Are you aware of the terrible Bangkok airport scams highlighted in the media recently?
It's so terrible that I feel obliged to describe it here. Briefly this is how it works.
You browse in the duty-free shop, pick up a few things and here and there, and without realising it you've wandered out of the shop.
Suddenly, Security people pounce on you, accusing you of shoplifting. You can't speak Thai and they don't speak English so your protests are useless.
They take you to an office for interrogation. During questioning a guy enters, and offers to help since he speaks Thai (for a fee).
You are given a choice. Either settle the case with US$10,000 or go to a notorious Thai jail while you wait for your case to be heard in court.
Many western travellers have fallen prey to this scam. Thailand might be the Land of the Smiles, but there are corrupt Thai people and officials waiting to fleece tourists.
The Thai Prime Minister has promised to take action. Meanwhile, be very very careful when you shop at Bangkok international airport.
Showing posts with label scams. Show all posts
Showing posts with label scams. Show all posts
Monday, August 31, 2009
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Nigerian Scams
Mention "Nigeria" and most people associate the country with scams.
One day, I received an e-mail purportedly from a Nigerian girl together with her photo. She looked prettty by Nigerian standards, and I guess she'd have easily sent Nigerian men's
pulse racing.
In her rather long e-mail she bemoaned how her father had to remain in prison because her family had no money to secure his release. Could I help? All I had to do was to deposit some money in a bank account.
Her liberal use of expressions of endearments was calculated to soften my heart, calling me "my love", "my darling" but the total effect would have been the same if a gorilla was capable of speech and spouted the same endearments.
Most Nigerian scams target a person's greed, telling him that he had won a lottery or could share in a huge windfall provided he sent over some money to cover administrative costs or legal paperwork.
One day, I received an e-mail purportedly from a Nigerian girl together with her photo. She looked prettty by Nigerian standards, and I guess she'd have easily sent Nigerian men's
pulse racing.
In her rather long e-mail she bemoaned how her father had to remain in prison because her family had no money to secure his release. Could I help? All I had to do was to deposit some money in a bank account.
Her liberal use of expressions of endearments was calculated to soften my heart, calling me "my love", "my darling" but the total effect would have been the same if a gorilla was capable of speech and spouted the same endearments.
Most Nigerian scams target a person's greed, telling him that he had won a lottery or could share in a huge windfall provided he sent over some money to cover administrative costs or legal paperwork.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Scams in Vietnam
Every country I dare say has its own scams, and Vietnam is no exception. A friend who visited Vietnam recently fell for a common scam in Saigon or Ho Chi Ming City (HCMC).
This friend had heard rumours of tourists being robbed by Vietnamese women while he was holidaying in HCMC. But still he was charmed by a Vietnamese lady, and succumbed to temptation. He followed her to an apartment.
His carnal exertions concluded, he took a shower. When he came out of the bathroom, he was surprised the lady had quietly vanished. On checking his wallet, he discovered his money had also done a similar vanishing act. Even more devastating was the loss of his gold neck chain.
"You could have been murdered," I said.
Another common scam also involves women. You fall for the charms of a Vietnamese woman thinking she's so sweet and innocent-looking. She suggests going to her place. Intoxicated with lust, you agree. You can't believe your luck, she's only 20 years old at the most, and you with your liver-spotted face and 60-year-old arthritic body.
Just as you are about to translate thoughts into action, there's a peremptory knock on the door. A Vietnamese man rushes in and accuses you angrily of messing around with his wife. He wants monetary compensation.
Your dream vanishes, and so does all the money in your wallet. POOF! Gone in 60 seconds!
This friend had heard rumours of tourists being robbed by Vietnamese women while he was holidaying in HCMC. But still he was charmed by a Vietnamese lady, and succumbed to temptation. He followed her to an apartment.
His carnal exertions concluded, he took a shower. When he came out of the bathroom, he was surprised the lady had quietly vanished. On checking his wallet, he discovered his money had also done a similar vanishing act. Even more devastating was the loss of his gold neck chain.
"You could have been murdered," I said.
Another common scam also involves women. You fall for the charms of a Vietnamese woman thinking she's so sweet and innocent-looking. She suggests going to her place. Intoxicated with lust, you agree. You can't believe your luck, she's only 20 years old at the most, and you with your liver-spotted face and 60-year-old arthritic body.
Just as you are about to translate thoughts into action, there's a peremptory knock on the door. A Vietnamese man rushes in and accuses you angrily of messing around with his wife. He wants monetary compensation.
Your dream vanishes, and so does all the money in your wallet. POOF! Gone in 60 seconds!
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