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Cops scamming tourists at Bangkok airport
Tourists face a lot of scams if they travel in Southeast Asia, but one especially nasty and hard-to-avoid one has been reported by the BBC. At Bangkok's main airport, cops are accusing international visitors of shoplifting from the airport stores and then extorting money from them to drop the charges. Sometimes a "friendly translator" will help the desperate travelers, and then charge exorbitant fees for his services. This is a variation of the old "zig-zag" scam that is found in Thailand and other countries.
This reminds me of a shake down a couple of guys tried on me in Karachi, Pakistan. I had just left my hotel and was walking along the street when a car pulled up. The driver produced a card saying "Sindh Police" and the other guy said, "Give me your backpack, I need to search for drugs!"
I immediately had my doubts--the card was in English, their vehicle was unmarked, and neither guy wore a uniform. So I replied to them in a very loud voice "Show me some real identification!" They insisted on seeing my bag but neither got out of the car. Since we were on a busy street I kept telling them in a loud voice that I didn't think they were police and wouldn't give them anything until I saw some ID. As a curious crowd began to gather they got angry and said, "You better not have any drugs!" and drove off.
I ran back to my hotel and told the manager all about it. He just shrugged his shoulders and said "Welcome to Pakistan." I had managed to write down the license plate number but he told me the real cops would probably do nothing, so I let it go and continued with my trip.
My tactic worked against this particular trick, but wouldn't work in the Thailand airport scam since the police really are police. While aware travelers can avoid many of the scams they face on the road, this is a tough one. If the cops are in on it, what can you do except cough up and complain to your embassy later? I guess avoiding the airport shops is the only way to reduce your chances of being robbed.
Have you been scammed while traveling? Tell us your story in the comments section.
Filed under: Asia, Pakistan, Thailand, Transportation, Airports, News
Reader Comments (Page 5 of 8)
Big E Jul 23rd 2009 2:45AM
BRAVO2 what country are your ancestors from? Don't lie and say th U.S.
Don Jul 23rd 2009 2:45AM
The last time I was on Continental Airline I got scammed. They charged me $15 to check my bag. That's a scam if I ever saw one!!!
Karen Jul 23rd 2009 2:44AM
Same with US Airways. I was warned by my booker to check fees, which I did 3 times on different sites. All led me to believe the 1st bag was free. When I got to the airport, they charged me $15 for my only bag. I am waiting for my charge statement to come in to dispute the charge. I have printouts to back me up.
Bill Jul 22nd 2009 7:02PM
Why cant I view my posts on aol.???
Linda Jul 23rd 2009 2:46AM
The thing to do if this happens to you anywhere is to immediatly demand contact with the US embassy. Do so loudly but not violently before you hand over any money. If they are real cops, they won't take you to jail because THEY are behavign illegally. If they are not real cops, they will likely go away and perhaps you will attract the attention of a real cop who can help.
db Jul 23rd 2009 2:46AM
This is a good one!
I was in Rio many years ago. While walking down the street I noticed some shit on top of my shoes. A little boy ran up, pointed upward to some very large birds circling in the sky, he offered to clean it up for a $1.00. The next day while again walking, I saw the very same small boy with the shit in his hands getting ready to throw it on an unspecting tourist shoes. What a scam, at least he was industrious!
DB
gabi Jul 23rd 2009 2:46AM
Wow!!! I guess it does help having being brought up in a foreign country!
I am veeeeeeery careful when I travel; scammers are everywhere.
kevin Jul 23rd 2009 2:46AM
I typically do a google search for scams and common crimes in areas that I intend to visit. Pickpocketing is almost always included. Several years ago, I came across a plastic wallet with an embossed finish that made it look leather-ish. That was when credit card offers were in almost every day's mail, and usually included a mock card. I stuffed several in the wallet to give it some bulk, and made sure it was always in my back pocket, hoping to have a fun story about being pickpocketed. After carrying it for a few years all around Europe, including Italy, and England, and Mexico, I finally threw it out. Of all the things I've had stolen, almost none of them were while I was travelling. At home and other places in the US, it's always been far more common. And the "shrug" referred to in so many other comments: The local police here could give classes on how its done, in both the literal and implied forms.
Paul Kaylor Jul 23rd 2009 2:46AM
Taking my wifes parents to Cancun Mexico for their first time, we were lied to ripped off by the airport police and it just kept getting worse.Upon arrival we were met by a man with a sign saying Time share owners transportation, follow me. Unfortunately we did and while the police stood around watching our, itenarary was filled up everyday with fun, romance, and excitement. Jet skiing dinner cruises, hiking at the pyramids, and you name it. They booked all these things as a thank you from all the time shares at a reasonable price. We were happy until we got to the hotel and inside was the big sign that said if you already purchaed, and filled up your itenarary at the airport you were just robbed. Welcome to Mexico. The $1900.00 lesson.
Skate Jul 23rd 2009 2:46AM
In Venice Italy a water taxi quotes you a fare....back when it was Lira...say 15,000 Lira. Then when you arrive at your destination, they say NO- it was 150,000 Lira, you misunderstood. Basically the difference between a $5 fare and a $50 fare.
