Halloween is over, but that doesn’t mean the scaring has to stop. Now Florida parents can hire a creepy clown to keep their kids from misbehaving.
Since 2013, Wrinkles the Clown has been scaring kids and adults alike all over southwest Florida. Donning a white mask with dark eye sockets and a polka-dot onesie, the jester is hard to miss.
The man behind the mask is 65-year-old Joel Mason, a military veteran, who describes himself as a “nightmare-for-hire.”
“People pay me to go scare their friends, to dance at their parties, bar mitzvahs — it’s limitless,” he told WBBH.
Additionally, for a few hundred dollars, Wrinkles will scare your child into a well-behaved kid. Speaking to the Washington Post, the terrifying clown explained how he recently reformed a 12-year-old boy.
“He was scared of clowns and I showed up across the street from him at the bus stop and he just started crying in front of his friends and ran home,” Wrinkles said. “His mother called back a few days later and said, ‘Thank you!’ Now when he acts bad, she just has to ask him: ‘Do you want Wrinkles to come back?’”
Since a video of the creepy clown lurking in a girl’s bedroom went viral, Wrinkles has received a lot of attention. In fact, thanks to all the publicity, he’s now booked solid until January.
But despite the attention, Wrinkles maintains that he’s just a “good old-fashioned clown.”
“When I was a kid, it was OK to scare kids and now they're all whiny and scared,” he said. “I want to bring scary back.”
This isn’t the first time a clown has offered to scare kids straight. Previously, Dominic Deville offered his “evil birthday clown” services in Switzerland. For a fee, Deville will stalk kids by sending them eerie notes warning them that they’re being watched. By the end of one week, the Evil Clown will then attack your child by donning a nightmarish mask and smashing a cake in his or her face.
If this doesn't scare kids straight, we don't know what will.
Also on HuffPost
Creepy Old Halloween Costumes
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Wednesday Addams(14 of148)
Wednesday Addams is a classic Halloween costume. All you need is a black dress (or skirt/sweater combo) layered over a white collared shirt, black tights, and shoes, and long braids. Go the extra step with some white makeup, and you're set! (credit:imgur)
Son Of Man(15 of148)
Grab yourself a bowler hat (which you can likely find a a thrift shop), attach an apple (real or fake, you decide) with some string, pull out your suit and tie, and you'll look like you stepped straight out of a painting. (credit:imgur)
Creepy 'Saw' Puppet(16 of148)
A black, white, and red ensemble paired with some creepy white and red makeup is all you need for this one. Add a top hat and straggly wig, and you're good to go. (credit:imgur)
Banksy Wall Art(17 of148)
If you don't care about getting paint all over your clothes, this is the perfect costume for you. Add white contrast to a pair of black jeans and a black sweater and make sure to pose in front of a wall all night. A bouquet of flowers is a nice touch, (credit:imgur)
Carlton Banks(18 of148)
Sure, "Fresh Prince" has been finished for quite some time, but we'll never forget Carlton Banks and his infamous dance. For this costume, think preppy: pair a polo shirt (tucked in, of course) with khakis, and grab a knit sweater to tie over your shoulders. Voila! (credit:imgur )
The Cast Of A Black And White Movie(19 of148)
All you need for this look is a couple friends and a whole lotta black and white clothes. Oh, and some black and white makeup too! (credit:imgur)
Shari Lewis (And Lamb Chop)(20 of148)
For this look, we suggest raiding your mother's closet for an old '80s floral blouse. If she doesn't have one, hit up your local second hand store, and you'll be amazed at how many you find. Put on some high-waisted slacks, a short curly wig and, of course, add Lamb Chop to your arm (find out how to make her here). (credit:imgur)
Van Gogh Painting(21 of148)
Get creative with face paint and you, too, can look just like a Van Gogh portrait. You can also create your own frame out of some cardboard or bristol board. (credit:imgur)
Medusa(22 of148)
Buy some toy snakes at the dollar store and glue them in and around a long wig. Finish the look off with some creepy contacts, fang teeth, and stone-like makeup. And remember, don't stare at anyone too closely. (credit:imgur)
Old Spice Guy(23 of148)
A towel and bottle of and Old Spice product are really all you need to being out your inner macho man. (credit:imgur)
Daria(24 of148)
The cartoon female, who many grew to love, makes for a great costume. Just get yourself a black pleated skirt, knee-high boots and a green army jacket, and you're ready to hit up all the parties. (credit:imgur)
Captain Canada(25 of148)
For the patriotic girl or guy out there! Get out your red and white (whether in the form of a leotard or tights and a tank top), slap a maple leaf across your chest, and call it a day. You can create a shield out of a garbage an lid or some cardboard for added effect. (credit:imgur)
Violet ('American Horror Story')(26 of148)
If you love "American Horror Story" as much as we do, you'll totally appreciate this costume. A wide-brimmed hat, floral dress, and cardigan are really all you need. Simple, yet effective! (credit:imgur)
A Freudian Slip(27 of148)
