Legal Definitions - tapper

The term tapper refers to an individual who approaches others to solicit money. This can describe someone who begs for financial assistance. By extension, the term can also refer to a person who illicitly takes money or property from others, effectively acting as a thief.

• Example 1 (Soliciting Money): A person frequently stands outside a popular grocery store, politely asking shoppers for any spare change they might have to help them buy groceries for the week.

  Explanation: In this scenario, the individual is acting as a tapper because they are directly approaching others to request money for their personal needs.

• Example 2 (Persistent Demander of Funds): An individual repeatedly contacts various family members, fabricating elaborate stories about urgent medical emergencies or unexpected bills, always requesting loans that are never repaid.

  Explanation: This person is a tapper due to their persistent and often deceptive efforts to solicit money from others, even if the requests are framed as loans rather than outright begging.

• Example 3 (Thief by Extension): During a busy concert, a skilled pickpocket moves through the crowd, subtly removing wallets and cell phones from unsuspecting attendees' bags and pockets.

  Explanation: Here, the pickpocket is considered a tapper by extension, as they are illicitly taking money and valuables from others through stealth and deception, fitting the broader definition of a thief.