Beware of fake violin players in parking lots or garages. This kind of scam has been making waves in the United States since 2021. Scammers pretending to play violin, take advantage of kind hearted people, using signs that say, “Help me feed my 3 kids” or “Help me pay the rent. God bless you”.
This scam is becoming popular and is been performed almost in any parking lot or grocery shop you can think of. So how do these scammers work? How can you spot a fake violin player?
Violin Parking Lot Scam – How Does It Work?
The fake violin playing scam is performed by a gang of travellers. Often times, the fraudsters perform with a woman and a child in the background acting as their ‘Wife’ and ‘Kid’.
Then the signs say ‘Please Help me, I’ve lost my Job. I have two kids. Help for food and rent, God bless!‘
Damn! This got me in my feelings. Do you know what it takes for one to shove shame away and beg in public? I bet I’d even give my last dime to this impoverished family. BUT……..that isn’t the story!
The scammers have written a beautiful script, got a speaker that plays music flawlessly, and now they’re playing with our emotions with a fake Violin!
How To Spot A Fake Violin Player
You can still fish out a fake violinist Even if you know nothing about musical instruments,. You only need to pay attention and watch keenly.
Though the sound coming from the speaker next to the player is loud and flawless. If you observe carefully you’d see that the bow doesn’t even touch the surface of the instrument.
Also, during the different points in the performance, the songs would feature note changes or the vibrato would cause expressive shifts in the pitch of the song, but the fake violinist’s fingers wouldn’t move on the fingerboard. That’s some kind of magic!
When you request for a scale — A minor or C major, the supposed ‘violin player’ would feign tiredness and would start packing his instruments!
This scam is pretty much common, and has become more rampant now in 2024. These scammers travel from place to place, taking advantage of good natured people. They’ve been noticed in Washington, Florida Target, Houston, College Station, etc.
What do you think should be done? Have you ever given money to a fake violinist? Please share your experience and opinion in the comment section below.
Nora