A Master of Deception
George C. Parker was one of the most notorious con men in American history. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, he gained fame for his audacious scams, most notably “selling” New York City’s iconic Brooklyn Bridge.
Convincing the Gullible
Parker would approach tourists and immigrants, claiming to own the bridge and offering to sell it for a hefty price. He convinced his victims that they could charge tolls to people crossing the bridge, a seemingly lucrative deal.
Not Just the Brooklyn Bridge
Amazingly, Parker “sold” the Brooklyn Bridge multiple times over the years. His scams weren’t limited to just the bridge either. He also claimed ownership of landmarks like Madison Square Garden, the Statue of Liberty, and Grant’s Tomb, selling them to unsuspecting buyers.
Caught and Convicted
Parker’s scams eventually caught up with him. He was arrested several times but managed to avoid long-term jail sentences until 1928, when he was sentenced to life in prison for fraud. He spent the rest of his days at Sing Sing prison, where he died in 1937.
The Man Who Sold the Brooklyn Bridge 🌉
A Master of Deception
George C. Parker was one of the most notorious con men in American history. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, he gained fame for his audacious scams, most notably "selling" New York City's iconic Brooklyn… pic.twitter.com/y46bFrqKg2— Detective Tiger's Stories (@TBBOB2) August 20, 2024