Manipulation Tactic: Bait and Switch Category: Psychological Manipulation Red Flag Indicators Bait-and-switch is a deceptive sales tactic that is often a form of fraudulent advertising. It involves advertising an alluring, often low-priced product or service (the "bait") that a seller has no intention of selling, or has only a very limited stock of, to lure customers into their business. Once the customer is there, the seller pressures them to buy a more expensive, less desi

Manipulation Tactic: Straw Man Category: Psychological Manipulation Red Flag Indicators Straw Man is when someone distorts and misrepresents an opponent's argument making it easier to attack, claiming to have defeated the opponent's actual position. The name comes from the idea that a man made of straw is easy to knock down, unlike a real person. The opponent replaces the strong, actual argument with a weaker, fictitious one that is easily defeated. Psychological Characterist

Manipulation Tactic: Scapegoat Category: Psychological Manipulation Red Flag Indicators A scapegoat is a person or group that is unfairly blamed for the faults, mistakes, or problems of others, deflecting attention from those who are truly at fault. Deflection of Blame: The primary function is to redirect negative feelings (aggression, frustration, guilt, or anxiety) away from the true source (which may be complex, or difficult to confront) onto a more vulnerable target. Hist