How to Tell if Someone is a Liar

If you are easily fooled by someone, it doesn't mean you are naive. Some people are good liars and are very convincing.

Here are a few ways to tell if someone is a liar. Keep in mind that it's not always easy to tell, but these are some clues that might help you!

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Listen closely to what the person you think is lying is saying. Often times you can tell if someone is a liar just by the words they are using.

   A liar will often repeat the question you ask or use the exact words in his/her reply. "Did you take the wallet?" "Did I take the wallet? No I did not take the wallet." A lot of effort goes into their answer and the repeat of the question seems to be a stalling tactic to give them more time to create an answer.

2. A liar will often make more conversation about a subject than necessary. One simple question about a wallet (in step 1) may turn into a big dissertation about how the wallet could have been lost, where it might be and how this person was busy all day so he/she could not possibly have taken it." Information overload. This person may be trying to make you believe you are being ridiculous for even asking or assuming he/she stole the wallet.

3. A liar may say, "What?" even though he/she heard exactly what you said. This again is due to some much needed processing time so the person can come up with a lie about the situation at hand.

4. Body language plays a huge part in determining if someone is a liar. When someone is lying, they may avoid eye contact with the person they are lying to. They might also touch their face as if to cover it--such as rubbing their nose while talking. They may also fidget with their hands or an object like keys.

5. Often a liar will put something such as a book, glass or other object between the two of you. This is a sign that this person needs space and does not want to discuss the subject.

6. Another way to tell if someone is a liar is to try to get them to give details about the subject you suspect he/she is lying about. Ask specific questions because it will be hard for a liar to remember what they told you only minutes before unless they are a professional con artist! Interrupt them mid-sentence with a completely off base question and then get back to the original question. They will likely stumble with their answer.

7. The most important thing to understand is that just because a person has one of these traits, it does not mean he/she is a liar. It is best to already know this person's normal behavior to see if it is completely off base. Some people are nervous and fidget -- so that doesn't mean they are a liar. However, the tips above will help you get clued in to someone's behavior if you do suspect they are lying.