Glossary
21. lone wolf
One who works alone, without partner or accomplice.
22. lush worker
One who robs sleeping drunks in public.
23. M.O.
Method of operation.
24. matador position
A pickpocket hangs a coat or jacket on one shoulder and, while stealing, lets it block others' view of the theft.
25. mechanic
Cheater.
26. merch
Slang for merchandise
27. modus operandi
Method of operation.
28. pacco
Italian for "package." In Naples, pacco is the bait-and-switch game, in which you think you're buying one thing (phone, video camera, etc.), but walk away unknowingly with a swapped package, in which you later find worthless weight.
29. poke
Wallet.
30. portofoli
Wallet, in Greek.
31. punter
Gambler.
32. r&r
Rest and relaxation.
33. scippatori
Thieves on scooters, in Italian.
34. set of works
Illicitly obtained identity documents including a driver’s license, Social Security card, and a credit card. Also see Dead work.
35. shill
A con artist's teammate whose function is to pose as a satisfied customer or an enthusiastic gambler to induce bystanders into participating.
36. stall
A pickpocket's accomplice whose function is to prevent the mark from moving away before and during the theft.
37. suri
Pickpocket, in Japanese.
38. taschendieb
pickpocket, in German
39. tosser
One who throws or manipulates the cards in a game of three-card monte.
40. Vespa
Wasp, in Italian. Also the name of a popular Italian motor scooter.
Print this page
no comments for now
