Oisin Foster
The Can I buy you a beer? scam is a low-stakes con that involves two people leaving a pub table with almost empty beer glasses for a few minutes. When new people take their seats, the original occupants return and ask to buy their drinks, feigning outrage that their seats were taken. The new occupants, feeling guilty, usually oblige and buy the scammers a drink. This scam is profitable for the con artists, as beer is expensive, and they can repeat the process multiple times in one night.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Prague |
| Target | Tourists |
| Modus Operandi | Menu with no prices or reprinted signboard |
| Outcome | Tourists are scammed into buying a different beer from the one they ordered |
What You'll Learn
Beer scam in Prague
Prague, a city known for its vibrant nightlife and delicious beer, has unfortunately also gained a reputation for beer scams that target unsuspecting tourists. In recent years, several YouTube videos and online articles have exposed the underhanded tactics used by some establishments in the city to overcharge tourists for their drinks.
One of the most common scams involves serving cheap lager instead of the draught beer ordered by the customer. Tourists, who are often unfamiliar with the local beers, may not realize that they have been served a lower-quality drink. The scam is made possible by the lack of prices listed on menus or signs, allowing establishments to charge an inflated price for the cheap lager. This scam primarily targets tourists who are unaware of the going rate for beer in Prague.
Another scam exposed by YouTubers involves the use of reprinted sign boards placed outside restaurants and bars, advertising special deals and discounts. Unsuspecting patrons are lured into these establishments, only to find that the prices they pay for their drinks are significantly higher than expected. In some cases, the establishments may also employ hawkers to call out to potential customers in English, a telltale sign of a tourist trap.
To avoid falling victim to these scams, it is advisable for tourists to do their research before visiting Prague. Checking online reviews and seeking out recommendations from locals can help identify reputable establishments that offer authentic Czech beer at fair prices. Additionally, being cautious of places with pushy hawkers and ambiguous pricing can also lower the risk of being scammed.
While these beer scams in Prague can tarnish the experience for tourists, being informed and vigilant can help ensure that visitors can safely enjoy the city's renowned beer culture without falling prey to unscrupulous individuals.
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Beer scam in a pub
Two men enter a pub and put on their coats. They leave two pint glasses on the table, each with less than an inch of beer. After a few minutes, a group arrives and spots the table. They decide to take the almost empty glasses to the bar and get comfortable, ordering drinks and food. The two men return, astonished and aggrieved, and claim that they were sitting there and still had beer left to drink. The new group is mortified and embarrassed, and the bar staff, aware that something odd is going on, offer to replace the drinks on the house.
This scam is a small one, but it can add up. The scammers may do this every time they visit a pub, getting four or five free drinks over the course of an evening. It's a low-stakes con, but it can be effective, especially in busy pubs where finding a table can be challenging.
There are variations on this scam, such as leaving a coat on a chair or a full glass on the table to indicate that the seat is taken. However, these methods are not always reliable, as other patrons or bar staff may ignore these signs, especially if the pub is crowded.
In some places, leaving a beer mat on top of a glass is a signal that the drinker intends to return, but this is not always understood, and it can vary by country or region. For example, in Germany, Slovenia, or Belgium, placing a beer mat on a glass may indicate that the drinker is done with their beer.
To avoid being scammed, it's essential to be aware of these tactics and use alternative methods to hold a table, such as asking a neighbouring table to keep an eye out or having a member of your group stay behind while others go outside to smoke. It's also important to be cautious when travelling, as tourists can be targeted by scammers, especially in busy areas.
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Beer bat scam at a Texas Rangers game
The Texas Rangers Beer Bat is a large plastic baseball bat-shaped container that can be filled with beer. It is sold at Texas Rangers baseball games for $25, although it can be purchased online for $10 without any beer. A large draft beer at a Texas Rangers game costs $12, the same amount of beer that fits in the Beer Bat. Thus, the $15 premium is purely for the gimmick of drinking beer out of a bat.
The Beer Bat has been criticised for its impractical design, as its uneven base means it cannot be put down and must be held or cradled with the legs at all times. This causes the beer to warm up faster.
