GET-RICH-QUICK.

Hokitika Guardian, 19 January 1925, Page 4

GET-RICH-QUICK.

A POTENT LURE. (John Blunt in “ Daily Alail.”) The oil-pot swindlers who have made enormous sums of money out of gullible members of the American public in recent years are now seemingly in (England and have already reaped a considerable harvest. It appears strange that people should he so easily deceived by promises of fabulous wealth at the expense of an insignificant outlay, but the truth is that many hard-headed people arc unjustifiably optimistic where their own self-interest is concerned. They believe what they read on wild-cat prospectuses because they want to believe it, and they are induced, to risk their money on hopeless ventures because their cupidity lulls their judgment. WEALTH AT A BOUND.

The lure of get-rich-quick is gno of the most potent lures in the world, -for it lias a kind of imaginative appeal about it that is almost irresistible. AA'ho among us would not be delighted to be freed from the necessity of toil and from money embarrassments I*/ a single stroke? It is true that such, schemes hardly ever succeed and that more money is lost in making such endeavours than is ever gained, but that will no more prevent a certain typo of person from trying than will prevent a certain type of person from seeking perpetual motion. Offers of easy wealth touch one’s mind in a susceptible spot much as subltc flattery, untrue though wo may ’-.now it to he, makes ns feel inordinately pleased with ourselves. Mankind. being egotistic, is often inclined to he over-credulous where his own personality or interests are concerned. DEADENED JUDGAIENT. Just as one mav make some animals contented and unsuspicious by stroking their hacks, so may one deaden judgment and suspicion in some people’s minds by a cunning .suggestion that they will prove themselves clever and farsighted by'taking advantage of an offer, which, on the face of it is unsound.

The great asset of a swindler of the gulling type is a knowledge of simple psehology. lie is aware that .somewhere in most people there is the touch of the gambler and he is further aware that nearly all people can be flattered and that nearly all would like to he relieved from financial anxiety. BAITING TIIE HOOK.

The ground is, as it were, ready for him; and if he is astute enough to bait the hook cunningly he is practically certain of catches sooner or later. For out of any thousand people there will invariably he a certain proportion of preordained victims. A 100 l and his 'money are soon parted—especially when tile fool is made to think that he is clever.

How many, indeed, have not been grossly deceived at some time or another? They may not have tried to grow rich quickly—though a good many hide such episodes in a discreet Kilotico—-but nearly all of these have been the subject of hitter disillusionmonls which ordinary caution might have avoided.