

"Just say no." - Nancy Reagan

[@PreetiNigam07]

I have escaped many con artists by simply believing in 3 main things- one, a spiritual Guru of RS Dayalbagh, once said " Do not eat from the money which has not been earned by sweat" so I don't buy lottery tickets or fall for get rich schemes. In fact something which says " Do you want to get lot of money?" immediately turns me off. I delete those emails without even reading them. Two, If the product is not clearly specified, I don't want that job. That is most likely something which is based on the philosophy" Just like we caught you, you catch others". Three, if any job requires use of your personal account then it is dicy. Two other points I have recently learned. Four, I have recently used google to search for every job offer plus write scam at the end. Internet is a very useful tool as many scams are already listed there. Five, I have discovered that on dating sites many profiles have some age written on the heading details while in the body of the profile or the pic, that is not reflective. Such profiles are fake. Also people in the military based in Afghanistan etc and those who are travelling always are fake profiles. I have written all these observations for others to benefit.

[@dulipub]

Basically if it's "too good to be true" be very careful. For example the uber advertises you can get rich by driving an uber taxi but in reality you'd have to work 24x7 all year to earn anywhere near that amount. 7.Con artist use a lot of words to explain something even if it's not that complicated. And they often repeat stuff. They never like to admit they do not know or that they will ask/look it up and tell you later. Also they do not like you asking questions. This is really true if they are trying to sell something. 8. You have to learn to say "no" to people.

[@acharich]

💭💭💭

[@coiledsteel8344]

On-line dating scams some of the most common now. They prey on your particular vulnerabilities, and use your own information you provide against you!

[@yvettewilliamscook8828]

I think I am in a relationship with a con artist narcissist

[@Expose_bankers_and_auctioneers]

I hope you’re ok now

[@really2345]

TRUMP, TRUMP, TRUMP, TRUMP, TRUMP, TRUMP, and any f-ing religion.

[@rootfit]

This is just basic sales/art of persuasion versus 'con artist'. And, yes, learning how this communication style works and how to say, 'no' is invaluable.

[@AF-Twice]

How do con-artists know these manipulation techniques? Do they learn them or is it their natural thought process?.. It seems they would have to have a high level of critical thinking skills and a supreme understanding of human psychology. Is it learned or innate?

[@Ohkeh640]

I’m curious too

[@dustyrelic25]

I have been tricked into moving in with a "friend" who only wanted my money. now I can't AFFORD to move and she knows it.....

[@homefrontforge]

Do not sell yourself short, the world will not raise your price. The hardest word to learn in business is NO. Everyone acts in their own self-interest. There is no substitute for hard work. If you make a mess, clean it up. Keep your promises few, but keep your promises. No one will look after your interests better than you. Avoid arrogant people like the plague, they are assholes.

[@oram892]

I have an aunt who does this to me all the time. I had to learn to say no, but I still feel guilty...

[@dvijsutariya3962]

Everyone has an aunt who does it! I can relate to you.

[@GuitarGrrrella]

People believe what they want to believe. They want to think they have a chance at getting rich someday so motivational speakers, career coaches, get rich quick schemes, multi-level marketing, etc., are big money makers. Most of those "experts" don't know any more than the rest of us on how to succeed. They make money by telling people what they want to hear.

[@bigthink]

Want to get Smarter, Faster? Subscribe for DAILY videos: bigth.ink/GetSmarter

[@russwilson2305]

No is the most powerful word in any language.

[@xprtzabc]

Give away free Windows 10 than sell office 365 subscription! 😉

[@Troyster94806]

I sold computers for about 9 years. I had to sell service plans. What I found myself doing was establishing a rapport by doing a magnificent job. I made sure I gave them all the information they needed. I also built trust by letting them know when they might be wasting money. To be honest, I didn't want them maxing out without having enough to buy the plan. I would mention the plan early, but only in passing, as a way to plant the seed. I would introduce things in order, as a structured sales process, in a very non pushy way. I came across like I was just running them through the standard sales process to make sure they know all there is available to them. This usually kept their defenses down. I NEVER appeared to want to sell the plan too bad. Even when negotiating a price, a came across as though I was only helping them. I'm not a dishonest or bad person, but when my job depended on selling plans, I did use a few minor manipulation tools, but I wouldn't lie to them.

[@MarkL-we8uk]

So, it is best to seek to do business with someone abrupt, rude and who does not care if you like them or not 👍🏻

[@selenem3384]

at least rude people are honest lmfao

[@icalotdonthide2646]

Yes

[@morganmayfair4755]

I read an interview with a young man, very handsome, who was used by criminals to lure young women into unsafe places in order to abduct them for human trafficking... I think of myself as a young woman and shudder, because most of us are fools at that age.

