So sayeth Lord Amanda, Pervayor of all that needs help. God forbid thyn children be struckith with deathly illness thoust coin run dry, for Lord Amanda shalt snub her nose at thee.
@@lopaka79 Now that the borders are opened we can expect a lot more. Sorry but I have no sympathy for people who prey on other peoples emotions. Let's go Brandon
@@MrWontstopthefunk Exactly! They play on other peoples emotions. Now that the borders are opened and the stimulus checks ended in September. Let's go Brandon
1:58 Seems legit. He's on a Yamaha YEV4, not some $50 china electric violin. EDIT: Peter Lee Johnson "vivalavida" recording is very damaging and even though he looks like he's playing, its fake playing per the evidence.
I was in a parking lot and a young strapping guy about 30 years old was panhandling with his two little kids in tow and I told him he should be ashamed of himself doing this in front of his children, I was kind of afraid because he could squash me like a bug ( I’m old now). But he just kind of shrugged his shoulders and walked away. I wonder how those kids seeing this will end up?
Not even their real kids sometimes, but rented from cousins, uncles, etc. Roma gang. Most on the street, are EU citizens and can just enter the States 6 months from spring to autumn, then they go home. As panhandling isn't considered work, they are in the law. These people made scamming their main family business.
I used to work at a grocery store. They would have an accordion guy, violin girl, etc always rotating every day. Their sign would change sometimes from “I need money, family sick” to “need rent for kids” etc. its all a scam. They make tons of money doing it too. The kids that they involve to beg for money with them are human trafficking victims
I'm in Massachusetts. There was an old guy at the grocery store doing this. I had no idea what he was actually doing. I thought "man, that dude is good". But I never saw him again. Another guy is always playing an acoustic guitar on a traffic island. With the traffic noise you can't hear if he's actually playing or not. Now I wonder.
Yep, the guy at 3:30 was at Kroger in Hurst Texas, I exposed him. Said he was Italian. ? All these guys obviously fake. Let's get 'em off the streets! We spent years and thousands honing our craft!
This really infuriates me as around two years ago I gave around 20 dollars to someone playing the violin, around Christmas time when I was around 14. I felt good about it at the time but later realized it was most likely a hoax, as they had the same type of sign and were playing extremely loudly with a speaker, could hear it from the opposite side of the shopping center. Breaks my heart as I could've given it to someone truly in need with actual skill or gotten a nice present for a friend, why, I spent less on my crush at the time than I did on these folks. infuriates me!
@@miketaggard309 well that is also a life lesson, don't blindly donate to charities, donate to good charities. Charities with quantifiable missions are always risky because they go out of business once they accomplish their objective. Ongoing charities for things that will always help society such as helping the needy, veteran foundations, or animal shelters *tend* to be safer, but there is still plenty of room for games. Research each charity to make sure your money isn't going to a CEO's quarterly bonus.
There was an entirely foxy girl on Kaua'i doing this on Cello at the weekly art night. My brother went every week and gave her continually larger donations thinking he was making progress with her. He was quite disappointed when she paused to reject his date proposal... while the music kept playing.
