This happened to a friend in Bolivia, I thought it was interesting how they use another 'traveler' to help walk the victim through things.
1. First you are walking down the street in a tourist area, and you happen to strike up a conversation with another traveler. You talk about all of the usual stuff, where your from, etc.
2. A little while later you are walking down the street when you get stopped by a plain clothed police officer. The person you met earlier also happens to be there. The police officer asks you to get into his unmarked car.
3. Once inside the car you and the other traveler are asked to present your money so that in can be confirmed as not counterfeit. The money is then put into a envelope that is sealed. You bag is also searched.
4. Then you are given your envelope of money and told that you may go. You get out of the car and it speeds of with the other traveler.
5. You open your envelope of money to find that it has been switched for a different envelope of newspaper. And... you find that your camera is missing from your bag.
The interesting thing is that they use another traveler to lead you through everything. I guess if someone else is so agreeable you may as well too.
Anyways, the general rule is never get in the car.
How much did it cost you to learn about the "fake police"?.
Posted by: Art Barry | May 20, 2004 at 08:49 AM