Conned

/kɑnd/ verb

Definition

Tricked or deceived someone by gaining their trust and then taking advantage of them, usually for money or personal gain.

Etymology

From 'con' (confidence game), shorthand for 'confidence man' - a criminal who uses trust to swindle victims. The term evolved in 19th century American slang from the idea of a scam based on building false confidence.

Kelly Says

The word 'con' is brilliant because it reveals the real weapon of fraud—not force or theft, but stealing someone's trust. Every con artist in history, from fake royals to Ponzi schemers, has relied on the same trick: making victims confident enough to hand over what's theirs.

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