Maria Konnikova, a journalist, psychologist, and best-selling author, joins to delve into the fascinating world of swindlers and deception. They analyze the gripping story of Professor Paul Frampton, who unwittingly becomes involved in a drug smuggling scheme due to an online romance. The conversation covers the psychological mechanics behind con artists, highlighting how trust and emotional vulnerability can cloud judgment. They also touch upon art fraud, showcasing the bizarre lengths people go to justify their beliefs and the perils of misplaced trust.
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The Paul Frampton Scam
Paul Frampton, a physicist, fell for an online romance scam involving a fake swimwear model, Denise Milani.
He was asked to carry a suitcase, which contained drugs, leading to his arrest.
insights INSIGHT
Exploiting the Need to Feel Special
Con artists exploit people's desire to feel special by mirroring their hopes and biases.
This manipulation makes the victim believe the con artist's version of reality.
question_answer ANECDOTE
The Suitcase and the Warning
In La Paz, Frampton receives a message from the fake Milani, asking him to pick up a nondescript suitcase.
Despite a friend's warning about potential drugs, Frampton dismisses it, believing Milani wouldn't do that.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
In 'The Biggest Bluff', Maria Konnikova recounts her transformation from a poker novice to a champion under the mentorship of Erik Seidel. The book delves into the psychological aspects of poker, highlighting lessons on self-awareness, decision-making, and the interplay between skill and chance. Konnikova's journey offers insights into human nature and personal growth, making it a compelling read beyond the realm of poker.
The Mastermind
Drugs. Empire. Murder. Betrayal
\"Evan Ratliff\"
The book tells the true story of Paul Le Roux, who created a 21st Century cartel involving prescription drugs, cocaine trafficking, weapons deals, and other criminal activities. Award-winning journalist Evan Ratliff spent four years investigating Le Roux's empire, conducting hundreds of interviews and uncovering thousands of documents. The story details the decade-long global manhunt that finally led to Le Roux's arrest and his subsequent cooperation with the Justice Department to bring down his own organization.
The confidence game
Why We Fall for It . . . Every Time
Maria Konnikova
In 'The Confidence Game', Maria Konnikova delves into the world of con artists, examining why these individuals are successful and why people consistently fall for their schemes. The book covers a range of cons, from multimillion-dollar Ponzi schemes to small-time frauds, using scientific, dramatic, and psychological perspectives. Konnikova explains how con artists exploit human psychology, creating trust, empathy, and rapport to manipulate their victims. She also discusses the common traits of con artists, such as a Machiavellian attitude, nonchalance, and narcissism, and how these traits often lead to their downfall. The book highlights how our own desires and need to believe can make us complicit in our own deception, and it provides insights into the psychology behind why we fall for scams and how our sense of truth can be manipulated.
The Autobiography of Howard Hughes
Clifford Irving
Cautionary Conversation: Celebrated physicist Professor Paul Frampton was on his way to Brussels to meet the love of his life, swimwear model Denise Milani. Or so he thought. When he found himself in jail, he realized he’d fallen prey to a confidence trickster.
Tim Harford is joined by Maria Konnikova - journalist, psychologist and best-selling author - to talk about swindlers: what motivates them; what they look for in their victims; and how to avoid being conned altogether.
Listener questions
Tim is taking your questions. Do you have any queries about one of the stories we've covered? Are you curious about how we make the show? Send in your questions, however big or small, and Tim will do his best to answer them in a special Q&A episode.
You can email your question to tales@pushkin.fm or leave a voice note at 914-984-7650. That's a US number, so please be aware that if you're calling from outside the US international rates will apply.
Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford 
