Reply to thread

Message: <blockquote data-quote="AtulaSiriwardane" data-source="post: 4069691" data-attributes="member: 120286">Attraction as a DistractionScammers who use their "charms" to distract.  A technique drunken men invariably fall for.SOLVED: <a href="http://kovakspi.com/?page_id=89" target="_blank">One Crooked Kitten</a>, <a href="http://kovakspi.com/?page_id=97" target="_blank">Variations of the Gypmeister Raptor Con</a>Barcelona:<a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=154" target="_blank">Chinese Breast Flashers and Other Scams</a><a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=137" target="_blank">Boob-Flashing & Swarm Technique</a><a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=117" target="_blank">A Bizarre Incident with an Attractive Lady</a><a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=113" target="_blank">Joy Girls that Pickpocket - A Ramblas Story</a><a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=111" target="_blank">A Possible Sexual Scam?</a><a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=84" target="_blank">Be Careful Who You Sleep With in Barcelona</a>Rest of the World:<a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=77" target="_blank">Boob Distraction in Rome</a>The Tourist in DistressIt usually goes like this : A tourist speaking in an English accent approaches, says they got robbed and that they need money for a flight, a room or whatever. Funny thing is they get "robbed" everyday, and tell the same boo-hoo crock of hooey to other good natured tourists with some dough to spare.SOLVED: <a href="http://kovakspi.com/?page_id=89" target="_blank">One Crooked Kitten</a>Barcelona:<a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=141" target="_blank">A "Tourist in Trouble" with a Bad Attitude</a><a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=135" target="_blank">"Tourist in Distress" - We've heard it before</a><a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=106" target="_blank">Fake Irishman in Distress ... or?</a><a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=87" target="_blank">Tourist in Trouble - Think Again</a><a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=25" target="_blank">The Infamous Fake Tourist in Trouble?</a><a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=23" target="_blank">Fake Tourist in Trouble & Carnations with a Catch</a><a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=18" target="_blank">Fake Tourist in Trouble - Revealed?</a>Rest of Spain:<a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=66" target="_blank">Fake Tourist in Distress in Palma de Mallorca</a>Rest of the World:<a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=95" target="_blank">The "Tourist in Trouble" Scam in Mauritius</a><a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=30" target="_blank">A Young Chap in Need in Vancouver, or so it seems</a>Fake PolicemenA particularly insidious scammer technique that falls into the "cloaking" category - that is, scammers who get in disguise. They approach you flashing a cheap badge they bought in a Chinese novelty store, say they're special undercover cops and they want your ID. They really want your hard-earned scratch.SOLVED: <a href="http://kovakspi.com/?page_id=91" target="_blank">The Cloaking Con</a>Barcelona:<a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=134" target="_blank">Fake Policemen on the Loose</a><a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=119" target="_blank">More "Passport Control"</a><a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=118" target="_blank">"Passport Control"</a><a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=82" target="_blank">Fake "Policia"</a>Rest of the World:<a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=125" target="_blank">Dope & Crooked Cops in Africa</a>The Infamous "Tire Pinch"Someone tells you you have a flat tire, open gas cap, or something else wrong with your car. Think again. They want you to get out of your car so their accomplice can steal your bags.Barcelona:<a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=138" target="_blank">Streetwise folks fall for the Tire Pinch</a><a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=114" target="_blank">The Tire Pinch, with a Happy Ending</a><a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=89" target="_blank">Advice from a Victim of the Tire Pinch</a><a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=71" target="_blank">More Tire Pinchers and a Guy Who Will Take No More</a><a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=60" target="_blank">Another Tire Pinch!</a><a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=58" target="_blank">Another Tire Pinch</a><a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=55" target="_blank">The Classic Tire Pinch</a><a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=47" target="_blank">"You have a leak down there."</a>Rest of Spain:<a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=61" target="_blank">The Tire Pinch "Madrilena" Style</a>The Pigeon Poop ScamThe scammers claim a bird pooped on you, or that you have some kind of substance on your clothing. They kindly offer to help you wipe it off ... while their gypmeister hands snake into your pockets!SOLVED: <a href="http://kovakspi.com/?page_id=78" target="_blank">(Un)friendly Helpers</a>Barcelona:<a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=132" target="_blank">Another "Stain" Scam Variation</a><a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=53" target="_blank">A Mysterious Stain and an Unfriendly Helper</a><a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=26" target="_blank">Another Variation of the Pigeon Poop Scam</a><a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=22" target="_blank">Variation of the Pigeon Poop Scam from back in the days</a>Rest of Spain:<a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=80" target="_blank">Mustard Attack in Madrid</a>The Shell GameThe all-time classic scam, employed in every major city in every country of the world. There's always a smart guy who thinks he can beat the gypmeisters. Here's a clue: you CAN'T win, ever.SOLVED: <a href="http://kovakspi.com/?page_id=84" target="_blank">The American Tourist