The So-Called Pigeon Drop

This week, a man in Shreveport, LA, was duped into handing over $40,000 in cash to a sharp-dressed (see for yourself) con artist. The scam used was one of the classics - The Pigeon Drop. There are many variations but the key to them all is how the greed of the marks works against them. And if you're not sure what the Pigeon Drop is, do not ask Detective Bobby Herring, who is handling this case. As he explains:

"Someone offers you more money or some money, but they want a trust and they want to hold your money before you can get the money."

Got it? If not, try this. The Pigeon Drop has been used in everything from The Golden Girls (in the episode "Cheaters"), to Lost. The best use we've seen though is in Mamet's House of Games but just in case you haven't seen it we won't say why. But we will link to the brilliantly played set-up.