Post: #1

As much as we travel I dont see much information on scams we should be aware of. I'll start this topic with something I read about in Beijing.

Many women will approach western men to practice their English. Be aware of those who want to go to a bar. Stories of girls ordering a glass of wine 1st round , 2nd round she'll order more, Waitress will come over with the wine bottle nearly empty and pour whats left into her glass. When the bill arrives you have been charged the entire bottle. Girl will offer to split the cost but she'll get a kick back later.

Post: #2

(12-17-2012 06:23 PM)chyamor Wrote:  As much as we travel I dont see much information on scams we should be aware of. I'll start this topic with something I read about in Beijing.

Many women will approach western men to practice their English. Be aware of those who want to go to a bar. Stories of girls ordering a glass of wine 1st round , 2nd round she'll order more, Waitress will come over with the wine bottle nearly empty and pour whats left into her glass. When the bill arrives you have been charged the entire bottle. Girl will offer to split the cost but she'll get a kick back later.

I wrote a ton about Latvian scams.

Post: #3

Not much of a scam. But a good experience.
But I first went to DR this year because a friend of mine was studying there. He told me I could do anything I wanted and I wouldn't get hassled by the police like where I'm from. So I was at the hotel and had a few beers, but the guy that was with me was drunk. So we were going to outback to get something to eat.

While going there I notice the Outback sign so I make a sharp turn but there were no cars so it was safe. Until some military policemen stopped me and started asking questions. I was nervous as I didn't know what to expect. They asked me lots of questions and took our passports, car, and hotel papers. That's when I got really nervous. And my friend left a bottle of Presidente in the car.

The policemen kept bothering me so I told them my friend was drinking so I was driving him to get him something to eat. Then they saw the bottle of beer and my friend started shouting to the policemen and I knew we could get in trouble, more than because of the beer, but because he started to talk with attitude to the policemen.

So one of the policemen tells me. You have a few pesos you can give to my boss so we can let you leave? I ask him how much. And he goes to talk to his boss and then comes back telling me to give them about $300-200-250 USD it was like 7,000-9,000 dominican pesos I can't remember the exact quantity.

So I paid them.

The next day my friend who lives there arrives. He tells me I shouldn't have given them any money and just let them take me to the police station or call him. As his ex-gf is a high ranking military officer. He told me they would've taken me to the police station maybe pay a fine and then let me go.

Post: #4

Turkey; guy claimed he was getting off work at the hotel and offered to give me a little minitour as he was walking the same way I was going. Figured it had to be a scam but wanted to see where it was going. To be honest, pretty good tour and stayed in public areas with lots of people, only went south when he suggested we stop for drinks at a local nightclub. Knew it was a scam when girls showed up out of the blue and the "nightclub" looked pretty fake; had a little food and drinks and then when time to leave, tried to stiff me with a $2000 bill. Managed to get away only losing about $250 and figured it was worth the story.

Funnily enough, I went through the next day to find the place and they'd already changed the sign above the "nightclub", lol--and the guys watching the door outside pointed at me and smiled. I grinned back and waved. What the hell, the story was almost worth it and it was a learning experience. I even wound up trying some of the places the guy pointed out en route, and they were all pretty good.

Post: #5

(12-21-2012 05:52 PM)Pete Wrote:  So one of the policemen tells me. You have a few pesos you can give to my boss so we can let you leave? I ask him how much. And he goes to talk to his boss and then comes back telling me to give them about $300-200-250 USD it was like 7,000-9,000 dominican pesos I can't remember the exact quantity.

Rule #1 of bribing:

Never ever ask how much the man you are bribing wants.

Post: #6

One to watch out for no matter what US city you are in is during the day when walking around the tourist parts of town and some guy randomly stops you and asks you a stupid question. Like I bet I can guess where you got your shoes? or some shit like that. Anyways they are always a trap for pickpockets. They keep you distracted while his buddy digs for the wallet.

Had it happen to me back in 2001 except my buddy caught the guy going for his wallet. We laid a beating on this these 2 guys right in the middle of the french quarter in broad daylight. I have lost track how many times I have been approached like this in the last decade but I warn every guy what might be coming his way.

