People Pretending to Play Violin for Cash in SWFL

Are People Pretending to Play Violin for Cash in SWFL? There seems to be a scam happening Nationwide.

People pretending to play the violin is the next evil pandemic to hit America. In a play on the term “lip-syncing,” or in this situation, “finger-syncing.” This is straight-up fakery.

Seen it Myself:

I’ve seen it myself in a Publix parking lot. I didn’t think anything at the time. However, now I’m sure it was a scam. I should have known because they were missing a few fingers. Now depending on where you live, it is allowed to fake playing an instrument and perform in public for tips. I mean, nobody is being FORCED to give them any spare change. But it’s a dirty trick.

This is also nothing new either. You can easily search on Google “pretending to play the violin.” and lots of very entertaining videos pop up. Like this one of a woman confronting a scammer:

However, according to some law enforcement authorities, these con artists may be a part of a roving, organized gang that is robbing people of their hard-earned money.

The scam has been sighted repeatedly here in SWFL too. Just Check out this report from NBC-2 below:

Be on the lookout for these scammers. Don’t be fooled. It really takes away from people who spend their life learning to actually play the instrument. I gotta say though…

I play a pretty mean air guitar. Tips anyone?

Actual REAL Violin Players:

• Sumy Region Recovers From Russian Assault

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  SUMY, UKRAINE - JUNE 01: A street musician plays the violin to raise money for the Ukrainian army on June 1, 2022 in Sumy, Ukraine. Russian forces occupied large swaths of the Sumy region after Moscow invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24, before Ukrainian forces retook control of the area in April. Russia has since concentrated its war effort in the south and east of the country. (Photo by Alexey Furman/Getty Images)

• Violin Teacher Conducts Online Lessons From Home During Coronavirus Partial Shutdown

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  SANTIAGO, CHILE - APRIL 06: Violinist Marlly Palacios gives an online lesson through Skype on April 6, 2020 in Santiago, Chile. Palacios is a Venezuelan violinist who plays in the Chamber Orchestra Of Santiago. As there is a partial lock down in some communes of the city, she started giving on-line classes to her private students. (Photo by Marcelo Hernandez/Getty Images)

• Premiere Concert Of New Classical Concert Series “Open Air Klassiksommer” In Berlin

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  BERLIN, GERMANY - JULY 11: Violinist Mark Kagan performs during the premiere concert of the Classical concert series "Open Air Klassiksommer" organized by Berliner Residenz Konzerte at the Orangerie at Schloss Charlottenburg palace on July 11, 2020 in Berlin, Germany. The concerts, with sparsely seating arranged amidst the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, continue throughout the summer and feature compositions by Mozart, Vivaldi, Händel and Pergolesi. (Photo by Adam Berry/Getty Images)
• Central Council Of Jews Celebrates 70th Anniversary

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  BERLIN, GERMANY - SEPTEMBER 15: Violinist Daniel Hope performs at the celebration to mark the 70th anniversary of Germany's Central Council of Jews at the New Synagogue on September 15, 2020 in Berlin, Germany. The Council is the main umbrella organization for Jews in Germany and has approximately 100,000 members. (Photo by Henning Schacht - Pool/Getty Images)

• Michael Lo Sordo – Runway – Afterpay Australian Fashion Week 2021

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  SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 01: A violinist performs during the Michael Lo Sordo show during Afterpay Australian Fashion Week 2021 Resort '22 Collections at Bambini Trust on June 01, 2021 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)

• Arts & Entertainment Return To New York City As Pandemic Restrictions Lift

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  NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 13: Violinist Michi Fuji performs during a tribute to late jazz pianist Junior Mance during Piano in Bryant Park on May 13, 2021 in New York City. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced pandemic restrictions to be lifted on May 19. (Photo by Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images)
• Haute Living Celebrates 50 Cent With Watches Of Switzerland

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  NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 21: Composer and violinist Edward W. Hardy performs during the Haute Living Celebration of 50 Cent With Watches Of Switzerland on October 21, 2020 in New York City. (Photo by Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images for Haute Living

• Her Ensemble Present “Forgotten inHistory!î – Rehearsals

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  LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 06: Ellie Consta, founder, musical director and violinist with the women and non-binary string orchestra Her Ensemble is seen during rehearsals at St. Matthias Church on March 6, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Nicky J Sims/Getty Images)

• President And Mrs Biden Hold St Patrick’s Day Event At The White House

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  WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 17: Patricia Treacy, an Irish violinist, performs during an event celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in the East Room of the White House March 17, 2022 in Washington, DC. Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin was scheduled to attend the event before it was announced that he has tested positive for COVID. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)
• Sydney Street Choir Rehearses Ahead Of 20 Year Anniversary Concert

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  SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 15: Violinist and long time volunteer Graham Jacups plays during rehearsals with the Sydney Street Choir on March 15, 2022 in Sydney, Australia. The Sydney Street Choir started in 2001 with the aim to support, inspire and empower people who experience homelessness or disadvantage in the community through music and performance. Created by Jonathon Welch AM, Sydney Street Choir is the longest-running choir programme of its type in Australia. Funds raised support the Choir's rehearsal programs and social welfare program including providing Sydney Street Choir members with access to housing and social services, food packages and other essential items. To celebrate 20 years the Sydney Street Choir will be holding a special anniversary performance on Wednesday 16 March at Martin Place in Sydney's CBD. (Photo by Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images)

• Michael Lo Sordo – Runway – Afterpay Australian Fashion Week 2021

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  SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 01: A violinist performs during the Michael Lo Sordo show during Afterpay Australian Fashion Week 2021 Resort '22 Collections at Bambini Trust on June 01, 2021 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)

• North Rhine-Westphalia Celebrates 75th Anniversary

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  DUSSELDORF, GERMANY - AUGUST 23: German violinist David Garrett performs on stage during celebrations marking the 75th anniversary of the modern state of North Rhine-Westphalia on August 23, 2021 in Dusseldorf, Germany. North Rhine-Westphalia, which includes the traditionally industrial region of the Ruhr, is Germany's most populous state and was created by the British during post-World War II Allied occupation. (Photo by Andreas Rentz/Getty Images)