Throw some Freudian terms onto a slip dress and you've got yourself one of the punniest costumes of the night, hands down. (credit:imgur)
Times Square Kiss(28 of148)
Probably the most romantic couples costume ever. Throw on a vintage white dress, grab yourself a sailor (or at least a partner in a sailor costume) and get ready to lock lips for photos all night. (credit:imgur )
"50 Shades Of Grey"(29 of148)
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Ned Flanders(30 of148)
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NASA Space Shuttle(31 of148)
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Jabba The Hutt And Slave Leia(32 of148)
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T-Shirt Che Guevara(33 of148)
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Bane From "The Dark Knight Rises"(34 of148)
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Game Boy(35 of148)
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Hansel From "Zoolander"(36 of148)
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Fish(37 of148)
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Instagram(38 of148)
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Headless Person(39 of148)
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Captain Canada(40 of148)
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Rollercoaster Ride(41 of148)
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Jack Skellington From "The Nightmare Before Christmas"(42 of148)
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Pot Brownie(43 of148)
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Dumbledora The Explorer(44 of148)
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Heisenburger(45 of148)
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Banana(46 of148)
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Angelina Jolie's Baby(47 of148)
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Ace Venture, Pet Detective(48 of148)
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The Witches From "Hocus Pocus"(49 of148)
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Gandalf(50 of148)
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Deadmau5(51 of148)
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Bender From "Futurama"(52 of148)
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Daenerys Targaryen From "Game Of Thrones"(53 of148)
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Silent Movie Actor(54 of148)
Cover your face with black and white makeup, spray your hair black, and put on a black suit with a white shirt. Easy and clever. (credit:Shrimp Salad Circus)
Grumpy Cat(55 of148)
Memes are great costume fodder, and you can pull off this one with makeup, kitty ears, and something beige and comfortable. Adorable and cozy, all at once. (credit:The Official Guide to Spring Break)
Closed National Monument(56 of148)
Get relevant with this costume that references the U.S. government shutdown: dress as your favourite national U.S. monument, or as a park ranger, and then hang a CLOSED sign around your neck. (credit:MTV Style)
Orange Is the New Black(57 of148)
This breakout Netflix show makes an easy enough costume for most women if you just get orange scrubs and white sneakers, but we like this as a group costume that includes Piper, Red, Taystee, Poussey, Crazy Eyes, Sophia, Pennsatucky, Alex...really, as many of these awesome characters as possible. For a much cheaper spin on designer prison duds, check out this uniform shop. (credit:Marie Claire)
Bacon and Eggs(58 of148)
This couple costume is made with inexpensive felt. If you can't sew, you can use fusing tape and an iron to put this one together. Have a third person you need a costume for? Cut two circles of beige felt and you've got a pancake! (credit:Makezine)
Paint Chip(59 of148)
Here's one you can make with $5 and a trip to the dollar store with poster board, string, and some paint. If you've got a group, each of you can pick a colour to represent. (credit:HandMakeMyDay)
Popcorn Vendor(61 of148)
Got a baby and a baby carrier? Then you're most of the way towards this great costume idea. Might as well dress them up in silly outfits while you still get all the say in the matter. (credit:Pinterest/facilysencillo)
Lichtenstein Drawing(62 of148)
If you're patient enough to apply all those dots, you can have a creative costume with just some basic makeup and black clothing. (credit:Pinterest/Beth Goolsby)
Annie Hall(63 of148)
Another thrift-store special, courtesy of a visit to the menswear section. If you shop well, you'll be able to add the items to your regular wardrobe rotation. Annie looked great, after all. (credit:Instagram/k8_the_grrr8)
Sexy Avengers(64 of148)
We love that these guys turned the sexy costume trend on its head with this great group idea. (credit:Uproxx)
Hoodie Animal(65 of148)
If you've got a hoodie, some felt, and some velcro you can put together a simple costume for the animal of your choice. Add a bit of face paint to take it up a notch, but if it's good enough for Martha, it's good enough for us. (credit:Martha Stewart)
Duck Dynasty(66 of148)
This will be a popular one this year, we're sure, but it's still fun. You shouldn't have much trouble finding camo pants, a bandana, and a long beard. Add a mug of tea for Si, of course.
