The Unpleasant Goo Scam
 

A friend who is well-traveled and a Fodor poster was recently caught in this scam in BsAs. She had not read the earlier posts about it here, or on TA, so I thought it would be useful to repeat it today - for current and future visitors.

This scam occurs in BsAs, particularly on weekends and in quiet areas near tourist sites - and in many larger cities around the world.

An unpleasant, gooey substance (ilke bird droppings, mustard, or something indescribable) is splotted on your back (may even be dropped from above by an accomplice) and then a well-dressed man or woman, or both, run up with water, and handy paper or cloth, to help clean if off of you.

WATCH OUT ! This is where their hands are quicker than your eyes. Your pocket will be picked, or your zippers opened, to grab your camera, telephone, purse or wallet. They are really good at what they do - so being forwarned and being prepared if this should happen to you is essential. JUST SAY NO ! Shout ! - HOLD ONTO YOUR ZIPPERS (not that one, the purse zipper) and your pockets and REFUSE THEIR HELP !

They will go away if you are not a willing victim, and then you just need to clean yourself.

This does not happen often, but often enough to know about and so be alert and self-protective. It has never happened to me in 3 long trips here.

Have a safe and fun time in wonderful BsAs.,

~MarnieWDC

standard scam worldwide

just walk/run away...

Now I know what "dup" stands for!

You posted about this TWICE, Marnie!!

Hey Marnie -- how was your trip to the NW?

it happened to me and i knew instantly what was happening and was able to fend them off.... i think avrooster put them up to it

Not the way I remember it happened. I warned you about it, you said something like "I'm THE experienced traveler, they won't try that kind of thing with ME" and you were annoyed when it happened to YOU, of all people! LOL!!!

Alas, I posted on the SA forum - meaning to TAG here on ARG. So, I corrected and copied it here...thus twice warned !!!!!

DL: The trip to the NOA was wonderful. I will write a TA when I get back to snowy WDC.

~Marnie

ttt for crellston