Gem shop scam

Silom area, Bangkok145 signalements12/15/2025

Comment fonctionne cette arnaque

This classic scam has operated in Bangkok for decades. A friendly local (often a tuk-tuk driver, a 'student,' or someone near a temple) casually mentions a special government-backed gem sale happening 'today only.' They direct you to a legitimate-looking jewelry shop where slick salespeople show certificates and offer 'wholesale prices' on sapphires, rubies, or jade. They claim you can resell the gems at home for 2-3x profit. In reality, the gems are synthetic, very low grade, or outright glass worth a tiny fraction of what you pay. Typical losses range from $500 to $5,000. The shop provides fake certificates of authenticity. Refunds are nearly impossible because the receipt states 'all sales final.'

Comment l'éviter

There is no government gem sale — this promotion does not exist
Do not buy gems or jewelry from any shop you were brought to by a stranger
If you want gems, visit only GIA-certified dealers and verify independently
Be suspicious of anyone who approaches you near temples talking about 'special deals'
Remember: if you could easily double your money, locals would buy everything themselves

Que faire si vous êtes ciblé

!Contact Tourist Police at 1155 within 24 hours with all receipts
!Visit the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) office to file a complaint
!Take the gems to an independent appraiser to document their real value
!File a report at tourismpolice.go.th with photos and documentation
!Dispute the credit card charge with your bank if you paid by card

Ligne d'urgence Police touristique

Appelez le 1155 pour une assistance en anglais, disponible 24h/24 et 7j/7

#gem#jewelry#sapphire#ruby#government-sale#bangkok

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Comment fonctionne cette arnaque

Comment l'éviter

There is no government gem sale — this promotion does not exist

Do not buy gems or jewelry from any shop you were brought to by a stranger

If you want gems, visit only GIA-certified dealers and verify independently

Be suspicious of anyone who approaches you near temples talking about 'special deals'

Remember: if you could easily double your money, locals would buy everything themselves

Que faire si vous êtes ciblé

!Contact Tourist Police at 1155 within 24 hours with all receipts

!Visit the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) office to file a complaint

!Take the gems to an independent appraiser to document their real value

!File a report at tourismpolice.go.th with photos and documentation

!Dispute the credit card charge with your bank if you paid by card