SCARS Institute’s Encyclopedia of Scams™ Published Continuously for 25 Years
Scams & Magic – The Setup and Anticipation
Part 9
Understanding the Methods Used by Both Scammers and Magicians to Deceive
Psychology of Scams – A SCARS Insight
Author:
• Tim McGuinness, Ph.D., DFin, MCPO, MAnth – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
Article Abstract
In both magic and relationship scams, the “Setup and Anticipation” phase is pivotal for creating a compelling narrative and managing perceptions. Magicians use this phase to introduce props, characters, or storylines that captivate the audience, building suspense and directing their attention towards specific elements of the trick.
This psychological setup heightens curiosity and engagement, making the audience more susceptible to manipulation. Similarly, scammers craft detailed backstories and future promises to emotionally invest their victims, drawing them into the scam. The anticipation of a positive outcome, such as a romantic relationship or financial gain, creates a cognitive bias, clouding the victim’s judgment and making them more likely to overlook red flags.
This technique’s effectiveness in both magic and scams lies in its ability to create a believable and engaging story that manipulates emotions and expectations, leading to significant consequences for the victim in scams.
The Setup and Anticipation in Magic and Scams
Setup and Anticipation In Magic
The “Setup and Anticipation” phase is a crucial part of any magic trick. This is where the magician lays the groundwork for the trick, building the narrative and setting expectations for the audience. The magician might introduce props, characters, or a storyline that captivates the audience’s interest. This phase serves to engage the audience’s imagination and curiosity, creating a sense of suspense and excitement about what is to come.
The anticipation is carefully crafted to draw the audience into the illusion. The magician may use verbal cues, gestures, or even silence to heighten the sense of anticipation. The audience is led to focus on specific elements of the setup, which may or may not be relevant to the actual trick. This builds a mental picture that the magician can later manipulate to create the illusion of magic.
Psychological Effects in Magic:
The setup and anticipation phase plays a significant role in shaping the audience’s perception. By carefully managing what the audience sees and hears, the magician can direct their attention and expectations. This anticipation creates a mental framework that makes the reveal or twists more surprising and impactful. The psychological effect is a heightened state of curiosity and engagement, making the audience more susceptible to the magician’s manipulations.
Setup and Anticipation In Scams
In relationship scams, the setup and anticipation are similarly crucial. Scammers use this phase to build a believable and compelling story that draws the victim in. This can involve detailed backstories, fabricated personal information, and carefully curated photos or documents. The goal is to create a persona that appears trustworthy and appealing to the victim.
The anticipation is built through promises of a future together, shared dreams, or exciting plans. The scammer might talk about future trips, life together, or business opportunities that require the victim’s investment or participation. This creates an emotional investment, as the victim begins to look forward to these future events and becomes more deeply involved in the scam.
Psychological Effects in Scams:
The psychological impact of the setup and anticipation of scams is profound. The victim becomes emotionally invested in the narrative created by the scammer, often feeling a sense of excitement and hope for the future. This anticipation can cloud their judgment, making them less likely to notice red flags or inconsistencies in the scammer’s story.
As the victim becomes more emotionally involved, their attachment to the scammer or the proposed future increases. This emotional investment makes it harder for the victim to pull away, even when doubts arise. The anticipation of a positive outcome (such as a romantic relationship or financial gain) creates a cognitive bias, where the victim focuses on the potential benefits and downplays the risks or signs of deception.
Comparison and Conclusion:
In both magic and scams, the setup and anticipation are used to create a controlled narrative that guides the audience’s or victim’s perceptions and emotions. In magic, this technique heightens the impact of the trick, creating a sense of wonder and amazement. In scams, it manipulates the victim’s emotions and expectations, drawing them deeper into the scam.
The key to both processes is the creation of a believable and engaging story that captures the audience’s or victim’s attention. This narrative, combined with the anticipation of a positive outcome, can make it challenging for individuals to see through the illusion or deception. In scams, this can lead to significant emotional and financial consequences for the victim, as they are manipulated into making decisions based on a false reality crafted by the scammer.