Angela Chase from "My So-Called Life"(67 of148)
Channel a '90s hero and fight the boring trend towards skimpy Halloween costumes, all at the same time. Surely you've got one comfortable flannel shirt still kicking around. (credit:Instagram/dianapsc)
Texas Senator Wendy Davis(68 of148)
Blond wig, white suit, a microphone, pink shoes, and a whole lot of awesome.
Drake Working at Shoppers(69 of148)
Have a friend who works for Shoppers Drug Mart? Borrow a uniform shirt, make a "DRAKE" (or "AUBREY") name tag, and you're set. (credit:NOW Magazine)
TARDIS(70 of148)
You can make the classic "Dr. Who" time machine spacecraft (which stands for "Time and Relative Dimension in Space" with a big blue garment and some white paint or masking tape. Easily customizable, like this somewhat-inexplicable flapper TARDIS. (credit:Neatorama)
Sharknado(71 of148)
We favour the shark-head mask plus grey sweatshirt with stuff taped to it approach, to make a literal Sharknado, but you've got a few options here. It's even adorable on dogs! (credit:HubPages)
iPhone(72 of148)
Bring back all that cutting and glueing you did in kindergarten and put this one together with a box or a couple of pieces of poster board. Perhaps you can break out some spray paint and go as the coveted gold iPhone 5S, or add some colour and go as an iPhone 5C. (credit:Spoonful)
Captain Canada(73 of148)
Captain America is fine and all, but Captain Canada would be very polite and bilingual. (credit:Spoonful)
Road Trip(74 of148)
This is a cute one for kids, and is easily done with masking or duct tape, an inexpensive grey or black sweatsuit, and toy cars. (credit:Spoonful)
Sharpie Pumpkin(75 of148)
Grab an unloved orange garment from your closet, or pick one up at your local thrift store, and get creative with a black marker. Bonus points if you cover the black parts with glow-in-the-dark paint. This is a fun option for people who don't have the skill or patience for carving actual pumpkins. (credit:Etsy/imyourpresent)
The Great Gatsby's Daisy Buchanan(76 of148)
A short blonde wig, a flapper-esque dress, and a bunch of long necklaces let you channel this Great Gatsby character for a night, and look good doing it. This one could get pricey, but you can always find gems at your nearest thrift shop or your grandma's closet. (credit:Marie Claire)
Bumblebee(77 of148)
Everyone has black clothing in their closet. With some yellow fabric strips, velcro, and wings made of black pantyhose and a wire coat hanger, you can easily have a cheap and cute costume too. This one works for all ages. (credit:Buzzfeed)
Calvin and Hobbes(78 of148)
This adorable costume is a great reason to have kids, but we see no reason why you couldn't also try an adult version. (credit:Uproxx)
Miley Cyrus, With A Twist(79 of148)
Don't go as Miley without putting your own spin on it. Robin Thicke's suit channeled Beetlejuice, so we're in favour of going as Beetlejuice and Lydia at the VMAs. Robin: striped suit (go with white paint on a black secondhand suit), crazy makeup, aviators. Lydia: very short puffy red dress, a black foam finger, black top knots with spiky bangs—and, obviously, tongue sticking out as often as possible. (credit:Fanpop)
Carrie(80 of148)
You can go creative (and less messy), like in this photo, with some red tinsel, or you can just put on a white dress and blonde wig and then pour (water-based!) red paint all over yourself. Your call. (credit:Flickr)
USB And Port(81 of148)
Because they fit perfectly together. (credit:Costumes Super Center )
Burger And Beer(82 of148)
