Nomadic clans' secretive lifestyle is often financed by home-repair scams (Travellers)

FWST ^ | 10-19-08 | MELODY McDONALD

[anymouse]

Yep, I figure these con artists will be infesting the Gulf Coast as we recover from hurricane Ike. They might find out the hard way that Texans don't take kindly to crooks taking advantage of people after a tragedy - think Castle Doctrine.

[mlocher]

This spring and summer, some Travellers — nomadic clans of Irish, English and Scottish descent

When I was a kid, we used to get a warning on local TV news when the Gypsies came to town.

[advertising guy]

I know all about em...we call em gypsies here in Phoenix and they buy new trucks and trade in 1 yr old similiar trucks ( truck for truck they call it) and I mean 1000’s of em too.........they paint houses and fix cars trucks bodywork........ liars all

[advertising guy]

also funny...ask em their address and phone number....they call someone for their address and use a cell as their number....a week later they move and get a new phone....

they are McMillan by name mostly here

[dalereed]

“In this area they were known as the WILLIAMSON gang.”

They were/are gypsies.

[Diana in Wisconsin]

Good point. That’s why my Dad & I already “own” everything jointly from his Estate.

We were chatting about this on another thread earlier this week. It’s a d@mn shame that generations no longer live together under that same roof and look out for one another.

When you break up the herd, we’re all prey...

[Diana in Wisconsin]

Smooth move! What other investment advice can ya give us? LOL!

[readkitty]

Can you tell me more about them? (the ones in NYC) I live in Queens and just had a bad encounter with some a few hours ago. We have a problem with noise from cars in this area. I was walking down the ave. and saw a very nice, immaculate SUV parked near the McD’s with the stereo cranked so high up, it was painful. I stopped behind the car and noted the license plate. I kept walking and suddenly 5 or 6 Traveller/Roma/whatever females suddenly descended on me, yelling and screaming that I could not make note of the plate of the car. It belonged to the son of the oldest one. They wore their hair in buns, or loose and long denim skirts with very tight t shirts & little in the way of breast support. They appeared white and yelled at me with a Brooklyn/Queens accent. No make up or jewelery. They used vile language and I guess they thought this white girl would back down, but I am not made that way. When I took out my cell and threatened to call the cops, they backed down somewhat. The son came over and tried to lead them away. He was in his late 20’s or 30’s. Dressed very nicely; clean and pressed “hood style” japris, gold chains, NY Yankess baseball cap; his clothing looked brand new; dressed 100 times better than the females. I checked my purse for my wallet when I got home.

[Roccus]

Welcome to FR

Back then I had a second job with a small contractor, working evenings and weekends. That's where I was introduced to their home repair scams. Had no contact with the men, just the aftermath. As to their women, we just steered clear. They always seemed to travel in packs and always seemed to be at the center of “public scenes”..... whether for diversion for pickpocketing or just “fun”.

(Just a guess.....Woodside?)

[readkitty]

Woodhaven; I wish they would pack up and go to Woodside. Woodside would get them, but we’d be free of them.

[Hillarys Gate Cult]

Here’s an old FR post with plenty of background on them;

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/755032/posts