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con artist

/kɑn ˌɑrdəst/
/kɒn ˈɑtɪst/
IPA guide

Other forms: con artists

A con artist is a master manipulator who crafts stories and schemes to cheat people.

Con artists use the tools of trust and vulnerability of others to turn deception into an underhanded art form. The term con is short for confidence, reflecting how these tricksters win over and exploit their victims' trust. Con artists often impersonate rich and influential people. They might try to sell you landmarks they don't own or promise you miraculous cures that sound too good to be true. Stay cautious, don't get conned by a con...artist.

Definitions of con artist
  1. noun
    a swindler who exploits a victim
    synonyms: con man, confidence man
    see moresee less
    type of:
    chiseler, chiseller, defrauder, gouger, grifter, scammer, swindler
    a person who swindles you by means of deception or fraud
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