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TRAVEL SCAM
Istanbul, Turkey
Dropped Shoe Shine Scam
A shoe shiner drops a brush to trick tourists into accepting a paid shoe shine service.
Medium Risk
COMMON LOCATIONS
Tourist streets, Taksim, Sultanahmet, busy walking areas
HOW IT HAPPENS
HOW THE SCAM WORKS
1. Scammer walks ahead and drops a shoe brush
2. Tourist picks it up and returns it
3. Scammer offers a “free” shoe shine as thanks
4. After finishing, demands an expensive payment
WATCH FOR THIS
WARNING SIGNS
• Shoe brush dropped intentionally
• Offering free service suddenly
• Friendly behavior to gain trust
• Asking for high payment afterward
STAY SMART
HOW TO AVOID IT
• Do not pick up dropped items
• Refuse unsolicited services
• Keep walking without engaging
• Avoid street service offers
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