With all the scams going on in the world today, this particular scam is an oldie but a goodie for scammers needs some fast money. This scam is happening in Amarillo and Canyon. It seems to move in cycles.
Not sure if it is the same people pressing their luck, or if it is a shared scam and different people are trying it during different cycles of the year, but the fall months seem to be a perfect time because that is when organizations and groups hold fundraisers involving food. And one particular way to present the food.
The Spaghetti Dinner Scam
A man has been dropping into different businesses in Amarillo and Canyon trying to sell plates for a Spaghetti Dinner fundraiser.
How It Works
A person comes into the business claiming to be from a church or a ministry, they are in nice clothes, and presentable. They tell you that their ministry is hosting a spaghetti dinner and that the funds will go to help with a ministry involving prisons, to keep kids off drugs, or something else that will make you want to participate. The ministry changes every time. They then tell you how much each plate is and they will deliver the food to you. So thinking this is legit, because they look legit and seem genuine, you hand over your money. Heck, you might even decide to buy your entire staff a meal that day.
Here’s the thing: THEY NEVER DELIVER. You will not get spaghetti.
You just got scammed out of your money, and your dream of a spaghetti meal has now been squashed. So you’re sitting there hangry.
So you start to picture this person turning into a skeezy man, leaning back in a torn leather office chair, smoking a cigar with his feet on the desk, and counting all the cash and all the unsuspecting people handed over while while laughing maniacally…