Is there a gullibility gene

[Sylvia Else]

I got a scam call from a robo-dialer, but I was out, and no phone number
was provided, so no opportunity to play with them.

But it got me thinking, and here are some musings.

In order to work, these scams required an incredible level of
gullibility on the part of the mark. Paying one's tax using iTunes
cards? I mean, how would anyone fall for it?

So, is this just stupidity, or is there something else at work? Is there
a specific and distinct trait that can be described as "gullibility"? Is
it genetic? Could it conceivably be a survival trait in some environments?

Sylvia.

[Bob Casanova]

On Tue, 11 Jun 2019 16:50:46 +1000, the following appeared
in sci.skeptic, posted by Sylvia Else

Post by Sylvia Else
I got a scam call from a robo-dialer, but I was out, and no phone number
was provided, so no opportunity to play with them.
But it got me thinking, and here are some musings.
In order to work, these scams required an incredible level of
gullibility on the part of the mark. Paying one's tax using iTunes
cards? I mean, how would anyone fall for it?

Given how much publicity has been given to *not* giving out
personal and financial information to *anyone* who calls,
the only answer I have is a lack of awareness of reality;
call it a lack of situational awareness for want of a better
term.

Post by Sylvia Else
So, is this just stupidity, or is there something else at work? Is there
a specific and distinct trait that can be described as "gullibility"? Is
it genetic? Could it conceivably be a survival trait in some environments?

I doubt any such gene exists (beyond inheritable
intelligence, whatever *that* actually means); AFAICT
gullibility (or its lack) is a product of upbringing,
combined with skepticism (which may be innate, but again I
doubt it is).