Police Say People Pretending to Play Violin For Money a “Nationwide Issue”

Well, well, well. It looks like there's a new warning about panhandlers who aren't what they appear to be.

Officials across the country are warning people about the instrumentalists who are begging for money while they "play the violin."

Little do citizens know, they are not actually playing the violin, the speaker is just playing music off their phone while they pretend to play the instrument.

Officials say the fraud involves dishonest violin players who solicit money (either cash or by electronic payment) in parking lots of shopping plazas.

The Montgomery County Maryland Police tweeted an alert asking people to be aware of these scammers.

"This is a nationwide issue," authorities wrote. "Please share this alert to others. Stay Safe."

We suggest giving them a fake tip for their fake playing. It's only fair.

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