Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Brace For Impact: Hidden Cash Guy Says He's Coming To NYC
By
Jen Chung
Published May 31, 2014
Modified May 31, 2014
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 Chung
Published May 31, 2014
Modified May 31, 2014
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
In the past two weeks, mysterious figure 'Hidden Cash' has been dropping cash money in San Jose, San Francisco and Los Angeles, where he has set off an insane frenzy. But don't worry about FOMO envy: he says he's planning a NYC trip.
Hidden Cash, who communicates via email and his Twitter account @hiddencash, says he's an "anonymous social experiment for good" and wrote today:
What was originally meant to be a pay-it-forward scavenger hunt for San Francisco, has become much bigger than San Francisco and more than a scavenger hunt. The worldwide interest that has been spawned is tremendous, and though personally surprising, in some ways it is understandable. I think we may have struck a chord with people for a few reasons: 1. Everyone likes free cash :) 2. Many people enjoy a real world scavenger hunt. 3. Many people who don't go on the hunt themselves, enjoy following the excitement and positive stories of people participating and so often paying it forward. 4. In many ways, we have become alienated from each other, and perhaps this is a fun way for people to come together.
Of course, it's not fun when "A young woman ran right in front of my car a few days ago," he says. And the LA Times reports, "At one point, one woman reportedly abandoned her car in the street to join in the hunt."
Hidden Cash says he's distributing about $1000 a day in $100-210 increments, via his riddles. While the jury is out on his intentions, this GIF via LAist sums it up well:

Tagged
altruism
cash
greed
hidden cash
money
Jen Chung
Jen Chung 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
Early Addition: Spy magazine is doing a Substack pop-up
Because the "Irony Epidemic" is hitting inboxes in honor of Spy's 40th anniversary, here are your early links: West Village gated school street, Trump still promising $5,000 checks, butter is in and more.
By
James Ramsay
Published Oct 6, 2026 at 8:57 a.m. ET
Bronx woman found dead and infant in critical condition after balcony push, NYPD says
Police say the pair were pushed and are looking for a person of interest.
By
Brittany Kriegstein
News
Bronx woman found dead and infant in critical condition after balcony push, NYPD says
Police say the pair were pushed and are looking for a person of interest.
By
Brittany Kriegstein
After Trump defunding, thousands losing rental assistance in NYC may finally have relief
By
David Brand
Blind man dismissed from grand jury duty can sue NY for discrimination, judge rules
By
Samantha Max
Gatorade recall affects drinks sold in New York and New Jersey
By
Giulia Heyward
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 .