There is a common scam here called the “Cuento del Tio” or uncle’s tale. It is simpler than the pigeon drop but just as predictable. A well dressed stranger approaches the tourist and asks assistance in finding a nearby location. As they talk, a “policeman” approaches, shows his “credentials” and informs them he is checking credit card fraud. He will require all of them to accompany him. A taxi pulls up and he orders them into it. They are driven to an alley where the lost stranger helps rob them. Or they may be taken to an ATM and forced to make a withdrawal.
Jean and Lee were approached in La Paz by a trim woman in heels and a business suit who explained she was from Peru and lost. She needed help finding an address. While Lee cleared his throat and marshaled his Spanish skills, Jean -who can smell a shill a Boston mile away - directed the woman to a nearby traffic cop. But the Peruvian woman scuttled in the opposite direction.
In Cochabamba Jean and another volunteer named Ginny were leaving a hotel after lunch. Ginny has been a court recorder in the New York criminal system for 30 years. After walking about a block from the hotel they were approached by a stocky, middle aged man in pressed shirt and slacks. He inquired whether they were tourists. “No, we live here!” they responded in their newly adopted language. He explained he was from Argentina and could not find the hotel. Ginny noticed another man across the street in military green with an official looking cap in his right hand. By now Jean was walking away. The stranger from Argentina pulled out his police ID. Ginny later said it looked like an index card to which he had affixed has name and picture. She regretted not bringing her own N.Y. shield so she could say, “This is what it is supposed to look like, buddy.” They walked quickly away from him, Jean wagging her wrist and saying, “Va! Va!”
