There are many stories about ‘gypsy hypnosis’: people claim to fall into a fog and voluntarily give away money, only to later be unable to explain how it happened. But does hypnosis used by gypsies really exist, or is it just a legend based on self-suggestion?
Expert: Larisa Verchinova, clinical psychologist, hypnotherapist, energy practitioner:
“The phenomenon known as ‘gypsy hypnosis’ is a real psychotechnique, but not magic. It is a form of psychological influence that causes a temporary narrowing of consciousness and a decrease in critical thinking.”
According to the specialist, the mechanism is based on overloading consciousness. Swindlers affect several perception channels at once: — they speak quickly and incoherently, — they gesture actively, — they use touches, bright objects, and emotional intonations.
The brain fails to process the entire flow of information, and a person falls into a state reminiscent of trance. In this state, suggestibility increases — this is precisely what the wrongdoers exploit.
Verchinova notes that the technique is largely similar to Ericksonian hypnosis used in psychotherapy, but here the goal is not assistance, but manipulation and extraction of valuables.
How Victims Are Chosen
Swindlers quickly identify vulnerable individuals. Most often, victims are those who:
- are experiencing stress or anxiety,
- are in a hurry,
- are emotionally depressed,
- are looking for a simple solution to a complex situation.
Stages of a Typical Scenario:
- Calibration. Identifying a ‘suitable’ victim based on facial expression and behavior.
- Adjustment. Starting a conversation with a neutral phrase or compliment. ‘Cold reading’ is used — general phrases like “I see anxiety in your eyes” that the person perceives as a personal address.
- Confusion. Rapid, incoherent speech and touches induce a light trance.
- Suggestion and Extraction. The person is convinced to hand over money or valuables — supposedly for ‘cleansing’ or ‘ritual’ purposes.
How to Protect Yourself from Psychological Influence
Experts recommend simple yet effective measures:
- Ignore contact. Do not stop, do not respond, and do not make eye contact.
- Interrupt the script. If the conversation has started — say a firm ‘no’ and walk away.
- Avoid touches. Physical contact enhances suggestibility.
- Remember the goal. Any such situation is aimed solely at one thing — to seize your money.
“There is no mysticism here,” emphasizes the psychologist. “These are just well-developed methods of manipulating human attention and perception.”
Awareness and knowledge of the mechanisms of influence are the best protection against such psychotechniques.
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