[@lukeyznaga7627]

don't feel guilty in most cases no matter what. Keep your guard up over money and avoid people who are very confident and flaunt that info they have that you don't. Don't do favors for people for an exact thing, when they wouldn't do that for you in the samer exact thing or manner. ALL THESE THINGS i have learned not just from video but from below: D Snodgrass, Richard East, Mad Librarian. E.G. the con from a man calling over the phone WITH AN AUTHORITARIAN VOICE, saying he is with the Police Charity union. I have no proof of who he is in person and I won't give money over the phone.

[@Theseus9-cl7ol]

All Leftism is Con Artistry. The old Jews created it....to trick and deceive. All Collectivism....it has many names from Socialism to Marxism to Communism....it's all the same....Collectivism. It's just a grand trick to destroy a nation, but it by no means is a system to rule and govern a nation, it can't.

[@lukeyznaga7627]

Advantage I have, is I have already been homeless once and am no longer afraid of being homeless and starting from scratch and making an honest comeback. Also....TALK TO OTHERS and get their advice.

[@taepung7426]

I agree, Con Artist will act like they "know" you, and will use the traits you're familiar with to open up for conversations, and then will force you into some Idea's and activities you're not comfortable with, they also will use you as pawns for their personal gain's if you stay connected for too long.

[@BluePiggy]

Thumbs up for this video. This information should be taught as school curricula. People really need to know how to avoid con artists.

[@jackchn23]

Why is the speakers hair so much longer on one side? It's all I can focus on...

[@tubester4567]

wow, its good she has a career after tennis.

[@Derek_Gunn]

Anna Kournikova! Hah har har

[@TheTaquitoProject]

I have an alternate title: Identifying Donald Trump, faith healers, or anyone from the DNC

[@buk6708]

How is Trump a con?

[@TheTaquitoProject]

Bukk Trump "University," contradicting himself on nearly everything, etc.

[@johnburman966]

I used to be a teacher of a meditation which is very beneficial. Once people felt the benefits I could have convinced (sold) them of anything. Just because one thing is true....doesn't mean the rest is.

[@allkindsamusicchick]

I've met my fair share of dishonorable people. Now?? I trust very few...and even at that...there is room for error!!!

[@antininospius]

There are tons of ways to tell if someone is lying to you, it's mostly in the body language.

[@perforongo9078]

I would add a lot more to this. I think she focuses a little too much on everyday cons that overlap with normal, healthy behaviors. Making people like you isn't bad, for instance. My father was a conman. He was like a tornado, he'd leave destruction in his wake every place he went. I also have a few family members who shared his psychopathic traits. I've thought excessively about this topic due to all the negative experiences I've had in my life. Here are a few (much better) signs you're dealing with a conman and a psychopath. Isolation - my father would make sure that everyone in his life hated each other. He'd spread rumors and say that such-and-such person said such-and-such terrible thing about you and sow discord among friends and family. He got angry and offended that people would speak about what he did to them, and he would make appeals to his right to privacy, and call people who spoke about him negatively gossipers. He did this so that people wouldn't communicate and come to a quicker understanding that they were being conned. Isolated people can't see the overall pattern as easily. I suspect this is part of the reason why he moved around so much, he'd gain so many enemies in a particular area that he had to leave town. Repetition - He'd repeat the same lie so many times and so convincingly that people started to believe that it must be true. The Blitzkrieg of Bullshit- He'd cause so much drama so persistently that it would be difficult to keep track of what you were mad at him about. You'd be angry and hurt about one thing, and then before you could process that, he'd come again with yet another thing. Vagueness - he'd be extremely vague and unspecific about the details of what he did, or what other people did- because he knew that if he told the whole truth then no one would ever agree with him. So say, if he got fired yet again from a job, he'd just say, "my boss was just being an asshole", rather than mention what actually happened in full detail (such as, he was fired for showing up to work high, and he stole from his employer). Excessive fragility - He'd act like insults or any means to hold him accountable wounded him far more than they actually did. And the list goes on and on and on and on... but I'll stop here.

[@selenem3384]

you should write a book about narcissists

[@Catlily5]

Beware the isolators. Domestic violence types also isolate their prey.

[@robertshorthill4153]

These religious con artists are the worst. Joel Osteen is a good example. I don't believe in Hell as a place in the afterlife, but there has got to be a special place for these dispicibale individuals.

[@jaredmayo5820]

First notice how much they spend or how many trips they take without a job,then see how large the friends base is buying them things or flipping the tab

[@liquidmantle]

That woman literally has the word "con" in her name. Nominative determinism much?

[@starryniightcharley1350]

jokes on you ima con artist

[@QuangTran27]

A con artist is truly a demon walking among us in mortal plane. Deceiving, manipulative, evil.

[@freddylubin]

If it's too good to be true, it's too good to be true.

[@Ohkeh640]

Yes indeed :(

[@citizendc9]

I've noticed a lot of these tactic's are automatically overcome when you place God first in your life and people second. Even when approached by supposed Godly people, you don't listen to them before communing with God first. This way any baiting or guilting tactics are ignored until God reveals to you what to do.

