BUNKO SQUAd

BunKo Schemes

The term “Bunco Squad” (sometimes spelled “bunko”) refers to specialized police units tasked with investigating fraud, confidence schemes, and other forms of deception-based crimes. The word “bunco” itself originates from a 19th-century dice game that was often used by gamblers and swindlers to cheat unsuspecting victims out of their money. By the early 20th century, law enforcement agencies recognized the need to combat these growing financial crimes and formed dedicated teams known as Bunco Squads. These units were especially prominent in large cities where con artists thrived, using elaborate scams to exploit the public.

During the mid-20th century, Bunco Squads gained notoriety as they cracked down on traveling fraudsters, fake investment schemes, and deceptive business practices. They worked closely with undercover officers and informants to infiltrate criminal networks that relied on trickery rather than violence. Cases ranged from small-scale street hustles to sophisticated white-collar crimes, including Ponzi schemes and fraudulent telemarketing operations. As the economy evolved, so did the nature of financial fraud, requiring these squads to adapt their investigative techniques and collaborate with other law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI and consumer protection organizations.

In modern times, traditional Bunco Squads have largely been absorbed into broader financial crimes and fraud investigation units. The rise of digital scams, identity theft, and cyber fraud has shifted the focus from street-level cons to online deception. However, the legacy of these squads remains significant, as their early work laid the foundation for many modern fraud prevention efforts. While the term “Bunco Squad” may not be as commonly used today, the fight against fraud continues through specialized task forces that track down scammers in both the physical and digital realms.