Conman vs. Grifter — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 4, 2024
Conman engages in deceitful schemes to defraud people of money, often using trust and confidence tricks, while a grifter typically operates on a smaller scale with shorter cons.
Difference Between Conman and Grifter
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Conmen often operate in more structured schemes where the goal is to swindle someone out of their money through elaborate falsehoods and manipulation. They rely heavily on gaining the trust of their victims over time. On the other hand, grifters engage in shorter, often less elaborate cons, focusing more on quick and opportunistic scams.
Conmen typically aim for larger financial gains from fewer victims, creating detailed plans that may involve fake identities or elaborate stories to deceive their targets. Whereas grifters might use simple scams that are easily repeatable and aim at smaller gains from a larger number of people.
The approach of a conman is usually more psychologically nuanced, exploiting human vulnerabilities such as greed, compassion, or the desire to be included. On the other hand, grifters might exploit more immediate and situational opportunities, often capitalizing on spur-of-the-moment decisions made by their targets.
While conmen might establish and maintain their facade over a long period, a grifter’s interactions are typically brief and fleeting, avoiding the development of a deeper relationship with the target. This often reflects the scale and sustainability of the cons involved.
Conmen are often depicted in media and literature as charming and sophisticated, using their charisma to manipulate others. In contrast, grifters are frequently portrayed as more rough around the edges, relying on cunning and street smarts rather than charm.
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Comparison Chart
Scale of operation
Larger scale, substantial financial gain
Smaller scale, minor financial gains
Duration of con
Long-term, building trust over time
Short-term, quick scams
Psychological approach
Exploits deep vulnerabilities
Capitalizes on immediate opportunities
Relationship with victim
Often develops deep relationships
Maintains superficial interactions
Typical portrayal
Charming and sophisticated
Cunning and street-smart
Compare with Definitions
Conman
A person who cheats or tricks someone by gaining their trust and persuading them to believe something that is not true.
The conman convinced her to invest in a fake real estate deal.
Grifter
A person who engages in petty or small-scale swindling.
The grifter tricked tourists into buying worthless tickets.
Conman
Someone who uses fraud to obtain money or other benefits.
The conman falsified records to claim an inheritance.
Grifter
A trickster who operates primarily on the streets or in transient settings.
The grifter moved from town to town, running various street cons.
Conman
A deceiver who practices confidence tricks.
The conman played the role of a distressed businessman to elicit sympathy and money.
Grifter
A manipulator who exploits every opportunity to make a quick profit.
The grifter used a distraction to pilfer wallets during a commotion.
Conman
A swindler who operates alone or as part of a larger scheme.
The skilled conman orchestrated a Ponzi scheme that fooled hundreds.
Grifter
An individual who makes a living through deceitful practices.
The grifter had a knack for card tricks that conned people out of cash.
Conman
A person proficient in the art of deception and manipulation.
The conman used his charm to sell nonexistent products.
Grifter
Someone who uses quick and clever methods to defraud others.
The grifter sold fake jewelry at the market.
Conman
Confidence trickster
Grifter
Money made dishonestly, as in a swindle.
Grifter
A swindle or confidence game.
Grifter
To engage in swindling or cheating.
Grifter
To obtain by swindling or cheating.
Grifter
A con artist; someone who pulls confidence games; a swindler, scammer, huckster, hustler, and/or charlatan.
Grifter
A manipulator or otherwise generally corrupt person who "games" a system, group of people, or other entity for selfish gains; especially of a political "sell-out" perceived as lacking integrity.
Grifter
A person who swindles you by means of deception or fraud
Common Curiosities
Can a conman work alone or do they need a team?
While conmen can work alone, they often work in teams to execute more complex frauds.
Are conmen and grifters always illegal?
Yes, the activities of both conmen and grifters involve deception and are considered illegal.
What motivates a conman?
Conmen are typically motivated by the potential for large financial gains.
What is a conman?
A conman is someone who deceives others into giving them their money or property by pretending to be something they are not.
How does a grifter operate differently from a conman?
A grifter typically engages in quicker, less complex scams compared to the more elaborate and long-term schemes of a conman.
What kind of people become grifters?
Grifters often possess quick wits and are adept at reading situations and people to exploit opportunities.
What is the psychological profile of a conman?
Conmen typically exhibit high levels of charm, persuasion skills, and strategic thinking.
What are typical grifter scams?
Typical grifter scams include quick-change routines, street gambling tricks, and selling counterfeit items.
What tools do grifters use?
Grifters often use tools that assist in quick scams, like fake documents or sleight of hand.
Do conmen target specific types of people?
Conmen often target individuals who they determine to be vulnerable or particularly trusting.
How can one protect themselves against grifters?
To protect against grifters, always be wary of too-good-to-be-true offers and avoid making rushed decisions.
How do conmen build trust?
Conmen build trust through carefully crafted stories, false identities, and manipulating emotions.
Is it easier to catch a grifter or a conman?
It is generally easier to catch a grifter due to the short-term nature of their scams.
Can grifters operate online?
Yes, grifters can operate online, often engaging in scams like phishing or selling fake items on auction sites.
What are the consequences for caught conmen or grifters?
Caught conmen or grifters face legal consequences including fines, restitution, and imprisonment.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
