What is the set up stage of a Con Game?

• A. A manipulation and grooming process that takes place over a period of time
• B. When an inmate gains power over you
• C. When an inmate gives you their "shopping list"
• D. When an inmate gives up their attempt at manipulation

Answer: (A)

In this context, the setup stage is the grooming process that unfolds over time. It’s when an inmate starts to manipulate by slowly building trust, testing boundaries, and presenting themselves as helpful or likable. The goal is to lower your guard and create a sense of rapport or obligation, setting the stage for later manipulation to take hold. You’ll see gradual, subtle moves rather than a single dramatic request—small favors, shared stories, or compliments that make you feel special or needed.

Why this best fits: it emphasizes that manipulation begins as a time-based process of grooming, not a one-off event. Gaining power over you is a consequence that comes after the setup, a sign that the manipulation has progressed. A “shopping list” could appear later as specific requests, not the initial grooming itself. Giving up the attempt would mean the manipulation stalls, which isn’t describing the setup phase.