[wil421]

I can guarantee you had a number that was reused. When I had a couple different sims for work phones over the years I received 0 spam on one with a new area code. Spammers will enumerate all digits on an area code.

The scams are different in Europe. I’ve had my debit card skimmed twice over the years in Europe and I check the card readers. One scammer took money out of a Philippines ATM. Europe also has a crazy amount of tourist scams I’ve never seen in the State. Fake fights in Rome to draw attention from pickpockets, taxis in Germany taking advantage of me, Gypsies with drugged babies and fake injuries, and various “official” helpers outside airports/train stations.

[testfoobar]

Tourist centers of London/Paris/Rome/Venice/etc. in the summer are becoming asymptotically closer to theme parks like Disneyland. Themed experiences, picture locations, vendors selling merchandise and junk food, families running through trying to "do everything."

At least with Disney the workers aren't trying to scam you.

[actionfromafar]

The scamming part is over when you pass the gates :-)

[ThePowerOfFuet]

Have you even looked at the prices of food and drink?!

[Talanes]

>Gypsies with drugged babies

Pretty sure I've seen a local version of that around SF, or at least I used to pre-COVID.

[azinman2]

I’m not sure what either comment refers to. Can you explain?

[Talanes]

There was a woman who would post up outside the Market St. Muni entrances with an unnaturally quiet baby and a sign saying she needed money for the baby. Same woman was there for multiple years, always with a baby around the same age.

[azinman2]

Different baby? Or fake baby?

[ReptileMan]

A beggar mother part of organized crime that hugs her baby that is heavily sedated.

[azinman2]

Is the con saying “oh look how sick my baby is?” Why do they sedate the baby?

[ReptileMan]

I guess for it to be docile. So it won't cry or make trouble.