Con</a>Barcelona:<a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=112" target="_blank">Young Policeman Gets Scammed</a><a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=70" target="_blank">Undercovers Put the Screws on a Cup Shuffler</a><a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=50" target="_blank">Hide the Pea & Brazen Bag Snatching</a><a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=33" target="_blank">An American Taken by the 3 Cups Scam</a>Rest of Spain:<a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=92" target="_blank">Cup Shufflers & Ringers in Tenerife</a>Rest of the World:<a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=85" target="_blank">Shell Game in Venice - You Can't Win</a>The Drop Cigarette ScamA classic. You're riding an escalator up. The guy in front of you drops a cigarette or something. He reaches down and blocks you in while an accomplice rushes you from behind.SOLVED:<a href="http://kovakspi.com/?page_id=4" target="_blank">The Drop Cigarette Con</a>Barcelona:<a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=108" target="_blank">The Drop Cigarette & the Ramblas "Large" Drink Scam</a><a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=38" target="_blank">Another One Blocked on the Escalator</a><a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=36" target="_blank">Newspaper Hands Cover & Blocked on the Escalator</a><a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=11" target="_blank">Drop "Something" on the Escalator Scam</a>Map & Post Card VendorsThe classic "Rand-McNally" technique. A guy approaches you with a map or some postcards. They place whatever they have on your table. When they lift it up, they also take your cell phone etc. The "fanning map" is also used to distract so an accomplice can sneak in.SOLVED: <a href="http://kovakspi.com/?page_id=97" target="_blank">Variations of the Gypmeister Raptor Con</a>Barcelona:<a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=101" target="_blank">So a guy with a map approaches your table in Pl. Real ...</a><a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=74" target="_blank">More Postcards from a Thief</a><a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=65" target="_blank">Postcards ... from a Thief</a><a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=41" target="_blank">The Map Vendor Scam</a>The Soccer/Football Trick ScamSome greasy young sprout starts dribbling a soccer ball by you, doing Ronaldihno's "elastico" move and more ... oh yes much more ... as you soon realize this guy has also stolen your wallet.SOLVED: <a href="http://kovakspi.com/?page_id=67" target="_blank">The Soccer Trick Con</a>Barcelona:<a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=88" target="_blank">The Soccer, Scooter, Tire Pinch & More Scams Explained</a><a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=17" target="_blank">The Infamous Soccer/Football Move Scam</a>Fake BabiesBelieve it or not, cute babies are often used to distract a mark.  And even more unbelievably, a lot of times they are fake.SOLVED:<a href="http://kovakspi.com/?page_id=112" target="_blank">The Fake Baby Con</a>Barcelona:<a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=43" target="_blank">Fake Baby Scam</a>Rest of the World:<a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=128" target="_blank">Fake Baby Scammers in Rome</a><a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=48" target="_blank">Italian Fake Baby Scammers & Metro Scammers in Paris</a><a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=32" target="_blank">Don't Hold that Cute Baby - a Cruel Greek Scam</a>Flowers ScamI have never seen this, so it is possible this technique is not "in vogue" in the gypmeister academies of swindling. Basically a woman forces a gift of a flower on you, and while you are looking for some change to pay for it, she "helps" you.Barcelona:<a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=21" target="_blank">A Gift of Flowers ... or ...</a><a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=10" target="_blank">The Rose Scam & The Pigeon Poop Scam</a>Rest of Spain:<a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=54" target="_blank">Carnation Scam in Plaza Mayor (Madrid)</a>Various Methods of DistractionThey all basically do the same thing. Like a magician, scammers aim to distract you somehow, and while you are looking elsewhere they snag your bags.SOLVED: <a href="http://kovakspi.com/?page_id=97" target="_blank">Variations of the Gypmeister Raptor Con</a>Barcelona:<a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=152" target="_blank">A Good Evening Wish Turns Sour</a><a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=151" target="_blank">BEWARE OF THE DECOY</a><a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=150" target="_blank">Robbed... Kindness kills</a><a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=147" target="_blank">Jostled on the Metro in Barcelona-Sants</a><a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=133" target="_blank">The "You dropped something" Scam</a><a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=131" target="_blank">Distracted at a Bus Stop and Breast-Flashed</a> (also Attraction as a Distraction)<a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=130" target="_blank">Team of Scammers on the Metro</a><a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=127" target="_blank">"Barcelona, Never Again" (bumping technique & more)</a><a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=116" target="_blank">A close call at the airport</a><a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=109" target="_blank">Another "Lost Person" at Plaza Catalunya</a><a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=100" target="_blank">The Prat-Sants Gypmeister Express</a><a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=99" target="_blank">Watch Out When You Use the Phone</a><a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=91" target="_blank">Pickpockets in London</a><a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=90" target="_blank">Scammed at the Airport</a><a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=68" target="_blank">Gypmeisters Come in All Colors & Creeds, but all "dip" hands</a><a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=63" target="_blank">The