The scams used by con artists consist of con games, usually games or tricks associated with a carnival, and confidence schemes, which are sophisticated ploys to obtain a person's money through deception. Among the con games are sleight-of-hand tricks that convince bettors they have a good chance of winning. Such tricks include three card monte and the shell game. Other betting con games are those that use dice designed to give the confidence person an odds advantage. Currency cons involve the use of false currency to obtain change from an unsuspecting victim. Confidence schemes involve deceptive setups that at some point require the victim to give money to a stranger. The 'pigeon drop' involves the victim putting up money to share in some money supposedly found by the con artist. The 'Jamaican boy' scam involves the con artist in showing the victim a safe way to carry money, using the victim's money to demonstrate, during which a switch is made. Con artists also act as cops and bank examiners to gain the victim's money in a phony criminal investigation. Merchandise swindles and home repair schemes are also popular confidence schemes. Police can counter con games and schemes by compiling profiles of con artists working their jurisdictions to aid in identifications, arrest, and prosecution. Information exchange across jurisdictions is also helpful. Educating the public about the various games and schemes is an important preventive activity. 6 footnotes.