I’m no genius but I can usually get a hint when someone is trying to pull a fast one. I’m not always right on it and I can be very dupable if the deception falls in line with what I want to believe. Good deception always includes some truth in it. Maybe it’s a matter of what we don’t want to believe that sets us up as suckers or an easy mark. Some people feel intimaidated by confidence, others by education, money or stature. I’m sure the fear of doubting those who are supposed to be more knowledgeable can also be a factor.
One thing that enables a deception is denying common sense. The con can make any far-fetched claim somehow sound believable. Stretch the truth until it’s ready to snap and the victim will rush to rescue the liar when the con’s hurt shows from the victim’s waning loyalty. Another effective method is to shame or insult someone into submission.
It’s a matter of being played for a fool. The manipulation of the victim’s feelings cover a wide range of guilt, false compliments, laying out breadcrumbs so the dupe will proudly discover the prize at the end of the trail.
Do you ever bother to question the value of the goal and whether or not you’re being duped into pursuing something totally false?
Do you ever stop to consider how gullible you are?
