Saturday October 3, 2009
Beware of the ‘push pocket’ scam
PETALING JAYA: A new type of scam has supposedly emerged where small items like mobile phones or some money are pushed into the pockets of unsuspecting persons who are then accused of theft.
The scam, called “push pocket,” has been hotly discussed in the Internet and has been the topic of various e-mails and blogs.
The discussions also pointed out that KL International Airport (KLIA) was a major scene of the crime.
The authorities however have denied the existence of such crimes in KLIA.
According to Daily Chilli, The Star’s new online portal, a perpetrator would slip a mobile phone or wallet with a few ringgits into the victim’s pocket.
The perpetrator would later accuse the victim of stealing.
Another person would then show up and claim to have seen the victim “committing the crime.”
The cheats would then pull the victim aside to discuss a settlement. The victim would pay up to avoid a ruckus or police involvement.
There were even stories of victims languishing in jails as the perpetrators managed to convince the police to arrest the unwary travellers.
The usual targets are said to be those from the West or Middle East.
An article in Trip Advisor (www.tripadvisor.com), a travel website which also has articles written by travellers, warns tourists of the scam at KLIA.
The scam is also discussed in several online forums and there are both believers and sceptics.
The authorities however have denied the existence of such crimes.
Home Ministry Secretary-General Datuk Mahmud Adam said he had yet to hear of such a scam.
A Malaysian Airports Holdings Berhad spokesperson said there were no cases of “push pocket” reported at both the Low Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT) and the KLIA in recent years.
“The airports make public announcements to warn travellers not to leave their luggage unattended.
“However, there are no announcements advising travellers to be wary of pick-pockets or ‘push pockets.’
“It has never happened at any of our airports,” said the spokesperson.
The police beat base at KLIA/LCCT reported that there were no reports on “push pockets.”
“Push pocket” is being seen as Malaysia’s version of Thailand’s “Zig-Zag” scheme.
In July this year, the Bangkok Post reported that Thai Transport Minister Sophon Zarun had ordered Airports of Thailand to step up measures at Suvarnabhumi and other airports to prevent extortion scams.
Reports said passengers were being detained every month in the duty-free area on suspicion of shoplifting.
They are then held by the police until they paid large sums of money to buy their freedom.
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