Inside hooks grab the bag and the thief walks away with your luggage or purse. The Identical Bag Scam. You've probably seen a takeoff on this in the movies. The thief has luggage that is identical or similar to other luggage, places it next to the bag of an unsuspecting traveler, and when no one is looking, walks off with the traveler's bag, leaving his empty, identical one behind. A good way to avoid this is to mark your luggage in some unique way, either with tags, tape, or other means.
Someone collapses, is hit by a car, or flees an abuser.
After much commotion, the crowd dissipates or you ease away - minus your money. The intent is to create jostling, noise, and commotion while you get pickpocketed. On foot, bike, motorcycle, or car. Targets are handbags, earrings, necklaces, shopping bags, watches, cameras dangling on their strap - anything that can be yanked off. Back Home Boy.