Korean Job Discussion Forums

[tideout]

While walking through Itaewon on one of my last times here I saw for the first time the backpack/suitcase "scam" lady.

I was in something of a downer mood when walking toward McDonalds from the main intersection (quiznos) when I a tall Korea lady in her late 30's(?) stepped out from a bus stop shelter.

Sure enough, it was the woman mentioned in earlier posts here who asks help in moving her backpack "around the corner" because it's too heavy....

I just said "sorry - I can't help now" and walked on. Clearly wierd if not a setup for something. Anyone ever take the bait since the posting awhile back?

Strange running into that in one of my final days here.

[Weigookin74]

I wish a few foriegners would do it together to see what happens. Better yet, this weekend a few should go there. One walks by himself with his friends a short view away. He carries it around the corner and 5 or 6 guys follow quickly. See what's up? Maybe we can finally solve the mystery.

[Rutherford]

[Skippy]

[hiamnotcool]

I would say if someone does it make sure you have friends that can not only defend you but vouch for you if the law gets involved. I haven't heard of anyone being mugged in Itaewon in this fashion, so it's possible people have carried her bag from point A to point B with no incident before. Then there is the possibility the bag is filled with something illegal and she just needs someone to take the blame in case the delivery is stopped by the cops enroute to it's destination, in other words you may be an ignorant drug mule.

Wouldn't it be weird if her bag really was heavy and she had to carry it every day, so every day she asked someone to help her?

[tardisrider]

[CrikeyKorea]

What scam is this? Are there any links to this scam?

[Skippy]

For those that do not know....

http://forums.eslcafe.com/korea/viewtopic.php?t=220571

[wookiej]

This isn't really a scam, just a sad/desperate woman who is probably borderline homeless. I had a period of a few months where I'd run into her at least once a week.

The first time I helped her carry her bags to mcdonalds, once we got there she asked for me to buy her a coffee. I politely refused and went on my way without her giving me any hassle.

The next few times she would make a point of coming up to me on the street to try and make small talk, usually discussing how she has a husband in the UK who she loves very much. I doubt that is the truth but these short conversations never led up to her asking me for anything.

The last time I spoke to her we happened to be taking the the same 405 bus from itaewon to the city hall area. When she recognized me at the bus stop she got really excited and said she was going to the British embassy. I helped her get her bags on the bus and she insisted on paying my bus fare for me. Once we got on and settled (I sat in a solo seat for obvious reasons) I told her I had work to do on my phone and she left me alone.

So overall I'm up chon won in bus fare, down a couple minutes of mild physical exertion. I don't think this woman is best friend material, or mentally stable, but she definitely isn't news worthy (other than for a compassion piece) or a serious threat to anyone.

[Skippy]

Some people think it might be a variation of this scam...

http://forums.eslcafe.com/korea/viewtopic.php?t=220512

[le-paul]

id say it seems like an ice breaker to ask for money. shes probably homeless. People used to ask the time first. Its obviously gotton more physical these days.

[ewlandon]

[Keeper]

What scam? Has anyone in anyway been scammed by her? I think this is more about skeptical foreigner and someone who needs some help (this includes money, place to stay, or simply moving the bag).

[Zulethe]

[dairyairy]

Is she hot? lol Yeah, it makes a difference.