Continue the SCARS Institute Series on Scams & Magic
- Scams & Magic Part 1 – Understanding Financial Fraud Through The Lense Of Stage Magic Manipulation
- Scams & Magic Part 2 – How Relationship Scammers Use Techniques Similar To Magic Acts
- Scams & Magic Part 3 – The Prestige: The Ultimate Revelation
- Scams & Magic Part 4 – The Misdirection: A Key Element
- Scams & Magic Part 5 – The Backstory Setup: Crafting Believable Narratives
- Scams & Magic Part 6 – The Flourish: Adding Flair And Distraction
- Scams & Magic Part 7 – The Time Pressure: Urgency As A Tool
- Scams & Magic Part 8 – Other Stage Magic Techniques Used In Scams
- Scams & Magic Part 9 – The Setup And Anticipation
- Scams & Magic Part 10 – Patter And Rapport
- Scams & Magic Part 11 – Sleight Of Hand
- Scams & Magic Part 12 – The Misdirection Through Details
- Scams & Magic Part 13 – The Switch: Deception
- Scams & Magic Part 14 – The Controlled Reveal: Crafting Suspense
- Scams & Magic Part 15 – The Clean-Up: Final Acts
- Scams & Magic Part 16 – The Setup Or Pre-Show Work
- Scams & Magic Part 17 – The Build-Up: Crafting Suspense And Anticipation
- Scams & Magic Part 18 – The Turn: A Critical Moment
- Scams & Magic Part 19 – Forcing: Manipulating Choices
- Scams & Magic Part 20 – The Load: Strategic Placement
- Scams & Magic Part 21 – The Vanish: Disappearance Acts
- Scams & Magic Part 22 – Transformation: Shaping Realities
- Scams & Magic Part 23 – Restoration: Rebuilding
- Scams & Magic Part 24 – Stage Magic Glossary
More About Magic and Scams
- Equivocation – The Magician’s Choice – The Arts Of Manipulation
- Psychic Scams – Exploiting Scam Victims’ Cognitive Biases And Magical Thinking
- The Art Of Deception: The Fundamental Principals Of Successful Deceptions
- Paradoxical Persuasion – A Scammer Psychological Manipulation Technique
- Suggestibility – A Victim Vulnerability
More About The Psychology of Magic
- The Psychology Of Illusion: How Magicians Manipulate Your Mind And Perception | Alan Hudson
- Advanced Card Magic Techniques: The Ultimate Guide – Card Tricks
- 100 BEST Magic Tricks Revealed! (Video Tutorials) – Improve Magic
- The Magical Art of Manipulation
- Editorial: The Psychology of Magic and the Magic of Psychology – PMC (nih.gov)
- Psychology, stage magic, and demand characteristics — A.P. Grayson (apgrayson.com)
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Important Information for New Scam Victims
- Please visit www.ScamVictimsSupport.org – a SCARS Website for New Scam Victims & Sextortion Victims
- Enroll in FREE SCARS Scam Survivor’s School now at www.SCARSeducation.org
- Please visit www.ScamPsychology.org – to more fully understand the psychological concepts involved in scams and scam victim recovery
If you are looking for local trauma counselors please visit counseling.AgainstScams.org or join SCARS for our counseling/therapy benefit: membership.AgainstScams.org
If you need to speak with someone now, you can dial 988 or find phone numbers for crisis hotlines all around the world here: www.opencounseling.com/suicide-hotlines
A Note About Labeling!
We often use the term ‘scam victim’ in our articles, but this is a convenience to help those searching for information in search engines like Google. It is just a convenience and has no deeper meaning. If you have come through such an experience, YOU are a Survivor! It was not your fault. You are not alone! Axios!
A Question of Trust
At the SCARS Institute, we invite you to do your own research on the topics we speak about and publish, Our team investigates the subject being discussed, especially when it comes to understanding the scam victims-survivors experience. You can do Google searches but in many cases, you will have to wade through scientific papers and studies. However, remember that biases and perspectives matter and influence the outcome. Regardless, we encourage you to explore these topics as thoroughly as you can for your own awareness.
Statement About Victim Blaming
SCARS Institute articles examine different aspects of the scam victim experience, as well as those who may have been secondary victims. This work focuses on understanding victimization through the science of victimology, including common psychological and behavioral responses. The purpose is to help victims and survivors understand why these crimes occurred, reduce shame and self-blame, strengthen recovery programs and victim opportunities, and lower the risk of future victimization.
At times, these discussions may sound uncomfortable, overwhelming, or may be mistaken for blame. They are not. Scam victims are never blamed. Our goal is to explain the mechanisms of deception and the human responses that scammers exploit, and the processes that occur after the scam ends, so victims can better understand what happened to them and why it felt convincing at the time, and what the path looks like going forward.
Articles that address the psychology, neurology, physiology, and other characteristics of scams and the victim experience recognize that all people share cognitive and emotional traits that can be manipulated under the right conditions. These characteristics are not flaws. They are normal human functions that criminals deliberately exploit. Victims typically have little awareness of these mechanisms while a scam is unfolding and a very limited ability to control them. Awareness often comes only after the harm has occurred.
By explaining these processes, these articles help victims make sense of their experiences, understand common post-scam reactions, and identify ways to protect themselves moving forward. This knowledge supports recovery by replacing confusion and self-blame with clarity, context, and self-compassion.
Additional educational material on these topics is available at ScamPsychology.org – ScamsNOW.com and other SCARS Institute websites.
Psychology Disclaimer:
All articles about psychology and the human brain on this website are for information & education only
The information provided in this article is intended for educational and self-help purposes only and should not be construed as a substitute for professional therapy or counseling.
While any self-help techniques outlined herein may be beneficial for scam victims seeking to recover from their experience and move towards recovery, it is important to consult with a qualified mental health professional before initiating any course of action. Each individual’s experience and needs are unique, and what works for one person may not be suitable for another.
Additionally, any approach may not be appropriate for individuals with certain pre-existing mental health conditions or trauma histories. It is advisable to seek guidance from a licensed therapist or counselor who can provide personalized support, guidance, and treatment tailored to your specific needs.
If you are experiencing significant distress or emotional difficulties related to a scam or other traumatic event, please consult your doctor or mental health provider for appropriate care and support.
Also read our SCARS Institute Statement about Professional Care for Scam Victims – click here to go to our ScamsNOW.com website.
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