OK, So what's the Con here
Discussion
I am working in Belgravia and have to pop down to builders merchants at the end of Ebury Street every now and then and invariable when I do there is usually a Eastern European type who walks towards me and pretends to pick a 'solid gold' wedding ring from behind me just as we pass. The first time it happened I must admit I felt for the ring on my finger but now can predict who and when they try it.
They just get jogged on now.
So my question is what would be the con ?
They just get jogged on now.
So my question is what would be the con ?
When we were in Paris, multiple people tried this on us - but unfortunately for them I saw them doing this to someone else long before they approached us.
I don't get what the con is, as I wasn't watching too carefully.
Maybe a distraction technique so they or an accomplice can get closer ?
Will follow thread with some interest.
I don't get what the con is, as I wasn't watching too carefully.
Maybe a distraction technique so they or an accomplice can get closer ?
Will follow thread with some interest.
sinizter said:
When we were in Paris, multiple people tried this on us - but unfortunately for them I saw them doing this to someone else long before they approached us.
I don't get what the con is, as I wasn't watching too carefully.
Maybe a distraction technique so they or an accomplice can get closer ?
Will follow thread with some interest.
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/thread.jspa?threadID=1756323I don't get what the con is, as I wasn't watching too carefully.
Maybe a distraction technique so they or an accomplice can get closer ?
Will follow thread with some interest.
It's an established con
He pretends he's found a solid gold ring and then shows you that it won't fit his finger so he gives it to you as a gift but then pesters for money in exchange. Some people hand the ring back (he'll resist this); some part with cash.
It's not gold, obviously.
There are variations but that's the gist.
He pretends he's found a solid gold ring and then shows you that it won't fit his finger so he gives it to you as a gift but then pesters for money in exchange. Some people hand the ring back (he'll resist this); some part with cash.
It's not gold, obviously.
There are variations but that's the gist.
CedGTV said:
No BSR they don't get to open their mouths before being told to do one.
The getting money off you sounds plausible as they have no one else around to try a diversion trick.
It's just a slightly more elaborate way of begging. Have seen it a few times recently on the South Bank but it's mainly ladies doing it. I think they run this trick along the strip by the Eye whilst their menfolk run the gambling one on Westminster bridge (although a load got arrested recently)The getting money off you sounds plausible as they have no one else around to try a diversion trick.
Seems that tourists are easy pickings: some people seem to leave their brains at home when they come to London on holiday.
basherX said:
It's an established con
He pretends he's found a solid gold ring and then shows you that it won't fit his finger so he gives it to you as a gift but then pesters for money in exchange. Some people hand the ring back (he'll resist this); some part with cash.
It's not gold, obviously.
There are variations but that's the gist.
This ... My girlfriend and I were approached by a beggar in Paris using the same technique.He pretends he's found a solid gold ring and then shows you that it won't fit his finger so he gives it to you as a gift but then pesters for money in exchange. Some people hand the ring back (he'll resist this); some part with cash.
It's not gold, obviously.
There are variations but that's the gist.
Edited by Ikemi on Friday 6th July 14:38
I've had this done to me twice, by the same guy! He pretended to "find" the ring near my front wheel, then gave it to me, and asked if it was real gold.
Sure enough, inside the ring were some quite authentic looking hallmarks.
He then tried the ring on. It was too small, so he then gave me the ring and asked for a gift of cash in return.
He looked really puzzled when I gave it back to him.
Tim
Sure enough, inside the ring were some quite authentic looking hallmarks.
He then tried the ring on. It was too small, so he then gave me the ring and asked for a gift of cash in return.
He looked really puzzled when I gave it back to him.
Tim
I'm so embarrassed that I can remember this came up before in a post: http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
Life Saab Itch said:
Gare du Nord is full of them, as is Gare de Lyon as at last Thursday.
Watch out for the ring trick which seems to be very popular with them in Paris. Peasant sidles up to you, reaches down to the floor and picks up a brass but hallmarked wedding run - big fat jobbie not unlike a large plumbing olive and asks if it is yours. Then they want you to buy it off them - and it seems with many, the greed kicks in for 10 euros and "cash for gold" when back in the uk (not me by the way). Of course, it is worthless crap.
Good old socialist care and lack of border controls keeping us all on our toes.
Watch out for the ring trick which seems to be very popular with them in Paris. Peasant sidles up to you, reaches down to the floor and picks up a brass but hallmarked wedding run - big fat jobbie not unlike a large plumbing olive and asks if it is yours. Then they want you to buy it off them - and it seems with many, the greed kicks in for 10 euros and "cash for gold" when back in the uk (not me by the way). Of course, it is worthless crap.
Good old socialist care and lack of border controls keeping us all on our toes.
Potatoes said:
RE: OK, So what's the Con here
why the random capital letters?
From the thread title I was expecting to see a picture of D. Cameron with a thread asking if anybody can point to where his Conservative thinking is..... why the random capital letters?
Still, I learned another reason to be thankful for the north / south divide
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