I confronted a similar pair yesterday at one of our local supermarket's entrance/exits in Brunswick, Maine. I asked the male violinist, about in his 50s, to play me a piece without the accompaniment [wherein the "violin" parts are found]. He pretended not to understand English and fumbled with the violin's cord at the amp end. Same violin as seen here, btw. Then, a 50ish overweight, swarthy woman appeared. She didn't take kindly to me exposing their scam. She spoke to me in Romanian or whatever Gypsy tongue they use, flipped me the bird and gave me a mock "moon". I circled around on my bicycle and came up behind them with my phone camera trained on them. The woman came at me and made a hissing sound as she made a mock swipe at me, slashing the air. I told them that's what the cops need to see. I also observed her scoping out the insides of parked cars there. These folks Always work in groups. They were gone when I returned an hour or so later. A couple or so years ago, I fell for their scam, right at the same spot. It was a different guy who "played" beautifully. He seemed to have the right fingerings on the strings [as if I knew, I play piano and harmonicas, jazz/blues], and he had the standard bowing, or so I thought, and a nice smile. He also had a big sign with words on it like "honest", and "god" and "thank you". He had a couple of young teen girls with him, swarthy with dark, unsmiling eyes, the dead eyes look, suspicious, so common with this clan. Still, I tipped the guy five dollars, I think, and left. So, after yesterday's event, I went home to quickly learn a few choice phrases in Romanian. As mentioned earlier, they were gone. I so wanted to say to the woman, "Isti un porc!!!". Next time, if there is another scam "violinist" here, I'm going to open with Portugues. Knowing that won't be understood by them, I will then speak in English with a fake Brasilian accent. And I will smilingly ask them to play me a tune, unaccompanied. Or, maybe I'll take a harmonica and play some simple tune like Three Blind Mice and ask them to repeat it, knowing full well they can't. And then I will make sure they know what scum they are. They put the "tune" in opportunists. This is where a bunch of vile stink bomb vials could come in handy. Or, if someone wanted to place a bill in their coffer, first tape the bill to a magician's reel. It is a spring-loaded prop with a monofilament string. As one walks away, smiling, the donor releases the brake on the quarter-sized, handheld prop. ZIP!!! The bill magically returns to the donor's hand in an instant. It's a very inexpensive prop, perfect for conning back these cons.
For most, look for this to see if they are fake 1. Look how they are holding the bow and violin 2.Look if they are late of anything or anything not normal with a violin player 3.If they have this type of equipment, they most likely don’t need help. If they do just sell it 4. If theirs other instruments besides for the violin in the background it’s recorded 5. An echoing violin does not really exist, it’s fake. 6.See how their fingers move on the strings and if they are the right notes
I didn't know this was a thing? Seems rather very weird for me to understand why? But it does give me an idea for my next party to grab several instrument and see who can fake it the best and have a vote. I wouldn't waste time confronting them. But youtube video like this is a great way to educate them about how to spot a fake.
THIS IS AN ORGANZED GROUP WITH MANY PLAYERS AT HAND. Stay aware people. They make more money than you do. The worst part is that they aren’t in NEED. Come on with that .
As a fiddle player, I find this amazing….! That there are so many people that are doing this fake violin Scam…! 😳 When it is so clear to a real string player , how horribly they are trying to fake it……! I guess if you do not play …, maybe you really don’t know….? It never occurred to me when my wife told me several months ago , There was a guy in front of the target store who was playing a violin for money….! I wish like hell now I would’ve been able to go down and check him out…..!!! 😳👀 I would’ve asked him if I could play something on his violin ….😹😹😹 I’m sure not only was he faking it. It probably was not even in tune…..!
1:58 Is he faking? Can't tell if the gliss is real. He also squeeks on a string crossing or two. I'm not a violinist but this piece can be done without leaving 1st position on the cello. Honestly think he's the real deal on a Yamaha YEV4 EDIT: Peter Lee Johnson "vivalavida" recording is very damaging and even though he looks like he's playing, its fake playing per the evidence.
I think he has correct vibrotos and that note that he plays on random would not be a part of the recording. He seems to be legit and knows the gliss as he most likely rehearsed with the recording as his bow control is spot on.
I dont have much but sometimes someone else needs the little I have more than me, however; if you are wearing Air Force ones and a 40 dollar Nike shirt you aint gettin shit from me…..
They all have EU citizenship, so they are able to hop over in the summer to generate huge revenue (even though technically on non-apply tourist visa - not sure this shouldn't actually be considered work)
Best way to expose one of these frauds is to tell them to play the open notes, they should know what that is. Ask them why they have no vibrato. Ask them why their bows have no rosin on them. Ask them to play without their backing track. Watch them just pluck the string a few times like it enough. Caught one today, and he couldn't even tell me the open notes. When i tried to play, it wasn't even in tune and the bow had no rosin. If the bow has no rosin, the strings won't vibrate.
I called the police today in Florida on a mother and daughter. I acted like I was going to pull the plug and never did or would but they seemed scared.
can't believe all the violin players out of work because you put all your passion into that paying for all the classes and still broke what a shame. and they all got skills.
It makes me so frustrated seeing people give these scammers money. It just encourages this behavior and rewards them for scamming instead of doing something productive for society.
