The Roanoke times. (Roanoke, Va.) 1897-1977, 1898-01-01

THE FAKE ACCIDENT.
no moro compunction in robbing them
than he would i'll lighting Il borrowed
cigar
1t would take an index to classify tho
different brands Of bunko games that have
bocn sprung on tho insurance companies
since the business of issuing policies be-
gan, and the latest one, whilo it differs in
many details from previous brands, has
probably excited no moro alarm in insur-
ance circles than great many others
When tho bunko man is ready to try his
game, he first of all invests in four neccs-
sary articlcs-an accident policy, u piece
of sandpapcr, mustard plaster and Il strip
of thin chccsccloth With these simple
implements he is thoroughly equipped and
ready to begin operations. Tho 36 hour
travellers insurance tickets AFRO most de-
sirablc and ut tho Same time less cxpcn-
sivo.
After buying one of them tho operator
boards train. 1t may be only TO some
nearby town. Once in tho car he rctircs
to the toilet room, pulls up his trousers
leg or his coat sleeve as the case may be-
and vigorously applies tho sandpaper to
the part of his anatomy that he desires to
injurc. After rubbing until the blood
comes he places the chccsecloth, after first
moistcning it, over tho snndpapcrcd flesh,
and OH top OF that spreads the mustard
plaster. In five minutes the action of the
mustard has inflamcd tho raw flesh and
produced an ugly swelling.
Just before the destination is reached
the plaster is removed, and when the train
stops tho operator arises from his seat,
walks half way down tho aisle toward the
door and accidentally falls over ~ sutchel
or trips over tho leg of n scat. When he
gets up, he limps painfully and falls cx-
haustcd into one Of the seats
This always should be done in tho pres
cnce of the conductor, n brakeman or one
of the trainmen. When they hurry to as
sist him, as naturally they will, he has
pulled up his trousers leg or his coat sleeve
ana disclosed his carefully prepared prop
erty wound. 1t is angry and terribly in
famed by this time, and the fall has caused
the blood to flow afrcsh. The bunko man
murmurs family that he believes he has
been hurt, and tho conductor or tho brake
man helps him from tho train and hands
him over to the station master, who in turn
directs him to Some doctor and puts him
aboard II street car
The doctor is the most important accom-
plicc. Tho victim OF the accident limps
into his office, apparently suffering in
tcnscly, and shows him the bruised or
bleeding knee or elbow. Ninety -ninc times
the most skillful and experienced physi-
cian lie orders that his patient keep abb
solutcly quiet for ut least II week, and aft
er prescribing remedy and pocketing his
fec tells him to call again i'll day or two.
The bunko man promptly destroys the
prescription and applies the mustard plas-
ter agnin. Then he either goes in retire
mcnt or limps painfully around the streets.
In two or three days he writes to his ac-
compicc the doctor, saying that it is i'm
possible for him to call, describing his
symptoms and requesting another pre-
scription.
Incidentally he mentions that no was
lucky enough to buy an accident insur-
anco policy, and asks the doctor If no will
be good enough to sign n certificate to the
effect that lie saw his injury treated him
for it and ordered him to remain ollict for
Mt least four days.
While he is waiting for his reply he in
forms the insurance company from which
he has bought the policy that he has boon
injured, and asks that his claim be settled
as soon us possible. He gives us his wit
ncsscs the doctor who treated him and the
railroad IMAM who helped him from the
train.
Generally these witnesses nrc satisfac-
tory to tho company, but if it secs fit to
SSAt itS cAikllllncf 10 investigate
tho case, the bunko man fools him i'm the
same way and just as easily rs no fooled
the physician and the trainhand. Tho
policy, amounting generally to $50 Il week,
is settled in full, and tho bunko man re-
mains injured from ton days to two weeks.
or as long SIS he can without exciting s,ls-
picion.
The example cited is only II primitive
form oil the swindlc. 1t can be elaborated
so that the rogue Will receive anywhere
lro't 81, 900 to 81, 900. In fact there is no
limit to its scope, and man who is clever
can live like prince the year round and
never perform any work more arduous
than sandpapcrng his own skin.
The extent to which this newest game
is being played, said detective for u big
accident insurance company, "wil never
he known. 1t Is almost impossible TO catch
man ut it, We may DO morally certain
that he is playing crooked scheme on us,
hnd yet wo cannot prove it. The doctor
has signed tho certificate in good faith, tho