Confidence trick

A confidence trick (synonyms include confidence game, confidence scheme, scam and stratagem) is an attempt to defraud a person or group after first gaining their confidence, used in the classical sense of trust. Confidence tricks exploit characteristics of the human psyche such as dishonesty, honesty, vanity, compassion, credulity, irresponsibility, naïveté and greed.

Terminology

The perpetrator of a confidence trick (or "con trick") is often referred to as a confidence (or "con") man, con-artist, or a "grifter". The first known usage of the term "confidence man" in English was in 1849 by the New York City press, during the trial of William Thompson. Thompson chatted with strangers until he asked if they had the confidence to lend him their watches, whereupon he would walk off with the watch. He was captured when a victim recognized him on the street.

A confidence trick is also known as a con game, a con, a scam, a grift, a hustle, a bunko (or bunco), a swindle, a flimflam, a gaffle or a bamboozle. The intended victims are known as "marks", "suckers", or "gulls" (i.e. gullible). When accomplices are employed, they are known as shills.

Scammers (band)

Scammers is an American electronic pop act, currently residing in Los Angeles, California.

Phil Diamond began Scammers in 2010 while living at the Pistol Social Club in Kansas City, Missouri. Initially a rock duo, Scammers has since gone through several line-up and stylistic changes, most notably the abandonment of support roles and Diamond's reliance on electronic instruments to make Scammers' current sound.

In 2012, Scammers released their third album, Magic Carpet Ride, on the Chicago-based record label, Lillerne Tapes. A concept album based on the themes found in Disney's Aladdin, Magic Carpet Ride found the band their first critical success, garnering write ups in music magazines such as Decoder,Impose Magazine,Suave Citation,Cassette Gods and many more. Shortly after the release, the Boston Phoenix called Scammers 'Best New Band from Missouri' in their 50 states / 50 bands feature.

In 2013, Scammers released their fourth album, Conventions, on Danish record label Skrot Up, immediately following it with a fifth, Philipglasscandy.