Take the public water taxi crowded with people, and if its full, just wait for another one to come along. Also in Venice, you pick out a blown glass item off the shelf, ring it up, and the owner offers to wrap it up/ protect it in tissue and a box for you. He takes it in the back room, replaces it with a broken item that has been crudely glued back together. You don't notice the switch until you get home to America and unwrap it. Also in Venice, you sit down at a sidewalk cafe in St. Mark's Square for a $6 cappucino, and when the bill arrives, it has a MUSIC CHARGE of say $25 tacked on to it. The music they are referring to is coming from another cafe down the Piazza from an outdoor string quartet, which many of the main Piazza cafe's have. Also in Venice, you pay 90 Euro for 30 minute Gondola ride, and if it is even slightly raining, you will spend your half hour under a bridge, seeing nothing...before returning to the dock.. Otherwise, a beautiful city to see...world heritage site.
Hislight77 Jul 23rd 2009 2:47AM
In this day and age I have no interest in going to these scumbag countries. Not only are the countries disgusting most of the people are scumbags too. Why bother going? You have alot to see in our own country. It's beautiful but you can get ripped off here too. However, most of the people in the US are not scumbags. I carry a zapper where ever I go. I would love to zap any of those scumbag kids or adults right in the heart. They deserve everything they get. I don't care what their problems are. Why would anyone want to go to any Asian country? It's dirty, it smells everywhere you go, the people are disgusting and low lives. Stay in the US it's going through alot of problems but it is the safest place to be.
Rachel Jul 23rd 2009 2:43AM
I have traveled in several of the cities that are known for thieves, including Rome and Paris and never had trouble, also never had anyone try to scam me; my sister has had trouble in Amsterdam and Peru but she has a bloodcurdling scream and uses it! definately works to scare off would-be attackers - i have had people be rude, but nothing illegal
but i cannot agree that most people in the US are not scumbags - we have terrible people here just like anywhere and even IF our cops aren't scamming people, they do their share of damage
Karen Jul 23rd 2009 2:44AM
Why go to Asia? I have been to Japan, Hong Kong, on a 3 day tour of Goungzhou, China, to Singapore and Malaysia. I had no problems in any of those countries, other than getting around in Japan not be able to read Japanese. But the Japanese people were wonderful. I loved Singapore and Malaysia so much I would consider living there.
I drove around Spain and Portugal for 3 weeks in 1988. I had no problems except food poisoning one night from uncooked meat. (I can't count how many times I've had food poisoning in the U.S., BTW) My brother-in-law was mugged his 1st night in Madrid-walking around at 3a.m. Stay away from really bad areas, be watchful in the rest, and enjoy seeing new sights and customs!
devil Jul 23rd 2009 2:47AM
My uncle and I went to thailand. He went to one of the locals we met so they can show us around. He met the group and started walking to the hotel and a cop stops them and demands to my uncle to see a passport. He did not have it on him, since he left it at the hotel and the cop demanded money or else he would go to jail and when group stood up for him the cop called them prostitues and other stuff which they were not. So to all the tourists be careful at thailand.
gil Jul 23rd 2009 2:47AM
Stay in America, Spend your money in America, At least when our cops shake you down it's usualy in the form of a ticket. But at least the money stays here (I guess)
jan Jul 23rd 2009 2:47AM
Try Lagos Airport in Nigeria and Ouagadougou Airport in Burkina Faso. Went there on business a couple of years ago. Passed through immigration and handed in my passport with visa to have it stamped. They found "irregularities" that could be corrected on the spot if I paid 100 bucks.
I kept cool and asked where the nearest telephone booth was. I said that I had to inform the officials in the Ministry of Defence that I would be arriving late because of irregularities with my visa. When I mentioned the Ministry of Defence they stamped my passport without further questions and off I went.
I had no business whatsoever with the Ministry of Defence and I didn't even know where it was.
bill Jul 23rd 2009 2:47AM
Re: Santo Domingo. Milia Casino. Played blackjack. Caught dealer with a error and advised her on same. Spoke with table supervisor. No correction,. I raised holly hell verbally. Four bouncers (nice black suits) picked me up, not enough and attempted to eject me from casino. Three other bounces joined in, and threw me down 15 marble steps. to the main entrance. At the end of the stairs another was waiting to handcuff me . All I wanted at this point was my wife. She was on the floor with three security guards on her because she wanted to come to my aid. Making a long story very short, don't go to the city of Santo Domingo. . Many thiefs. Casinos are rigged. Police will not help. Don't wear gold don't put your walllet in your front pocket. I'm batterd and bruised, but my wife is ok. Oh by the way, I'm 73 years old. Do no go to Santo Domingo. KEEP OUT OF THE CITY AND CASINOS. DO NOT WALK THE MALECON. ALWAYS LOOK BEHIND YOU.
BILL C. Jul 23rd 2009 2:48AM
ABOVE!!
miek thomas Jul 23rd 2009 2:48AM
Budapest is the biggest scam in Europe.
I had read on the the Emabssy website to beware of the girls on VACI UTCA the main shopping street and tourist area. And what I read found to be true and this is what they do. The girls will walk in pairs and when they spot either a man or two men they will go up to them and ask where a certain pub or disco is. Pretending they are lost. They will then ask you if you have a map and perhaps show them how to get to some street. Then they ask if you want to join them. Once in the club they order drinks and the tab at the end os one to two thousand dollars and you only had a few drinks. You cannot leave until it is paid. This happens daily and only suckers fall for it. I have seen many men fall for this. Even though I am happily married I just tell the women "I AM GAY" and they leave me alone. Try it it works. Or better yet, STAY AWAY FROM HUNGARY. GO TO CZECH REPUBLIC !!!!!
Donato Cabrera Jul 23rd 2009 2:48AM
Several years ago I was charged for an overweight luggage by the Northwest Airlines in Manila, when I arrived in Japan I weighed the luggage and it was not overweight. I was running late flying from the Philippines so I did not have time to verify the weight there