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Beer scam in Europe
Prague, Czech Republic
Tourists in Prague, Czech Republic, have reported a common beer scam. The scam involves tourists being served cheap, low-quality beer instead of the draft beer they ordered. This scam is often carried out in tourist areas, where restaurants and bars target unsuspecting visitors. It is important to be vigilant and only patronise reputable establishments to avoid falling victim to this scam.
How to Avoid the Scam
When visiting Prague or any other European city, it is essential to be cautious and aware of potential scams. Here are some tips to help you avoid the beer scam and other common tourist traps:
- Research common scams in the area before your visit. Knowing what to look out for can help you avoid becoming a victim.
- Be wary of establishments with no prices listed on the menu or those with reprinted signboards placed outside. These are often signs of a tourist trap.
- Avoid places with hawkers or people calling out to you in English to come inside. Locals will not need to be convinced to enter a good restaurant.
- Opt for restaurants and bars that are located away from the main tourist areas. These establishments are more likely to offer authentic and reasonably priced food and drinks.
- Check online reviews before choosing a place to eat or drink. Websites like Google Maps, TripAdvisor, and Reddit can provide valuable insights from other travellers.
- If you encounter a scam, report it to the local authorities or tourism office. This can help raise awareness and protect other travellers.
By following these tips and staying vigilant, you can minimise your risk of falling victim to the beer scam or other tourist traps in Europe. Remember to trust your instincts and avoid any situation that feels uncomfortable or suspicious.
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Beer scam on YouTube
There are a few variations of beer scams on YouTube, with one of the most common ones being the "unbelievable beer scam in Prague". This scam involves tourists being served draft beer that is not actually the beer they ordered or expected. The scam is often carried out in bars or restaurants with menus that have no prices listed or with reprinted signboards.
In this scam, tourists may be overcharged for the beer or served a lower-quality or cheaper beer than what they ordered. It is important for tourists to be aware of this scam and to check menus and prices carefully before ordering.
Another variation of a beer scam on YouTube may involve fake or fraudulent beer promotions or giveaways. For example, a scammer may pose as a legitimate beer company and offer free beer or discounts to those who provide their personal information or credit card details. The scammer may then use this information to make unauthorized purchases or steal the individual's identity.
It is important to be cautious when encountering any beer promotions or giveaways, especially if they seem too good to be true. Individuals should only provide personal or financial information to trusted and secure websites and companies.
Furthermore, beer scams may also involve the sale of counterfeit or illegal beer products. This can include the sale of fake craft beer, where individuals may be led to believe they are purchasing a rare or limited-edition beer, only to receive a counterfeit or inferior product. It is important to purchase beer from reputable sources and to be wary of deals that seem too good to be true, as they may be scams.
In summary, beer scams on YouTube can take various forms, including serving tourists fake draft beer, fraudulent promotions or giveaways, and the sale of counterfeit or illegal beer products. It is important to be vigilant and cautious when encountering any beer-related offers or promotions, especially when travelling or purchasing alcohol online.
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Frequently asked questions
The "can I buy you a beer" scam typically involves a person, often a woman, who is paid by the bar or restaurant to coax customers into buying them expensive drinks. The customers are then charged exorbitant prices for these drinks, resulting in a large bill at the end of the night.
In the "can I buy you a beer" scam, the scammer will usually be a woman who is dressed scantily and sits with the customer, flirts with them, dances, and lends a sympathetic ear. The customer, often male, is then encouraged to buy drinks for the scammer, who is paid by the bar for every drink they can get the customer to purchase.
Bars engage in the "can I buy you a beer" scam to make more money. The drinks that are part of the scam are usually watered down and served in smaller portions, but the customers are charged much higher prices than regular drinks. The bar then splits the profit with the scammer.
To avoid being scammed, be cautious of people who approach you and try to coax you into buying them drinks. If the person is a stranger, it is best to politely decline their request. It is also a good idea to be aware of the prices of drinks at the bar or restaurant so that you can identify if you are being overcharged.
If you have been scammed, you can try to dispute the charges with your credit card company or bank. You can also report the bar or restaurant to the authorities, as soliciting alcoholic beverages is usually illegal. Additionally, leaving reviews online about your experience can help warn others about the scam.
