Classic Schemes · Post-Civil War America – early 1900s
The Green Goods Game
Marks were lured to a back room to buy 'counterfeit' bills so perfect they'd fool any bank. Then the swindler swapped the sample crate for one full of newspaper before the mark could count.
The Big Con
David W. Maurer
The 1940 field study every modern grift book quietly borrows from.
Now broadcasting: The Green Goods Game
The short of it
The Green Goods Game is a classic schemes that dates to the Post-Civil War America – early 1900s. Marks were lured to a back room to buy 'counterfeit' bills so perfect they'd fool any bank. Then the swindler swapped the sample crate for one full of newspaper before the mark could count. The tell is usually simple: an offer to sell you money — real or fake — for pennies on the dollar. If you remember one thing, remember this — there is no legal way to buy discounted currency.
Warning Signs
- An offer to sell you money — real or fake — for pennies on the dollar.
- A private meeting far from home to inspect the goods.
- A crate or bag you don't get to touch until you've handed over cash.
Protect Yourself
- There is no legal way to buy discounted currency.
- Any deal built on your own greed is a deal built against you.
- If the goods can't be inspected freely, they aren't the goods.
Read Deeper
The Big Con
David W. Maurer
The classic 1940 field study of American grifters — inspired The Sting.
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More Classic Schemes
Street classic — 1900s to today
THE PIGEON DROP
"A stranger 'finds' a wallet or envelope stuffed with cash and offers to split it — right after you put up a little 'good faith' money of your own."
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THE SPANISH PRISONER
"A wealthy stranger writes from a foreign jail, begging a small favor to unlock a great fortune. Four centuries later, the same letter still arrives — now by email."
Ancient Greece – street corners today
THE SHELL GAME
"Three cups, one ball, and the promise of easy money. The ball is palmed before your eyes and the crowd cheering you on is in on it."