There are 2 possible characteristics/traits of a potential confidence artist.
1. The first is that he is probably lacking in
morals or
ethics. How he got that way, nobody really knows. Could be a combination of upbringing, family or social influences, bad experiences, frustrations, etc. Education unlkely to be a factor, if you consider the number of degree holders and professionals who have become con artists in some form or other. Sometimes, you can
get an idea of his mindset by reading or hearing what he says,
while he is still annonymous. Cannot stress the latter part enough. Basically he
stands for nothing and the
lack of principles is seen by what he says.
He tends to be more interested in
ostentatious matters, "does this person look good?", "is this car or watch worth buying", etc etc.
2. The second is that he has an "entitlement mentality". What this means is that he thinks he is entitled to the good life in general, and unfortunately, also entitled to scam someone, since well, he is "
entitled" to do so. This mentality could arise from a misguided notion that he is actually very "
good and capable", but because of some misfortune or unfairness or lack of foresight by others, they failed to see his "talents".
You may get to hear his emotional baggage, I emphasize again,
when he thinks he is annonymous.
"My family didn't support me, my mother supported my sister more, my former employers never sent me overseas, I have nothing but bad luck, so-and- so didn't recognise my capability, blah blah blah etc etc etc".
Due to the above 2 factors, his comments tend to be
vitriolic in nature when he believes he is annonymous.
Of course, he will change to becoming as sweet as honey when his identity is known, particularly to his target(s)/mark(s).
You obviously can't afford to be nasty when you want something, right?