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.
Now broadcasting: The Spanish Prisoner
Warning Signs
- Unsolicited plea to help free someone rich and important.
- Small fees now, huge reward later.
- Strict secrecy 'for safety'.
Protect Yourself
- No legitimate fortune requires your fee to be released.
- Verify any story through independent channels.
- Talk it over with someone outside the conversation.
Read Deeper
The Big Con
David W. Maurer
The classic 1940 field study of American grifters — inspired The Sting.
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Watch it unfold
Play the grift
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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."
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."
1900s – immortalized in 'The Sting'
THE WIRE CON
"A fake betting parlor with rigged race results lets the mark 'win' a few times — until one enormous bet on the wrong horse takes everything."