Ep 4. Prague

Taking viewers on a journey to some of the world's most popular destinations, Scam City season 1 episode 4 explores the historic city of Prague. Host Conor Woodman investigates the various scams that plague tourists in the city, from pickpocketing to fake taxi drivers, uncovering the ins and outs of each trick and offering tips to avoid falling victim.

The episode begins with a look at the infamous Prague pickpocket gangs, who operate in the city's bustling tourist areas. Woodman joins a plainclothes police officer who patrols the Old Town Square, one of the most crowded spots in Prague, searching for any signs of pickpocket activity. Woodman soon discovers that these gangs have honed their craft to an art form, using distractions and teamwork to quickly and efficiently take valuables from unsuspecting tourists.

Next, Woodman sets out to expose the dangers of using unlicensed taxis in Prague. With the help of a local taxi expert, he shows viewers how to identify a legitimate taxi and avoid those driven by scam artists who overcharge or take roundabout routes to inflate fares. Despite the proliferation of ride-sharing services like Uber, unscrupulous taxi drivers remain a problem in Prague, and Woodman urges travelers to prioritize their safety by being vigilant and using only licensed taxis.

In his next investigation, Woodman delves into the world of fake currency and the shops that sell it to tourists, often using unscrupulous tactics to trick customers into buying fake money. He meets with a former currency forger who explains the process of creating counterfeit cash, as well as the telltale signs that distinguish fake bills from genuine ones. Woodman also goes undercover to investigate several shops that sell fake currency, catching one owner in the act of selling counterfeit banknotes to unsuspecting tourists.

Moving on, Woodman turns his attention to the notorious "gold ring" scam, in which con artists approach tourists and offer to sell them a valuable gold ring for a low price. After the deal is done and the tourist walks away, the scammer returns with a sob story about needing to sell the ring to cover medical bills or other expenses, and offers to buy it back at a fraction of the original price. In reality, the ring is worthless and the scammer takes advantage of the victim's naivete and generosity. Woodman confronts several of the scammers, who deny any wrongdoing and try to intimidate him into leaving.

Finally, Woodman explores the world of counterfeit drugs, a major problem in Prague and other cities around the world. He visits several pharmacies and markets where fake medication is sold, often with the collusion of corrupt officials. He also meets with a victim of counterfeit medicine who nearly lost her life after taking a fake sleeping pill that contained harmful ingredients. Woodman urges viewers to exercise caution when purchasing medication abroad and to be wary of any deals that seem too good to be true.

Scam City season 1 episode 4 offers a sobering look at the dangers that lurk in one of the world's most beautiful cities. Through his investigations, Woodman exposes the tricks and tactics used by scammers and provides valuable advice for travelers looking to stay safe and avoid being taken advantage of. Whether you're planning a trip to Prague or simply curious about the world of international scams, this episode is a must-watch.