Gypsy Money-Switching Trick

[RSLancastr]

In researching something, I came across this thread on another forum:

The Gypsy Money-Switching Scam (http://www.scoundrelsforum.com/index.php?topic=228.msg1389)

I would imagine the trick is nothing new for most here, but I thought it interesting, being a second-hand account of a gypsy woman's sharing the "secret."

Part that I found interesting was the gypsy saying that gypsies will scratch themselves because people naturally look away when someone is scratching themself.

Made me think of Sylvia Browne's constant headscratching and nail-biting!

[Beleth]

Oldbies to this board will surely recognize the author of reply #4...

[Paul]

Ah, the 'good' old days. I see he's still spouting the the same utter nonsense. :rolleyes:

[schplurg]

In researching something, I came across this thread on another forum:

The Gypsy Money-Switching Scam (http://www.scoundrelsforum.com/index.php?topic=228.msg1389)

I would imagine the trick is nothing new for most here, but I thought it interesting, being a second-hand account of a gypsy woman's sharing the "secret."

Part that I found interesting was the gypsy saying that gypsies will scratch themselves because people naturally look away when someone is scratching themself.

Made me think of Sylvia Browne's constant headscratching and nail-biting!
Sylvia need do neither to make me look away...eeegads!!!
hmmm...Does that make sense?

[hipparchia]

Here in Bulgaria, gypsies will stand around hospitals, sometimes childrens' wards, looking for worried-looking visitors leaving the facilities. Then they will ask for a piece of personal jewelry from the unhappy-looking person, while interrogating which family member is sick.
They will say- you see, I wrap this earring/ring in my kerchief, and if a spell has been cast on the person X, the gold will turn into dust, but the spell will break. Lo and behold, no jewelry to see, only dust. The person may well get better- after all, they are under the care of qualified doctors.

Several days ago- Girl, I see you will find a wonderful man, I see love in your future (but you don't see my wedding band beneath my gloves, lady!)

[RSLancastr]

Very interesting, hipparchia!

The depths to which some people will sink. :mad:

[joesixpack]

Isn't that called a "Pigeon drop"? Very similar to the short-con in the opening scene of "The Sting"