Techniques of interpersonal manipulation, in addition to the confidence game, include lying and deception, short-term manipulation, threats, intimidation, and physical force. The confidence game is designed to deceive, and usually results in power and control being acquired by the con and lost by the target. Selection of a target is a well-formulated initial step of the process, based on the target's resources, family relationships, and personality characteristics. The confidence game is played out by building a framework of trust between the con and the target by encouraging mutual interests and perspectives, and by playing on the target's weaknesses. The final phase of the confidence game is the catch, when the target is set up to be compromised by breaking moral values, rules or laws. These confidence games are most often played in settings including business and economic activities, in organized crime circles, in cults, and in international intelligence and espionage. 9 references