Well, in debt collection, there is a similar rule. Any information you give us will be used for that purpose. Your debt negotiator knows exactly what information to disclose, when to disclose it, and when to withhold information. The average person, on the other hand, has no idea what to say in this particular situation. We tend to respect authority.
Collectors have a lot of nerve and present themselves authoritatively.
They ask you where you work, how much you make, how much you pay in rent every month, and so on. The answers, quite frankly, are none of their business. But most people feel compelled to answer, in a misguided attempt to establish rapport with the collector. Rule No. 2 is even more basic. Don't send good money chasing after bad.