Performers pretend to play violin to make easy tip money

[@Jason-wc3fh]

I like how the scammers get to have the luxury of having their faces blurred when they're openly out in public areas doing this. I can never understand the constant censoring and protection of the bad apples.

[@JesusOrtiz-qp1so]

When you start questioning them all the sudden they don’t know English

[@vicO1323]

If you ask them to play a simple song and they pretend not to understand, it's a scam.

[@kishascape]

If they're using an ELECTRIC violin it's a scam.

[@blak3brutus229]

⁠@@kishascapeno not true I did in high school ass hole and my ass looked like I was 31 literally wasn’t id’d in high school once for alcohol ever. Just tell them to play Mary had a little lamb, I can play devil went down to Georgia too but I actually know the notes lmao.

[@blak3brutus229]

@@kishascapeyou’re just retarded. Stop thinking.

[@Model1985]

And in the same sentence, tell you that they don't speak English IN ENGLISH when you call em out 😂

[@Model1985]

And in the same sentence, tell you that they don't speak English IN ENGLISH when you call em out 😂

[@tommyvizzle]

There's been a rise in violin crimes! 🎻🤪

[@Ahmadeeee]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@gonelucid]

😂😂🎉

[@kendrasinterlude]

Violin on violin crime 😂😂

[@robschannel4512]

I'm going to pretend to be a heavy metal guitarist. You don't need to pay me. The fantasy is enough.

[@stitchbiatch3715]

if you keep at it you can become the greatest air guitarist of all time!

[@Model1985]

Hey, if some rappers can petend to rap (lip syncing) then why shouldn't these fake violinist have a chance 😂

[@QuarrellaDeVil]

There's room for someone to come out and do a mean air guitar to "Baba O'Riley", with an associate to 'play' the Dave Arbus part while the scammer looks on.

[@thebobloblawshow8832]

The signs are all identical in almost every aspect. It’s like they all used AI. 🤣😂

[@Minibike817]

I always support anyone asking for a buck. WITH PROP MONEY😂

[@ezzar8165]

Haha good one! Fake performance rightfully earns fake money.

[@oddguitaristt7473]

They’re playing people like a damn fiddle

[@goodgravy3047]

Good one! 😂

[@goodgravy3047]

And stringing them along...

[@TheFriendlyPsychopath]

I've seen this in so many places, it's an insult to real musicians!

[@gonelucid]

If you think that's bad.. how about full on concerts of lipsyncing and just playing the wav files or even mp3 😂😂 people spends hundreds of dollars per ticket

[@thomas1910]

I always think, if they can’t be honest about their skills and have to lie why should we trust their story and trust them with our money?

[@TheBushdoctor68]

Every single artist lip-syncs their songs on tv. You're a hypocrite.

[@xavierb5120]

Violinists going full Milli Vanilli

[@MyDoodad]

my wife has a doctorate in violin performance, has been playing for 20 years, we see them all the time and she instantly knows

[@Arlingtonsjw]

Isn't that illegal because it's private property?

[@mariebussinger6565]

@@Arlingtonsjw yes

[@Coryiodine]

I can actually play instruments. But ive always been too embarrassed to stand out on a corner and perform. Yet these people seem to have supreme confidence while not only not being able to play but while ripping people off lol strange.

[@dftgjgerhiii3733]

Go! To one of the store that you are standing in front of. Apply for a JOB!

[@bricepaul80]

They don't need jobs... trust me...they got money....side action for them... probably own 3 convenient stores

[@usa4x4trucks]

I don’t hand out any cash to anyone. I’ll donate to reputable organizations like our local rescue mission and Salvation Army…but never street “performers”

[@luisvillarreal5262]

From phone scams to violin scams. Wow, they got a lot of time on their hands to think up ways to scam.

[@gonelucid]

What's even funnier is the folks who are upset about someone pretending to play a violin.

[@EdWard-ie5wn]

​@gonelucid it's obnoxious and annoying.

[@adriankettler695]

For real that reporter went after them fake punks. That’s great , and it’s fuqin hilarious. Give her a raise 🎉🎉🎉

[@JamesRonstadt]

Perfect instrument for this sad story 🎻

[@wolfmonster7454]

Ooh boohoo let me play a sad song on the world's smallest violin 🎻

[@wolfmonster7454]

I know, this really is the world's smallest violin 🎻 *shows you violin*. See?

[@DakotaFord592]

true

[@scottaproductions7197]

This team travels as a duo. There is a video made of the same couple on the same day, but it’s the man playing.

