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Deleted member 3000
Guest
"Great Mustard Scam" going on again. This scam is not new to the Camino nor to any tourist destination in the world. It is widely used in Europe, Las Vegas and maybe even your local country fair. What happens? The scam is this; someone squirts mustard or some awful goop on you and then points it out to you and offers to help clean it off. Normally two people are involved in the scam. Sometimes they clean you right on the spot but most often they will try to take you to a bathroom where they clean you up and clean you out of your money. Most times they get the wallet out, the money out and/or credit cards and the wallet back into your purse or pocket before you even notice it is gone. And geez...they seemed like such nice people! Pilgrims are excellent targets because they are on a journey of trust, and are known to have money and cameras.
Heads up! Never accept help for getting cleaned up. Do not be afraid of being rude by being quite firm in your refusal. State it at the top of your lungs if it seems appropriate! If you are in a store walk directly to the service desk, ask for a manager and point out the "helpers" if they have not already run out the door. Check your pockets, wallet/purse right away. If you are out on the street go to the nearest shop or store after you told them you do not want their "help".
Spread your valuables around your person and pack, so that if someone gets a wallet, they do not also get credit cards, passport, etc.
Heads up! Never accept help for getting cleaned up. Do not be afraid of being rude by being quite firm in your refusal. State it at the top of your lungs if it seems appropriate! If you are in a store walk directly to the service desk, ask for a manager and point out the "helpers" if they have not already run out the door. Check your pockets, wallet/purse right away. If you are out on the street go to the nearest shop or store after you told them you do not want their "help".
Spread your valuables around your person and pack, so that if someone gets a wallet, they do not also get credit cards, passport, etc.