Confidence Tricksters
| Published date | 01 October 1931 |
| Author | R. Morrish |
| Date | 01 October 1931 |
| DOI | 10.1177/0032258X3100400407 |
| Subject Matter | Article |
Confidence
Tricksters
BY
DETECTIVE-INSPECTOR
R.
MORRISH
T
must appear strange to those who are not fully conversant
I
with the personality and methods of operation of confidence
tricksters, that
so
many members of the public continue year
after year to be victimized by such rogues.
It
is stranger still
when we know that many of the victims have at some time or
another been warned against this particular class of crime.
In
order to evade the numerous traps set by these crimi-
nals, however,
it
is necessary not only to be ultra-cautious,
but to understand thoroughly the many types of person to be
met with whilst travelling
in
England and abroad.
In the first place we have to recognize that the manner of
approaching the intended victim on the part of the tricksters
is
one
of
entire innocence and apparent nonchalance. There
is
no type of criminal in the world
so
able as the confidence
trickster to mask his real intentions. The qualifications of
these men vary, and they are used to full advantage as occasion
demands.
So
far as can be judged by the outward appearance,
one type is immaculately dressed, and has acquired the pecu-
liarities of, and generally affects to be a well-bred gentleman.
He has travelled widely, and being well informed, he is able
to convince his dupes that he is acquainted with those cities
and towns from which they emanate. He is often able to con-
verse fluently in French and German.
One of his confederates is described as of a very open
countenance. He represents himself to be a cattle rancher
from one of the colonies, and having prospered in life, he is
taking a good holiday by touring various parts of the world.
He is able to supply himself with all the good things in life,
and
if
necessary to pay the incidental expenses of those with
whom he is careful to associate.
543
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