Classic Schemes · 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.
The Big Con
David W. Maurer
The 1940 field study every modern grift book quietly borrows from.
Now broadcasting: The Wire Con
The short of it
The Wire Con is a classic schemes that dates to the 1900s – immortalized in 'The Sting'. 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. The tell is usually simple: insider information no one else could possibly have. If you remember one thing, remember this — there is no such thing as a guaranteed inside tip.
Warning Signs
- Insider information no one else could possibly have.
- Small early wins to build your trust.
- Pressure to bet everything on a 'sure thing'.
Protect Yourself
- There is no such thing as a guaranteed inside tip.
- The bigger the 'sure thing', the bigger the con.
- If you can't afford to lose it, don't put it down.
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."
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."
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."