Phuket –
Local shopkeepers in Phuket have raised alarms after a foreign man, described as resembling an Indian national, was caught on CCTV using a deceptive cash-exchange trick to swindle small businesses.
The suspect’s method involves purchasing a low-cost item, such as a bottle of water priced at 10 baht, and paying with a 1,000-baht note. After the cashier verifies the bill and prepares change, the man distracts the seller by repeatedly changing his order, asking for a larger bottle, a cold one, different types of change, or multiple items.
In the confusion, he requests the return of the original banknote, then secretly conceals it in his hand while continuing to act as though payment has already been made. In the west, this is commonly referred to as a short change artist.
One shop owner told The Phuket Express how he unknowingly handed over 980 baht in change, only to later discover the 1,000-baht note missing. Initially believing he had misplaced the money, the owner later reviewed security footage and realized he had been tricked. Similar incidents have since been reported by other shops across Phuket, suggesting the suspect is a repeat offender operating with professional precision.
Authorities and fellow merchants are urging all victims to file police reports, stressing that while each individual loss may seem small, the cumulative damage is significant. “It’s heartbreaking for hardworking vendors who live day to day,” one shopkeeper said, calling for stronger vigilance and community cooperation to stop the scam.
Experts in dealing with short change artists suggest the moment confusion sets in to immediately shut the drawer and politely inform the customer you need to verify each transaction individually, call for a manager to assist, and/or recount your till before proceeding for the safety of yourself and the customer.
