In Bangkok, there has been a persistent issue with what is known as the “show me the money” scam, where individuals claiming to be from Dubai ask to see cash or credit cards, and then steal them during the interaction. Since May, reports of such incidents (including those outside Bangkok) have surged.
Please be advised to avoid engaging with strangers who approach you with such requests and to leave the area promptly.
Examples of Scams:
- At Wat Pho, a man and a woman claiming to be from Dubai persistently asked to see Japanese yen (no theft occurred).
- In a convenience store near Yaowarat (Chinatown), an Middle Eastern man with a child, claiming to be from Dubai, asked to see Japanese currency so he could show it to the child (no theft occurred).
- In a large shopping center in the Huai Khwang area, an Middle Eastern man posing as a Dubai resident asked for the nationality in English. When the victim responded as Japanese, a female accomplice joined and asked to see Japanese money because they wanted to visit Japan. While the man handled the money, the woman distracted the victim, and later it was discovered that a ¥10,000 note was missing.
- In front of a department store in central Si Racha, Chonburi Province, a man and woman claiming to be from Dubai asked the victim’s nationality. When told it was Japanese, they persistently requested to see the wallet, speaking fluent Japanese, saying they planned to visit Japan and had never seen Japanese yen before. The victim declined, saying they were in a hurry (no theft occurred).
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