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.
The Big Con
David W. Maurer
The 1940 field study every modern grift book quietly borrows from.
Now broadcasting: The Pigeon Drop
The short of it
The Pigeon Drop is a classic schemes that dates to the Street classic — 1900s to today. 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. The tell is usually simple: found money that must be split immediately. If you remember one thing, remember this — walk away from any 'lucky' windfall involving strangers.
Warning Signs
- Found money that must be split immediately.
- A third accomplice appearing to vouch for the plan.
- Any request for your cash before you see theirs.
Protect Yourself
- Walk away from any 'lucky' windfall involving strangers.
- Never post your own money to claim someone else's.
- Call the police — real found money goes to them, not you.
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
c. 1580 – present
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."
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