Today we share with you 7 most common scam tricks. They expect you even in the ordinary clothing stores. Do not get trapped.
1. The rule of mutual exchange
Explanation: the manipulator offers you a “gift” and then offers to buy something or take some action. An automatic reaction forces you to agree to the proposal, even if the size of your expenses is clearly inadequate to the gift made.
An example: Krishnas on the street will not ask you for a direct donation – first, they will give you a flower or a book (an absolutely useless one), and then they will say that you can make a donation in return.
2. Agreeing to a discount
The way of manipulation: the manipulator clearly announces an excessive price demand and then “agrees to make a discount”, while the true goal is just to make you buy something. You feel the need to agree which is based on the mutual exchange rules because you feel you have been done a favor.
An example: expensive boutiques first declare high prices and then announce discounts.
3. Commitment and consistency
Explanation: you are urged to do something, which logically results in the subsequent action desired by the manipulator.
An example: filling in the form “I would buy such a product at such a cost,” having a test drive of a car that assumes its subsequent purchase, issuing badges “I vote for candidate X” before the elections, etc.
4. The principle of social proof
Explanation: according to this principle, we consider the behavior that other people often show in a similar situation as the only correct one.
An example: phrases in advertisements like “millions of people have already tried product X”, “hundreds of reviews on our website,” etc.
5. Benevolence
Explanation: we most willingly agree to comply with the requirements of the people we know or whom we like.
An example: the seller of some unnecessary lumber says: “Your friend X advised me to address you.” The advertising specifically relies on the names of the beautiful and famous.
6. Obedience to authority
Explanation: in the process of education, people acquire the habit of obedience to authority, and this habit is very resistant and completely unconscious.
An example: Dr. House advertising a cure or something related to medicine. Although the actor does not know beans about medicine, many people will stupidly follow his authoritative advice.
7. Deficiency principle
Explanation: something that is rare or inaccessible seems valuable to us. The less common this thing is, the more valuable it seems. People are also more likely to avoid losing what they already possess than buying something new.
An example: “if you pay for the 12-hour training, you will receive a 25% discount,” “the number of the new iPhone 5 items is limited”. Thus you can increase the price by two to three times.
