Scam ｜ Fake Bus Staff
In many developing countries it’s not unheard of for there to be fake bus staff lying in wait for victims at the bus station. These scammers might go to incredible lengths to make themselves appear to be legitimate, with things like fraudulent laminated credentials, etc. Let’s see how this scam works and how it can be avoided.
Fake Bus Staff: How It Works
As you arrive at a station, step out of the taxi and grab your bag, you start looking for the bus you want. A man approaches you and asks where you’re going. They tell you that they can help you as they work for the bus station. They present some laminated pass that’s hanging around their neck. Everything seems official. Plus you have no idea where you’re going and you’re worried about missing your bus.
They might scoop one of your bags and carry it for you. On the way to the bus they might tell you some story about how the bus you’re looking for isn’t in the normal place and lots of tourists have ended up missing the bus, but it’s luck for you that I spotted you.
The scammer will escort you to the right bus. However, when you arrive the ‘helpful’ scammer will start demanding money. They might call it a tip or a service charge, but I like to call it what it is; getting ripped off.
How to Avoid This Scam
Whenever approaching any station, use caution. Grifters and scammers tend to hand out in these areas looking for easy marks. Don’t look lost. Look for a ticket desk, police officer, or someone stationed in an office. Baring that, ask a bus drive who’s already seated in a bus.
If someone approaches you and offers to help, it’s better to air on the side of caution and just polity tell them ‘no thank you.’ The golden rule of seeking help is to reach out and choose a person, rather than having a random person choose you.
If you’ve fallen for the scam, you can just refuse to pay the person what they’re asking. This may result in them getting nasty and yelling, but it’s doubtful they will get violent. You can also opt to give them a small amount of money to make them go away. They will still be upset, but will probably make less of a scene.
I have personally encountered this scam in Angels City, Philippines. Luckily I already knew all about it, so I told the guy I know where my bus is and he left me alone. Guess what, it was easy to find my bus.
Want to find more information about SCAMS?
Check out some of other tips HERE.
