Variations of traditional confidence games, such as “get rich quick” pyramid schemes, fictitious charities, and unsolicited e-mails announcing a free trip, have become commonplace. “The Con” The confidence scam remains an enduring feature of human civilization, which seems to manufacture suckers at the proverbial rate of one a minute. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). The reasons for this are largely psychological in nature and are due to roots deep within the human psychological structure. We read every chapter, identify the key takeaways and analyze them for your convenience. This is about how to spot a conman and how con artists trick otherwise smart people. To see what your friends thought of this book, Summary of The Confidence Game: by Maria Konnikova | Includes Analysis. Corrections? According to journalist Maria Konnikova, confidence men, or scam artists, are intuitive psychologists who know how to take advantage of people in situations of insecurity or uncertainty. European legal codes and their…. Are you spending this season bundling up against the chill or enjoying summery southern hemisphere vibes (in which case we are... Summary of The Confidence Game by Maria Konnikova | Includes Analysis. Confidence games continue to flourish, primarily because prominent victims rarely report them, for fear of being prosecuted for their own complicity in a criminal activity. When he has reached the point at which he is convinced that additional investment will bring him a substantial win, or a “killing,” the mark is persuaded to leave the game in order to obtain money or documents conveying title to property. Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox. They are able to read people q, The Confidence Game is a nonfiction examination of con games. We read every chapter, summarize and analyze it for your convenience. It considers both the minds and methods of con artists and the minds and weaknesses of the people who fall victim to their schemes. According to journalist Maria Konnikova, confidence men, or scam artists, are intuitive psychologists who know how to take advantage of people in situations of insecurity or uncertainty. When he returns and places his bet, his luck suddenly changes, and his fortune disappears in a matter of minutes. The inside man advances the mark’s funds, and he is allowed to win with uncanny regularity. There is very little doubt that this will ever change. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... Save 50% off a Britannica Premium subscription and gain access to exclusive content. In its most highly developed form, the confidence game, which has generated its own jargon, victimizes wealthy and prominent individuals. By the early 1900s, payoffs of as much as $100,000 attracted the interest of racketeers, particularly in the U.S. More elaborate schemes were devised in order to exploit sophisticated and wealthy victims. Like so many other things like war and taxes, the people that run con games have always been part of human societies. Confidence Game summary and study guide are also available on the mobile version of the website. The Confidence Game. March 2nd 2016 Updates? I thought it was a fascinating idea for a villain or plot point in one of my books -- basically, someone is conning the main character the whole time, showing how easy it is to get conned and basically teaching readers how to spot it. With Instaread, you can get the summary and analysis of a book in 15 minutes. As soon as the mark committed a large amount of money, sometimes as much as $250,000, the operators disappeared. Black Friday Sale! The Confidence Game is a nonfiction examination of con games. This book contains 7338 words. In its most highly developed form, the confidence game, which has generated its own jargon, victimizes wealthy and prominent individuals. Confidence game, any elaborate swindling operation in which advantage is taken of the confidence the victim reposes in the swindler. In a typical scheme, an “inside man” induces the victim, or “mark,” into a dishonest gambling establishment. By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica. It considers both the minds and methods of con artists and the minds and weaknesses of the people who fall victim to their schemes. This book is not yet featured on Listopia. The game itself took on more complicated and convincing formats. With Instaread, you can get the key takeaways, summary and analysis of a book in 15 minutes. With an average reading speed of 420 words per … Con artists are some of the most intuitive psychologists in the world. Omissions? Refresh and try again. Just a moment while we sign you in to your Goodreads account. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of, Published Start by marking “Summary of The Confidence Game: by Maria Konnikova | Includes Analysis” as Want to Read: Error rating book. While the book is not a how-to for avoiding scams, understanding the underlying basis for confidence games will nonetheless help the aware to recognize them—hopefully. Be the first to ask a question about Summary of The Confidence Game. Some countries have created a statutory offense of this name, though the elements of the crime have never been clearly defined by legislation, and the scope of proscribed behaviour remains subject to varying interpretations among jurisdictions. Con artists are some of the most intuitive psychologists in the world. So get hooked on and start relishing Confidence Game overview and detailed summary. It considers both the minds and methods of con artists and the minds and weaknesses of the people who fall victim to their schemes. While the book is not a how-to for avoiding scams, understanding the. In a typical scheme, an “inside man” induces the victim, or “mark,” into a dishonest gambling establishment. Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. Heat Up the Holidays with These 27 Winter Romances. A popular swindle, known as past posting, required a dummy telegraph office that was used to persuade the mark that horse-race results could be delayed long enough for him to bet on the winner after the race was won. There are no discussion topics on this book yet. In 1966, Stanford University psychologists Jonathan Freeman and Scott Fraser observed an interesting phenomenon in their experiments: someone who has already agreed to a small request—like opening the door for you—would become more, not less, likely to agree to a … by Instaread. They are able to read people quickly and easily. Whether the con is a three-card Monte game on a New York sidewalk, a psychic’s money-grubbing ruse or Bernie Madoff’s billion-dollar investment swindle, victims never wise up. There, the mark sees decoys, or “shills,” who appear to be making big winnings. Could even have a less trustworthy character trying to warn her/be the trustworthy one. Con artists are some of the most intuitive psychologists in the world.