#1
Posted: 1/7/13 at 1:35pm
Young-ish--mid 40's at this point, I guess. Slight build, fair hair, deeply-set eyes and a prominent nose. Wearing Khakis and an oxford or dress shirt, sometimes with a yellow 80's-era "power" tie. Casual prep.
He is either on the phone, speaking distractedly about his lost wallet or just walking down the sidewalk, visibly upset--almost panicked-looking.
He has either: Lost his wallet--he "doesn't care about the $200--it's all the ID" or he has locked his keys in his vehicle/lost his keys. He needs money to get uptown to his apartment/girlfriend's apartment/mother's house.
The scam is not new, but the dedication to his craft is extraordinary. I have been seeing this same dude playing this same role since the early 1990's.
I first encountered him on E14th Street & 1st Ave., outside of David Bagels. I gave him $20. I just saw him this morning on my morning dog walk--he was on Perry St just east of Hudson. As I have done for almost TWENTY years, I broke into his shtick and told his prospective victims that he was a "F**king con artist".
I HATE that he is out there, punishing people for their generosity. The desire to help someone in need is such a fine instinct--especially in the big, bad City--and it makes me so angry that he teaching people not to trust.
On the other hand, I am amazed at his diligent work ethic. At this point, I want to either kick him to death or nominate him for a performance art grant from the Doris Duke Foundation.
Anyone know the dude to whom I am referring? Ever give him any money?
He is either on the phone, speaking distractedly about his lost wallet or just walking down the sidewalk, visibly upset--almost panicked-looking.
He has either: Lost his wallet--he "doesn't care about the $200--it's all the ID" or he has locked his keys in his vehicle/lost his keys. He needs money to get uptown to his apartment/girlfriend's apartment/mother's house.
The scam is not new, but the dedication to his craft is extraordinary. I have been seeing this same dude playing this same role since the early 1990's.
I first encountered him on E14th Street & 1st Ave., outside of David Bagels. I gave him $20. I just saw him this morning on my morning dog walk--he was on Perry St just east of Hudson. As I have done for almost TWENTY years, I broke into his shtick and told his prospective victims that he was a "F**king con artist".
I HATE that he is out there, punishing people for their generosity. The desire to help someone in need is such a fine instinct--especially in the big, bad City--and it makes me so angry that he teaching people not to trust.
On the other hand, I am amazed at his diligent work ethic. At this point, I want to either kick him to death or nominate him for a performance art grant from the Doris Duke Foundation.
Anyone know the dude to whom I am referring? Ever give him any money?
You think, what do you want?
You think, make a decision...
