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Step 1
Watch as a random person drops a gold ring on the ground. Most scammers will drop the ring behind you, using the same path that you walked to get to your present position. It's likely that you can hear the ring drop to the ground, as scammers don't want to be obvious about purposefully placing it on the ground.
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Step 2
Notice if you're approached by someone who picked up the gold ring. Listen to their questions. The scammer will first ask you if it belongs to you. When you deny owning the ring, the scammer will force the ring on your hand or in your pocket and claim that it belongs to you, anyway. They may give the reason that it rightfully belongs to you because they can't wear jewelry, it doesn't fit them or it was found next to you.
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Step 3
Listen as the scammer starts a conversation with you. The scammer will likely tell you a story about their poverty or their travels to the country you're visiting if they're also a visitor.
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Step 4
Depart from the scammer.
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Step 5
Meet up with the scammer again. The scammer will have a story to tell you about being hungry or having lost all his money in a mugging. He'll play on your sympathies and ask you for money hoping you'll feel obligated to give him some because of the gold ring in your possession.
Comments
1965galaxie said
on 11/8/2009 Some Jack-ass tried this scam on me in Paris but I just kept walking. I have traveled quite a bit and know that 99% of the people who approach you in touristy areas are out to separate you from your money. Ranging from very pushy merchants to to out and out criminals.