I Pretended to Be a Scout

I had a retail job selling expensive fabric, which gave me confidence and an excuse to look legitimate. I printed business cards calling myself a talent scout and started approaching people on the street. I told them they had the right look and suggested meetings in impressive hotels. The setting did most of the convincing. Sometimes I booked real courses and pocketed the difference. Other times there was no course at all, just paperwork and delays. I spoke quickly and professionally and most people didn’t question it. When they did, I disappeared. I stopped only when I realised how easily someone could trace me.