Two Small Scams

Welcome back to Fraud Fridays! Now, we're starting to hit the bottom of the barrel with my Scamlist. So, today we will be covering some classic cons and how to beat them!

Starting off, the Gold Item Scam! In this scam, the conman will approach you to sell you some type of jewelry that they "found." Their stories can widely differ, but all roads converge into the same outcomes. They claim the piece of jewelry is of great value and they want to sell it to you for a fraction of the price. This is, obviously, not true. If you buy it and have it appraised, you will find that the item costs near nothing, and you will never see the scammer again. How do you avoid it? Simply, don't buy from a random person on the street. Go to a reputable retailer for your jewelry instead.

Next, let's cover distraction theft! This is generally a 2+ person scam. It's entirely possible for a single person to succeed in perpetrating this scam, but we generally see two people in this scam. The first is the distraction. This could be in the form of a conversation, bumping into you, or even a public fight. Bottom line, they capture your attention in some fashion. While you are distracted, the second moves in. A small distraction leads to loose pockets. To avoid this, don't stuff your pockets! I would recommend using a bag that stays close to your body and within your sight. Anything from shoulder bags to waist pouches are viable. Pretty much, keep your items within sight and ideally keep an arm on the main zipper. If you're visiting an area that pickpocketing is prevalent, look up anti-pickpocketing tips before you travel and prepare accordingly!

Thank you for stopping by for this shortened Fraud Friday and let me know how you like the new format! With that, have a fantastic Friday!