[@vnclejed1971]

Bro they’re literally all over the country, huge groups from LA, Seattle, Portland, just saw a family member see them in Michigan lol

[@rosannasmom1]

Casselberry, Florida too

[@ratherbeonthemoon]

Roma's....Europeans, just FYI before people start calling them Mexicans 😂. I saw somebody earlier say they were Hispanics LMAO

[@homedeezyfasheezy5662]

@@ratherbeonthemoon yeah I’ve heard them referred to as Romanian Gypsies. There are several of them in the Austin area. There’s this one lady I see all of the city begging for money. She usually has an infant with her and sometimes she has 2 middle school aged boys with her as well.

[@ratherbeonthemoon]

@@homedeezyfasheezy5662 I actually know exactly who you're talking about...holy shit that's funny. I saw them last month on 35 and 6th

[@chad5893]

Well if Sapphire ever wants to get into stripping, shes already got her name locked down.

[@florida5451]

I already work over 50 hours a week and I did not know they will allow you to play publicly like this without harassing you. I took private classes all through my childhood and the reason I quit playing was my music tutor asked me to play an original piece at family night the following week. This was in the 90s before internet so I tracked down all the music changed the notes and rewrote it so I could use it and did Metallica's enter sandman on violin in front of the class and parents. Even though I got a standing ovation and bows she chastised me in front of the parents and other students so I quit after that. I have played a few times since but showing a couple people chords and because a friend had a violin and said I couldn't play thought I was joking. About to get my Old violin out of the closet and start going playing in public not for money because I enjoy it. It is a Guarneri and even after hardships in my life I would never think of getting rid of it because it was a gift from my grandfather when I was a child. He brought it over from Europe when he was there on business. Need to get it restringed and tuned but I am excited! I am going to do this. Again not for money just to bring others to Joy of music. A smile is the only payment I need!

[@barrysmith8920]

Please continue to play! People will love that you are REALLY playing. Especially if it’s acoustic and without those annoying backing tracks scammers use. I was acoustic violin busking last winter 🥶 in Flagstaff Arizona January-March. The money I earned was very good, the people very kind and appreciative. Many were very surprised that I was actually playing! I had no idea why until watching these scammer videos on YT..🤪

[@Dan-xx5jq]

These are Roma scammers. They should not have been allowed into this country!

[@Jason-wc3fh]

You had my instant respect when I got to the part where you said you played Enter Sandman on a violin. That is badass!

[@tonightimsingle]

Lmao the violin meme sound at the end 😂

[@CA-tk8yn]

I love what they're doing. They let those who want to give, give. They don't have a gun and no ones is claiming it's their original music. Musicians play others music all the time. Big deal. If you thought they were real violinist's then you are clearly not seeing well. He doesn't even move the bow to the tune being played. I think he needs $2. He ain't hurting anyone who doesn't want to give. Would you be upset if they did art like drawings? What if they have no talent, can they at least act? That's all they're doing.

[@AndrewLarson-mq7xc]

Anybody can act just look at Hollywood😂

[@marshallohio5512]

Same old Story here in Standish Maine!! First time father and son and second time just an adult male !!! They just smile when I ask in playing without backing track !! I was bored, so I hung around in telling anyone ready to hand out money that this is a scam in a polite way ! I actually was handed $5 for informing the scam !! Ice cream 🍨 money !!

[@gonelucid]

You should go tell your mommy about all the concerts that lipsync. Maybe she will give you another ice cream.

[@michaelstutzman5728]

I work for a company in Dunlap, Indiana and I would hear violin performers. Do this crap in a parking lot sometime in my parking lot too and my boss don’t care so whoever posted this thank you for posting it.

[@Sutterjack]

Not as bad in my book as the "funeral expenses" scam, but all bottom feeders. There was one of these at my local Safeway and I sat there watching them while critiquing with another lady (who was a musician) - we both noted it wasn't real playing. No donation from me - I donate to my starving artist friends who are legit players

[@Stateless7]

So many shameless people looking for handouts

[@florida5451]

Right give me that gimmick LOL

[@TheLoneCamper]

It's a "performance"...like a concert promoter's legal department would say.

[@hmsmedia2005]

Bottom line… DONT GIVE THEM YOUR MONEY!! That’s it!!

[@m.scottreeder]

You let them in, America. Now live with it.

[@unclepecos845]

Here's a tip........don't tip nobody just because they're playing music. They can go get a job like the rest of us. I tip for nothing.

[@FlashCadallic]

Who knew there were all these world class violin players in parking lots?

[@ixlr8395]

People are SO GULLIBLE if they really believe the scammers are actually playing those instruments. There are a few that hang around our local Kroger and they get really mad if you get close to them.🤣 Wonder why????😆😆😆

[@megankreps2650]

That’s the same lady that I saw this morning at Sherwood Safeway with the orange shirt she’s a scammer

[@doloresbecker756]

They all play backing tracks with the same typical contemporary tunes, such as the "Hallelujah Song", Elton John's "Sacrifice" and Aladdin's "A Whole New World" etc. Does anyone know where they come from? Are they Romany Gypsy from East Europe or another culture from somewhere else?