I think I fell for this once with a family. I did not know that it was fake. But honestly, I hate the electric versions of these string instruments. Especially the guys in the malls. To me the cello sounds like crap when it's electrified.
How does it work if it's fake? Not that I think it's real, just wondering what makes the sound. The homeless guy at the end is the best, he's at least really playing.
I guess my kid is sick with cancer scam is not bringing in enough money anymore; it's time to pretend to be a musician. I'm not even mad at these people anymore; it's just hilarious.
If you can afford an electric violin and that equipment you obviously don't need help.
So sayeth Lord Amanda, Pervayor of all that needs help. God forbid thyn children be struckith with deathly illness thoust coin run dry, for Lord Amanda shalt snub her nose at thee.
@@lopaka79 why
@@lopaka79 Now that the borders are opened we can expect a lot more. Sorry but I have no sympathy for people who prey on other peoples emotions. Let's go Brandon
@@MrWontstopthefunk Exactly! They play on other peoples emotions. Now that the borders are opened and the stimulus checks ended in September. Let's go Brandon
You can get those things on the cheap, and I mean cheap...just saying.
3:49 I'd honestly give that guy at least $10 for providing honesty and something satirical lol
Roger that. The guy had me laughing big time.
Yeah I think I woulda tipped him too. Lol
Now that’s something original that ill pay for 💰 💰
''I have 7 kids and we are on our last rock of crack''
That was probably my only favorite part of this entire compilation
The only one playing is the last one good on him
1:58 Seems legit. He's on a Yamaha YEV4, not some $50 china electric violin.
EDIT: Peter Lee Johnson "vivalavida" recording is very damaging and even though he looks like he's playing, its fake playing per the evidence.
Dude at the end kept it real 💯 and he ain't scamming people
The last guy is a perfect example of how the others would sound too with their non playing selves.😂😂😂
I’ve seen this 5 times at a strip mall near my house. It’s absolutely disgusting, and even worse when they bring their kid into the act.
I was in a parking lot and a young strapping guy about 30 years old was panhandling with his two little kids in tow and I told him he should be ashamed of himself doing this in front of his children, I was kind of afraid because he could squash me like a bug ( I’m old now). But he just kind of shrugged his shoulders and walked away. I wonder how those kids seeing this will end up?
Not even their real kids sometimes, but rented from cousins, uncles, etc. Roma gang. Most on the street, are EU citizens and can just enter the States 6 months from spring to autumn, then they go home. As panhandling isn't considered work, they are in the law. These people made scamming their main family business.
The kid was necessary. He was playing the piano.
Sad part is the only guy actually playing an instrument is the last clip! 😂😂😂
Lmaooo at least he was honest lmaoo
These dossers are everywhere
Lmao!! Why didn't someone inform me that the last guy was playing like this!!😂😂
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 I’m dying
FAMILY OR NOT, WE SHOULD ALL EXPOSE THESE FAKERS!
This is insulting to see. I'm a violinist myself. This is a disgrace to all professional musicians.
The last guy was at least honest
Does anyone think they're gonna spend hours learning how to play the violin when they can't be bothered to apply for Citizenship the LEGAL way ?
The last guy was the only true musician
😂😂
Right I’ll give him a few dollars before the others lol
id give a dollar to the last guy because he was honest
I used to work at a grocery store. They would have an accordion guy, violin girl, etc always rotating every day. Their sign would change sometimes from “I need money, family sick” to “need rent for kids” etc. its all a scam. They make tons of money doing it too.
The kids that they involve to beg for money with them are human trafficking victims
I haven't seen this violin scam up north yet but this is crazy they all use the exact same song
I'm in Massachusetts. There was an old guy at the grocery store doing this. I had no idea what he was actually doing. I thought "man, that dude is good". But I never saw him again. Another guy is always playing an acoustic guitar on a traffic island. With the traffic noise you can't hear if he's actually playing or not. Now I wonder.
Yep, the guy at 3:30 was at Kroger in Hurst Texas, I exposed him. Said he was Italian. ? All these guys obviously fake. Let's get 'em off the streets! We spent years and thousands honing our craft!
I watched one of these scammers being confronted by someone and his violin was not even tuned.
