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Hipster Grifter, Further Unmasked
By
Jen Carlson
Published Apr 16, 2009
Modified Apr 16, 2009
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By
Jen Carlson
Published Apr 16, 2009
Modified Apr 16, 2009
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Tracking down a grifter should really be much more challenging, but Kari Ferrell has left her mark all over the internet for anyone to find. Perhaps she's been purposely leaving footprints, even commenting on FreeWilliamsburg back on March 4th, linking to her own photos. Gawker picked up on her trail and has delved into her Photobucket account, and since her story broke yesterday images have been popping up everywhere, with at least one person who encountered her starting a Flickr set with not-yet-seen pics. A MySpace group dedicated to catching her was even started in February.
She seemed to use the "KariTheCrucial" username a lot, on top of the Korean Abdul-Jabbar moniker, and at one point was even looking for a roommate on Veggie Roommate—one who didn't drink, smoke or do drugs, because she's straight edge, of course (maybe this was back in her kitten-saving days). For those who feel the need to get more involved in this downward spiral, there are currently dueling Facebook groups in homage to the con artist, one started by comedian Dave Hill who hosted Smiths Speed Dating in Greenpoint last night and Twittered that she was there (she wasn't).
Keeping in mind that this is clearly a troubled person, let's end this with a comment her dad allegedly left on one blog stating, in part, "She had a very spoiled upbringing. I have no idea how she turned out this way, but I hope she gets help and whatever treatment is needed. Kari if you're reading this turn yourself in. I love you." Don't feel too badly though, she's likely already got a six-figure book deal in the works.
UPDATE: The Observer, who wrote the original story on Miss Ferrell, has an updated article that includes a note she wrote at 3 a.m. to a well-wisher.
Tagged
con artist
hipster grifter
kari ferrell
Jen Carlson
Jen Carlson is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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