NEPTUNE: The Violin or “Musician” Parking Lot Scam seems to be present in our area. So-called musicians set up their instruments at shopping center parking lots and “play” an instrument connected to a speaker. They usually have signs that mention difficult times, needing money to pay rent, or take care of their mom or starving children. If you happen to come across one of these “performers”, do not give them money, as they are begging under a false pretense. This seems to be a nationwide scam.