A strange thing I’ve noticed about narcissists is that although they’re master manipulators, they’re also pretty gullible. They CAN be manipulated. And they CAN fall prey to scams.
Some narcissists defences and traits can be used against them. Even though they’re largely designed to protect them.
Here’s a few ways narcissists are gullible and easily fooled…
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Narcissists Want To Be Adored
I’m sure you’re aware, narcissists want to be adored. Their self esteem is built on the opinions of others. Being admired reaffirms their delusions of being greater than they really are.
This is why narcissists are suckers for compliments. Despite using compliments to manipulate others. Narcissists can’t resist falling prey to someone who tells them how great they are. Why would they have any reason to doubt them?! In their mind, they’re only telling the truth! And this person must be awesome to recognise their greatness.
Throw in a compliment, and they’re putty in your hands. Some manipulators see this trait, and exploit it to the max. “You’re so lovely and kind. I’m sure you won’t mind lending me your car for a while?!”
I have also seen situations where two narcissists have successfully “love bombed” each other at the same time. As you probably know, narcissists like to give excessive praise at the beginning of a friendship or relationship, in order to draw the other in. This is what “love bombing” is.
When two narcissists get together, you get a curious situation. BOTH love bomb each other at the same time. And BOTH fall for it. And BOTH think they’ve fooled the other!
They’re Eager To Please
Narcissists are eager to please certain people. Usually people they consider important and high in status.
A narcissist might be aloof with their own family. But bend over backwards for their boss or other high ranking people.
Manipulators pick up on this and use it to their advantage. Don’t be surprised to see the narcissist regularly stay at work late to impress their boss.
Status Driven
Narcissists are all about appearance, and they want to be seen as high status. Which makes them a salesman’s dream.
Narcissists are often easily manipulated by things like “Platinum Memberships”, “V.I.P.”, “Exclusive Access” Etc. And may pay more than needed, just to feel special.
Think They’re More Intelligent
Narcissists usually over estimate their own intelligence. And underestimate everybody else’s. So they believe they’re more intelligent than practically everyone around them.
Narcissists often believe they’re too intelligent to be fooled. So they let their guard down. This leaves them open to be taken advantage of. They often don’t consider that others can be just as scheming as them. And just as good at it.
Narcissists believe they’re the best at everything. And that includes manipulation. So they often let their guard down.
Narcissists Think They’re More Deserving
Narcissists believe they’re special, and more deserving than everybody else. This has nothing to do with merit. They feel special simply because it’s them!
Narcissists are so desperate to have fancy cars, holidays, clothes etc. that they become seduced by scams. They feel they’ve finally got what they deserve. “An African Prince has finally realised my true value!”
Narcissists are susceptible to “magical thinking”. They believe that somehow, in some way, they’re destined for greatness. Even if they do nothing to attain this.
When presented with a scam, they sometimes believe the universe is giving them what they’re owed. So they’re less sceptical when a “golden opportunity” comes their way.
Narcissists Don’t Have Their Own Opinions
Narcissists are fake people. And they don’t really have opinions of their own. They usually copy the opinions of others, and pass them off as their own.
This leaves narcissists open to manipulation. People can literally tell them what to think, and shape their opinions.
The classic example is getting a narcissist to believe something is their idea. When really it was suggested to them. Sprinkle in a few compliments of what an excellent idea THEY have, and they’ll often run with it.
Narcissists Attract Manipulation
Narcissists manipulate, control and put so many people down, they attract the same back. Some aggrieved people will seek revenge. Either for themselves, or for others who the narcissist has wronged.
Most people are careful who they cross for fear of reprisal. Narcissists seem oblivious to this threat. Some gather many haters and enemies over time. This leaves them more open to be attacked or manipulated.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to manipulations, narcissists are good at dishing it out. But are surprisingly susceptible to fall for them. But we don’t always see this side of them because we’re busy defending ourselves against their manipulations.
Narcissists want to be loved and adored. Which makes them a salesman’s dream. “Buy this car and watch all the babes come flocking!” They’re also a sucker for a compliment. “A man like you should have the best.”
Narcissists live in a fantasy world, where they’re brilliant, successful and popular. Manipulators see this and prey on their vulnerabilities.
Narcissist are not bullet-proof or made of stone. They’re vulnerable just like the rest of us. In some cases, more so.
Narcissists ARE damaged people. Perhaps deep down they know they’re vulnerable. And they adopt a policy of do or die. Get them, before they get me.
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Well said! My ex-narc was constantly reminding me of how intelligent he was yet I had to tell him countless times to stop entering his card details online before he read the t&c’s because he was always getting caught up in unwanted subscriptions! Plus he still to this day has no idea how learning his behaviours and thought patterns allows me to manipulate him now.
Thanks Simone. They’re a salesman’s dream!
Getting the best from a narcissist is elementary. Easily manipulated, know your enemy, hit them back first. Leave nothing not even a single fact about you. They love to talk. Let them. They tell you about their m.o. Use it. They love to be served so offer to help him with bill paying errands etc Take charge. They can’t get out of their own way. Rob them for everything they had planned to take from you. Your soul. They are foul. Cruel. Predators. But they are not mind readers. Acting as if is a two way street. Did I do this. No. I don’t take advantage of anyone especially the mentally ill. But a nice dream if I had a do over.
May I ask why so many claim the narcissist as their own. Trust me claiming them means they still have a hold on you. I would never claim another person. They belong to themselves or whomever they serve. Too much enmeshment , co dependence. I REFUSE to lose myself or change my colors for anyone. Too late in life for me to start building my world around a man. Cooperative partnerships work if you can find someone to agree.