Staying in the theme of favourite foods, you can also dress up like a pint and burger. (credit:Party City )
Princess Leia And Jabba The Hutt(83 of148)
No explanation needed. (credit:Party City )
The Royals(84 of148)
You too can be the most talked about couple of the year. (credit:AP)
Rob Ford And Stephen Harper(86 of148)
Win every single 'best dressed' contest with this one. (credit:CP)
Bacon And Eggs(87 of148)
Take your breakfast to the next Halloween party. (credit:Costumes Super Center )
Alex And Piper(88 of148)
If you really want to stay relevant this Halloween, we say stick to Orange Is The New Black's favourite duo Alex and Piper. (credit:Facebook/Orange Is The New Black)
Big Babies(89 of148)
Because sometimes, we're all big babies. (credit:Costumes Super Center )
Barbie And Ken(90 of148)
Perfect cardboard-cutout for the perfect cardboard-cutout couple. (credit:Couples Costumes )
Google SEO Penguin And Panda(92 of148)
For the techies out there, don't worry, people will get it.
Start Trek(93 of148)
Boo! Bring out your inner nerd.
Longuini and Meatballs(94 of148)
So tasteless. (credit:Spirithalloween.com)
Keep Calm Sharknado(95 of148)
Does this even count as a costume? (credit:Spirithalloween.com)
Darth Vader(96 of148)
The skirt kind of takes the edge off this once-scary Halloween costume. (credit:Partycity.ca)
Tap This Keg Dress(97 of148)
We kind of have to give the wearer props. Making a keg look sexy ain’t easy. (credit:Buycostumes.com)
One Night Stand(98 of148)
If you build it, they will come? (credit:Buycostumes.com)
Sassy Sulley(99 of148)
A beloved Pixar furball gets a sexy makeover. (credit:Partycity.ca)
Sassy Twister(100 of148)
This costume could be worse; at least the dots are in strategic places. (credit:Spirithalloween.com)
USB(101 of148)
A modern take on another questionable costume. (credit:Oyacostumes.ca)
Pregnant School Girl(102 of148)
Stay classy. (credit:Partycity.ca)
"Ring Toss" Costume(103 of148)
The hat that says "Winner gets a free ride" is pretty much the worst. (credit:BuyCostumes)
Walking Sex(104 of148)
Now you can make people uncomfortable all night long. (credit:Brands On Sale)
"Anna Rexia" Costume(105 of148)
Because eating disorders are meant to be portrayed as sexy and hilarious, right?
Just A Penis(106 of148)
Word to the wise: make sure you take your penis costume for a trial run at the local library before hitting the sidewalk. (credit:via Regretsy)
Google Boobs(107 of148)
Feeling lucky? (credit:Costume Fail)
Holy Sh*t(108 of148)
Don't worry, there are more dirty puns where that came from. (credit:via Buy Costumes)
Free Mammograms(109 of148)
As long as there's no copay. (credit:via Asshole Verdict)
Mangina(110 of148)
If you wear this, it's the closest you'll come to seeing one that night.
"The Shocker" Costume(111 of148)
Make sure you include the hand gestures so you get the point across that you're a complete douche.
Tampax(112 of148)
Ladies? (credit:via Funny Junk)
"Dept. Of Erections" Costume(113 of148)
For a con, he looks pretty pleased with himself.
Poop(114 of148)
Looking like sh*t has never been so cute. (credit:via Etsy)
"Droopers" Costume(115 of148)
Would you take a shot with this guy?
The 69(116 of148)
For those mischief-makers who enjoy holding plastic props to their bodies all night long. (credit:via Reddit))
A Knight To Remember(117 of148)
EEEEWWWWWW.
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Just in case you wanted to dress up as "WTF" this Halloween. (credit:Unionversity.com)
The "Biggest Show On Earth"(119 of148)
Nothing says class like wearing a circus tent on your crotch.(Thanks for the tip, Karen!)
