Women and men can both be tricked by a con artist, especially when it comes to matters of the heart. Con artists are master manipulators and narcissistic bullies that prey on individuals that may be lonely, and that have a very trusting nature.
Just because there are con artists on the prowl, does not mean that you should stop being trusting or charitable, it just means that you need to educated on how to protect yourself and your assets.
Con artists are “experts” in gaining the trust of unsuspecting victims. Below, we have outlined some signs to detect, if you may be the target of a scam artist.
Excess flattery and immediate intimacy
If you are lonely and looking for love, you may find it in the arms of a con artist, if you are not careful. Be aware of individuals that you just met that lays on praise and personal concern for your well-being, real thick. In addition, be aware if you are told that you are “THE ONE” and no one, but you, understands them. In reality, it takes more than a few weeks for true feelings of love to develop.
Trust building techniques
In the beginning, to establish trust, con artists will honor small commitments, such as appearing unselfish, and paying back small financial loans. The main purpose of this act is for you to lower your defenses, and begin to trust them completely.
Asking you for Cash
After they have your trust, now comes the time when they will ask for large amounts of cash. The story that they spin will be heart wrenching and compelling. As long as you continue to provide them finances, they will continue to ask for more and more, until you finally wise up – which in many cases can be too late. A person that is scammed may be left financially desolate and heartbroken.
Isolation
Con artists will isolate you from family and friends, who can easily “see the writing on the wall”. This separating technique is done so slowly that you may not notice, until it is too late. Watch out, if you hear the words “Baby, It’s you and me against the world”.
Immediate answers
A scam artist will push you for immediate answers to their request for money, as they don’t want you to consider their request or ask for advise (see “isolation”), as then their plan may be exposed.
If it seems too good to be true – then it probably is
When people are dating, they are usually on their best behavior – this is common and natural. But a scam artist will say they don’t have any flaws, and that they are perfect. No one is without flaws, and a perfect mate is one that admits to personal shortcoming, and is willing to become a better person. Remember, if someone is nice to you, but mean to a server in a restaurant – they are not a nice person, and run as fast as you can.