PLAYERS: Most often black males. Two or more suspects involved.

VICTIMS: Usually black males.

CONTACT: Suspect (hitter) approaches the mark and claims to be lost. Suspect displays a piece of paper containing the name and address of a non-existent hotel. He explains that he is to meet a prostitute at this hotel. Second suspect (capper) appears on the scene and when shown the address of the hotel announces that no such address exists. During the conversation the hitter, who plays the role of a poorly educated and very gullible country boy, flashes what appears to be a huge sum of money. The capper, who says that many people have been killed for a lot less money than he had displayed, immediately cautions him.

The hitter again expresses his desire to find a prostitute. In response, the capper agrees to find one for him, but again advises against carrying such a large bankroll.

CON: The capper then takes the mark on the side and convinces him that the country boy is so stupid that he is sure to be robbed by day's end. As such, since someone is going to get his money--it might as well be them. They eventually gull the mark into placing his "good faith money" into a large handkerchief said to contain the country boy's money and expensive jewelry. The handkerchief is then switched for one containing costume jewelry and blank paper.

KISSOFF: The capper leaves with the hitter saying that they are going to obtain the services of a prostitute. The mark is led to believe that he is to meet with the capper after he locates a prostitute for the country boy, and spilt the money. End of scam.

NOTE: The cover story for this scam varies, but the basic scam remains constant, that is, the mark believes he is about to steal the country boy's money.

FraudTech