Flim Flam Man: How Con Games Work

There's a sucker born every minute—or so you've heard. But showman P. T. Barnum's cynical appraisal of man's gullibility couldn't possibly apply to you. Or could it?
Thriving on a person's emotions and vulnerability—and desire to make a quick buck—the con man can make anyone his victim. And that victim can be from every walk of life: corporate executive, minister, national politico, attorney general, farm boy or man on the street. From the sports or rock super star to the senior citizen struggling to make ends meet on a scant fixed income, the con artist is quick to mesmerize and fleece his victim.
Using the principles common to all successful scams, the con man has brought investments in worthless oil-lease lands, precious metals and elaborate distributorships to pinnacles of sophistication. The telephone and computer—along with his gift of gab—are his tools.
By coincidence or design, a con man knows just when to catch you in your weakest moment and relieve you of your cash. No one is immune—not even the con man himself.