Rigged Card Game Targets Shoppers
By Greg Collier
A scam as old as street crime itself has resurfaced in Greensboro, North Carolina — and it’s costing residents thousands of dollars.
Police are warning the public about individuals setting up illegal card games, particularly Three Card Monte, in parking lots near shopping centers. These operations are not just a nuisance — they are deliberate, well-coordinated scams designed to defraud participants of large sums of money.
While this con may seem like a relic of the past, many people are unfamiliar with it and unaware of how it works. That unfamiliarity is what scammers rely on.
Three Card Monte is not a legitimate game of chance. It’s a confidence trick in which a dealer displays three playing cards, usually two black cards and one red, and quickly shuffles them around. The player is then asked to identify the red card.
At first glance, it may appear winnable. In reality, the game is carefully rigged. The scammer uses sleight of hand to switch or hide the red card during the shuffle. The operation often involves accomplices posing as bystanders or other players, who pretend to win or encourage participation to create a false sense of fairness and excitement.
Once a victim bets real money, the deception becomes clear, but by then, it’s too late.
Police in Greensboro have documented multiple cases of people losing significant amounts of money, from $1,500 to as much as $8,000, in just a few moments. What makes matters worse is that participation itself is illegal, regardless of whether a person wins or loses. It is considered unlawful gambling, and law enforcement has made it clear that individuals caught playing may face legal consequences.
In addition to potential charges, authorities have warned that money seized during these operations is unlikely to be recovered, even by those who were victimized.
Three Card Monte has a long history, dating back to Europe in the 1400s and flourishing in the U.S. during the 19th and 20th centuries. It was common in crowded city centers, train stations, and sidewalks, and it continues today in areas where foot traffic and distractions make people more vulnerable
Despite its age, the scam remains effective precisely because it feels spontaneous and low-risk. In reality, it is a carefully planned fraud that depends on a victim’s lack of familiarity and the illusion of a fair game.
Law enforcement emphasizes that not all scams arrive via phone call, text, or email. Some unfold in broad daylight, in seemingly harmless environments. Residents should remain cautious and report any suspicious activity to local authorities.
If someone invites you to gamble on a street card game, remember, it is not entertainment, it is a setup. These games are illegal, deceptive, and costly, both financially and legally.
The best way to protect yourself is to walk away.
Leave a Reply