Pigeon Drop Scam and Confidence Trick

How the Scam Works

The scam typically involves two or more con artists working together in public spaces like parking lots or shopping plazas:

1. The Setup: Scammer A approaches the victim and pretends to have just found a bag, envelope, or package overflowing with cash. They may claim the money is abandoned, from an illegal source, or a winning lottery ticket.
2. The Hook: Scammer B "happens" to walk by and joins the conversation. They together propose splitting the found cash equally among the three of them.
3. The Twist: Scammer B will often claim to consult a boss, lawyer, or authority figure who advises that they can keep the money, but everyone must put up a "good faith" cash deposit or collateral before the money is legally distributed.
4. The Withdrawal: Driven by the promise of a huge payout, the victim is escorted to their bank to withdraw thousands of dollars of their own cash.
5. The Switch: The victim hands over their money, which the scammer places inside a pouch or bag with the "found" fortune. Through sleight of hand or distraction, the scammer switches the bag.
6. The Escape: The victim is left holding a bag filled with worthless shredded paper, old newspaper clippings, or fake cash, while the scammers vanish with the victim's real savings.

Common Variations

• The Jamaican Switch: The con artist claims to be an immigrant or sailor carrying a large sum of foreign cash who needs help handling it or putting it in a bank because they lack local identification.
• The Lottery Scam: The scammer claims they have a winning lottery ticket but cannot cash it out due to their legal immigration status, offering to sell or trade the ticket to the victim for cash.

Target Demographics

Con artists frequently target elderly citizens or individuals who appear wealthy and educated. They look for people who are polite, easily distracted, or driving alone.

Red Flags & Prevention

• Never withdraw cash for a stranger or a quick financial opportunity.
• Be highly suspicious of anyone offering to share unexpectedly found money.
• Remind yourself that if a financial opportunity sounds too good to be true, it always is.
• Walk away immediately and report the interaction to local law enforcement or security personnel.