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How to Trick a Lie Detector Test

Ever since investigators in law enforcement and the private sector started using lie detector tests, people have been trying to come up with ways of beating them. Back in the day, the simplicity of the systems used made it possible for a number of people to get the better of the investigators performing the tests.

However, tricking a modern investigator performing lie detector tests using modern equipment is a lot harder than it looks on TV. The type of equipment used by investigators along with their honed skills make it a lot harder.


How Accurate Are Private Investigator Lie Detector Tests?

Lie detector tests performed by a good private detective can have accuracies in the 90s range. However, less experienced private detectives will attain much lower accuracies.

As a private detective becomes more experienced, they start to understand the factors that affect the accuracy of lie detectors and how to control them. These factors include:

  • The environment: Disturbances and distractions in an environment can affect the results
  • Equipment: Modern equipment that comes with better detection systems are less likely to provide erroneous data
  • The examinee: The examinee must be in a condition that is suitable to provide accurate results. Someone under the influence or someone who's ill will not give accurate results

Is It Possible To Cheat A Private Detective Lie Detector Test?

The accuracy of a polygraph test relies a lot on the abilities of the private eye. It is possible to trick the test into thinking you're telling the truth when you're lying.

However, this is a lot harder than people realize and certainly requires more effort than you see in movies. To be able to trick the lie detector test, you need to understand that it's not just the machine you need to fool but the private investigator conducting the test too.


How Do People Cheat Private Eye Lie Detector Tests?

People trick lie detector tests by inducing a great deal of stress in themselves when answering the control questions asked by the private investigator. Some of the ways that people induce stress when asked control questions include:

  • Thinking scary thoughts
  • Inducing sharp pains e.g. stepping on a pin
  • Trying to perform difficult mental tasks while answering the questions etc.

Although you might be able to use these tricks to fool the polygraph, you may be less successful in fooling the investigator performing the test. Private investigators with experience in conducting these tests will be looking for signs of deceptive intentions even before the test starts. Good private detectives with enough experience are able to notice if you're making attempts to beat the test.

Additionally, new lie detection systems are factoring other things such as body movements. These can be recorded using sensors placed on a chair, and these can also show if you're making sudden movements that may indicate you're trying to cheat the test. Therefore, although you may succeed in tricking the polygraph, the investigator will likely still be able to know if you're cheating.



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