Prompt Cast
The Brooklyn Bridge Scam: How George C. Parker Sold the Same Landmark Multiple Times
TLDR George C. Parker was a notorious con man who targeted hopeful immigrants at Ellis Island, convincing them to buy the Brooklyn Bridge by showing them a fake deed. He made up to $50,000 from the scam and also sold other famous New York landmarks before eventually getting caught and sentenced to life in prison.
Timestamped Summary
00:00
George C. Parker was a con man who successfully sold the Brooklyn Bridge multiple times, along with other notable New York landmarks, to unsuspecting buyers.
02:08
George C. Parker would target hopeful immigrants at Ellis Island, particularly those with money, and convince them to buy the Brooklyn Bridge by showing them a deed and promising that they could make their money back quickly by charging tolls.
04:09
The Brooklyn Bridge was a popular target for scams because it was seen as a symbol of America and people wanted to own it.
06:03
The scammer was able to make up to $50,000 by convincing people to buy the Brooklyn Bridge from him.
08:00
The scam of selling the Brooklyn Bridge became so common that other people besides George Parker, such as William McLowney, also participated in the grift.
10:05
George Parker was able to sell public buildings such as the Statue of Liberty, Madison Square Garden, Grant's Tomb, and the Met, but eventually got caught due to New York's "bombs laws."
12:03
George Parker was sentenced to life in prison for passing a bounced check worth $150, despite his previous successful scams and cons.
Categories:
Society & Culture
