Paradoxical Persuasion – A Scammer Psychological Manipulation Technique 2023

Paradoxical Persuasion

A Scammer Psychological Manipulation Technique

Psychology of Scams – A SCARS Insight

Authors:
• Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
• Vianey Gonzalez – Psychologist, Certified Deception Professional, Psychology Advisory Panel & Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

Scammers Learn A Whole Toolkit Full Of Psychological Manipulation Techniques! Paradoxical Persuasion Is One That Can Be Very Effective!

What is Paradoxical Persuasion?

Paradoxical persuasion is a persuasion technique that uses seemingly contradictory or illogical statements to influence people’s beliefs or behavior. It is based on the idea that people are more likely to be persuaded by messages that are unexpected or thought-provoking.

Paradoxical persuasion can be used in a variety of contexts, such as advertising, marketing, and psychotherapy. For example, a company might use paradoxical persuasion to advertise a product by claiming that it is the “best-selling product that nobody buys.” This statement is contradictory, but it is also attention-grabbing and may make people more likely to learn more about the product.

Another example of paradoxical persuasion is the use of reverse psychology. Reverse psychology is a technique where you tell someone to do the opposite of what you want them to do in order to get them to do what you want them to do. For example, a parent might tell their child not to eat their cookies in order to make them want to eat their cookies more.

Paradoxical persuasion can be an effective way to influence people, but it is important to use it carefully. If used incorrectly, it can backfire and make people more resistant to persuasion.

Here are some tips for using paradoxical persuasion effectively:

  • Make sure your message is clear and concise.
  • Be unexpected and thought-provoking.
  • Use humor or irony to make your message more engaging.
  • Be credible and trustworthy.
  • Use paradoxical persuasion sparingly.

It is also important to note that paradoxical persuasion is not a magic bullet. It is only one of many persuasion techniques that are used to influence scam victims.

The Theory behind Paradoxical Persuasion

Paradoxical persuasion is a persuasion technique that uses seemingly contradictory or illogical statements to influence people’s beliefs or behavior. It is based on the idea that people are more likely to be persuaded by messages that are unexpected or thought-provoking.

There are a few different theories about how paradoxical persuasion works. One theory is that it causes people to think more deeply about the issue at hand. When people are presented with a paradoxical statement, they have to stop and think about it in order to make sense of it. This process of thinking can make people more open to persuasion.

Another theory is that paradoxical persuasion works by creating a sense of cognitive dissonance. Cognitive dissonance is a state of discomfort that occurs when people hold two conflicting beliefs or attitudes. When people are presented with a paradoxical statement, it can create a state of cognitive dissonance. In order to reduce this discomfort, people may be more likely to change their beliefs or attitudes to align with the paradoxical statement.

Paradoxical persuasion can also work by appealing to people’s emotions. For example, a paradoxical statement may make people feel curious, amused, or even challenged. These emotions can make people more likely to pay attention to the message and be persuaded by it.

Paradoxical persuasion can have a number of effects on the brain. One effect is that it can increase activity in the prefrontal cortex. The prefrontal cortex is the part of the brain that is responsible for higher-order cognitive functions, such as planning, decision-making, and problem-solving. When the prefrontal cortex is more active, people are more likely to think critically about the information they are presented with and to be persuaded by messages that are well-reasoned.

Another effect of paradoxical persuasion is that it can increase the release of dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that is associated with pleasure and reward. When people are exposed to a paradoxical statement, it can release dopamine in the brain, which can make them more likely to be persuaded by the message.

Paradoxical persuasion can be a very effective way to influence people’s beliefs and behavior.

Examples of how Paradoxical Persuasion works in real life

  1. A parent might tell their child not to eat their cookies in order to make them want to eat their cookies more. This is because the child is more likely to be intrigued by the forbidden fruit and want to do the opposite of what they are told.
  2. A company might advertise a product by claiming that it is the “best-selling product that nobody buys.” This statement is contradictory, but it is also attention-grabbing and may make people more likely to learn more about the product.
  3. A salesperson might tell a customer that they are not trying to sell them anything, even though they are. This can lower the customer’s defenses and make them more receptive to the salesperson’s message.
  4. A therapist might use paradoxical persuasion to help a client with anxiety. For example, the therapist might tell the client to “be more anxious” or to “embrace their anxiety.” This can help the client to see their anxiety in a different light and to reduce their fear of it.
  5. A politician might use paradoxical persuasion to get elected. For example, a politician might say something like, “I’m not a politician. I’m just a regular person who wants to make a difference.” This can make the politician seem more relatable and trustworthy to voters.

How Paradoxical Persuasion is used in the commission of Scams and Fraud

Paradoxical persuasion can be used in the commission of scams and fraud in a number of ways. It is typically used as a part of gaslighting and other methods.

