Conman

In the late 19th century, the world of conmen thrived in both urban and rural areas. These cunning individuals made their living by preying on the unsuspecting and exploiting their trust and gullibility. This article delves into the world of conmen in 1880, examining their methods, notable figures, and the ways in which they were pursued by law enforcement.
Common Schemes and Techniques
Conmen, also known as confidence tricksters or swindlers, employed a variety of schemes and techniques to deceive their victims and separate them from their money or possessions. Some of the most common cons included:
The Shell Game: This street gambling scam involved a conman hiding a small ball under one of three cups, then shuffling the cups around and encouraging onlookers to bet on the location of the ball. The conman would often use sleight of hand to manipulate the outcome, ensuring that the mark would lose their bet.
The Spanish Prisoner: In this scam, the conman would approach a wealthy individual, claiming to know of a wealthy aristocrat imprisoned in Spain who required financial assistance to secure their release. In exchange for the mark's help, the conman would promise a large reward once the aristocrat was free. However, once the money was handed over, the conman would disappear, leaving the mark with nothing.
The Gold Brick Scam: A conman would claim to have a gold brick or nugget, often presenting a genuine-looking but fake item as proof. The mark would be enticed to buy the gold at a price below its actual value, only to discover later that the item was worthless.
Notable Conmen
Several notable conmen operated during this period, using their charm and wit to deceive unsuspecting victims. Some of the most infamous included:
George C. Parker: Known for his audacious scams, Parker famously "sold" landmarks such as the Brooklyn Bridge and the Statue of Liberty to gullible tourists and newcomers.
Soapy Smith: Operating in the American West, Soapy Smith was a notorious conman and Crime Boss who ran various gambling and confidence schemes, often involving rigged games and shell games.
Law Enforcement and Pursuit
In response to the growing problem of conmen, law enforcement agencies took steps to apprehend and prosecute these criminals. Dedicated detectives and officers often went undercover to infiltrate the world of cons, using their own cunning and guile to outsmart the tricksters.
In many cases, law enforcement relied on informants and tips from the public to track down and apprehend conmen. Additionally, newspapers and publications would often publish warnings and descriptions of common scams, helping to educate the public and protect them from falling victim to these devious schemes.
Conclusion
The world of conmen in 1880 was a complex and fascinating realm, populated by cunning individuals who used deception and manipulation to exploit the vulnerable. While law enforcement made strides in combating these criminals, the allure of easy money and the ingenuity of the conmen ensured that confidence tricks continued to be a persistent problem throughout the late 19th century.

Type

Illicit