The Mirage Bar Scam (Saloon Swindle)
The Story
Jefferson 'Soapy' Smith was a legendary con man in the Wild West. His 'Mirage Bar' was a classic short-change scam. A prospector would buy a cheap beer with a gold nugget. The bartender would distract the customer with conversation while palming the change, then claim the customer had already been paid. If the customer protested, Soapy's gang of confederates, posing as fellow drinkers, would side with the bartender and intimidate the victim into leaving.
🚩 Red Flags
- Being distracted during a transaction
- Bartender or cashier being overly friendly
- Others in the room you don't know siding with the house
- A feeling of being rushed or confused
- Establishment in a transient, lawless area
⚖️ The Fallout
Soapy Smith controlled Skagway, Alaska, during the gold rush through his gang. His reign ended when he was shot and killed by a vigilante engineer during a standoff.
📚 Lessons Learned
The oldest tricks are often the simplest. Always count your change. Be wary of distractions during transactions. This scam is still run today in some tourist traps.
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