Restaurant and Property Scam
Restaurants are part of all our lives and are one institution visited on a regular basis by many of us. Whether it is a breakfast before work, a quick lunch during work or dinner with family and friends, we often visit these institutions making life easier for ourselves.
In visiting restaurants we enter a relaxed environment feeling safe and secure, and this is exactly the environment fraudsters like to pry on. These circumstances are ideal for fraudsters as their victims can be manipulated easily without causing much suspicion.
How the Scam Works
Offenders of this scam always ensure that they are properly dressed and well-spoken, ensuring that they present the appearance of a professional manager. They then approach a busy restaurant.
Once inside the restaurant, the offender will approach a table and introduce himself as the restaurant manager to the victims. The offender will warn the victims of a recent problem concerning theft and will offer the victim to safeguard their belongings, such as jackets or bags. The victims will be informed of a new safeguarding area inside the restaurant and will also be presented with a small marked token, which must be presented when leaving the restaurant and collecting the property.
Once goods are handed to the fraudster, he will approach a colleague in another area in the restaurant, out of sight of the victims and hand the property over. The fraudster will then approach the next table with the same introduction, warning and proposition while his accomplice removes the goods from obtained from the first victims.
Once finished, the fraudsters will leave the restaurant and victims will be left with worthless tokens and without their property.
Protecting Yourself Against These Scams
Even though you might feel relaxed and secure in your environment, you should never place your trust in any person offering you to part with your property. If you do not know the owner or manager of the restaurant, it is highly suggested that you first call your waiter and confirm the identity of the person claiming to be the manager or owner.
When handing your property to another person, ensure that you go with this person to view the area where your property will be safeguarded. Do not allow the person to leave your table with your property without knowing where it will be taken.
By: Kaung | KMKBlog.com