Post: #7

Jamaica: Common in tourist areas, aggressive touts will come up to you and put a bracelet on your wrist or some trinket in your hand then ask for money.

Thailand: There's the infamous jet-ski scam, I haven't been down south to see it yet but another one I did encounter in Bangkok was the east Indian Sikh men (the ones who wear turbans) who approach you and say "my friend you are a very lucky man, but you worry too much" they want to tell your fortune, I heard of people being scammed by these guys.

Colombia: This happened to the parents of a German guy I met, they took a taxi to the Bogota airport and on the way the driver stopped and told them he had engine problems, they got out of the car and as they did, the driver took off with their luggage.

Post: #8

(12-21-2012 05:52 PM)Pete Wrote:  Not much of a scam. But a good experience.
But I first went to DR this year because a friend of mine was studying there. He told me I could do anything I wanted and I wouldn't get hassled by the police like where I'm from. So I was at the hotel and had a few beers, but the guy that was with me was drunk. So we were going to outback to get something to eat.

So one of the policemen tells me. You have a few pesos you can give to my boss so we can let you leave? I ask him how much. And he goes to talk to his boss and then comes back telling me to give them about $300-200-250 USD it was like 7,000-9,000 dominican pesos I can't remember the exact quantity.

So I paid them.

I was driving with rover and aliblahba in DR when rover turned the wrong way down a one-way. I think we were all hammered. Anyway rover gave the cop 200 pesos ($6) and then they escorted us to the restaurant we were headed to. When we went in the restaurant, the other cop tried to make me buy him some food, that would've cost 3 or 4 bucks. I went to the waiter to order it, and rover stopped me and told the cops to get lost.

Your mistake was asking the cop how much to pay.

Post: #9

Here is one:

Three-card Monte on Las Ramblas in Barcelona.

They have been running that scam forever there.

Even though I avoid Las Ramblas, I typically will take a little trip there (or while on a jog) and watch those guys work.

Great hustlers.

Post: #10

(12-21-2012 08:19 PM)Titan Wrote:  

(12-21-2012 05:52 PM)Pete Wrote:  So one of the policemen tells me. You have a few pesos you can give to my boss so we can let you leave? I ask him how much. And he goes to talk to his boss and then comes back telling me to give them about $300-200-250 USD it was like 7,000-9,000 dominican pesos I can't remember the exact quantity.

Rule #1 of bribing:

Never ever ask how much the man you are bribing wants.

(12-22-2012 02:46 AM)maccc Wrote:  

(12-21-2012 05:52 PM)Pete Wrote:  Not much of a scam. But a good experience.
But I first went to DR this year because a friend of mine was studying there. He told me I could do anything I wanted and I wouldn't get hassled by the police like where I'm from. So I was at the hotel and had a few beers, but the guy that was with me was drunk. So we were going to outback to get something to eat.

So one of the policemen tells me. You have a few pesos you can give to my boss so we can let you leave? I ask him how much. And he goes to talk to his boss and then comes back telling me to give them about $300-200-250 USD it was like 7,000-9,000 dominican pesos I can't remember the exact quantity.

So I paid them.

I was driving with rover and aliblahba in DR when rover turned the wrong way down a one-way. I think we were all hammered. Anyway rover gave the cop 200 pesos ($6) and then they escorted us to the restaurant we were headed to. When we went in the restaurant, the other cop tried to make me buy him some food, that would've cost 3 or 4 bucks. I went to the waiter to order it, and rover stopped me and told the cops to get lost.

Your mistake was asking the cop how much to pay.

I guess I learned the hard way

Post: #11

In some places in Eastern Europe (I heard about it and saw it happen in Budapest, but also heard reports in Greece) gypsies will start harassing you and sometimes push your some sort of merchandise. They shout and extend their arms and jiggle whatever stuff their selling and keep bothering and following you, signaling that you should touch the product to check it out. However, once you touch it, they'll say you must buy it. Sometimes whole groups of gypsies gather around the victim doing this and making you pay. Also, even if you pay, they might pickpocket you or grab anything you have (sunglasses, cameras, cellphones).

