“You become susceptible to fraud when your greed outpaces your logic.” -Greg Williams, The Master Negotiator & Body Language Expert (Click to Tweet)
“This Is How To Detect Fraud In Negotiations Easily”
People don’t realize; they’re always negotiating.
I’ve heard some negotiators say all is fair in love, war, and negotiations. And some of them will stop just short of fraud to obtain a favorable outcome. Others will outright attempt to defraud you. The latter negotiator types are the ones whose shenanigans you must be alert to – they’re the ones that can leave you financially and emotionally devastated.
They’re signs to observe, in both the spoken and written words, that someone uses, that can serve as a forerunner announcing their pending trickeries. Take note of the following. You’ll see what I mean. You’ll also discover how to detect fraud to protect yourself from those that attempt to defraud you in your negotiations.
Spoken Words
“That’s not how we talk around here.” When you hear the usage of words that’s outside of your daily environment, take note. While you may be unaccustomed to hearing someone use certain words, or speak in a particular manner, if you sense something’s not right, pay attention to your senses. They’re warning you to become alert. Something may be afoot that requires your full attention. Lending your attention to it can prevent you from becoming someone’s mark.
The words someone uses when they speak gives insights about their background, the geographical area they’re from, and their level of education. That’s why giving special attention to the words someone uses is so important. As an example, in the U.S., some people will call a soft drink a soda. In other parts of the country, others say it’s pop. So, if someone was attempting to convince you that they grew up in an area that called a soft drink pop, and they continuously referred to it as soda, your antenna should heighten. It could be the sign that something’s not right.
Remember, fraud has many components. And once pieces are assembled successfully by a negotiator, the mark (you) becomes more susceptible to believing the story that’s told. Depending on where you are in the negotiation process, you may want to consider the information more significantly than at other points. That’s all the more reason to reflect on the pieces of a negotiator’s story to assess it’s believability. To evaluate it, deconstruct the information you’ve heard and appraise its logic and sensibleness.
Written Words
Written words can disclose a lot about a person attempting to commit fraud. You’ll recall I state, you’re always negotiating. That’s important to remember because you shape your thinking about a negotiation before you enter into it. Observe the email that follows. I’ll dissect it.
BANK.U.S.A (specific bank name mentioned – but I chose not disclose it)
2301 E Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78741,United States. (the real address is real)
Unclaimed Asset/Assets Re-united,
USA International Remittance Department (no such department at location)
Tel: +1 (512) 45566604 (too many numbers in phone number)
Fax: +1 (512) 4567665 (not correct fax number)
Our Ref: BR/102/0005B/90 (meaningless)
URGENT TRANSFER OF YOUR US$4,500,000.00 (Say what!!!)
Attention Beneficiary (Notice name is missing)
In fight against corruption in the Banking system and in pursuit to re-build a good relationship with foreigners by the President of the United States of America.
We wish to inform you that every files and reports concerning international payment of all the foreign beneficiaries was brought to my office in the Order and instruction of the U.S Department of States and U.S Department of Treasury.
I must confess that i shared tears after seeing your unclaimed and uncompleted transactions, It was a national slap and a disgrace to this Country after noticing that your have paid for all the fee to receive your fund but your funds never got to your bank account because of the selfish interest of the banks and Individuals mandated to transfer and release your fund to your bank account.
The U.S Department of States and U.S Department of Treasury has approved a compensation payment of US $4,500,000.00 in your name which shall be transfer to your bank account through an online, We will create an online bank in your name and you will transfer your fund by yourself through our online to your bank account.
We chose to transfer your fund through an online banking so that no Agency will notice or stop your fund. Sir/Ma, you shall receive this compensation fund within 3 working day, if you comply with our instructions and adhere to our directives.
Get back to us with your information as listed below.
Your Full Name:
Address:
Phone number:
Age and Occupation:
Next of Kin:
Scan Copy of your identification (If they knew who you were, they’d have your information?)
Thank you for your mutual understanding and cooperation as we wait to read from you soonest.
Yours Faithfully,
MR FREDERIC BEACH JENNINGS JR (in all caps)
ONLINE MANAGER CONTROLLER
Can you say, “not very believable!”
Stop The Communications
It may be apparent that the information I just cited was an attempt to commit fraud. When the defrauder sent the email out, he entered into a negotiation with whoever received it. You might think, who would be so unwise as to respond to such a request. And yet, some people do fall prey to such ploys in their negotiations.
The lesson is, when you suspect fraudulent activities may be at the heart of the other negotiator’s intent, stop talking or responding to his offers. The more you respond to his inquiries, the more information you’ll give, from which the more you’ll become entrapped in his web of deceit.
Reflection
Since some people would prefer to commit fraud against others than earn an honest living, they’ll always be someone that attempts to defraud you. And they’ll do it during your negotiations. While their attempts may not be so blatantly apparent as the email cited, a more subtle effort may have more success because it’ll be less suspicious. That’s all the more reason to pay close attention to a negotiator’s spoken and written words. Once you become sharper about that, others will be less likely to commit fraud against you in negotiations and other aspects of your life. And everything will be right with the world.
Remember, you’re always negotiating!
Listen to Greg’s podcast at https://c-suitenetwork.com/radio/shows/greg-williams-the-master-negotiator-and-body-language-expert-podcast/
After reading this article, what are you thinking? I’d like to know. Reach me at Greg@TheMasterNegotiator.com
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