WALLET SCAM ATTEMPTS IN DOWNTOWN KYIV - US Embassy Kyiv Warden Message - August 1, 2006
Embassy security personnel have noticed an increase in reported incidents of a "wallet scam" (a.k.a. "turkey drop") on the streets of Kyiv during Summer 2006, particularly in areas popular with tourists. In the past, such incidents have also occurred near the premises of the U.S. Embassy and its Consular Section annex. Please note the information below so that you can avoid becoming a crime victim.
The wallet scam occurs when a person drops a wallet or a packet of currency wrapped in clear plastic at your feet and asks you if it is yours. The scam artist, almost always a male, will then show you a large sum of money from the wallet and try to get you to touch the wallet and money. Another person (also usually a male) will approach and claim that the wallet is his, and then accuse you of trying to steal his money. The two con-artist partners will then take one of two approaches. They may threaten to call the police in an effort to get you to pay them not to get the police involved. Or, they may ask you to show them your wallet to ensure that you did not take their money, whereupon they will grab your money and flee. To maintain your safety (and keep your money), do not engage these people in conversation and immediately walk away from them.
The Embassy is working with the local police to investigate the criminals involved in this scam. If you become a victim of this or any other crime, or observe any suspicious individuals, please report this information to the American Citizens Services Unit at kyivacs@state.gov or by telephone at (38-044) 490-4000. The Embassy’s duty officer may be reached after hours via this same number, or by contacting (38-050) 311-1796.
For the latest security information, Americans living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov, where the current Worldwide Cautions, Public Announcements, and Travel Warnings can be found. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S., or, for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-317-472-2328. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).