Interesting bit that Nortius Maximus sent my way, about some modern psychology research by Paul Zak, "neuroeconomist". Key takeaway, in he gender non-specific "he":
"....The key to a con is not that you trust the conman, but that he shows he trusts you."
Read more here including an interesting video of the classic "pigeon drop" con.
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Joe: This sort of thing, the oxytocin angle, is potentially relevant when dealing with captured militants/terrorists/POWs, too. If you're not in too much of a "Jack Bauer" hurry, that is. "Good Cop" has its place. link
The trick is to not over-work it. Solitude is a powerful tool, too; and as far as I know, solitary confinement is not classed the same as simulated drowning. Yet.