A series of alarming encounters shared on Threads has highlighted a new Modus Operandi (MO) targeting unsuspecting shoppers, especially elderly individuals and people walking alone.
If you ever spot unattended cash lying on the ground while out in public, you might want to think twice before picking it up!
The MO: Dropped money, false accusations & aggressive extortion
According to a recent post shared on Threads, the trick begins when scammers deliberately leave cash, such as an RM50 note, on the floor in a public area with seemingly no one around.
The moment an unsuspecting victim picks up the money, a group of individuals (often acting as a team) immediately swoops in, aggressively accusing the victim of stealing the cash.
Even after the victim returns the money, the scammers allegedly refuse to back down. They escalate the situation by claiming they have “video evidence” or that money is missing, pressuring the frightened victim into paying further compensation on the spot.
“Even after my friend’s dad returned the money, they allegedly continued confronting him and appeared to demand further compensation. What makes it even more concerning is that the group was reportedly still roaming around the area afterward.” the user shared.
The user told WORLD OF BUZZ that the elderly victim took about a week to recover from the incident, with constant reminders and reassurance that she was not at fault. Although she is doing much better now, the experience remains traumatic, and overcoming it will take time.
Another common MO: Distraction & bank account spying
This isn’t the only scam tactic currently circulating in crowded public areas. Other netizens have come forward to warn of a different MO involving individuals approaching victims under the guise of asking for directions.
Once they engage the victim in conversation, the scammer quickly pivots to a sob story, claiming they lack funds for dinner or transportation, and aggressively pressures the victim to transfer money.
“He used the reason to ask for directions and then change topics to him not having money… But when my gf denied, he was still very persistent.
“She was scared and felt helpless… Despite being pressured into giving money, he also tried to look at her phone to spy into her bank account.” another user shared on Threads.
PSA: How to protect yourself and your loved ones
To keep yourself and your elderly family members safe while out in public, here are crucial rules of thumb to remember:
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1. Don’t touch dropped cash: If you spot unattended money on the floor in a public space, leave it alone. Scammers rely on your initial reaction to pick it up to trap you into an accusation.
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2. Keep your distance & exit immediately: If confronted aggressively by strangers, do not engage or argue. Walk away immediately into a brightly lit, crowded store or restaurant.
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3. Avoid showing vulnerability or panic: Maintain a calm exterior. Scammers prey on visible fear and confusion to escalate their demands.
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4. Whip out your phone to record: If you feel threatened, discreetly record the situation if it is safe to do so. This could provide useful evidence of what happened if you need to report the incident later.
Have you or your elderly family members noticed suspicious tactics like this in public places recently? Share this PSA with your family group chats to keep everyone safe and alert!
