Oceans Eleven The Movie

 ​Con artists often adhere to an informal set of principles—unwritten "codes"—that guide their deceptive practices. These codes, derived from historical accounts and analyses of confidence schemes, provide insight into the psychological tactics employed by con artists.​

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🎭 The Con Artist's Code: Core Principles

These principles, sometimes referred to as "commandments," are drawn from various sources, including the writings of renowned con artists and analyses by experts:​

1. Be a Patient Listener
   Effective con artists prioritize listening over speaking. By attentively listening, they gather valuable information to tailor their approach to the victim's interests and vulnerabilities.

2. Never Pry into Personal Circumstances
   Instead of directly inquiring about personal details, con artists allow individuals to volunteer information, fostering a sense of trust and openness.

3. Avoid Boasting
   Maintaining an air of modesty and letting one's perceived importance speak for itself helps in building credibility and avoiding suspicion.

4. Mirror Beliefs and Opinions
   Con artists often align themselves with the victim's political and religious views, creating a sense of shared identity and trust.

5. Dress and Act the Part
   Presenting oneself in a manner that aligns with the victim's expectations—whether through attire or behavior—enhances the con artist's credibility.

6. Exploit Emotional Triggers
   By tapping into emotions such as greed, fear, or urgency, con artists manipulate victims into making impulsive decisions.

7. Use Social Proof and Authority
   Involving accomplices or referencing authoritative figures and institutions lends legitimacy to the scheme and persuades the victim of its authenticity.

8. Maintain Control of the Narrative
   Con artists steer conversations and situations to prevent the victim from seeking external advice or verification, thereby maintaining the illusion.

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🧠 The Anatomy of a Confidence Trick

Understanding the typical stages of a con can further illuminate the con artist's methodology:​Wikipedia

1. Foundation Work: Preparation, including research and planning.​

2. Approach: Initial contact with the victim.​Wikipedia

3. Build-Up: Presenting an opportunity to the victim.​

4. Pay-Off or Convincer: Providing a small reward to gain trust.​NASA A+1Wikipedia+1

5. The Hurrah: Creating a sense of urgency to prompt action.​

6. The In-and-In: Using accomplices to reinforce the scheme's legitimacy. ​Wikipedia

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These principles and stages are not codified laws but rather observed patterns that have been documented in studies of fraudulent behavior. They serve as a framework for understanding how con artists manipulate and deceive their victims.