Nina Dobrev: Police say people Pretending to Play Violin for Money a ‘Nationwide Issue’

Nina Dobrev Pussy Flashing Sharks

PORTAGE, Mich. — Police across the country have been warning the public about people pretending to play violins to solicit donations, a trend that appears to have reached West Michigan as well.

After getting a tip from a concerned viewer, News Channel 3 found a man appearing to play violin outside the Target store on South Westnedge Avenue in Portage Monday afternoon. As he performed, he stood next to a sign that read, “DAD WITH 3 KIDS PLEASE HELP FOR FOOD AND RENT.”

When News Channel 3 approached him and asked him about his performance, a woman sitting beside him said they don’t speak English. As the man was holding his violin down, with his bow away from the strings, violin music began playing from his speaker.

After telling the man that some viewers were concerned about him pretending to play violin to solicit money, News Channel 3 asked him for his perspective. He responded that he does not speak English. News Channel 3 noted that his sign asking for donations is in English, and asked him who made the sign. The man then packed up and left the shopping center without further comment.

Saw a man faking violin in a grocery store parking lot and talked to him about it

Police and officials across the country have been warning the public about similar performers.

The supervisor of Springfield Township in Oakland County, Michigan, made a Facebook post on Monday, urging residents to be careful with their money.

“This is a nationwide problem and we’re addressing it at our Davisburg Kroger,” said Springfield Township Supervisor Laura Moreau in her post. “These are not your neighbors in need (we’ve seen license plates from Texas, Virginia, and Illinois) and they aren’t real musicians (the violin music is recorded). Please call Sheriff’s dispatch if you see this scam and do not reward them with a donation!”

Is this the phony violinist that’s been going around?

Several police departments have alerted their communities about similar performers as well, including police in Florida.

“Recently myself along with members of the Community Policing Unit have encountered individuals attempting this scam at many local shopping centers,” said Cpl. James Gatti with the Pinellas Park Police Department in a November Facebook post. “Please be smart and safe with your hard earned money.”

Kid Scams Too

Police in Maryland also chimed in.

“WARNING: This is a nationwide issue, please be aware of scam violin players in Rockville and other location’s shopping centers,” the Montgomery County Department of Police (MCDP) said in a December tweet. “They are soliciting money through cash AND electronic methods. ”

MCDP later tweeted that while the department does not enforce panhandling laws, it cautioned that the claims of the performers – such as being homeless or having a sick relative – are usually untrue.

“MCPD cannot discourage anyone from giving money, but does offer a word of warning to be cautious, especially if using phone apps,” the Police Department said.

Other law enforcement agencies that have warned the public include the Norwalk Police Department in Connecticut.

“If you want to provide money that will go to people who need it, please donate to established, confirmed programs that will truly support the needy,” the Norwalk Police Department posted on Facebook in December.

Viewers told News Channel 3 the man who pretended to play the violin outside the Portage Target has performed outside other shopping centers throughout Kalamazoo County.

The public information officer for the city of Kalamazoo said street musicians are required to get a permit, and that it is illegal to solicit money on private property without the owner’s permission.