Enticing the Target: Tactics That Fabricate Trust and Reduce Suspicion

Abstract

Once the targets have passed the selection stage, the aggressors may take steps to prepare for potential attacks. They expect that their targets may attempt to keep a safe distance when strangers or little-known acquaintances suddenly approach them. For the attack to be successful, the aggressors need to draw their targets close to them or keep them at a striking distance. Initially, they may employ subtle tactics that entice their targets by building a rapport with them or attempting to minimize their concerns. Many aggressors believe that people just need a good reason to discount uneasy feelings. They count on their targets feeling guilty about forming negative judgments of others. Some common tactics that are used to build trust and minimize suspicion are using charm, creating goodwill, fabricating relationships, doing small favors, offering unsolicited promises, minimizing risks, or appealing to the targets’ egos.