[@gn2665]

citizendc9 I am happy to see that I a not the only person who’ve noticed how God helps at seeing behind the mask if we give him the opportunity.... the unfortunate thing is that I have also noticed how any “godly people” are real cons... :( God be with you

[@icalotdonthide2646]

YESSSSSS

[@rowzman]

It's quite interesting how many of the concepts she raises here are found in Robert Caldini's book called "Influence." I started reading it to help me with marketing and sales. Quite a good read... I definitely recommend.

[@MP-vf8qz]

If you catch them red handed, try to record it and document it. Then confront them with other people. This can save everyone even discouraging the wrong doer from ever doing it again.🙁 Often cons are very well liked, so this may not work, you may have to press charges or let it go.

[@ste7en777]

what if you find a way to make people miserable while selling joy

[@movieswewant]

Interesting video. Most of these things don't really seem like they should be classified as "cons" though. A con is tricking someone into paying for something they aren't actually ever going to get.

[@seema1181]

As Angela had rightly said to me, "form trust slowly, give it time at least a month's.. for the con to spill some"- unless the con is a seasoned con. lol! Thank you, Maria.

[@autisticgirlawareness7420]

This needs to be taught in schools imagine how many people would be saved of losing all their money from a scam if red flags were taught at schools it'll also be funny with the scammers reactions when they can't scam anyone anymore.

[@davidkatuin4527]

Offsetting the balance of our instinctive values is effective. When we are provoked we tend to balance ourselves instinctively.

[@ganjiblobflankis6581]

Did anyone else get the impression of a magician showing you how the obvious trick was done while keeping the secrets of the really good illusions? "Contributing Writer, The New Yorker" My sophistry senses were tingling throughout. What an awful cynic I am.

[@VittamarFasuthAkbin]

no, not really

[@liamdonaldson3393]

Ganjiblob Flankis LOL

[@rog809]

learned the hard way , Now the big Nope is on my forehead

[@sgtcojonez]

Here in my garage I am offended about the implications of this video. But you know know what I value the most? KNAAAAAAAAWLEDGE!

[@igninis]

or just liking to be an a hole to strangers and pests, helps a lot

[@bfurl69]

How ironic that her name is "Maria 'Kon'nikova".

[@TheChrismsanchez1]

Co workers can be con artists that need to be covered as well.

[@MrJimmysez]

Now this comes out...maybe it could have stopped Trump if it came out sooner!

[@randysmith7045]

Best comment. l still cant believe people still believe in trump. what idiots.

[@chuck1prillaman]

Don't listen to what people say. Watch what they do.

[@Dumass88]

I'm glad i don't help people.

[@SnipeU696]

right.

[@edymasta]

Willingly or by force

[@AngloImperial]

Lmfao niiiice. That'll really change the world boiiiiiiiii

[@frankbraker]

helping people is good. Helping con artists is bad.

[@misterhot9163]

Help people on your terms not theirs. The best you can do for someone is to help them help themselves.

[@c103110a]

I'm an ice cold bastard to anyone that I don't already know. It works every time, because I fail to be a victim.

[@222tweed]

The world has enough ice cold bastards.

[@MrStreetshowkeith]

damn i coulda used seeing this years ago.

[@21LeonidasZ]

In a nutshell, highly agreeable people are more susceptible to con "artists".

[@Ohkeh640]

I wanna start being unagreeable lol

[@ElectrologyNow]

Write a script and keep it simple and to the point ...

[@creaglin1]

As an employer, I know that giving an "exploding offer" is usually because of a necessity and not a con. If you need someone to work, then usually their is an urgency to fill the position. Without time limits people just don't make decisions, and the position is left unfilled. With a time limit, a potential candidate can say no and allow the employer to make other offers. Also, it's pretty dumb to "con" someone to working for you, because if they are not a good fit, then we train someone only for them to leave in a few months. I guess I just think it is a bad example. An infomercial offer of buy now and get..... is a better example.

[@deadsparrow28]

Giving someone 48 hours to consider a job offer is not necessarily a "con" technique. If you need to fill a position, two days is plenty of time for the successful candidate to consider whether or not they really want it.

[@LisaMaryification]

I agree. But asking someone to enter into an agreement or buy something is a con.

[@chrisantoniou4366]

That was a poor example, but putting pressure on someone to do something or that offer, whatever it is, will be withdrawn after a very short period of time, ("Hurry! This offer is only open for the next half hour", "There are other people interested in this property", "If you don't act NOW you will miss out", etc.) is a con.

[@nelsona9381]

i learn to say no most of the time explaining to them my reason and my friends become less. i come to realization that if they're meant for you they will stay if not just accept it and move on.

[@paulmryglod4802]

She looks sensitive to allergies