APPLETON, Wis–Local law enforcement is warning people of a panhandling scam targeting the area. Men playing violins are showing up on sidewalks and street corners with signs claiming they have kids and need money for food.
Police say the violin music is actually recorded and coming from a speaker adjacent to the men–and they are not collecting money for their families. The men are believed to be members of an organized group traveling the country and panhandling.
The phony violinists have been spotted in Neenah, Appleton and Oshkosh in the past few weeks. People are encouraged not to give them any money.
