The Big Con: The Story of the Confidence Man

by David W. Maurer

It is not intelligence but integrity which determines whether or not a man is a good mark.

once a man admits complete and unshakable faith in his own integrity, he is in an excellent frame of mind to be approached by con men. The larceny begins to percolate ever so gently, and by the time it reaches the boiling point, he is helpless to cope with it—even assuming that he sincerely wishes to do so.

He has been telling other people what to do for so long that he knows he can’t be wrong.”

“Never interrupt a fink while he is talking. Be a good listener and he will immediately conclude that you are a young man of some note.