Here are a few examples:

  • To create a sense of urgency. Scammers may use paradoxical persuasion to create a sense of urgency and make their victims feel like they need to act quickly or they will miss out on a great opportunity. For example, a scammer might say something like, “This offer is only available for a limited time, so act now!” or “If you don’t invest in this opportunity today, you’ll regret it tomorrow!”
  • To lower the victim’s defenses. Scammers may use paradoxical persuasion to lower the victim’s defenses and make them more susceptible to being scammed. For example, a scammer might say something like, “I’m not trying to scam you. I’m just trying to help you make money.” or “I’m not like other scammers. I’m honest and trustworthy.”
  • To gain the victim’s trust. Scammers may use paradoxical persuasion to gain the victim’s trust and make them more likely to believe their claims. For example, a scammer might say something like, “I’m not going to ask you for any money upfront. You can trust me.” or “I’m not going to pressure you into anything. You can take your time and think about it.”

Romance scammers use paradoxical persuasion to control their victims in a number of ways, including:

  • Creating a sense of urgency and excitement. Romance scammers often create a sense of urgency and excitement in their victims by telling them that they are in love with them and that they need to be together. They may also tell their victims that they are leaving the country soon or that they are in danger and need money. This sense of urgency can make victims more likely to make rash decisions and give the scammers money or personal information.
  • Isolating their victims from friends and family. Romance scammers often try to isolate their victims from their friends and family. They may do this by making the victims feel like their friends and family don’t understand their relationship or that they are jealous of the victim’s happiness. By isolating their victims, romance scammers can make them more vulnerable to their control. This is a part of the Gaslighting manipulation.
  • Using guilt and shame to manipulate their victims. Romance scammers may use guilt and shame to manipulate their victims into doing what they want. For example, they may tell their victims that they are being selfish or that they don’t love them enough if they don’t give them money or personal information. This can make victims feel ashamed and guilty, and it can make them more likely to comply with the scammer’s demands.
  • Using paradoxical language to keep their victims off balance. Romance scammers often use paradoxical language to keep their victims off balance and to make them more susceptible to persuasion. For example, they may say things like, “I love you, but you have to prove your love for me by sending me money.” or “I trust you, but I need to see your bank account information to make sure you’re not a scammer.” This paradoxical language can make victims confused and disoriented, and it can make them more likely to believe the scammer’s lies.

Here are some specific examples of how romance scammers use paradoxical persuasion:

  • A scammer tells their victim that they are the only person they can trust. This can make the victim feel isolated and dependent on the scammer.
  • A scammer tells their victim that they love them unconditionally, but that they need to prove their love by sending them money. This is a classic example of paradoxical persuasion. It is designed to make the victim feel guilty and ashamed if they don’t send the scammer money.
  • A scammer tells their victim that they are leaving the country soon and that they need money to pay for their travel expenses. This creates a sense of urgency and makes the victim more likely to send the scammer money without thinking twice about it.

Avoiding the Paradoxical Persuasion Technique

It is important to be aware of how paradoxical persuasion is used in scams and fraud.

If you are ever unsure about something, it is always best to err on the side of caution and walk away.

Here are some tips for protecting yourself from scams and fraud:

  • Be skeptical of claims that seem too good to be true.
  • Don’t feel pressured to make a quick decision.
  • Talk to someone you trust about your concerns.
  • Do your research before sending money, investing in anything, or giving out personal information that can be used against you.
Paradoxical Persuasion - The Persuasion Model
Gasslighting - A Scammer Manipulative Technique - on SCARS RomanceScamsNOW.com
Amygdala-Hijack and Romance Scams

SCARS Resources:

Other Cyber Resources

-/ 30 /-

What do you think about this?
Please share your thoughts in a comment below!

SCARS FREE Support & Recovery Program - 4 EVER FREE

Do You Need Support?
Get It Now!

SCARS provides the leading Support & Recovery program for relationship scam victims – completely FREE!

Our managed peer support groups allow victims to talk to other survivors and recover in the most experienced environment possible, for as long as they need. Recovery takes as long as it takes – we put no limits on our support!

SCARS is the most trusted support & education provider in the world. Our team is certified in trauma-informed care, grief counseling, and so much more!

To apply to join our groups visit support.AgainstScams.org

We also offer separate support groups for family & friends too.

SCARS STAR Membership

Become a
SCARS STAR™ Member

SCARS offers memberships in our STAR program, which includes many benefits for a very low annual membership fee!

SCARS STAR Membership benefits include:

  • FREE Counseling or Therapy Benefit from our partner BetterHelp.com
  • Exclusive members-only content & publications
  • Discounts on SCARS Self-Help Books Save
  • And more!

