Beware of Mustard Stains

An associate of mine is having a very rough day. An intelligent business traveler, he fell victim to a relatively common scam. It is called the Ketchup/Mustard Scam.

He was checking out of his hotel with his luggage, laptop and briefcase. He stopped to have breakfast at the buffet. The way this scam works is that the thief sprays the victim with mustard or ketchup from a hidden plastic squeeze bottle and then for an accomplice (or possibly the same person) points out the stain and offers to help you clean up. While my friend was busy cleaning, the accomplice made off with all his belongings, including his keys which were in his briefcase.

If you should ever find that you have been sprayed or have something spilled on you, it is important that you don't allow yourself to become flustered. Refuse help, and remain calm. Make eye contact and keep your eyes on the person who did it or called it to your attention. This lets the thief know that you are on to the scam. Keep control of your wallet and your belongings, since this is a common pickpocket scam.

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