CONFIDENCE GAME Meaning and
Definition
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A confidence game, also known as a con game or a scam, is a form of deceptive activity or fraud where individuals or groups manipulate and exploit the trust and confidence of others in order to gain their money, possessions, or personal information. It involves the perpetrator, commonly referred to as a con artist or a grifter, establishing trust and building rapport with the victim through charm, persuasion, or deception.
The confidence game typically follows a specific pattern, consisting of three essential elements: the setup, the play, and the payoff. In the setup phase, the con artist identifies a target and gathers information to assess vulnerabilities, desires, or weaknesses that can be exploited later. During the play phase, the confidence artist designs an elaborate scenario, often using false identities, expert language, or intricate props to convince the victim of an opportunity, investment, or a way to gain significant benefits. Finally, in the payoff phase, the con artist exploits the trust established and convinces the victim to part with money, valuables, or sensitive personal information.
The success of a confidence game heavily depends on the manipulation of the victim's trust and emotions, exploiting their desire for financial gain, love, or prestige. The victims may be left not only in financial ruin but also feeling humiliated and violated. Confidence games can take various forms, such as pyramid schemes, Ponzi schemes, fake charities, phishing scams, or romance scams.
To protect oneself from falling victim to a confidence game, it is crucial to maintain a healthy level of skepticism, be cautious when providing personal information or making financial commitments, and stay informed about common scams and fraudulent tactics.
Common Misspellings for CONFIDENCE GAME
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Etymology of CONFIDENCE GAME
The term "confidence game" originates from the early 19th century and can be traced back to the word "confidence" combined with "game". Here's a breakdown of the etymology:
- Confidence: This word comes from the Latin "confidentia", which means "trust" or "reliance". It is derived from the Latin word "confidere", which translates to "to have full trust or reliance".
- Game: The word "game" in this context refers to a particular type of activity or contest. It dates back to the Middle English word "game", which means "amusement" or "fun".
Putting these components together, the term "confidence game" essentially refers to a scheme or swindle that relies on gaining someone's trust or confidence in order to deceive them. It is commonly associated with frauds, scams, or con tricks.
Idioms with the word CONFIDENCE GAME
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confidence game
A confidence game is a scam or scheme in which a person gains the trust of someone in order to manipulate or deceive them for personal gain.
Similar spelling words for CONFIDENCE GAME
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