Phuket, Thailand – Shop owners in Phuket are raising the alarm over a foreign man allegedly using a bold change trick to defraud small stores.
How the trick works
The suspect allegedly buys a cheap item, like a 10-baht bottle of water, paying with a 1,000-baht note. While the cashier checks and prepares change, the man distracts by changing his order repeatedly – asking for a larger bottle, a cold bottle, different change, or multiple items.
980 baht given as change, 1,000-baht note gone
A shop owner in Phuket said he unwittingly gave 980 baht in change. Only later did he realize the 1,000-baht note was missing. Initially thinking he had misplaced the money, a review of security footage revealed he had been scammed.
Other shops report similar cases
According to other businesses in Phuket, similar incidents have occurred. Authorities and traders believe the man is operating repeatedly using the same pattern. They call on all victims to file police reports. Although each individual loss seems small, the cumulative damage is significant.
Warning to Phuket traders
“It is heartbreaking for hard-working sellers who live day to day.”
said a shop owner. Stores are urged to be especially vigilant. Experts advise closing the register immediately, politely informing the customer that each payment is checked, calling a manager, and recounting the cash before proceeding.
Police and traders urge filing reports
Police and local traders want all victims to report the case, as only then can the extent of the damage be better assessed. The suspect is described as a foreign man who appears to be an Indian national and is said to act with professional precision.