George Parker American scammer Country: USA

1. The Biography of George Parker
2. Early Life
3. The Scheme
4. Expanding Operations
5. A Life on the Run
6. In Prison
7. The Legacy

The Biography of George Parker

George Parker, an American fraudster, gained fame as the most cunning criminal of the 20th century. Interestingly, Parker earned his fortune solely through people's trust, and his only crime was forging documents that he used to sell various cultural landmarks.

Early Life

Parker was believed to be born in New York City, and he had such a deep love for the city that he considered himself its rightful owner. Several legends exist about how Parker first sold the Brooklyn Bridge. Some say it started as a joke or a prank that unexpectedly caught the attention of gullible tourists. Others claim that Parker made a bet with his friends that he could sell anything in the world, and they jokingly suggested selling him the city's most famous bridge. Regardless of the origin, for the next few years, Parker sold the bridge twice a week, sometimes even reselling the rights from one owner to another. The humor of the situation lies in the fact that according to the laws of the United States, no one can engage in financial transactions involving city property.

The Scheme

Parker would meet tourists and onlookers directly on the bridge, gaining their trust before revealing that he was the owner of this remarkable structure. However, there was a catch – taxes! Parker would often contemplate selling it due to the increasing taxes. He would then begin explaining the benefits of owning the bridge, such as setting up a booth to collect money from pedestrians or even closing off traffic to host a small fair. Whether it was the low price of the landmark or Parker's natural talent and charisma, the police in New York City became accustomed to dealing with visitors to the Brooklyn Bridge, and the unfortunate owners of the bridge became a local joke.

Expanding Operations

Parker's activities soon expanded beyond the bridge. He repeatedly sold Madison Square Garden, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Grant's Tomb, and, of course, the Statue of Liberty. Before each transaction, Parker would present all the necessary ownership documents and introduce himself as a relative of the architect or the original owner. Many knew Parker as the grandson of General Grant, who, incidentally, later became the President. To sell the Statue of Liberty, the swindler would prove his close relationship with the architect.

A Life on the Run

Interestingly, Parker eventually opened his own office but still managed to elude the police every time. It must be noted that the police had a relatively warm attitude towards Parker's "pranks" because they couldn't be called anything else. The people desired money, longing to possess items that belonged to the state – didn't they pose a greater threat than someone who offered to show them how to get rich by any means necessary? However, Parker's third arrest led to a serious sentence – life imprisonment, which happened on December 17, 1928.

In Prison

In prison, Parker's reputation had preceded him, and from the first days, he became the prison's main star. He had friends among both inmates and guards, and even the prison administration.

The Legacy

George Parker's influence extended to the English language, as the phrase "You believe that, I've got a bridge to sell you?" became an idiom used to show someone that they have fallen victim to your eloquence and are ready to believe every word.