Paris tricksters / street gamers

[jedimistress]

I went to the Eiffel Tower the other day and there were these people on the streets playing games for cash where you have to guess which ball the cup was under after they had shuffled them around, and they would double your money. It was clear that people gambling were with them and involved in what seems like a scam. Some people were losing, some were winning. It seemed so easy to play as I guessed where the ball was all the time. I may have got sucked in, but it did seem to be too much of a scam. Too good to be true. Wondering if anyone knows how these people or this scam operates?

Or even for the name of the game where they shuffle three cups or whatever around, and you have to follow which one you think the ball was under. The police quickly moved them on.

[Buenchico]

This might be of interest to you

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FcVzzFFP2pc&feature=related

[Buenchico]

. . but this shows what's really going on:
http://www.metacafe.c...ll_trick_explanation/

[dzug2]

The people who were winning were participants in the scam - there to suck the losers in

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shell_game for various names for it

[VHG]

>>>what seems like a scam.

It was a scam, they are doing to make money, not for fun.

I remember in London about 40 years ago I saw a simliar thing. A tourist thought he knew where the ball was, turned round to get £10 off his mate to bet, and they switched the cups quickly while he was turned round.

He placed the bet a lost.

There will be a gang of them, probably some going round pickpocketing as well while people were watching the game being played.

These guys are criminals so stay well away.

[midagetrolop]

This happens in the Canaries also - they have a plant that wins and that sucks you in. But while you are concentrating on the game you can have your pockets picked, so beware!

[prenard]

Hi,

This is a scam. I lost 100 euros, and am really upset, though of course I should have known. No one is winning, they "winners" are part of the gang. Whatever you do, you will lose the money. Tell as many people as you can.

[prenard]

This is a scam. I fell for it, and lost a 100 euros. The "winners" are part of the gang. You will lose no matter how sure you are that you know the cup. My friend lost a 100 euros too. Tell as many people as you can. You can find all the details about this scam on the net.

[mike11111]

The other one is the three card trick of Find The Lady. Again a complete con.

[amber_stone]

Any form of gambling on the street is usually illegal. It is a common sight in touristy cities around the world. And the "winners" are part of the gang operating the game. The great mystery is how they can suck in even the most level headed of people.