How Not to Be Conned

Here are some tips from Straight Shooter.net about how not to be taken in by con artists.  

First, beware of the person who says, "I'll never steal from you," when discussing the "plan." That's like saying, "I'll never throw food in your face." If they feel the need to bring this up, it means they are actually imaging the act of throwing food in your face - or stealing from you. Responsible, honest people wouldn't even think the thought.

 Or the person could say "I'll never con you." or "I'll never do you wrong," basically the same thing. Also, a person could say "I'll never spend you tax dollars foolishly." Or "I'll never raise anyone's taxes over $250,000." Or even "My administration will open and transparent." You get the point. 

Second, beware of the person who says, "We're almost there," over and over and over and over, or any variation of this concept, such as "Any day now," "We've got to get this show on the road," "Next month, I'm going to....", "My big check will be here any day"...The con artist will stretch this anticipation out as long as you will tolerate it. When the con man suspects you have finally had enough, he will spring his trap and disappear with your money. 

Or "Just give this government program a chance we just need more tax dollars to make it work." Or how about this one: "If you stick with our party you will get social justice. Just hang in there."

Third, the con artist will attempt to gain control of your thinking so that you won't use your common sense. He may even become belligerent at times in the hopes of intimidating you into compliance. He will never do this at the beginning of the scam before he gains your confidence. He will wait till the end when you are tiring of the excuses or procrastination. He will attempt to make you feel like a traitor to the "cause" or a fool who doesn't have the patience to wait just a little longer to make a lot of money.

Another example is when a president of a country is belligerent toward a TV news network or a group of  Americans protesting high taxes.

Fourth, the essence of a con or scam is that the con artist has nothing to lose and everything to gain and you, the victim, have everything to lose and only the promise of gain. There is no middle ground. Carefully analyze the proposal, "deal", relationship, plan, etc. that the con artist is offering you. What can you lose - your life savings, your job, your reputation, your house, your car, your credit. What can he gain? Possibly, all of the above, except your reputation and your job.

If you are a naive politician that voted for any bill that hurts the US economy you could lose your job too. Especially, if the president doesn't even care if he loses his next election as long as he gets the "change" he wanted. 

There is actually thirteen tips in all but I didn't want to reprint the whole article again. I just wanted to hit the points I thought were important. I hoped you learned something.