About the Scam
A man with a foreign accent is seeking a hotel or rooming house. He can't read or write and asks for your help. He shows a large sum of money and offers to pay for your assistance. Another man will approach and caution the stranger to put the money in a bank. He says he does not trust banks, but if you prove you can make a withdrawal, he will put his money in a bank. You go to the bank and make a withdrawal. He gives you his money tied in a kerchief and begs you to be careful. The second man suggests you place your money in the same kerchief for safety. He will show you how to carry it under the arm or in the bosom. He may open his jacket or shirt and insert his hand with the kerchief, at this time switching the kerchief for another identical one. The strangers leave and you examine the handkerchief only to find you have pieces of newspaper.
How to Avoid
- Do not turn any money over to strangers.