 Briefing Room |
 Criminal Investigations Division |
 Crime Prevention Tips Gateway |
Techniques of a Con Man
I typically got victims from a "local" company that collects and sells names of people who've at some point sent away for information on investments. The key is to become friends with the victim first. I always talked to someone several times before ever asking for a sale. I asked about their life, listened to their stories, kept them company, flattered them. "Norma you couldn't possibly be 75 years young. Why, my wife is 35 and you sound just like she does over the phone!" Once they were my friends and trusted me, I could sell them until they ran out of money.One con was the "living legacy": "We're talking about the opportunity of a lifetime, Norma. I have a friend, Jon Smith, who buys four shares every month. Do you know why? Because he has four grandchildren. He told me just the other day, "Bob, I'm so glad I met you because I know when those kids get those checks after I die, they're going to remember their grandmother! Isn't that what it's all about, Norma?"
But, my most ruthless approach was targeting Alzheimer's patients. I talked to people over a series of days, writing down everything they said. The next day I'd call them back and asked about something specific they had mentioned the day before. If they couldn't remember it, I knew their brain was gone. So on the third day, I'd call and say, "Joe, this is Bob. What's the problem, Joe? Where's the $25,000 you agreed to wire me last night? The oil-well leases? What's wrong, Joe?" Nine times out of ten they sent the money out of embarrassment or insecurity about remembering things.
Did that pitch work? Let's put it this way: It paid for a vacation in the Bahamas ever other week for a year and a half. I made $250,000 a month at one point.
My advise to you, shop in your own backyard instead of over the phone. That way you have some recourse if you have a problem. If you're lonely, get involved in your community. Don't wait for me to call!!
(Bob Johnson *not his real name* ruthlessly ruined the lives of hundreds of Americans, many of them older people, by stealing millions of dollars from them. He ultimately went to jail for selling bogus oil leases and precious metals.)
Briefing Room |
Criminal Investigations Division |
Crime Prevention Tips Gateway |