How to Beat a Lie Detector Test

Only answer what is necessary. Most polygraph tests require you to simply answer 'Yes' or 'No'. You should resist the urge to explain or elaborate, even if the examiner tries to prompt you into doing so. Be polite and cooperative, but avoid sharing unnecessary details.

Don't admit to anything related. No matter how the graph on the machine looks, nothing can harm you more than an admission. The polygraph examiner will likely try to convince you that they can 'see' your lies on the machine, even if there's nothing unusual. Don't fall for their trap. However, you need to be truthful, so don’t hesitate to admit minor details in response to control questions. Just make sure not to admit anything that could raise suspicion or be interpreted as relevant.

• Remember, the examiner's goal is to get a confession. Generally, the entire test is a series of clever tricks designed to get you to admit to something.

Answer questions decisively, seriously, and without hesitation. There's no time for joking or playing tricks here. You need to maintain a serious, cooperative, and confident demeanor.

Maintain normal breathing. Except when answering control questions, try to keep your breathing rate between 15-30 breaths per minute. Avoid breathing too deeply.

Alter your breathing pattern when answering control questions. The examiner will compare your physiological responses to control questions with your responses to relevant questions. You will pass the test if the variation in your responses to control questions is greater than the variation in your responses to relevant questions. Conversely, if your reactions to relevant questions are stronger than those to control questions, the examiner will note (right or wrong) that you're lying about something relevant, and you will likely fail the polygraph test.

• Change your breathing style when answering control questions. You can breathe faster or slower, hold your breath for 2 seconds after exhaling, or breathe more shallowly. Do this for 5-15 seconds and return to normal breathing before answering the next question.

Answer control questions unusually. When asked clear control questions, respond in a vague or odd manner. For example, if asked what year it is, you could answer 'The year of the snake' or something similarly unusual. The goal is to confuse the machine so it can't determine what your 'normal' response should be.

Think of something stressful while answering control questions. If you can create a sense of anxiety while answering control questions, you may alter the results of the test, making your 'normal' responses appear similar to those that show actual anxiety. For instance, you could do mental math while being asked a control question. Try quickly counting backwards by sevens or performing long division in your head. These activities will elevate your blood pressure and heart rate to levels comparable to those in real stressful situations, just like answering information-seeking questions. You can also imagine a frightening scenario, like drowning, as this often increases your heart rate and breathing.

Handle the interview after the test. After being disconnected from the polygraph, the examiner will leave you in the room for a while and then return. They may claim that they 'know' you're lying about something. This is just a trick. Stay calm, assertive, but polite, and repeat your denial. Do not change your answers or emphasize them, and if possible, avoid participating in an interview after the polygraph test.

Remember, the examiner is not your friend. They might try to convince you that they are on your side and that they’ll help you, as long as you are honest. This is a deception. Do not fall for it.

Be aware of tricks before the test. The examiner may often instill fear in the test subject or make them believe in the accuracy of the polygraph. The more afraid you are of being caught, the stronger your psychological reactions will be. Do not believe exaggerated claims. The examiner might also try to provoke reactions based on your fear. For example, they might tell you that you need to wash your hands for the machine to properly detect the amount of sweat. A hidden camera might track the subject into the bathroom as directed, but they might not actually wash their hands.

Identify the types of questions you are being asked. There are three main types: related, unrelated, and controlling. Unrelated questions are obvious ones like 'What is your name?' or 'Is the light on in this room?' Related questions are important, such as 'Have you ever leaked a contract to the media?' or 'Have you ever stolen money from your employer?' or 'Have you ever sold drugs?' Controlling questions are those used to gauge your reaction and compare your answers. Usually, these are questions that most people would answer 'Yes' to but would feel uncomfortable answering truthfully. Examples of such questions include 'Have you ever lied to get out of trouble?' or 'Have you ever taken anything from your employer?'

Do not reveal your knowledge about lie detector tests. The examiner may ask whether you have researched lie detector tests or if you know anything about them. Do not disclose that you have in-depth knowledge of these tests. Pretend that you are unfamiliar with lie detector tests, but show that you believe in the reliability of these devices (or at least do not appear skeptical). The examiner may try to trick you by mentioning technical terms and abbreviations such as 'Your test results returned as NDI.' Even if you know 'NDI' stands for 'No Deception Indicated,' you should act like you don’t understand. Being too knowledgeable about the process could lead people to think you are hiding something, even if you are not.

Study about lie detectors. If your career or case depends on the outcome of the test, you should research as much as you can. Read up on how lie detectors work and what the process involves. The most important thing to know is that lie detectors are not scientifically accurate. In fact, lie detectors are not scientifically reliable at all; they were created by interrogation experts, not scientists, and often provide inaccurate results.

Understand what the examiner is looking for. The polygraph test is conducted to uncover specific information, such as whether you are a spy or if you've ever used drugs. If the test is being conducted under a particular circumstance, you might already know what the examiner is seeking. For pre-employment screenings, familiarize yourself with the policies of the company or organization to determine what you should or shouldn't admit to.

Practice preventative techniques. This will increase your chances of 'passing' the polygraph test, but only if done correctly. Once you have learned about the preventive measures, it's essential to practice thoroughly to be fully prepared.

Prepare for the entire testing day. Approach the polygraph test as if it were a special job interview. Dress modestly and appropriately, aiming to make a good impression before the test begins. Make sure you arrive on time, and except for emergencies, avoid rescheduling or intentionally delaying the test.

• Note that every movement you make will likely be observed from the moment you enter the testing location. Hidden cameras may be placed in the waiting room, and there will almost certainly be cameras or two-way mirrors in the polygraph room. The test will begin well before you're hooked up to the machine and will only end once you leave the testing area.

• During the questioning, focus on something that helps you stay calm or something you know you haven't done. Visualize this while answering the questions.
• There are various types of polygraph tests. Be sure to research thoroughly in advance to be ready for whatever they might throw at you.
• The easiest way to avoid failure in a polygraph test is to simply decline the test. For pre-employment screenings, this will likely disqualify you from the position. However, it is still an option, especially if you're opposed to the use of lie detectors.
  • Although refusing to take the test may result in not being hired, it typically won't lead to termination. In the United States, private employers cannot fire or penalize an employee solely based on the results of a polygraph test. However, this protection often doesn't apply to government employees. If the polygraph test is part of an investigation, you have the right to refuse (at least in the U.S.). Polygraph test results are generally not accepted in criminal cases, and they are rarely considered valid. In some U.S. states, polygraph results are recognized in civil and administrative cases.
• If you're required to take a polygraph test as a condition of parole, failing or being caught using preventive measures could result in your parole being revoked.

• Only apply one heart rate/blood pressure adjustment technique at a time to avoid drawing too much attention.
• Keep in mind that using these methods does not guarantee passing the polygraph test.
• If you are accused of lying or using countermeasures, you may be disqualified from the candidate pool. If you're on probation or conditional parole and required to take a polygraph, the results could lead to your return to prison.
• The tongue-biting trick is effective but can be detected if you move your mouth too visibly. Some examiners may have the subject wear a special earpiece designed to monitor jaw movement.