To learn more about the SCARS STAR Membership visit membership.AgainstScams.org

To become a SCARS STAR Member right now visit join.AgainstScams.org

PLEASE SHARE SO OTHERS WILL KNOW

SCARS Publishing Self-Help Recovery Books Available At shop.AgainstScams.org

Scam Victim Self-Help Do-It-Yourself Recovery Books

SCARS Printed Books For Every Scam Survivor From SCARS Publishing

Visit shop.AgainstScams.org

Each is based on our SCARS Team’s 32-plus years of experience.

SCARS Website Visitors receive an Extra 10% Discount
Use Discount Code “romanacescamsnow” at Checkout

Always Report All Scams – Anywhere In The World To:

Go to reporting.AgainstScams.org to learn how

U.S. FTC at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/#/?orgcode=SCARS and SCARS at www.Anyscams.com
Visit reporting.AgainstScams.org to learn more!

FIND SCAMMER PHOTOS ON
ScammerPhotos.com

FIND SCARS ON FACEBOOK
CLICK HERE

Legal Disclaimer:

The content provided on this platform regarding psychological topics is intended solely for educational and entertainment purposes. The publisher makes no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information presented. The content is designed to raise awareness about various psychological subjects, and readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and verify information independently.

The information presented does not constitute professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment of any psychological disorder or disease. It is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Readers are advised to seek the guidance of a licensed medical professional for any questions or concerns related to their mental health.

The publisher disclaims any responsibility for actions taken or not taken based on the content provided. The treatment of psychological issues is a serious matter, and readers should consult with qualified professionals to address their specific circumstances. The content on this platform is not intended to create, and receipt of it does not constitute, a therapist-client relationship.

Interpretation and Definitions

Definitions

For the purposes of this Disclaimer:

  • Company (referred to as either “the Company”, “We”, “Us” or “Our” in this Disclaimer) refers to Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. (registered d.b.a. “SCARS”,) 9561 Fountainbleau Blvd., Suit 602, Miami FL 33172.
  • Service refers to the Website.
  • You means the individual accessing this website, or the company, or other legal entity on behalf of which such individual is accessing or using the Service, as applicable.
  • Website refers to RomanceScamsNOW.com, accessible from https://romancescamsnow.com

Website Disclaimer

The information contained on this website is for general information purposes only.

The Company assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions in the contents of the Service.

In no event shall the Company be liable for any special, direct, indirect, consequential, or incidental damages or any damages whatsoever, whether in an action of contract, negligence or other tort, arising out of or in connection with the use of the Service or the contents of the Service. The Company reserves the right to make additions, deletions, or modifications to the contents on the Service at any time without prior notice.

The Company does not warrant this website in any way.

External Links Disclaimer

This website may contain links to external websites that are not provided or maintained by or in any way affiliated with the Company.

Please note that the Company does not guarantee the accuracy, relevance, timeliness, or completeness of any information on these external websites.

Errors and Omissions Disclaimer

The information given by SCARS is for general guidance on matters of interest only. Even if the Company takes every precaution to ensure that the content of this website is both current and accurate, errors can occur. Plus, given the changing nature of laws, rules, and regulations, there may be delays, omissions, or inaccuracies in the information contained on this website.

SCARS is not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for the results obtained from the use of this information.

Fair Use Disclaimer

SCARS may use copyrighted material that has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. The Company is making such material available for criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, or research.

The Company believes this constitutes a “fair use” of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the United States Copyright law.

If You wish to use copyrighted material from this website for your own purposes that go beyond fair use, You must obtain permission from the copyright owner.

Views Expressed Disclaimer

The Service may contain views and opinions which are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any other author, agency, organization, employer, or company, including SCARS.

Comments published by users are their sole responsibility and the users will take full responsibility, liability, and blame for any libel or litigation that results from something written in or as a direct result of something written in a comment. The Company is not liable for any comment published by users and reserves the right to delete any comment for any reason whatsoever.

No Responsibility Disclaimer

The information on the Service is provided with the understanding that the Company is not herein engaged in rendering legal, accounting, tax, medical or mental health, or other professional advice and services. As such, it should not be used as a substitute for consultation with professional accounting, tax, legal, medical or mental health, or other competent advisers.

In no event shall the Company, its team, board of directors, volunteers, or its suppliers be liable for any special, incidental, indirect, or consequential damages whatsoever arising out of or in connection with your access or use or inability to access or use the Service.

“Use at Your Own Risk” Disclaimer

All information on this website is provided “as is”, with no guarantee of completeness, accuracy, timeliness or of the results obtained from the use of this information, and without warranty of any kind, express or implied, including, but not limited to warranties of performance, merchantability, and fitness for a particular purpose.

SCARS will not be liable to You or anyone else for any decision made or action taken in reliance on the information given by the Service or for any consequential, special, or similar damages, even if advised of the possibility of such damages.

Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Disclaimer, You can contact Us:

  • By email: contact@AgainstScams.org

PLEASE NOTE: Psychology Clarification

The following specific modalities within the practice of psychology are restricted to psychologists appropriately trained in the use of such modalities:

  • Diagnosis: The diagnosis of mental, emotional, or brain disorders and related behaviors.
  • Psychoanalysis: Psychoanalysis is a type of therapy that focuses on helping individuals to understand and resolve unconscious conflicts.
  • Hypnosis: Hypnosis is a state of trance in which individuals are more susceptible to suggestion. It can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including anxiety, depression, and pain.
  • Biofeedback: Biofeedback is a type of therapy that teaches individuals to control their bodily functions, such as heart rate and blood pressure. It can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including stress, anxiety, and pain.
  • Behavioral analysis: Behavioral analysis is a type of therapy that focuses on changing individuals’ behaviors. It is often used to treat conditions such as autism and ADHD.
    Neuropsychology: Neuropsychology is a type of psychology that focuses on the relationship between the brain and behavior. It is often used to assess and treat cognitive impairments caused by brain injuries or diseases.

SCARS and the members of the SCARS Team do not engage in any of the above modalities in relationship to scam victims. SCARS is not a mental healthcare provider and recognizes the importance of professionalism and separation between its work and that of the licensed practice of psychology.

SCARS is an educational provider of generalized self-help information that individuals can use for their own benefit to achieve their own goals related to emotional trauma. SCARS recommends that all scam victims see professional counselors or therapists to help them determine the suitability of any specific information or practices that may help them.

SCARS cannot diagnose or treat any individuals, nor can it state the effectiveness of any educational information that it may provide, regardless of its experience in interacting with traumatized scam victims over time. All information that SCARS provides is purely for general educational purposes to help scam victims become aware of and better understand the topics and to be able to dialog with their counselors or therapists.

It is important that all readers understand these distinctions and that they apply the information that SCARS may publish at their own risk, and should do so only after consulting a licensed psychologist or mental healthcare provider.

SCARS IS A DIGITAL PUBLISHER AND DOES NOT OFFER HEALTH OR MEDICAL ADVICE, LEGAL ADVICE, FINANCIAL ADVICE, OR SERVICES THAT SCARS IS NOT LICENSED OR REGISTERED TO PERFORM.

IF YOU’RE FACING A MEDICAL EMERGENCY, CALL YOUR LOCAL EMERGENCY SERVICES IMMEDIATELY, OR VISIT THE NEAREST EMERGENCY ROOM OR URGENT CARE CENTER. YOU SHOULD CONSULT YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER BEFORE FOLLOWING ANY MEDICALLY RELATED INFORMATION PRESENTED ON OUR PAGES.

ALWAYS CONSULT A LICENSED ATTORNEY FOR ANY ADVICE REGARDING LEGAL MATTERS.

A LICENSED FINANCIAL OR TAX PROFESSIONAL SHOULD BE CONSULTED BEFORE ACTING ON ANY INFORMATION RELATING TO YOUR PERSONAL FINANCES OR TAX RELATED ISSUES AND INFORMATION.

SCARS IS NOT A PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR – WE DO NOT PROVIDE INVESTIGATIVE SERVICES FOR INDIVIDUALS OR BUSINESSES. ANY INVESTIGATIONS THAT SCARS MAY PERFORM IS NOT A SERVICE PROVIDED TO THIRD-PARTIES. INFORMATION REPORTED TO SCARS MAY BE FORWARDED TO LAW ENFORCEMENT AS SCARS SEE FIT AND APPROPRIATE.

This content and other material contained on the website, apps, newsletter, and products (“Content”), is general in nature and for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or financial advice; the Content is not intended to be a substitute for licensed or regulated professional advice. Always consult your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider, lawyer, financial, or tax professional with any questions you may have regarding the educational information contained herein. SCARS makes no guarantees about the efficacy of information described on or in SCARS’ Content. The information contained is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible situations or effects. SCARS does not recommend or endorse any specific professional or care provider, product, service, or other information that may be mentioned in SCARS’ websites, apps, and Content unless explicitly identified as such.

The disclaimers herein are provided on this page for ease of reference. These disclaimers supplement and are a part of SCARS’ website’s Terms of Use. 

All original content is Copyright © 1991 – 2023 Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. (Registered D.B.A SCARS) All Rights Reserved Worldwide & Webwide. Third-party copyrights acknowledge.

U.S. State of Florida Registration Nonprofit (Not for Profit) #N20000011978 [SCARS DBA Registered #G20000137918] – Learn more at www.AgainstScams.org

View the claimed and or registered indicia, service marks, and trademarks of Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc., All Rights Reserved Worldwide

Contact the law firm for the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Incorporated by email at legal@AgainstScams.org

Share This Information - Choose Your Social Media!

Please Leave A Comment - Tell Us What You Think About This!