A distinctive man has drawn attention across Salt Lake City, Utah, after reportedly approaching people downtown and sharing an elaborate personal story.
According to video posted by Salt Lake City (SLC) Scoop, the unidentified figure is often seen in the city center wearing black clothing, sunglasses and a crossbody bag.
Frustrated locals have nicknamed him the “SLC Scammer Guy,” alleging that he starts conversations with strangers before asking them for money.
Posts circulating on social media claim the man tells people he has recently arrived from Europe and was left behind by his brother.
He allegedly says he is carrying only euros and needs immediate cash to pay for a taxi, according to those accounts.
Local resident J Drago also told ABC4 that the man speaks to people using an accent and that he has encountered him repeatedly.
Dylan Chavez, co-founder of the independent outlet SLC Scoop, said the alleged pitch appears to be bringing in significant amounts of money.
“I mean, he’s hitting people over the head for $40 a person,” Chavez said. He described the man’s story as a claim that he is a student who has returned from Europe without enough cash to get home.
A mystery man is reportedly approaching people in Salt Lake City, Utah, asking for cash after telling an elaborate story, according to frustrated residents
Drago said the man’s repeated interactions with customers and employees have become such a problem that some local businesses have barred him from entering.
“We’ve had issues with him bothering a lot of bar patrons, bar staff, service workers,” Drago told the local television station.
He recalled one occasion when he saw the man receive money from someone before using it to purchase a slice of pizza.
RELATED: NYT Executive’s Father Hoped for Visit Before Alleged In-Law Ambush
“And they really can’t do anything because he’s a paying customer,” Drago said. “The problem is that we all know what he’s paying with is ill-gotten gains.”
A number of people have reportedly given the man money over time, including a person Sam Stillman was dating on a first date.
Stillman said she was initially impressed when her date handed over $40, but her view changed after she learned more about the stranger’s alleged routine.
After coming across online posts about the man, Stillman decided to approach the “SLC Scammer Guy” and challenge him directly.
“He originally was like, ‘That’s not true!’ Like, I have videos of my friend. Like, you’ve done it to everybody. There are multiple witness accounts of this happening,” she said.
Locals say the man, who typically wears black, has been approaching people throughout downtown Salt Lake City. (Pictured: Stock image of downtown Salt Lake City)
Stillman said she continues to see him around the city and believes he may enjoy the attention generated by the growing online discussion.
“He knows he’s going viral about it, and he doesn’t even care,” she added.
The Salt Lake City Police Department told the outlet that they are aware of the man, but no victims have come forward.
He has not been accused of a crime.
Our News Outlet contacted the Salt Lake City Police Department for comment.
