‘Fake violin player’ scam warning issued by Montgomery County Police; hustle reported nationwide

ROCKVILLE, Md. - A warning from Montgomery County Police – steer clear of a scam hitting shopping centers in Rockville and around the nation.

Officials say the fraud involves dishonest violin players who solicit money – either cash or by electronic payment – in parking lots of shopping plazas.

Montgomery County Police 

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In a picture police shared online, a man is seen holding a violin in a shopping plaza parking lot in front of a sign asking for money while two children sit on the curb behind him. The same photo has been shared by news outlets across the country.

"This is a nationwide issue,"authorities wrote. "Please share this alert to others. Stay Safe."

Authorities have not identified any known locations where the fraud has happened in our area.