Phantom Fixation — Just One of the Weapons Used by Fraudsters

AARP has a fabulous video, using the voices of brave victims, to examine the Weapons of Fraud employed by con artists.  The speakers span all ages (in fact, I think I saw a Penn State logo on one of the candid, younger victims), and thus the clear message is that anyone can be a risk. 

The short (about 15 minute) and intriguing video seeks to inoculate viewers from the risk factors of the pitch. as discussed further on Boston College’s Squared Away Blog.  

I think one of the most useful parts of this video is identifying and naming the ways that standard marketing tactics are magnified and used to persuade individuals to participate in the con. The techniques include establishing a “phantom fixation,” through promise of a sudden windfall that will be available to you  and only you… if you just talk to them long enough (oh, and yes, send them money). 

Law students will also appreciate the example of the “Miracle Shim” to demonstrate misuse of “social proof,” “authority,” and  fake “scarcity,” and other techniques. 

Hat tip to ElderLawGuy Jeff Marshall, Esq. for these links.