Bell Ringer10/22/2013 Who are crime Victims? Briefly identify who they are and who they assault.

Swindlers and Con Artists

Con games can vary from small schemes that take a few dollars from schoolchildren up to elaborate plots to steal large sums from the rich. “There’s a sucker born every minute” P.T. Barnum

Con Artist Characteristics Tend to be: Bright Articulate Clever Actors Patient at waiting for the right moment to strike.

Characteristics of Cons Usually work in groups Starts with a “shill” Seems to be innocent bystander who begins the process fo drawing the victim in. Can involve “cappers” Other who also appear to be innocent.

Con Game Characteristics Con games rely on the victim’s desire to get something for nothing Con men basically use the same old schemes, time after time, and they still work. If it seems to good to be true, it almost certainly is!

Pigeon Drop Draw victim in by claiming to find MONEY. Victim is asked to show good faith by putting up own money in order to share find.

Ponzi Scheme Bunco promises huge investment return. Pays some dividends to get more investments. Skips town with all of the money

Bank Examiner Swindle Bunco ask victim to help trap dishonest bank employee by withdrawing large amount of their own money. Have Capper pick up money at victims house to check information. Never get money back.

Phony Prize or Sweepstakes Offers Victim contact and told that they have won a prize. To claim prize must pay taxes up front. Wire money and never get the prize.

Other Telemarketing Scams Schemes to fix bad credit or obtain Credit Phony offers of educational for fee Magazine subscriptions Work at home offers Fake offers of loan for fee paid in advance Phony travel and vacation offers Fake calls from bank and credit card companies to get personal information

Internet Fraud Auctions Phishing Nigerian money scam