Explain the details of the pigeon drop scam and why it is used so widely

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

• Here's how it works: Con man 1 finds a wallet, purse, attaché case, or even a paper bag apparently filled with money. An unsuspecting victim standing nearby witnesses the discovery. At that time, con man 2 appears and claims that he is entitled to a share of the loot just as much as the other. It should occur to the victim at this point that he or she should share in the proceeds. An argument then breaks out about whether they should divide the money immediately or check it out to see if it is stolen. Con man 1 says his "boss" has police "connections" and can check. A quick phone call is then made by con man 1 who then says that the money was probably dropped by some drug dealer or big-time gambler and that they should divide it between them. The boss offers to hold the money until all three can produce a substantial amount of their own money to show that they are acting in good faith and can be trusted to keep the secret. Con man 2, apparently determined not to be cut out of the deal, produces a large sum of money on the spot to prove his reliability. Con man 1 and the victim then hurry off to get their part of the money. When the victim returns and hands over his share, it is the last he or she sees of the cons, the money, or the boss. This scheme relies on there being so much money that the victim very much wants to believe what they are told.