>>So it is like sharing the wealth, they get the item and we get reimbursed.<< Yes, I'm sure you're right about that unfortunate way of thinking, SeaUrchin.

Sigh. . . Then, premiums go up until no one can afford insurance. Spread the poverty. We're all equal in the end either way. Reminds me of an old Russian proverb.

I had a very amusing experience with the ring scam. Alone in Paris as a veteran traveler, and fluent in French, he picked the wrong mark. I enjoyed the fellow’s spiel, and while I guess he was sure he had me good, he took my hand to try the ring on when he noticed that my hand was missing a finger. I had a finger amputated. The guy jumped about a foot in the air, crossed himself, pushed the ring into my hand and ran off as fast as he could go. I’m going to put it on a ribbon and hang it up, awesome conversation piece!!!

That is funny micheljohni, maybe he thought it was a sign and has turned law abiding. ha.

The whole thing isnt' logical to me. I would't take a gold ring on vacation and I definitely wouldn't be tempted by it when it wasn't mine. Anyway I have never really been bothered except by the various rose vendors, etc. But a woman I was with in Paris (my friend's friend - niave) fell for the Do you speak English thing at the Arc de Triomph and gave her some money. After that I educated her