Wallet Scam Attempts Near U.S. Embassy’s Consular Section - US Embassy KYIV Warden Message - February 4, 2000
Embassy security personnel have noticed an increase in reported incidents of a "wallet scam" on the streets of Kyiv. Although the scam can occur anywhere, recent reported incidents have occurred near the Consular Section at 6 Pymonenka Street in Kyiv. Please note the information below so that you can avoid becoming a crime victim.
The wallet scam occurs when a person drops a wallet 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 immediately contact 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).