CHANGE RAISERS

• NCJ Number: 147767
• Author(s): W M Tucker
• Date Published: 1992
• Length: 32 pages
• Sale Source: Street-Smart Communications
• Publication Type: Training (Aid/Material)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: The original manuscript was written in 1960 by said author, a former magician whose current whereabouts are unknown.

Annotation

This is believed to be the most comprehensive document ever written on change raisers and shortchangers.

Abstract

The author explains how these schemers operate, thus, how to prevent their schemes from working. The change raiser, unlike the shortchanger, does not shortchange the victim, but tricks the victim into giving too much change. There are several variations in method; all depend on creating mathematical confusion through the back-and-forth exchange of money, and distractions at just the right moments. Even if an intended victim is alert enough to catch the discrepancy and balance the money, he or she likely will dismiss the incident as an innocent mistake, not a calculated scheme. The amateur shortchanger will simply give too little change and hope the victim won't bother to count it; the professional will go through distracting motions, counting off the change while giving it to the victim, making the victim believe the counting is accurate. A two- crook scheme called the "Flim-Flam" or the "Pigeon Drop" is featured, as is a shortchange trick that can be done on a stage.