Tradecraft
What is Elicitation?
Drawing information out of someone in conversation without them realising they are being questioned.
Elicitation is gathering information through conversation without the other person realising they are being questioned. Techniques include flattery, deliberate false statements that invite correction, shared complaints and showing interest in someone's expertise.
It is a core HUMINT skill and a common social engineering method. Recognising elicitation helps employees notice when a friendly chat at a conference or online is actually collection.