I got scammed out of 90$ helping these people yesterday in Mississippi. Same exact thing violin scam
Something about Krogers, I have a family who does this here at Ralph's in SD California
That last one deserves more money than the others.
Holy shit I've seen a few of these "musicians" around town. I never even thought it was fake.
It's such a weird scam who would think this was a scam....lol. Such a nutty idea - don't feel bad.
I think they use a violin cus if tgey used a guitar or something more popular, they'd be called out faster than someone can yell "freebird!"
Lol loved that one at the end
th-cam.com/video/evkc5hQGuek/w-d-xo.html&ab_channel=GuySt-Pierre The most talented amazing&bad playing ever at the same time. He's truly impressive.
This really infuriates me as around two years ago I gave around 20 dollars to someone playing the violin, around Christmas time when I was around 14. I felt good about it at the time but later realized it was most likely a hoax, as they had the same type of sign and were playing extremely loudly with a speaker, could hear it from the opposite side of the shopping center. Breaks my heart as I could've given it to someone truly in need with actual skill or gotten a nice present for a friend, why, I spent less on my crush at the time than I did on these folks. infuriates me!
$20 was a good price for the life lesson you learned . . .
@@nodrazor twas, I just wish it could've gone to someone in need
Donate to charities directly.
@@miketaggard309 well that is also a life lesson, don't blindly donate to charities, donate to good charities. Charities with quantifiable missions are always risky because they go out of business once they accomplish their objective.
Ongoing charities for things that will always help society such as helping the needy, veteran foundations, or animal shelters *tend* to be safer, but there is still plenty of room for games.
Research each charity to make sure your money isn't going to a CEO's quarterly bonus.
@@JimiandSamantha exactly. Donate food to a reputable food bank for example.
Totally give the last guy some money that was hilarious
They would stop and go away if everyone would just give them fake money 😂
The last one I'd help at least he's actually playing.
"4 kids and no job." That's a tune I'd never want to hear. Scammers are inundating all platforms.
I was dead at the last guy 🤣🤣
Yeah - if he was faking to some track he found I'd like to know who recorded that one......lol. Dude obviously has some mental problems.
😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆I literally can’t stop laughing. The squeaking. 😂😂😂😂😂
What's really funny...is they have no clue how these songs go..😂😂😂
This should be illegal.
There was an entirely foxy girl on Kaua'i doing this on Cello at the weekly art night. My brother went every week and gave her continually larger donations thinking he was making progress with her.
He was quite disappointed when she paused to reject his date proposal... while the music kept playing.
LMAO 😂😂😂
There face expressions made it look like they are really playing the violin LMAO!!!
lol the last guy cracked me up. thank you san francisco.
I confronted a similar pair yesterday at one of our local supermarket's entrance/exits in Brunswick, Maine. I asked the male violinist, about in his 50s, to play me a piece without the accompaniment [wherein the "violin" parts are found]. He pretended not to understand English and fumbled with the violin's cord at the amp end. Same violin as seen here, btw. Then, a 50ish overweight, swarthy woman appeared. She didn't take kindly to me exposing their scam. She spoke to me in Romanian or whatever Gypsy tongue they use, flipped me the bird and gave me a mock "moon". I circled around on my bicycle and came up behind them with my phone camera trained on them. The woman came at me and made a hissing sound as she made a mock swipe at me, slashing the air. I told them that's what the cops need to see. I also observed her scoping out the insides of parked cars there. These folks Always work in groups. They were gone when I returned an hour or so later. A couple or so years ago, I fell for their scam, right at the same spot. It was a different guy who "played" beautifully. He seemed to have the right fingerings on the strings [as if I knew, I play piano and harmonicas, jazz/blues], and he had the standard bowing, or so I thought, and a nice smile. He also had a big sign with words on it like "honest", and "god" and "thank you". He had a couple of young teen girls with him, swarthy with dark, unsmiling eyes, the dead eyes look, suspicious, so common with this clan. Still, I tipped the guy five dollars, I think, and left. So, after yesterday's event, I went home to quickly learn a few choice phrases in Romanian. As mentioned earlier, they were gone. I so wanted to say to the woman, "Isti un porc!!!". Next time, if there is another scam "violinist" here, I'm going to open with Portugues. Knowing that won't be understood by them, I will then speak in English with a fake Brasilian accent. And I will smilingly ask them to play me a tune, unaccompanied. Or, maybe I'll take a harmonica and play some simple tune like Three Blind Mice and ask them to repeat it, knowing full well they can't. And then I will make sure they know what scum they are. They put the "tune" in opportunists.
