I've decided to share this nice list of common telemarketer psychological tactics. Trolls generally don't have anything to sell you, so clearly these people have just been labeled incorrectly:
The original, unedited, article can be found here:
http://dclibrary.org/seniors/safety/telemarketing/tactics , and I've edited it for usage here.
Five Main Telemarketing Tactics
The Scarcity Tactic
A con artist using the scarcity tactic relies on the target’s desire for a product that the fraudster says is in short supply.
Fraudster: “If you don’t act now, I can’t guarantee this offer will last. It may expire any moment. You’d better act right now.”
Fresh BTCTalk Poster: “No, I’ll wait and see. Send me an email. I’ll look the offer over and if it still looks good, I’ll buy it on the exchange.”
Remember, it isn’t rude, it’s shrewd.
The Authority Tactic
When using this technique, the criminal first establishes an aura of authority over the intended victim, then proceeds to browbeat the target. The goal is to bully the target into buying into a scheme that isn’t in his or her interest.
Fraudster: “Listen to me, Mary. Like I said, you’re a bright person, you know the law. You’d better buy this coin now or I can’t tell what
will happen to you. You might end up in jail. Rules are rules, you know. I can help you only so much.”
Fresh BTCTalk Poster: “I know enough about the law to know not to talk with you. If it were really a prize there wouldn’t be a fee. I don’t like your attitude. Don’t call me back. Goodbye!”
Remember, it isn’t rude, it’s shrewd.
The Reciprocity Tactic
When using this tactic, the con artist relies on a sympathetic reaction from the target. Essentially, the pitch is that if the target doesn’t buy into the criminal’s scheme, then the con artist—often posting as a sockpuppet, developer, or hero member—won’t get a commission or some other type of reward.
Fraudster: “Harry, let’s work this out for both of us. I work strictly on commission. If you don’t buy this coin/IPO, I won’t make any
money. But I know things are tough at your end too. How about if I do something nice for you, and you do something nice for me? Since you
can’t afford the $2,000 purchase price, I’ll start an IPO you can pay only $1,000. That way, we’ll both make out.”
Fresh BTCTalk Poster: “Sorry about your commission, but I’m not going to send you any money. I need to see your offer in writing so I can decide whether it’s worth all that you say it is. Email me the offer and, if I’m interested, I’ll get back in touch with you.”
Remember, it isn’t rude, it’s shrewd
The Social Proof Tactic
The social proof technique relies on the target’s need to belong and is especially effective on fellow posters who are alone. The technique is based on making the target feel that if everyone is doing something, then it must be good. Basically, the pitch is that everyone is taking part in this particular scheme—so why doesn’t the intended victim?
Fraudster: “Everyone’s buying one of these coins/shares in China. Right down the street from you, Mrs. Jones has bought one. And I just got off the phone with Mr. Smith on Maple Street. He’s buying too. There’ll be lots of people there, all of them just like you. So let’s get you signed up now. All you need to do is give me a Bitcoin so I can get your reservation deposit right now.”
Fresh BTCTalk Poster: “No thanks. I’m not about to jump on the bandwagon. And I’d never give out my Bitcoin to someone I don’t know. Sorry!”
Remember, it isn’t rude, it’s shrewd.
Other tactics:
Phantom fixation, where the scammer offers a prize or reward so great that it is “too good” to pass up.
Similarity, where the scammer convinces the intended victim that they both have the same values
Consistency, where the scammer uses the target’s own words against
the victim to convince him or her that what the target is describing is exactly what the scammer is selling
Contrast, where the scammer compares his or her product to
ones the target is familiar with. Of course, the scammer tells the
intended victim that his or her product is a much better value, but in reality, it isn’t. Always keep in mind that these con artists are a heartless bunch. ... They’ll even blame their victims for falling for their con.
One I'd like to add:
1. Using what would normally be confirmation bias, and representing made up personal opinions as fact. This has the effect of making statements that would otherwise have no emotional attachment have emotional attachment. The idea is to make you realize you have emotions about this product that they're trying to sell you .. then convince you the only reason you have emotions is because you want to buy what they're selling.
The goal is to first convert people who then will do the proselytizing job for them.
