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.'
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