Thorn Tree travel forum

The Card Game Scam:

I find it hard to believe that people fell for this but they do. I known a few people who felled for it some lose lots of money.

Taken from http://www.thailandexplorer.com/preflt-ripoffs.shtml and http://www.thaiconsulate.sk/en/tourism.htm

The Card Game Scam: This is often run by Philippinos or Pakistanis, but there have been cases of Thais running the scam too. They generally hunt at the top end of Silom Road or in Sukhumvit Road. You will be approached by a very well dressed man or woman who will make some sort of excuse to talk to you. They often start by asking where you come from, and if you speak English they may ask if they can walk with you to practice their English. After they have established a 'friendly' rapport with you, they will eventually get around to asking you to accompany them for a friendly game of cards. If you go, you will get into a game with a group of supposed strangers. You will win and lose a few games, but suddenly you will be dealt an unbeatable hand; a Royal Flush. The bidding will go up and up until the pot becomes very attractive. Once you run out of money to bet, they will encourage you to go to the bank to get more money while you leave your hand with someone not in the game. Once you get back everyone will be gone, and your money with them.
Advice: The best thing to do is not speak to any strangers, but if you can't get rid of them head down the road and find the nearest tourist policeman and lodge a complaint. Once they see you heading for a policeman they will disappear faster than lightning.

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Card playing scam

The scam begins with a friendly stranger or recent acquaintances showing you tricks on how you can win big at a card game. You are then taken to where the game is played and it will begin innocently and friendly at first. You win some and lose a few hands until things get more serious and you are “loaned” money by one of the players to continue the game. Sooner or later you will lose all the money, and you must pay back the money you have been “loaned” to. Most tourists who fall for card playing scam end up losing everything.

The forecast today is dark and cloudy with a possibility of a drive-by.