Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Hipster Grifter Guilty of Conning Fellow Hipsters
By
Jen Carlson
Published Apr 15, 2009
Modified Apr 15, 2009
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Jen Carlson
Published Apr 15, 2009
Modified Apr 15, 2009
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
It would be impossible to sum up the Observer's story on 22-year-old grifter Kari Ferrell, who recently conned her way into many New Yorker's hearts, beds and wallets. She even landed a job at Vice magazine—who are currently looking for a new administrative assistant, by the way. The young Miss Ferrell somehow managed to convince everyone, at least for a short period of time, that (amongst other things) she had lung cancer, was pregnant, worked for Coachella promoters GoldenVoice, and that she would, like, totally pay them back. Eventually they were all smart enough to Google her (hey amateurs, rule #1 in grifting: always change your name).
Amongst her notable traits, she has a tattoo on her back that reads "I Love Beards" and enjoys passing notes to strangers at the bar reading, “I want to give you a hand job with my mouth," signing them "Korean Abdul-Jabbar.” Amazing, right? Even more amazing is that our very own Billy Parker was living right below her when she was sleeping with this Joe fellow in Greenpoint. She even offered to give "a good friend" of his a blowjob in the Turkey's Nest bathroom, passed a similar napkin note to a friend at Enid's and managed to convince him that she likes the NBA!
The article concludes that "the Salt Lake City Police Department remains very, very interested in finding Ms. Ferrell" (here's their video on her). We have it on very good authority that she is still in town, and was at the Alligator Lounge on Metropolitan this past Friday night. Cannot wait until this Law & Order episode comes out.
Tagged
con artist
hipster grifter
kari ferrell
vice
Jen Carlson
Jen Carlson is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Staten Island fire injures 2, but spares historic 'Godfather' church
Dozens of firefighters responded to the blaze, which started in a vacant warehouse. It was contained within three hours.
By
Giulia Heyward
Published Oct 18, 2026 at 10:34 a.m. ET
Bail reform remains major issue in NY governor's race, 7 years after it became law
Repeat offenders are a big talking point in the governor's race.
By
Gino Fanelli
News
Bail reform remains major issue in NY governor's race, 7 years after it became law
Repeat offenders are a big talking point in the governor's race.
By
Gino Fanelli
NYPD searching for 'person of interest' in fatal Midtown subway platform shooting
By
Ryan Kost
and
Elizabeth Kim
Have you seen this Yorkie? NYPD looking for adorable pup dognapped from her Queens home
By
Ryan Kost
Being reigning champions is weird for Knicks fans, but we could get used to this.
By
Catalina Gonella
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .