All scams operate on a few principles that we often take for granted. Here is my experience of how a scam unfolds :

Free car wash read the board. I stopped by and asked, how come this is free? To which the reply comes, sir, we will explain the schemes we have for car detailing and ceramic coating. If you like you can buy them or simply get your car washed for free. It is a promotional activity.

– This is the first principle of reciprocity. There is no free lunch. You would want to return the favor, it’s simply human to do so.

I sit there looking at my car being taken care of. I adore the car, like every man does. A large industrial fan tries its best on a hot summer noon. The man who owns the place greets me. Sits beside me with a notepad. He seems to be enthusiastic. Late 20s, early thirties. Warm personality, a little chubby, bearded, a white shirt, and sports shoes.

Explains how my car would look like after the first ceramic coat. He tells me the process and why my car needs the coat. Shares that he has been doing it for the last 10 years.

– Principle of Authority and Consistency. Used to build quick trust.

Shows me the photos of how other cars look. Tells me someone has bought the package from my neighborhood.

– The principle of social proof. Others are doing it too!

From here onwards the scam funnel is like a steep slippery slope.

I ask, do I need to make a decision now? can I get back to you tomorrow? He says, sir, this is a promotional scheme, I can’t promise you that it will be available tomorrow.

– The Principle of scarcity. Act fast! there are only a few slots left!

The leaflet reads 4 ceramic coats, 6 detailing sessions, 2 denting and painting jobs over 2 years, and for a discounted rate of 14000/- only.

Too good to be true! I call my wife and create a shared accountability for my decision. ( I am glad that I did that, wives don’t react well to unpleasant surprises)

Now I reach the point of return. I pay the amount. My car is ready after the wash. Foot mats are placed and I drive off.

What happens next is beyond the scope of this post. What happens next is how a typical scam unfolds. Unresponsiveness, request for refunds, and a deep realization that you are now in a quagmire of deceit, difficult conversations, and regret.

Note: If you have noticed, the principles used here are borrowed from Cialdini’s six principles of influence. There is a thin line between a sale and a scam. If salespeople have access to the principles so do scamsters. The universe doesn’t discriminate.