Post: #12

In the Dominican Republic, cops are known to ask for a "regalo" (gift) for gas, etc. I just give them money. You don't have to give them much. Hell, I gave the equivalent of $4 or $5 (US) and the cop was happy with that. True they cannot really book you with anything at the police station but who wants to stay 1 or 2 days in a Dominican police station while you could be banging some big-booty Dominicana in your Presidential Suites??

Post: #13

Fake cigars being sold in Cuba (absolutely anywhere you buy cigars outside of a certified cigar shop, the cigars are fakes).

They always come up with some story about a friend or relative that works in the factory blah blah blah

Cigars look 100% real but they are made from floor sweepings.

Post: #14

(12-25-2012 12:14 AM)Ringo Wrote:  In some places in Eastern Europe (I heard about it and saw it happen in Budapest, but also heard reports in Greece) gypsies will start harassing you and sometimes push your some sort of merchandise. They shout and extend their arms and jiggle whatever stuff their selling and keep bothering and following you, signaling that you should touch the product to check it out. However, once you touch it, they'll say you must buy it. Sometimes whole groups of gypsies gather around the victim doing this and making you pay. Also, even if you pay, they might pickpocket you or grab anything you have (sunglasses, cameras, cellphones).

Yes, I have undergone this in Kreta (Greece) years ago with my former LTR. You have to kick and push the gypsy kids away from you. Don't be gentle, use force with those low lives. If you don't your pockets (money,phone and camera) will be emptied by 10 to 12 children. The choice is yours.

Post: #15

Nicaragua - Costa Rica

Remember being woken up minutes before the border by the guy working on the bus. He told me and my friend that we had overstayed in Central America by 4 days. We told him that he was wrong, because you can stay in every country for 90 days, not whole region.

We we're basically still sleeping, tired and he was persistent.

Ended up paying him 20 bucks each.

We considered approaching him when we stopped at the border, but figured it wasn't worth it.

The most annoying part was when he came up to us after like he did us a favor, helping us avoid a bigger tax at the border.

Me and my friend laughed about it when we drove off. He probably has a shitty life and a shitty wife, he deserved the 40 bucks.

Post: #16

(12-21-2012 05:52 PM)Pete Wrote:  Not much of a scam. But a good experience.
But I first went to DR this year because a friend of mine was studying there. He told me I could do anything I wanted and I wouldn't get hassled by the police like where I'm from. So I was at the hotel and had a few beers, but the guy that was with me was drunk. So we were going to outback to get something to eat.

While going there I notice the Outback sign so I make a sharp turn but there were no cars so it was safe. Until some military policemen stopped me and started asking questions. I was nervous as I didn't know what to expect. They asked me lots of questions and took our passports, car, and hotel papers. That's when I got really nervous. And my friend left a bottle of Presidente in the car.

The policemen kept bothering me so I told them my friend was drinking so I was driving him to get him something to eat. Then they saw the bottle of beer and my friend started shouting to the policemen and I knew we could get in trouble, more than because of the beer, but because he started to talk with attitude to the policemen.

So one of the policemen tells me. You have a few pesos you can give to my boss so we can let you leave? I ask him how much. And he goes to talk to his boss and then comes back telling me to give them about $300-200-250 USD it was like 7,000-9,000 dominican pesos I can't remember the exact quantity.

So I paid them.

The next day my friend who lives there arrives. He tells me I shouldn't have given them any money and just let them take me to the police station or call him. As his ex-gf is a high ranking military officer. He told me they would've taken me to the police station maybe pay a fine and then let me go.

Always negotiate my friend. In most latin countries the seller starts way high. Just should have told him you had around 40 dollars. They would have been happy with that.

Post: #17

Popular in Paris: A gypsy walking besides you will suddenly bend down and pick-up a ring (supposedly not his). He then examines it, tries it on his finger, and it doesn't fit (all in your view of course).

He then asks you if its yours. You say no, then he shows you it doesn't fit on his finger then tries to give it to you.

The ring is gold-colored and feels solid. He insists you take it. Just to get him to bug off, you take and start to walk away, then they follow and hassle you until he gets $$ from you or the ring back.

While living in Paris, I made the same walk to my train station almost every day around the same time and I had the pleasure of ruining the same asshole trying to run this scam, at least 4-5 times over the weeks, maybe even more.