MIXED
FRAUDS "Directory" or "Year Book" Frauds thrive on the modern business complexity and the need for specialized directory service. One "transportation association" may inveigle persons in the transport business into paying $so for listing in a directory of railroad, steamship and warehouse service which is never pub lished. The business public pays an annual toll of possibly a million dollars to fake directory schemes.
one of various so-called city "leagues" or "associations" which promise police or political protection for advertisements usually never printed. A "judge," possibly once a small town magistrate, is president. He, or some one in his name, telephones, paving the way for a salesman to collect advertisements for a business men's manual, the price to cover jury duty exemption, immunity from traffic and parking penalties, omission of factory inspectors' visits, etc. From $10 to $30o a year is charged; the graft totals hundreds of thousands annually.
is a deposit which a salesman who has just been employed is told that he must furnish, without a re ceipt, for goods in his keeping. An inventory is soon taken and he is charged with "lost" goods covered by his bond. He has no redress.
are popular, seemingly even with the public. A telephone call comes from a local "press" bureau to a man or woman who is temporarily prominent, or anxious for newspaper publicity. The bureau requests an immediate sitting at Blank's studio, in order to obtain for their files a photograph, "entirely without charge." A few days later the proofs are de livered, with prices ranging from $io to $200. The victim, if he does not buy, loses no money, although he may have spent con siderable time to no purpose.
a term in general use in America to signify lawyers who accept or solicit doubtful cases and prey upon victims of accidents, and who offer a person injured, whether slightly or seriously, their services, for a large part of any damages secured. They are in league with any dishonest persons who may be possible witnesses ; and the step from valid to fraudulent claims is short and easy. In 1926, in New York city a "gang" consisting of lawyers, stenographers, taxi drivers, doctors and professional "victims," who involved themselves in accidents for a considera tion, were exposed in extended court hearings. The New York courts, 1927-28, were full of fake claims which delayed valid cases. The insurance companies had to raise premiums and post pone authentic claim payments.
