One of the tricks that has superceded “green goods” is the “country
postmaster,” or “red goods” game. A circular is sent to postmasters in
out-of-the-way towns where the level of intelligence is supposed to be
very low, informing them that the writers have become possessed of a
large quantity of postage stamps, and are waiting for a chance to sell
them at from thirty-five cents to fifty cents on the dollar, according
to the quantity taken.
After this the modus operandi is precisely similar to that employed in
the “green goods” game. The victim is shown a lot of postage stamps,
which are then packed in a valise, and at the last moment the valise is
changed for one containing mud or stones or a brick.
This has not the same field as the “green goods” game, as the number
of postmasters is limited, and in little towns their opportunities
are smaller for disposing of any great quantities of stamps. It was
invented by operators who had been clubbed or beaten by “come-ons”
familiar with their game, and who decided that a change of ground was
necessary. But it can hardly be said to have scored a hit.
The police have made a statement to the effect that Harlem is now free
from “green goods” men, but it must be remembered that at all times,
even when Harlem was overrun with the swindlers, the police have issued
similar proclamations. It has been said that Captain Thompson, of the
West 125th street station, has made an arrangement with the Western
Union Telegraph Company by which all “green goods” messages shall be
shown to him. This statement is made in order to show the vigilance
of the police and the change of heart of the telegraph company, which
has derived a large income from the swindlers, it being alleged that
the company had a regular “green goods” department to look after that
branch of the trade and to see that the operators got what they wanted.
It is denied, however, that the Western Union people could show
telegrams to the police. It is against the law, for one thing, and any
company that did not guarantee the secrecy of its messages would soon
begin to lose its business.
* * * * *
About Detectives.
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the volume, postpaid, by sending only six cents, stamps, to Keystone
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received this little “Counterfeit Money” book.
Genuine Government Money.
Here is a new wrinkle in the line of green goods business. Ordinarily
the country brother, when he speculates in this class of stock, goes
in without regard for the proprieties, for the purpose of making
whatever he can out of the scheme, and, if he gets the supply as
promised, feels satisfied with the arrangement.
This new idea is something of a variation on the old plan, however,
in that it swindles the man who is himself contemplating a swindle on
his neighbors and on the government. Instead of sending the customer
“green” goods, the swindlers send him a lot of confederate money.
Here is the way the new circular reads:
“Esteemed Sir--You have been recommended to me as being a person in
whom I can place implicit faith; who will deal with me honestly and
work for mutual interests. I therefore write you this confidential
letter, trusting to your honor to use me fairly.
“My business is peculiar. I deal in money of several kinds. I want
a shrewd, careful and energetic person in your locality to handle a
branch of my business. Probably you are not wealthy, but you can recall
some others who have quite suddenly achieved wealth, and the public has
never known just how. Mine is a money making method, and will enable
you to acquire good cash by exchanging bank bills for coins, etc.
“I will not go into details in this letter, but if you will send me
$2, I will send you samples of money representing $50, also complete
confidential instructions, lists of prices of various denominations of
money.
“The above will enable you to get a proper start, and if you go into
the business on a large scale, I will arrange to pay your expenses
to Boston, where we can have a personal private conference and make
negotiations.
“I enclose a strong envelope, addressed, in which you can place your
$2, and it will reach me safely. Rest assured I shall deal with you
fairly, Mr. ----, and I expect the same treatment in return.
“P. S.--The samples of money that I will send you are printed from
original government plates, therefore, are not counterfeit (or
imitation) money.”
It is necessary to read the letter twice in order to appreciate the
fine points of composition, the seductive tone of the epistle, and
yet, the clever way in which the writer avoids making any damaging
admissions.
The opening and the general style is that of the regular “green goods”
letter, but it differs in two important points--its tone is not so
secret as those epistles generally are, and the address of the sender
is given. Furthermore the customer is not required to answer by a
secret telegraphic message.
The postscript is particularly inviting, as the writer guaranteed to
send money from original government plates, and not counterfeits.
This is Literally True,
but the writer forgets to state that the government which is
represented on the money went out of existence about 30 years ago.
Confederate money is what will be sent, and the agreement will be
literally carried out so far as the amount specified goes. If the
customer “kicks,” he is bound hand and foot, so to speak, for he
has made himself a party to the fraud by sending for the article
advertised, and which is really much worse than what he receives.