Talk:Confidence trick
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We should now consider the distinction between a confidence trick and fraud. Is there one? Should we have two articles? Which does Ponzi belong to? What about people like Robert Maxwell? -- The Anome 09:27, 30 May 2004 (UTC)
- Confidence game is essentially a subset of fraud and I there is no clear-cut border between them. One definition I have heard about is that in confidence game, the culprit takes people in their "confidence", offering them "unique opportunity" or "deal they should not miss" and use money they give for his own purposes. The trick is based either on the mark's dishonesty or gullibility. In other forms of fraud like embezzlement, people who are involved with it, usually know exactly what they are doing and they are often financiers, accountants and CEOs who need not to convince anyone. I am sure this explanation breaks down in some level. - Skysmith 10:36, 18 Oct 2004 (UTC)
Also, "The Color of Money", the sequel to "The Hustler".
- Confidence tricks in general exploit the inherent greed and dishonesty of their victims; it has been said by confidence tricksters that it is impossible to con a completely honest man. Often, the mark tries to out-cheat the conmen, only to discover that they have been manipulated into this.
This really seems to be the Hollywood version of con games, which I don't think the article is about (though in fact it's not clear). Real life cheatin' generally isn't quite so romantic. - toh 23:57, 2004 Dec 23 (UTC)
Perhaps someone could add something about the differences between short (i.e. short term, low gain cons, such as "follow the lady") and long cons (i.e. long term, typically more elaborate, higher gain cons). I would but my knowledge of the topic is rather limited.
clear it up...
The pigeon drop scam is poorly written and can be interpreted in a number of ways. Can someone who knows the scam well, write a more clear description of the scam?
More information please
The description of the "Big Store" scam could use a little more detail - for example, it would be nice if it mentioned in passing what a "Big Store" scam actually is, instead of merely referring us to a movie and a book to which we may not actually have any access.