[@WinkDaMan07]

There was a guy outside my job doing this 2 days straight!! Although the one I saw has me confused!!! Because anytime he’d stop playing, the violin stops but the background music still plays!!! So I’m thinking maybe it’s a multitrack recording where he has an accomplice mute the violin track when he stops?!?!?!? Whatever he did, he made it look very convincing!!!

[@Jason-wc3fh]

He's likely a legit player. Several guitarists do this also. They don't hide the fact they're playing along to a track without the instrument they're adding in.

[@Wacky-Jacky]

Playing air violin, takes a lot of talent and years to master. Pay these people.

[@RayDoyouagree]

Pay them shxt

[@StoicLion]

Oh, that sad music near the end was perfect.

[@AFatalPapercut]

I swear this same exact couple were doing this in Virginia Beach a couple of years ago as well.

[@user-kq5mv8rm1s]

They're outside the TJMaxx by Food Lion to this day

[@masterofnone1481]

So if it’s electric it’s probably fake 👌

[@westonh4900]

These unscrupulous solicitors sure are choosing strange locations... A target parking lot?

[@unknown5397]

They do this in Las Vegas too. 😂

[@lisa9867]

I've seen them in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. I don't bother them but I also don't give them any of my money.

[@frankmafia1420]

You can always lean to air guitar 🎸 then people can’t get mad when they give you money 😂

[@lilolme69]

Have music blasting and playing the air guitar like a PRO!!! Every now and then break in to the drums and back to the guitar! I bet that would get more money than a violin

[@tiffanykahn2535]

Psst! 🤫🤐😮😢 ....dont give them any ideas! They might as well do them....

[@lilolme69]

@@tiffanykahn2535 Hell, I'm thinking about doing it!

[@boisebadboy93]

A few years ago in Meridian Idaho, in the local Walmart parking lot, there were two young overweight male twins that would sit down in the grass by the busiest exit and wouldn't even hold their signs up. They would prop them on the stop sign pole and sit down all day. They did this for at least two summers. One time I saw them taking turns "playing" a violin like this and I just laughed. I once saw one of them pull out of a nice neighborhood on a motorcycle 😂 Haven't seen them for years now

[@GamerNate30]

Saw it in Idaho too when I lived there. Just moved to California and saw it again

[@DizzieDaCrazzie88]

that violin player was hot af! 🔥

[@Hartflame]

Yeah, I fell for it. I gave them $20 but I loved the song Ava Maria but he was supposedly playing.

[@Emcee58]

Saw this in a Concord, NH parking lot last week... Noticed immediately that the guy was "synching" to the music, but so did everybody! I didn't see anybody give him $$$$ for it while I was there...

[@GamerNate30]

Saw this in Idaho and again when I moved to California

[@davidspicer5683]

That sad walk away music 😂🥶

[@vector8310]

They all have a "pimp" waiting in a car nearby who'll conveniently pop up to defuse or frustrate a confrontation.

[@florentin1888]

This needs to be considered a crime.its stealing from other people by pretending to play violin.

[@anicatt]

Loitering

[@user-dx9nn8lb7f]

I like how they all say they are from Italy…..lol. They are obviously gypsies from Eastern Europe.

[@TheBushdoctor68]

Why does it matter? People get entertained, don't they. One day you lot are going to get mad because you found out that magicians aren't actually doing magic.

[@erikas7219]

They are all over NJ too. I just looked up violin scammers to see if what I was seeing was a scam

[@lanabyk8012]

Life is a stage...and you have to adapt and be quick and be able to switch roles...

[@Johnadams20760]

omfg, the guy at 1.22 he is not even remotely holding his bow right. you hold it at the tip, not in the middle of the bow. lmfao

[@user-ce2gy5oe2p]

THEY ARE NOT PLAYING INSTRUMENTS, actually THEY ARE PLAYING WITH YOUR MONEY IN YOUR POCKET !!!

[@ryuhoshi695]

Bruh that's the same girl in the yellow shirt who was with a guy who was scamming lol...She was acting like a bystander lol

[@texazmade713]

Lmao @ the sad violen music at the end

[@customk9254]

Oh what's that... the world's smallest violin.

[@Applejuice9694]

I saw this outside Trader Joes. I shazamed them and it produced the track.

[@rbfarrell1]

Thank you for showing this hopefully many people will see this. Please don't give money to these roaches.

[@2112jp]

I place it in the same category as air guitarist

[@lordfudd9649]

Reminder that scammers shouldn’t get to eat

[@LotusFrog_n_Sun]

best way to tell : ask them to do a request for $ !

