Holidaymakers are being warned ‘if you see a crowd cheering and clapping – do not stop – no matter how enticing it looks’ as hundreds are fleeced every day
Brits in Benidorm are being warned not to be enticed by a game dubbed “the oldest street scam in the world.” It’s where the infamous “potato and pea men” urge onlookers to place bets as to which hollowed out potato a pea is hidden beneath. But there’s only ever one winner – and it’s not the unsuspecting player.
When your money is not involved, the pea will be easily spotted, but the moment you place your bet, the sleight of hand becomes unbeatable.
Crowds are lured in by the cheering and clapping, but things are not as they seem. According to the website, Benidorm Seriously: “It may look loke people are winning easily but most of the ‘spectators’ are actually gang members working together to lure you in.”
The site adds: “They will wave €20 or €50 notes claiming they have just won and encourage you to try.
“If you stop, not only will you lose your money playing the game, but you also risk having your wallet or phone stolen. Local pickpockets work alongside them, mingling with distracted onlookers to steal valuables quickly and expertly.”
The scam is well documented on social media sites such as YouTube and TikTok with many influences warning people not to fall foul of it.
Just last month, content creator, Wendall found himself targeted by a gang of street con artists running the notorious scam in the Spanish resort.
He revealed how the fiddle involved tricksters hiding a pea beneath one of three carved-out potatoes on a makeshift table, luring intoxicated tourists into betting after a planted stooge appears to win cash.
Things turned ugly when Wendall attempted to film the scam unfolding, leading to one fraudster grabbing him by the throat. The moment Wendall’s camera was clocked, the scammers became hostile and ordered him to scarper.
“I’m just filming an interesting thing,” Wendall protested, asking, “What’s the problem with me filming?” But their aggression only worsened.
After the attack, Wendall voiced his disbelief: “He punched me in the throat, just for filming the street.”
In another video on YouTube, one man is clocked filming the scam in action on the promenade as the so-called players cover his camera and turn him away.
One cunning viewer commented: “I saw this one day, knew what was happening, pretended I didn’t know how it works and spoke to one of the ‘players.’
“I knew he was involved and told him I was going to bet €200 but was going to do a €20 bet first in case it was a scam, must have signalled him to let me win.
“I picked the right one and he gave me €40 back then I walked away laughing, 3 of them chasing me saying I can’t just bet once and wanted the money back, they had no chance.
“Easy way to con the con.”
YouTuber, Ken Williams even recreated the stunt to show viewers how the scam works explaining that the “pea” is often made out of foam so that it can easily be hidden between the fingers.
The Benidorm Seriously website offers advice to tourists and states: “If you see a crowd gathered with cheering and clapping, DO NOT STOP – no matter how enticing it looks…Do not stop to watch, do not engage with them, cross the road and keep walking.
“Remember, this is the oldest con game in the world, also known as Chase the Ace or Hunt the Lady when played with cards, and is seen in tourist spots globally. Sadly, many still fall for it every day.”
Explaining why the police don’t take action, the site adds: “They (the scammers) exploit the loophole of pretending to gamble.
“The tourist loses money willingly, so it is not theft. This makes it very difficult for police to take effective action.”
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