This is where a bunch of vile stink bomb vials could come in handy. Or, if someone wanted to place a bill in their coffer, first tape the bill to a magician's reel. It is a spring-loaded prop with a monofilament string. As one walks away, smiling, the donor releases the brake on the quarter-sized, handheld prop. ZIP!!! The bill magically returns to the donor's hand in an instant. It's a very inexpensive prop, perfect for conning back these cons.
This violin scam has been going in Canada as well, it is not just the United States.
I wish someone could make a video and use the same motions in the video to see how it actually sounds!!!
OMG! The first ladies bow hold is atrocious every violin player will easily know thats fake
Why do the all the fakers use the same John legend “all of me” track? Like that song is now sus to me lol
Am going to Goodwill and buying up all the Monopoly games to rain fake money on them
💵
Last guy was killing it with his rendition of "Devil Went Down to Georgia"
When Gen Z turns guitar hero into a Mark Zuckerberg version of virtual reality
For most, look for this to see if they are fake
1. Look how they are holding the bow and violin
2.Look if they are late of anything or anything not normal with a violin player
3.If they have this type of equipment, they most likely don’t need help. If they do just sell it
4. If theirs other instruments besides for the violin in the background it’s recorded
5. An echoing violin does not really exist, it’s fake.
6.See how their fingers move on the strings and if they are the right notes
The last violinst deserves to be a world star
I didn't know this was a thing? Seems rather very weird for me to understand why? But it does give me an idea for my next party to grab several instrument and see who can fake it the best and have a vote. I wouldn't waste time confronting them. But youtube video like this is a great way to educate them about how to spot a fake.
I love the first lady how she stayed on the high notes the whole time and she doesn’t even know it.
They al seem well fed to me
John Legend doesn’t deserve this disrespect to his music 😭
That woman doesn’t even know that song. She can’t anticipate the length of her bow for long notes.
If they're in a public space anyone can video without consent.
Those people where here in Arizona definitely scammers.
Sadly, the last guy was a true American and he was 100% real. I would have given the brother a $20. Can’t stand the others.
This is a step up
From the air guitar.
THIS IS AN ORGANZED GROUP WITH MANY PLAYERS AT HAND. Stay aware people. They make more money than you do. The worst part is that they aren’t in NEED. Come on with that .
Offer one of them $500 to play Mary Had a Little Lamb😂
I’ve seen someone do this by my grocery store. Same sign plus fake violin setup. Is there like some scam school that teaches all them how to do this?
They all played so well, i hope tips were left each time
It’s incredible how this is a full time Scam Job 😂
With the borders wide open we will need a LOT MORE jails and prisons very soon.
Gypsies don’t come from Mexico, Dum-Dum. Is that your logic? “Brown=Mexico?”
As a fiddle player, I find this amazing….!
That there are so many people that are doing this fake violin Scam…! 😳
When it is so clear to a real string player , how horribly they are trying to fake it……!
I guess if you do not play …, maybe you really don’t know….?
It never occurred to me when my wife told me several months ago , There was a guy in front of the target store who was playing a violin for money….! I wish like hell now I would’ve been able to go down and check him out…..!!! 😳👀
I would’ve asked him if I could play something on his violin ….😹😹😹 I’m sure not only was he faking it. It probably was not even in tune…..!
What is amazing in how they do not move their hands on the neck but the notes are always changing.
1:58 Is he faking? Can't tell if the gliss is real. He also squeeks on a string crossing or two. I'm not a violinist but this piece can be done without leaving 1st position on the cello. Honestly think he's the real deal on a Yamaha YEV4
EDIT: Peter Lee Johnson "vivalavida" recording is very damaging and even though he looks like he's playing, its fake playing per the evidence.
