Charlatans, Scammers, Socialites! Who In Your Crew Is Grifting You?

Is it us or have the past few years proven to be a scammer renaissance? Elizabeth Holmes, Anna Delvey, and more recently, the Birkin Bandit (let’s not give his name any more of a spotlight than it deserves) have all managed to hoodwink institutions, investors, and even their so-called “friends” out of thousands of dollars.

Truly, it's a minefield out there.

But not all scams are so devious. Some people just want social status, some want connections, some want to go to parties, and some just want to feel better than the person they once were... 

Enter the world of social grifters. Though they may not have the air of an arriviste, they come onto the scene, and sometimes into your social circle, with a friendly aggression and vague-enough reputation that secures recurring invitations – and suddenly you just can’t shake them off.

And while it’s certainly more interesting to be yourself while rising through the ranks, they
concoct deceptive backstories and tales of trust funds just to get their foot in the door. Word to the wise: You don’t need to be born into wealth to make it in New York, just own your story and be proud of where you come from!

Unfortunately, plenty of charlatans, scammers, and snake oil salesmen still opt for the alternative route, so here’s what to be on the lookout for before inviting a new friend into your flock – or letting them buy you a Birkin...

[Photo via @camillecharriere]