Did we accidentally film a picpocket in Paris and not notice?

Summary

In this eye-opening video, the creators reveal the hidden scams they filmed in Paris, including the notorious 'cups and ball' trick, pickpocketing, and wristband scams. The team exposes how scammers deceive tourists with fake games, physical manipulation, and hidden tricks, all while navigating chaotic street environments. They share their experiences of filming these scams, often unnoticed by the victims, and explore the surprising challenges of capturing and confronting these criminal activities. With insights into the behavior of scammers and the frustrating lack of intervention from local authorities, this video sheds light on the deceptive world tourists often fall prey to in major cities like Paris.

Takeaways

• 😀 The video focuses on various scams filmed in Paris, including pickpocketing, cups and balls games, and wristband scams.
• 😀 Some scams were not noticed during filming but were pointed out by viewers, highlighting missed details like pickpocketing actions.
• 😀 In one scene, a seemingly suspicious hand reaching into a backpack was later clarified as a family member, not a pickpocket.
• 😀 The creators filmed an instance of the cups and balls scam, capturing a scammer palming the ball to deceive the tourist.
• 😀 The scam artists are physically aggressive, with scammers pushing and grabbing tourists to keep them involved in the scam.
• 😀 Local store owners and bystanders often do not intervene in these scams, despite their impact on tourism and business.
• 😀 One scammer, known as the 'Mickey Rat,' is easily recognized by his fanny pack and beer belly, and is involved in multiple scams.
• 😀 The scammers’ tactics include quickly distracting tourists, moving tables when trouble arises, and using intimidation.
• 😀 A viewer shared an experience where a scammer physically grabbed them and forced them into betting during a cups and balls game.
• 😀 The scams harm both tourists and local businesses, as scammed tourists are less likely to spend money in nearby stores.
• 😀 The creators urge viewers to stay alert and avoid getting involved in street scams, emphasizing the importance of being cautious while traveling.

Q & A

Why did viewers think a pickpocketing incident occurred in the video?

Viewers noticed a hand reaching into a man's backpack during a scene involving scammers pretending to be deaf and mute. Many assumed it was a pickpocket, but after reviewing the footage, it was revealed that the person was actually a family member, not a scammer.

What was the significance of the Monopoly money in the scams filmed?

The crew attempted to expose scammers by offering expired rubles and Monopoly money in an effort to trick them. While the first two attempts failed because the scammers recognized the fake money, the third attempt succeeded, showing how easily some scammers can fall for the same trick.

Why was the cups and balls scam scene so chaotic?

The scene was filmed in a busy area with cars passing by and people walking. It was difficult to get a clear angle, and there were multiple scammers working together to create confusion. This made it challenging for the crew to capture the full scope of the scam, but they were eventually able to film key moments.

How do scammers in the cups and balls trick deceive tourists?

Scammers involved in the cups and balls trick often use sleight of hand to hide the ball under a cup, as shown in the footage where one scammer palmed the ball. Tourists are tricked into betting money, and the scammers make it look like the ball is under one cup when it is actually in their hand.

What is the physical intimidation method used by some scammers?

Several scammers filmed were shown physically pushing or grabbing tourists to force them into the scam. For example, one scammer grabbed a tourist’s foot to keep him engaged in the game, and other scammers were seen pushing tourists into betting money.

What is the 'Mickey Rat' reference about?

'Mickey Rat' is a nickname the crew gave to a scammer who seems to guide other scammers, particularly in the wristband scam. The crew identified him by his beer belly and fanny pack, a common trait among scammers in the area.

Why did the crew initially believe street vendors around the Eiffel Tower weren’t scammers?

The crew initially thought that the vendors selling goods around the Eiffel Tower weren’t scammers because they provided tangible products at agreed-upon prices. However, viewers pointed out that some of these vendors were hiding their goods in sewers, which raised concerns about the legitimacy of their products.

What role do the police play in addressing street scams in Paris?

Although there are instances of police busting scammers, the crew learned through research that it's not a priority for law enforcement. Paris is a large city, and police are focused on other major issues, which sometimes limits their ability to address street scams consistently.

Why didn’t the crew hire security guards during their filming in Paris?

The crew didn’t hire security because they didn’t expect such intense confrontations with scammers. Even when they tried to film scammers, they were often surprised by the aggressive behavior of the scammers, such as spitting and threats of violence.

What does the crew hope to achieve by sharing their footage and findings?

The crew aims to raise awareness about the scams happening in tourist areas, particularly in Paris, and help others avoid falling victim to similar schemes. They encourage viewers to share their own footage of scams to further expose these fraudulent activities.