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POSTED July 5, 5:48 PM
In Milwaukee, Robert P. Farnam was arrested for faking a heart attack to avoid paying a $22.66 Applebee's check. He didn't pay his cab fare going there, either, using the same technique. A doctor recognized him at the hospital, threatening to call police if he tried the scam again. Farnam indicated he'd already been to another hospital that day, sent from a different restaurant. On probation for five similar offenses this year, as well multiple arrests prior years, he now faces a possible two year and nine months sentence.Not quite the level of the infamous Wendy's finger-in-chili scam, resulting in nine year prison sentences (possibly reduced through appeal) for the fraudsters. Of course, they were looking for a bigger payout than free food. Angling for free food on a smaller, less bizarre scale, scammers target restaurants with the object (glass or bug) in food gambit; complaining about quality after consuming the entire meal; making the food poisoning phone call; and the Dine and Dash, easily converted to the Smoke and Dash in cities with an indoor smoking ban. Here's a representation of Dine and Dash methods from the British television series "The Real Hustle."
Some restaurants dock wait staff for customers who leave without paying the bill. Not to mention the practice creates higher prices for everybody and suspicion for legitimate complaints. E-how has suggestions on how to make a restaurant complaint without inadvertently looking like a scammer.
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POSTED July 4, 11:14 AM
Alexander Hamilton: Founding Father, Washington's aide-de-camp during the Revolutionary War, first U.S. Secretary of the Treasury, co-author of Federalist Papers, con artist victim.In 1792, James Reynolds was arrested for fraudulently submitting... Read More
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POSTED June 2, 7:20 PM
American Greed is an excellent series airing on CNBC Wednesdays (9 and 11 pm ET) and Sundays (11 pm ET). Here is a clip from last year profiling a bass fisherman perpetrating a Ponzi scheme. "Reeling 'em in" analogy included. A... Read More
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POSTED May 27, 2:03 PM
Definition of Ponzi Scheme: Where dividends/profits paid to investors is money from new investors. Many are left holding the empty bag. (Note: While still a scam, pyramid schemes typically inform investors upfront that... Read More
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POSTED May 26, 8:53 AM
One of my favorite con artist anecdotes involves Viktor ("The Count") Lustig (1890-1947), a sophisticated schemer who spoke five languages. In Chicago during the 1920s, he boldly approached gangster Al Capone, promising to double a $50,000... Read More
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POSTED May 17, 7:43 PM
A sampling of films where scammers manipulate victims' religious faith: Marjoe (1972): Oscar-winning documentary following former child evangelist star Marjoe Gortner during the waning days of the tent revival circuit.The Manchurian Candidate... Read More
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POSTED May 8, 12:12 PM
Street scams like Three Card Monte are magic tricks, except with bystander betting instead of pass-the-hat tipping. While the con game varies, you can be pretty sure of several things. --Anyone winning or offering you advice is working with... Read More
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POSTED May 4, 10:26 AM
Since spring arrived in most of the U.S, it's time for an annual Traveler alert. Whether or not the scammer appearing at your doorstep is authentically descended from the clannish, nomadic Irish Travelers, the scam goes like this: Traveler: I... Read More
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POSTED April 30, 6:45 PM
A recently received e-mail from a rental property owner puts a new twist on the Nigerian (or 419) Scam. You know, where a foreign contact stranger desperately needs your help releasing funds from a) an inheritance or b) government contract. Only... Read More
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POSTED April 23, 9:47 AM
Scamming in films is generally rewarded. After all, it is Hollywood. Here's a list of lauded movies all about the big shill. The Sting (1973): Paul Newman and Robert Redford make the scamming business cute. A fun flick, but Best... Read More
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