shell game

noun2

1. •
   A game of skill which requires the bettor to guess which of three small cups (or shells) a pea-sized object is concealed under, after the party operating the game rapidly rearranges them, providing opportunity for sleight-of-hand trickery.

   • Another common form of short con is the shell game. This scam has the advantage of giving the criminal the ability to rip off many marks all at one location. — 2009
2. •
   Any confidence scheme, especially one involving the rapid movement of investment funds to a location beyond recovery.