Scam victims buy potatoes instead of iPods

August 20, 2009 by Sam Narisi

Posted in: In this week's e-newsletter, Latest News & Views

Think you can tell the difference between a potato and an expensive piece of tech equipment? It’s easy to say yes — but that’s also probably how these con victims would’ve answered.

A British man was arrested in Germany recently for allegedly selling bags of potatoes to folks on the street who believed they were buying iPods, cameras and other equipment. News of the crime has many wondering, just how did he do it?

Investigators said the man and a second suspect, whom police are still looking for, pretended to be down-on-their-luck tourists selling second-hand tech goods.

After making the sale, the crooks switched the bags so the victims walked off with sacks of potatoes instead of the electronics, The Sun reported. Police said they’ve identified 26 cases they believe the suspects were involved in.

The really strange part: Apparently no buyer bothered to peek inside the sacks and discover the spuds until they were far away enough to do anything about it. The conmen were only discovered after a witness saw the men try to sell the same set of gear a customer had just seemingly purchased.

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Tags: iPods, lighter side, potatoes

One Response to “Scam victims buy potatoes instead of iPods”

printer cartridge supplies Says:
August 21st, 2009 at 4:59 am
I pity all the scam victims since their money are just wasted. I am thankful it didn’t happen to me even once and I am really careful in avoiding scams especially online.

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