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Violin scam

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The Violin scam is a fraudulent public performance where someone pretends to play the violin over a pre-recorded track. The scammer solicits donations using a sign and sometimes with a co-conspirator who approaches listeners for money. Scammers primarily use electric violins which are plugged into a speaker. The violin itself emits no sound as all the sound comes from the speaker, making the scam easier to conduct for a novice or non-player. Their sign typically asks for money to assist with bills, rent, or medical treatment for themselves or an ill family member. When asked if the performance is genuine, the performers often state that they don't speak English.

The scam has been documented across the United States including Connecticut, Michigan, Colorado, Texas, Arizona, Alaska, Idaho, New Mexico, Florida, and Iowa. It has also been seen in the United Kingdom, with individuals conducting the scam near London Underground stations and shopping center entrances.

Law enforcement across the United States have warned the public of the issue. The Montgomery County Department of Police has stated that the performer's claims of being homeless or having a sick relative are usually untrue, but that they cannot officially discourage the donation of money.

There has been confusion by the general public between real street violinists and scammers. Real musicians who busk for a living have felt threatened by the scam, with some filming themselves confronting the scammers. David Wallace, the chair of the Strings Department at the Berklee College of Music, believes that skepticism of the legitimacy of a performance may cause people to "become more cautious about giving to any musician." Scott Simon, the host of Weekend Edition Saturday on NPR, called the scam "one more raindrop in the storm of schemes that blur our view of what's right in front of us."

References

  1. Mary-Katherine (December 19, 2023). "The Truth About the People 'Playing' Violin in Kentucky Parking Lots". WBKR-FM (wbkr.com). Townsquare Media, Inc. Retrieved December 27, 2024.
  2. Niles, Laurie (December 11, 2021). "V.com weekend vote: Have you encountered a fake violin busker?". Violinist.com. Retrieved December 27, 2024.
  3. ^ Hall, Sophia Alexandra (August 3, 2022). "Police across America warn of scammers pretending to play the violin for money". Classic FM (www.classicfm.com). London: Global Media & Entertainment Ltd. Retrieved December 27, 2024.
  4. ^ Yu, Chris (July 27, 2022). "Scammers pretending to play violin for money a 'nationwide issue,' police say". Komo News (komonews.com). Portage, Michigan: Sinclair, Inc. WWMT. Retrieved December 27, 2024.
  5. O'Neill, Tara (December 8, 2021). "Norwalk police: Beware of violin players seeking donations". New Canaan Advertiser. Hearst Media Services Connecticut, LLC. Retrieved December 27, 2024.
  6. Yu, Chris (July 26, 2022). "Police say people pretending to play violin for money a 'nationwide issue'". WWMT News Channel 3. Sinclair, Inc. Retrieved December 27, 2024.
  7. "Edgewater police: man playing violin in parking lot is faking it, don't give him $$". CBS News (www.cbsnews.com). CBS Broadcasting Inc. CBS Colorado. August 17, 2022. Retrieved December 27, 2024.
  8. Revelle, Reyna (December 8, 2021). "Scam artists posing as musicians and asking for money during the holidays". KETK.com. Tyler, Texas: Nexstar Media Inc. KETK. Retrieved December 27, 2024.
  9. Shearer, Dan (December 2, 2021). "From the Editor: Fake-violinist scam comes our way; here's why it's wrong". Green Valley News & Sahuarita Sun (gvnews.com). Green Valley, Arizona: Wick Communications. Retrieved December 27, 2024.
  10. Kuhn, Jonson (May 21, 2024). "Face the pre-recorded music: Alaska State Troopers warn of busking scams on the rise". Alaska’s News Source (www.alaskasnewssource.com). Anchorage, Alaska: Gray Local Media, Inc. KTUU. Retrieved December 27, 2024.
  11. Heart, Michelle (April 11, 2022). "Is This Amazing Boise Violinist Actually Part of an Elaborate Scam Ring?". 107.9 LITE FM. Boise, Idaho: Townsquare Media, Inc. Retrieved December 27, 2024.
  12. Gonzalez, David (February 15, 2022). "Playing on your emotions: violin scam reaches Borderland". KVIA (kvia.com). Las Cruces, New Mexico: News-Press & Gazette Company (NPG). Retrieved December 27, 2024.
  13. Wilson, Todd (January 5, 2023). "Romanian man arrested in Palm Beach County for lying about sick child, soliciting donations". WPTV News Channel 5. Royal Palm Beach, Florida: Scripps Media, Inc. Retrieved December 27, 2024.
  14. "Fiddler or swindler? Ames violin busker sparks debate over performance". StoryCounty.News. June 3, 2021. Retrieved December 27, 2024.
  15. Schere, Dan (December 7, 2021). "Miscommunication by police about public musicians enrages area buskers". MoCo360 (moco360.media). Bethesda, Maryland. Retrieved December 27, 2024.
  16. Simon, Scott (August 20, 2022). "Opinion: That unbelievable street violinist could just be a 'finger-syncer'". NPR (www.npr.org). National Public Radio, Inc. Retrieved December 27, 2024.
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