After about 2 years of not receiving any complaints from travelers, we are beginning to hear about gem scam again. We believe gem scam is creeping back on to the scene and is ready for its unsuspecting new generation of tourists. The scam artists believe the time is ripe to start ripping off people again after lying low for a while. Just remember this--anything that is too good to be true is just that. And, the Thai embassy cannot get back your money or any partial refund for you. Please do not contact us for refund. We can listen to your complaints but there isn't much we could do for you. So let's get back to basic and start reviewing how the scam works again so you can be prepared for it. Please see below......
We had many complaints regarding gemstones bought from Thailand. Please, if you are not an expert gem traders and know exactly the value of what you are buying, do not be pressured into buying any gemstones of any kind. The stories are similar and always go like this:
The scam artists work in a well coordinated team... Starting with taxi or “Tuk Tuk” drivers volunteering to take you sight-seeing for a small fee. They will take you a tourist site, sometimes to places of respect like a Buddhist temple, where you will feel relaxed and trusting. It could be on the last day of your vacation (they love people who are on the last day of vacation because they will never see you again.) Then, someone will appear and strike up a good-natured conversation with you. We have had reports that sometimes these people are “monks”, students, or other tourists who speak your language and are “in” on this scam. They will tell you, basically, that tremendous profits can be made if you buy gemstones from Thailand and resell them in your own country (lie--most gems you bought will be worth a fraction of what you paid for). You can get back the money you spent on the tickets to Thailand easily (lie--you will be broke when you find out the real value of the gems)! They will even tell you that Thai students finance their education overseas by reselling gemstones abroad (lie--most Thai students overseas are on government or parents scholarship!) The scammers will say not to worry because if you are unsatisfied with your purchase you can send it back for a refund (wow- how are you going to be sure that they will keep their words, you are basically 10,000 miles from Thailand by the time you realized you've been had? ) They will tell you all kind of successful get-rich-quick stories from buying gemstones (lie--why don't they just sell direct to people overseas or just export these gems if there were so much demand and high prices overseas?). From one place to the next, “the gem team” will keep telling you this story until you let your judgment down and become complacent or even convinced (brainwashed in a way).
Do not believe in anything too-good-to-be true and tell these people to leave you alone or get out of the situation as soon as you can. Still, if you believe their stories, you will be taken to a gem shop. Such establishment always looks legitimate, but do not be fooled because of its appearance. They will try to sell you worthless items for exuberant price with a worthless return policy. They will keep telling you how much more you can make by reselling them in your own country. What a lucky day this is for you.
Again, be advised that our Thai Embassy cannot try to get any refund for you. You may be stuck with the cheap gemstones and lose your money for good. Your credit card company may only help you if these stores have clear refund policy and are willing to accept these items back. But it is very hard to get money back from the credit card company because they make money from the interests of the loan they gave you that you cannot pay back right away! Why should the credit card company refund you any money after all you agreed to buy those gems at that price??
Once bought with a credit card, these items will be mailed to you by a courier company to your home country where returning the item is more difficult and could not be done immediately. By the way, if Canada Customs find what's in the envelope--you are liable for import taxes! Can you not pay this when some courier company will have paid that already for you. You would have no choice but to pay.... So please do not buy any gems from these unscrupulous establishments that are out there ruining our tourist industry. Also, please tell your friends and others about this gem scam.
What happens if you still bought it and want to return it? If possible, try to return it to the store immediately or go to the tourist police for assistance (do not pay any money for help). These shops seem to have endless stream of excuses as to why the item cannot be returned and your money cannot be refunded. However, (especially if you are already out of the country) you may try to return it by following the procedures below.
Procedures for returning jewelry or gemstones to Thailand.
You must strictly follow these instructions:
The Director
Tourist Assistance Centre
C/O Tourism Authority of Thailand
ATTN: (YOUR NAME)
Le Concorde Bldg., 202 Ratchadaphisek Rd.,
Huai Khwang, Bangkok 10310
Thailand
Good luck and have a good trip.
Royal Thai Embassy
Ottawa