I think he has correct vibrotos and that note that he plays on random would not be a part of the recording. He seems to be legit and knows the gliss as he most likely rehearsed with the recording as his bow control is spot on.
So, I'm a violist (Viola)
I noticed at here, 1:59 play here 0.5 speed. The bows off- Besides, who plays while dancing🙃
@@mchan9999 Ling Ling would blush
@@Flipcrash We were fooled brother. Check out Peter Lee Johnson "vivalavida". Even the squeak from the bad string cross is there.
I dont have much but sometimes someone else needs the little I have more than me, however; if you are wearing Air Force ones and a 40 dollar Nike shirt you aint gettin shit from me…..
They even got the mom playing LOL 😂
Remember. If they are scamming in a public space, you have the right to film them. Filming with consent only applies in private.
I've been around musicians enough to tell they aren't really playing!
I'm going to get me a violin and play some salsa
Did all the scammers come together and say “Violins, that what we’ll do”
Give em monopoly money and see if it upsets them.😂
They all have EU citizenship, so they are able to hop over in the summer to generate huge revenue (even though technically on non-apply tourist visa - not sure this shouldn't actually be considered work)
It’s the same people in every video
Wow they were just in Anderson Indiana over the summer this year, seen a lot of people get scammed, handing them money left and right.
He pressed a button on the violin and it started playing on its own. it's an electric programmed violin.
What happened with simply getting a job
Best way to expose one of these frauds is to tell them to play the open notes, they should know what that is. Ask them why they have no vibrato. Ask them why their bows have no rosin on them. Ask them to play without their backing track. Watch them just pluck the string a few times like it enough. Caught one today, and he couldn't even tell me the open notes. When i tried to play, it wasn't even in tune and the bow had no rosin. If the bow has no rosin, the strings won't vibrate.
They could argue the fact that they are "actors". Gives new meaning to the fact that so many immigrants can play the violin😮😮😮😮
This is hilarious 😂😂😂
All the fucking sudden they don’t understand smh.
I did not realize this scam was so prevalent.
It’s crazy they ALL play the same song. As much effort these people put into setting up a scam, they could put that same effort into something legit…
I would just stand there, listen and enjoy the music and turn around and leave when it ends. 😂
Bro i dont even play violin. I can kinda play piano, but first chick REALLY cant even NOT play 😂😂😂...
Just unplug the speaker and watch what happens.
Violence will happen lol
I called the police today in Florida on a mother and daughter. I acted like I was going to pull the plug and never did or would but they seemed scared.
@@MsBellasworldlet them try i dare them
brotha at the end was the only one that kept it real
can't believe all the violin players out of work because you put all your passion into that paying for all the classes and still broke what a shame. and they all got skills.
Violin version of lip synching lol. It's a "theatrical performance", the tip is for appreciation of the art of lying.
Way to bust them. Next round's on me. One thing I cannot tolerate is a SCAMMER
3:50 the only violinist who was actually good.
It makes me so frustrated seeing people give these scammers money. It just encourages this behavior and rewards them for scamming instead of doing something productive for society.
The only money I'll give them is one of those dollar-like Gospel tracks.
They would feel instant shame.
I make minimum wage,i couldn't dress near aswell 😂
Why does Target allow scams on their property?
If they were really that good of a violinist, they wouldn't be poor & begging for money.😂
I think I fell for this once with a family. I did not know that it was fake. But honestly, I hate the electric versions of these string instruments. Especially the guys in the malls. To me the cello sounds like crap when it's electrified.
Nobody looks like they are in need of food in this video! 🐳
All of them are really great they should start a symphony together.
How does it work if it's fake? Not that I think it's real, just wondering what makes the sound. The homeless guy at the end is the best, he's at least really playing.
Oh damn the dude with the cup actually playing a different song for once
The last guy could’ve been Snoop Dogg have he never been a rapper
ok so what's the dude at the end of the video doing exactly, miming without any music or speakers lol?
2:20 he kinda hit that thing nice tho ngl lol
Its the same playlist for every one of those “players”!!!
You should have demanded that the last guy play Mary Had a Little Lamb.
I guess my kid is sick with cancer scam is not bringing in enough money anymore; it's time to pretend to be a musician. I'm not even mad at these people anymore; it's just hilarious.