What are the characteristics of a liar? How did they cheat? How can we prevent being scammed?

1. Characteristics of liars

Most liars are nothing special in appearance. It is usually difficult for a person who has a vulgar image and does not look like a good person to be a liar. But liars do have some similarities in personality traits, such as being cold and ruthless, and completely lacking sympathy for others; another example is narcissism, thinking that they are smart enough, and everyone who is deceived is a fool, and fools should be deceived; At the same time, liars are also good at manipulating people's hearts.

There was a drug addict. After his niece was hit and killed by a school bus, he not only had no sympathy, but also thought this was an opportunity. He took this opportunity to knock on the doors of neighbors in the community and tell every neighbor. After this tragedy, he took out his mobile phone to show them the lively and cute photos of his nephew, which formed a sharp contrast. He used this to manipulate the neighbors and gain their sympathy, and then asked the other party to donate a sum of money to help the nephew's family. This naturally made them sad. Many people gave generously.

When a person has these three personality traits and meets a subjective and objective condition at the same time, there is a high probability that he will become a liar. Objectively, is there an environment for cheating and are there opportunities for cheating, such as a company's finances. If supervision is lax and there are loopholes, then they will be ready to take action; subjectively, is there a reason for cheating, such as lack of money? , being treated unfairly and feeling unfair, etc. A person with criminal tendencies, when he discovers a good opportunity, will find a reason to take action, and may even think that he has to do so. 2. How do scammers commit fraud?

Before committing fraud, scammers will conduct layout through screening and investigation to find target customers. Just like when fishing, bait is used to attract fish to bite the hook.

For example, by sending false advertisements, emails and other information to a large number of people through the Internet, when you reply or click on the link, you become a potential prey of the scammer, and then the scammer will step by step to let you fall into the trap they set.

Another example is to get to know the target prey and proactively provide information that you care about or are interested in to approach you. If you are short of money, he will release some information about making money quickly for you to hear; if you are empty, lonely and cold, he will let handsome guys and beautiful women have clever encounters with you, etc.

After trapping the prey through the layout, the next step is to establish feelings. For example, eating, drinking and having fun, making up stories, showing strength, or using some means to let you taste some sweetness and build trust.

Once you develop a good impression of a liar and gain emotional foundation and trust, you will lose your mind when making decisions, ignore suspicious aspects, and be deceived. 3. Why do people fall into the trap of scammers?

If we use a common saying, it is that "the authorities are confused, but the bystanders are clear". As a bystander, you can see the problem to some extent, but as a person in authority, it is more difficult. From a psychological perspective, there are three main reasons:

First, people usually have a superiority bias. Feel like you are unique, extraordinary, and blessed. We may all know that "there is no free lunch" and have heard the saying "if something seems too good to be true, it is probably false", but if this happens Most of the time, I will have a fluke mentality. Although I do have doubts, I feel that I am good enough and it is indeed possible, or I feel that I am lucky, and I will look for various reasons to rationalize the problematic areas.

Secondly, people are reluctant to give up the sunk costs they have already invested. Some people do find flaws and problems in the scam, but because they have invested too much emotion and money in the early stage, and the sunk cost is too high, it is difficult to get out, and they can only hope that it is true.

Finally, humans are emotional animals and are easily manipulated by emotions. Even a calm-minded person will lose his rational defense line and become more emotional, impulsive, and adventurous when experiencing lonely and helpless moments such as unemployment, divorce, and injury. It is easier to fall prey to scammers. 4. How can ordinary people prevent being cheated?

So as ordinary people, how can we prevent being cheated? Here are four suggestions:

1. Have a clear self-awareness

First of all, you must figure out where the boundaries of your abilities are, and what is beyond your scope and boundaries, Just don't do it. For example, if you don’t have knowledge and insight in finance and investment, don’t expect to make big money relying on the stocks recommended by others. I said in the previous video that the real skill of Charlie Munger and Buffett is to be able to figure out when they are operating in the center of their circle of competence and when they are moving toward the edge.

Secondly, you need to understand when you are most vulnerable and what factors can cause your brain to malfunction. For example, when we are particularly stressed, when we encounter setbacks at work, when family members are sick, etc., at these times we will become fragile and emotional, our brains will malfunction, and we must avoid making major decisions.

Third, you need to figure out which things you are most easily moved by. For example, when someone praises you, you lose your guard and think that the other person is a good person. Another example is when you hear or see that others have the same hobbies or behaviors as you, you feel that the other person is reliable and trustworthy.

Only by having a clear self-understanding of yourself can you stay awake at all times and prevent yourself from falling into the traps of others.

2. Think logically

In life, you must pay more attention to details and conduct logical reasoning through details, so that you can grasp the objective reality, discover unreasonable places, and avoid being deceived. . For example, a person tells you that a stock will rise sharply tomorrow. Since there is such a good thing, why would he tell you?

3. Understand relevant information

Whether you are entering an unfamiliar field or a stranger is trying to get close to you, you must understand the relevant information in advance and take the time to confirm the authenticity of the information. . For example, when a stranger claims to be a friend of your friend, or you have participated in an event together, you should take some time to confirm the information with your friend or the organizer of the event.

4. Set a bottom line

Scammers are always hard to detect. If you want to prevent being cheated or reduce the loss of being cheated, you must set a bottom line every time you take a risk. Set a baseline for yourself. The so-called bottom line is the maximum loss you are willing to bear and can bear. The bottom line can help you resist the encouragement and temptation of others to a certain extent.

In addition, in the face of temptation, you must also pay special attention to traps such as "do it again" or "try it one last time", and always warn yourself: when you have such thoughts, or when others encourage you like this, Pay special attention.