Thieves are Nearby</a><a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=40" target="_blank">(Un)friendly Helpers</a><a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=27" target="_blank">Wailing, Crying & Pieces of Cardboard</a><a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=20" target="_blank">Blocked of in the Metro & Possible Rose Scam</a><a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=13" target="_blank">Lost & Flustered Person Scam</a><a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=12" target="_blank">Cardboard Signs as a Distraction</a>Rest of Spain:<a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=162" target="_blank">"Excuse me I'm lost" (and I want to take your money)</a><a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=93" target="_blank">"Lost Person" Scam in Madrid</a><a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=105" target="_blank">Vigilant Tourist Stops a Pickpocket in Madrid</a><a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=102" target="_blank">Shoving on the Metro (and Becoming a Jaded Traveler)</a>Choking & Other More Violent TechniquesFortunately, brazen violence is not as common as petty thievery in Barcelona. The choking technique, for example, is when pickpockets jump you from behind, put you in a chokehold and an accomplice empties your pockets.Barcelona:<a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=136" target="_blank">The Choking Pickpocketers</a><a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=81" target="_blank">Attempted Mugging Ends Happily</a><a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=78" target="_blank">Another Choker by The Cathedral</a><a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=73" target="_blank">Scary Muggers & Some Advice</a><a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=64" target="_blank">The Choking Bag Snatching</a><a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=62" target="_blank">More Bag Snatchers on Escudellers</a><a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=59" target="_blank">Don't Look Like a Tourist (Rule Number 1)</a><a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=49" target="_blank">Jostled but Unscathed</a><a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=44" target="_blank">Violent Bag Snatchers on Escudellers</a>Apartment ScammersNot really my territory here, but these are scams pulled on apartment hunters in Barcelona and other European citiesBarcelona:<a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=126" target="_blank">Apartment Scammers</a>Europe-wide:<a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=129" target="_blank">Apartment Scammer Europe-wide</a>MiscellaneousScams I couldn't quite place yet.SOLVED: <a href="http://kovakspi.com/?page_id=61" target="_blank">The Bouncing Cartoon Con</a>, <a href="http://kovakspi.com/?page_id=56" target="_blank">The Charity of Gypmeisters</a>, <a href="http://kovakspi.com/?page_id=58" target="_blank">False Friends</a>, <a href="http://kovakspi.com/?page_id=69" target="_blank">Guiri Gone Bad</a>,  <a href="http://kovakspi.com/?page_id=116" target="_blank">Small Time Crooks</a>Barcelona:<a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=176&p=201#p201" target="_blank">Big Money. Big Balls. Big Scam.</a><a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=163" target="_blank">Boiler Room Operators try to scare an innocent kid</a><a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=156&p=167#p167" target="_blank">Thieves in the Bushes</a><a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=153" target="_blank">Possible Laced-Drink</a><a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=56" target="_blank">Sketchy Restauranteurs</a><a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=52" target="_blank">Crooks in Cahoots with Massage Parlors</a><a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=46" target="_blank">Bags Snatched Out of a Car</a><a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=37" target="_blank">A "Helpful" Local with Insider Tips</a><a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=28" target="_blank">Bag Snatched in Dunkin' Donuts</a><a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=24" target="_blank">Don't Fall Asleep</a><a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=16" target="_blank">"Mentally deranged" Scam and the Nightclub Accomplice</a>Rest of Spain:<a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=83" target="_blank">ATM Scam in Sitges</a><a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=75" target="_blank">Pamplonan Scamsters</a><a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=51" target="_blank">Scrooter-Driving Snatchers in Madrid & Sevilla</a><a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=35" target="_blank">Ripped Off by Madrid Cabbies</a><a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=19" target="_blank">Tweezer Reacher in Sevilla</a>Rest of the World:<a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=149" target="_blank">Metro Ticket Scam in Krakow</a><a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=148" target="_blank">Trunk Emptied in the South of France</a><a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=115" target="_blank">Similar Scams in Boston</a><a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=110" target="_blank">You Pity, You Give (NYC & Paris)</a> (Read my exposé in The Charity of Gypmeisters)<a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=107" target="_blank">Trying to Out-con the Con Artist ... uh uh (Naples)</a><a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=98" target="_blank">Swindling Caribbean Style</a><a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=86" target="_blank">Scams in Italy from the Good Ol' Days</a><a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=69" target="_blank">Napolitano Scooter-Snatchers Make Off with a Tooth</a><a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=14" target="_blank">Shoved on a Subway Car in Mexico City</a><a href="http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=19&t=139" target="_blank">http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=19&t=139</a></blockquote>

Verification: Nawa warak dahaya keeyada? (Namaya wadi kireema dahaya)

Top Bottom