61. Epic Powerband Scam
class: tweener, lesson | impressiveness: 4/5 | factors: feels like magic to them, important lesson | requires: random “magic” object | watch full episode
I think this is may be one of the episodes of Scam School I’m most proud of. Most of the stuff we teach on the show is good to score you a free beer or maybe get the girl’s number, but this episode was different: There are people out there selling magic bracelets that they know for a fact have absolutely no evidence that they actually work… And it was awesome to expose some the exact techniques they use to create their convincing demonstrations.
The Scam: Sell a 3-dollar rubber wristband for $30, $40, or even $50, by convincing people of its amazing properties.
You’ve seen those bracelets out there, right? The ones that are supposed to use holograms to align your energy and give you better balance? I can’t comment on whether those work (you know, the whole “you can’t prove a negative” thing), but I know for a fact that our power bands don’t work.
Thanks to the Skeptic Bros of Australia, we hit the bars armed with a fistful of “placebo bands.” These beauties look just like those famous ones, but are 100% guaranteed to not have any magic holograms in them.
Oh, and surprise: they can be shown to work just as well as the “real” thing.
The key is to learn a few physical tests in that use leverage and psychology to convince people that they’re getting stronger or more balanced. Once you have these mastered, you can convince anyone that anything is a magic charm that will improve their balance.
Lateral Balance Test: Have them stand up straight, with their arms fully extended each direction, and balance on one foot.
Without the band, place just two fingers on the elbow of the arm opposite the foot they’re standing on. Push down with only the slightest constant pressure, and you’ll pull them off balance easily.
Wearing the band, have them stand in exactly the same posture, but this time, as you push on their arm, aim your pressure directly at the foot they’re balancing upon. This will feel to them as if you’re doing the exact same moves, but they’ll be surprised that they have considerably more balance.
Drive home the strength of their newfound balance by increasing the pressure on their elbow. Use first one, then two hands and lean in with all your strength… they’ll be able to handle it, because it’s not the strength of pressure that matters, it’s the direction. But subjectively, all they’ll be able to notice is how much harder you’re pushing on them. They’ll be convinced they now possess greater balance.
Pitch Balance Test: For this one, have your sucker stand up straight and interlace their fingers in a cup shape behind their back. Place your fist into the cup of her hands, and gently push down, aiming for the spot just an inch or so behind their heels.
It should take very little effort to pull your volunteer off balance, tipping her backward. This is a more powerful demonstration as it’s awkward and uncomfortable for the volunteer at the moment they lose balance.
Give her the band to wear, and this time as you press down, aim for the spot right in front of her heels. This very minor adjustment makes a big difference. Just like before, she’ll feel nothing different in your motions, but have the sensation of much better balance.
The Twist: Have your volunteer stand up straight, feet shoulder-width apart. Have him extend his right arm with his index finger pointed. Tell him “Okay, now turn your body to your left, until you can’t go any more.”
When he stops turning, take a moment to note what he’s currently pointing at. That will set your “baseline” measure.
After putting the band back on, explain carefully that something amazing is going to happen: “Now that the band is in place, you’re going to be able to turn at least 20% farther. Try it.”
He’ll be astonished at how much farther he can twist while wearing the band.
The phrasing of this is important: the first time, there’s no mention of making this a contest, or even explanation of what you’re up to. They’re just told to turn left until they can’t. But the second time, you’ve made them a challenge and set a goal of “20%” farther. Now that (1) they know what to expect, and (2) have a contest in mind, they’ll shock themselves by how much farther they can turn.
Remember: There are several variations on all of these tests, but they all rely on similar principles. You’ll see variations of these tests at everything from motivational seminars to quack medicine practitioners.