[@ooochakalaka]

I once asked this scammer to play mary had a little lamb...and he couldn't. Told me to F off.

[@djstarman69]

They are here in texas too ,same melodies, dont fall for this people

[@lifetravel2024]

Im never gives money to anyone on the street despite what will be doing.

[@thecontinental8978]

It is organized crime and the stores should trespass them from the property.

[@the_izB]

I'd donate for the fact they are doing something to entertain me.

[@eximusic]

You've blown the lid off parking lot bow-syncing. Now what?

[@drewmcintyre7870]

Sapphire Gibson is 🔥 Gorgeous

[@mrmankeyman2363]

The service that beggers provide is a mental product. When giving money to the "less fortunate" as far as u know, makes you feel better about yourself and the world around u. If ur only concern is whether they are scammers, paranoia is your world. Is begging for money not a scam in itself or is it a service?

[@Macjeeh]

Instrument lipsinc 😂 Theres alot of those downtown Seattle

[@Cam-wi3tp]

there are a lot of actors who can't act yet they still make millions and are in so many movies

[@Boeman683]

I would rather see them playing a violin rather out selling drugs and guns on a street corner.

[@scwaty180]

We had two people doing this a couple months ago next to the McDonald's in Mt View Missouri.

[@Lisa-vq3ow]

these scammers are in NY too.

[@rosaspanjol673]

Just ignore them!… and most important….do not give them money!

[@pamelapope859]

What you do is have them turn off the speaker and then play, if they don't you know they're fake. There are too many scammers out there just waiting to get your money, so be careful.

[@georgelancaster6701]

Stop feeding these scammers

[@christopherbass8781]

This is happening in my Spokane. It makes me angry. I don't like frauds. These people are able to get jobs.

[@megankreps2650]

If you see a women in Sherwood playing the violin please don’t give her any money

[@Dan-xx5jq]

These are Roma people! They are scammers. They should never been allowed into the US. So sad, we have open borders!

[@martaparsons5633]

My choice, not yours.

[@richj6596]

Just don’t give anyone any money ever. It’s easy

[@davidwhocares3293]

These Goons are all over Nor Cal too .....

[@liamwatson5125]

All of the violins the scammers pretend to play are actually stolen.

[@frankieromo6235]

There's two of the fake clowns in my city of Yuma az at the food city store on 16th &Ave b as of 10/25/23 they asked me for money tolded they needed to leave ,my son is the manager lol

[@EIEIO47]

We had also here in Montreal!

[@ratherbeonthemoon]

If they would dance a little bit then it wouldn't be a scam, it would just be a skit. Just make it comical and you can fake playing an instrument all you want.

[@gonelucid]

Big artists do it all the time and they get paid like crazy for their tickets. Hypocrisy. 😂

[@3rddayproductions723]

Damn gonna get me a Violin now Sheesh why didn’t I think of that all my life!

[@aicarpool]

Sapphire Gibson. She’s a adult entertainment actress, no?

[@missraquel8940]

What is the problem if someone wants to tip fake playing or not is your choice if they were asking for money without the violin people will still tip I believe if you want to tip or give your money you should be demanding nothing that’s bad karma keep in mind when you need help you will be hit with road blocks these people will have their karma to deal with you should worry about how people spend your donation if you give it’s to help and not put conditions god is watching our intentions and that is what should matter

[@martaparsons5633]

I enjoy the music and I will give them money if I want to. I do not give money to the big charities because the money goes to expenses, not the people who suffered through the flood tornado ect. My money, my choice.😊

[@Steelandbrass]

Can’t wait for the south park episode

[@thekendrashow]

Lol it’ll be coming soon.

[@pmuppuehtemulov]

imagine this is "news" and you care.

[@billypeek7186]

They are just acting for your entertainment, pretending to play. Better then just standing on the corner with a sign.

[@KlaviersAnthology]

Instead of mocking scammers, next time you see a professional musician playing on the street and not in a fancy saloon or a restaurant, make sure to leave a good amount of money and not just pass him like he was a random ant that lost its nest! Or better yet find him a job!

[@trebleclef9844]

they deserve to be mocked, its the punishment for stealing money and lying to people

[@megankreps2650]

There is a women in Sherwood oregon that is doing this and she got into a shouting match with a business owner

[@TBrown0440]

People can pretend to give them money. Even deal.

[@luigichicolino6212]

Acting as a police, is not a good idea. Can be dangerous, if you don't want to get scammed, choose not to give away money , simple solution, to non existing problem. I'm a rocket scientist, that's how I figured that one out.

[@MrGrxxx123]

Remember Milli Vanilla????