Smith became known for his trademark con game, the "soap game", in which he would sell boxes of soap to passersby, claiming they were worth far more than they actually were. He would then use his charismatic personality and salesmanship to convince people to buy the boxes, often parting with their hard-earned money only to discover that the boxes contained worthless items such as rocks or bits of wood.
Smith's bunco schemes earned him a reputation as a skilled and cunning criminal, and he was wanted by law enforcement agencies across the country. He was eventually captured and convicted in 1898, and was sentenced to three years in prison. However, he managed to escape from prison after serving only a few months, and continued his criminal activities until he was finally killed in a shootout with police officers in Skagway in 1898.
Despite his criminal past, Smith has become a somewhat legendary figure in American history, known for his audacity, his charisma, and his ability to outsmart law enforcement. He has been featured in numerous books, films, and television shows, and his name remains synonymous with the golden age of American con artists and outlaws.