A recent post in a local travel group for Australians visiting Bali has gone viral, with over 1,200 likes and countless comments from fellow travelers who’ve fallen victim to the same scam.
Here’s how it works: a man approaches you, usually in a touristy area, and asks to see your Australian dollar coin. Sounds harmless, right? But don’t be fooled – his real intention is to steal your wallet and belongings.
How the Scam Works
The scammer will typically start by asking you a friendly question, like where to find a good Italian restaurant. Then, he’ll say something like, “Do you have an Australian dollar coin I could look at?” If you’re not careful, you might think it’s a genuine request from a curious local. But once you hand over your wallet or coin, they’ll snatch it and run.
Real-Life Experiences
One Aussie woman shared her experience with the scammer at Lippo Mall in Badung. She said the guy was very friendly and convincing, but she was lucky to have heard about the scam beforehand. “He said he was from Saudi Arabia, and my husband said his wife had a lot of makeup on and was in Arabic clothing,” she wrote.
Another traveler shared a similar story, saying he almost fell victim to the scam in Legian. “He introduced himself and said he was from Saudi Arabia, and with his daughter. He told us he was visiting Melbourne soon and showed us his gold watch and asked us what time it was where we came from.”
The Consequences
Unfortunately, not everyone is as lucky. One woman shared that she and her husband lost $100 after being conned by the couple. “Same happened to hubby and I in Sanur at night. They wanted to know what Aussie money looked like… She was distracting me saying my color lipstick was nice, meanwhile hubby showed him, and we were missing $100.”
Expert Advice: How to Stay Safe
So, what can you do to avoid falling victim to this scam? Todd Nelson, managing director of Cover-More Australia, says it’s essential to learn about common tourist scams before your trip. “This will help ensure you can recognize a scam if – or when – a scammer approaches you while on holiday.”
Angus Kidman, travel expert at Finder, advises exercising sensible basic precautions. “Pickpocketing and theft are always a risk in any popular tourist area. If someone asks to see your Australian money, an easy response is ‘not carrying any mate – don’t need Aussie currency here.'”
Other Scams to Watch Out For
While the coin scam is a common one, it’s not the only thing to watch out for in Bali. Other scams include:
- Taxi drivers who will take you on a longer route or charge you far above the going rate
- Monkey thieves at popular temples who will snatch your belongings
- Currency exchange scams that will offer you a great rate but give you the wrong change or invalid banknotes
By being aware of these scams and taking simple precautions, you can enjoy your Bali trip without worrying about being targeted. So, spread the word and stay safe, Aussies!