"Country Lovin"(120 of148)
The commercial version is so much more disturbing than the homemade version. (credit:Halloween 31)
Used Pad Man(121 of148)
Steady blood flow, meet steady alcohol flow. (credit:via Reddit)
Trash Can Baby(122 of148)
He has low self-esteem. (credit:via WTFCostumes)
Birthing Woman(123 of148)
Now your roommates know why you've been practicing your birth face in the mirror for so long. (credit:via Multiply)
Hung Like A Horse(124 of148)
Real subtle. (credit:Zoogster Costumes)
Vibrator(125 of148)
Dild'oh! (credit:Zoogster Costumes)
Penis Man(126 of148)
In case anyone was wondering why Spencer's Gifts was sold out of mock penises this year. (credit:via The Colonial Footsoldier)
Sexy Etch-A-Sketch(127 of148)
We feel like this is going to end in some shaking accidents later in the night. (credit:Yandy)
The Human Centipede(128 of148)
Halloween couldn't be complete this year without a good old-fashioned Human Centipede costume. (credit:via Fazy Luckers)
Vagina Dentata(129 of148)
A feminist twist on the ubiquitous vagina-head costume worn by frat boys everywhere. (credit:via Regretsy)
Beer Dispensing Boobs(130 of148)
Let's see the St. Pauly Girl do this. (credit:Moon Costumes)
"Rub Me" Genie(131 of148)
More like Alad-don't. (credit:My Cheap Costume)
Hitler?!(132 of148)
We've seen homemade Hitler costumes before (which are also ridiculous) but this commercial version just blows us away. (credit:Daily Hitler)
Snake Charmer(133 of148)
Sometimes, knocking over every beer in front of you is a necessary sacrifice for the perfect sexual innuendo costume. (credit:via Amazon)
Furries??(134 of148)
We're not quite sure what these are...but we have a feeling they're NSFW. (credit:via Picture Is Unrelated)
Breathalyzer Test(135 of148)
It's getting hard to imagine a non-penis-related costume at this point. (credit:vVery Demotivational)
Nuts And Bolts(136 of148)
She's right to throw her hands up like that. (credit:Blogorelli)
"Sexy" Cookie Monster?(137 of148)
There are some things that just should never be made into a "sexy" Halloween costume. Cookie Monster is definitely one of them. (credit:Via Best Week Ever)
BP Oil Spill(138 of148)
Maybe they're actually dressing up as this Onion article: "It's Nice We Can Finally Look Back On That Whole Oil Spill And Laugh." (credit:Funny Junk)
Sexy "Nemo" Costume(139 of148)
Dreams really do come true! (credit:Yandy.com)
Paralyzed Superman(140 of148)
This will forever be too soon. (credit:Costume Fail)
"Rasta Man" Costumes(141 of148)
We wonder how many white frat boys will put on this cartoonish representation of a Rasta? At least the squishy headpiece will soften the blows they will undoubtedly receive.
Chastity Belt & Key(142 of148)
Unlock the key to her ... stomach vagina? (credit:via The Colonial Footsoldier)
"Sexy" Monopoly(143 of148)
Thanks for ruining childhood game night.
Petting Zoo(144 of148)
For when you want to make everyone think about touching your junk AND bestiality for the entire night. (credit:Moon Costumes)
"Down For The Count"(145 of148)
You know a costume is bad when you have to repeat a pun just for anyone to get it.(Thanks for the tip, Jay!)
Jane Doe DOA(146 of148)
This description speaks for itself (full of typos):"Although she doesnt have much of a personality, she is still drop dead gorgeous in this body bag dress, Im sure you have the personality and in this you will be gorgeous. Stretch satin mini dress with hood and a two way zipper front which can zip all the way up the hood, this is sleeveless and has a vest style finish at the back. One breast has an outline of a body printed on to it an PROPERTY OF THE CORONER. Pack includes Coroners name tag fitted to a choker Jane Doe and matching fingerless gloves. (3 piece set). Fabrics are listed as 95% polyester and 5% spandex. and other accessories are available separately."(Thanks, Belinda!)
Spank His Monkey(147 of148)
Just 25 cents?
"Sexy" Brian From "Family Guy"(148 of148)
OK, now we're just confused.