Picture by Netflix
There is something magnetic about watching someone pull off a successful deception, especially when they do it with such confidence, finesse, and charm and I do not say that lightly.
The appeal of con artist stories, like Inventing Anna, is rooted in a web of fascination, disbelief, and sometimes, a little envy. The psychological manipulation, the high stakes, and the tension between what is real and what is fabricated create a captivating narrative.
Shows about con artists highlight how easily trust can be manipulated.
In the case of Inventing Anna, for instance, Anna Sorokin (or Anna Delvey) was able to convince people from different walks of life; business professionals, celebrities, and even the high net-worth art world, that she was a wealthy socialite. Based on the New York Magazine article by Jessica Pressler (How Anna Delvey Tricked New York’s Elite), Inventing Anna captivated audiences by delving into a world of deception, luxury, and the desire for fame. It is not just about the lie itself – it is about the psychology behind it, like how she crafted a persona, played on people’s aspirations, and orchestrated their emotions.
The reason people get hooked on these types of stories is the reflection and human tendency to trust others. We like to believe that we can read people and spot a villain from a mile away, however, these shows expose how easily even the most careful or street-smart individuals can be deceived by someone who knows how to play the game. It taps into our vulnerabilities and makes us question how much we know about the people around us. Plus, there is a certain thrill in seeing someone get away with something that seems impossible, which is why con artist stories have such staying power.
What do you think draws you in and what is the most intriguing part for you, when watching these kinds of shows? In recent years, television has seen a rise in shows that explore the lives of scammers, con artists, and fraudsters.
Why are we so fascinated with these kinds of stories? What about the lives of scammers and fraudsters that draw us in and keep us watching?
There are a number of psychological, social, and cultural factors that contribute to our obsession with scammer-centric narratives. From our fascination with the mechanics of deception to the glamorization of wealth and the complex character study these shows offer, there is a lot to unpack about our collective interest in fraudulent tales.
Temptation of Wealth And Power
Fraudulent characters often inhabit worlds of extreme wealth and luxury, and their stories tap into our fantasies about power, status, and privilege. These shows often glamorize the lifestyle of the scammer, portraying them as confident, and living on the edge of social and financial circles most people can only dream of having.
In many instances, the protagonist is depicted enjoying him or herself in expensive restaurants, lavish hotel rooms, and access to the elite social scenes. This plays into the idea of what we desire versus what we can have. The scamming process becomes less about the actual fraud and more about the characters’ ability to weave a narrative of success and power. It’s an aspirational fantasy, even though we know it is built on lies.
There is a part of us that is intrigued by how these characters manage to infiltrate high society and coerce those around them. The scammer’s ability to navigate elite spaces without owning real wealth challenges the traditional understanding of success. In a society that often equates wealth with merit, the scammer undermines this idea, suggesting that anyone with enough charm can create the illusion of success. This plays into broader themes about wealth and the value of appearances in our current landscape.
Thrill of Deception
Humans are naturally curious beings, and something is thrilling about watching someone manipulate reality for personal gain. The intricacies of how a scam unfolds; from the initial lies to the eventual unravelling, are often full of tension, and viewers are placed in the position of the observer.
This suspenseful dynamic makes scam-based narratives compelling. The puzzle-like quality of these stories, where we try to piece together clues, notice inconsistencies, and watch the scammers outsmart others. The suspense is about how far the scammer will go to maintain their facade.
Admiration Or Disgust
One of the most fascinating aspects of these types of shows is how they evoke complex moral responses from viewers. On one hand, scammers are seen as deplorable figures who exploit others for personal gain, leading to financial ruin and emotional distress. On the other hand, there is a certain level of admiration for their audacity and shamelessness.
This moral vagueness is part of the reason these stories are so compelling. They invite viewers to debate with questions about ambition, class, privilege, and honesty. We find ourselves wondering how we might behave in similar circumstances; triggering both discomfort and fascination, creating a compelling emotional rollercoaster that keeps viewers hooked.
Psychology of the Scammer
Another key element of scammer shows is the psychological depth that comes with portraying such complex characters. This psychological exploration is part of what makes these shows more than just shows about frauds or con artists. Viewers become intrigued by the inner workings of the scammer’s mind, and what drives them to lie so convincingly? How do they maintain their composure? Is it greed, or is there a deeper longing for validation and acceptance?
By showing the motivations and emotional struggles of the scammer, these shows humanize their characters, making them more than just criminals. Their character becomes tragic; caught between their own desires and the class structure they are trying to manipulate, making it hard to completely condemn or glorify them. All this means their story becomes way more engaging and thought-provoking.
Our Fascination of Not Being Caught
Watching someone deceive a system; whether it is a financial institution, an art gallery, or a social circle, without getting caught is a thrill. “How do they do it?” we often wonder.
In a world where success is often tied to systems of power, money, and status, scammers represent a form of rebellion, toppling those systems. This looks into a deep-rooted desire for freedom from societal constraints. While we may not condone the actions of these characters, we cannot help but be fascinated by their ability to navigate and manipulate the systems we are often stuck in.
Real-World Scams On Popular Culture
With high-profile cases like Elizabeth Holmes’ Theranos case, and Anna Sorokin’s rise to notoriety, the media has played a significant role in creating a public palate for stories about deception and crime.
In this way, scammers become larger-than-life figures. The real-world resemblance makes these shows relevant, allowing viewers to connect fictional narratives with actual events that have shaped public conversations and debates.
Whether it is the thrill of watching a deception unfold, the allure of power and wealth, the complex morality of the con artists, or the fascination with the psychology behind the fraud, these narratives provide entertainment and a window into our collective values and desires.
Essentially, scammer stories offer dark reflection of society’s obsession with success, personal image, and the lengths some will go to achieve it; no matter the cost.
