Deaf and mute charity card scam inside Colombo rooftop bars

Seen by 3,018 travellers
Jump to the accepted answer
J
Jaxon V.2145 rep2

I was having drinks at a high-end rooftop bar in Colombo 7 last night. A person walked up to our table and placed a laminated card claiming to be deaf and mute, asking for a 2000 LKR donation. Are these legitimate charities.

29

2 Answers from travellers

Accepted Answer

No, this is a well-known organized syndicate scam. The individuals are usually not deaf or mute; they are part of a network that targets foreigners in busy nightlife spots where people are drinking and feeling generous. Do not give them money. Simply hand the card back and shake your head. Good bar security will immediately escort them out if they spot them, but they sneak in when it gets crowded.

4
T
Tariq W.1160 rep1

I gave him 1000 rupees just to get him to leave our table because he was aggressively hovering over us while we were trying to drink. Good to know for next time.

38
J
Jaxon V.2145 rep2

Scam Watch: colombo

Broken Meter ScamVerified

Driver claims the meter is broken and quotes an inflated flat rate. Common on arrival at airport or railway stations when tourists are tired and disoriented.

👍 67by virajperera
Government TukTuk ScamVerified

Drivers wearing official-looking uniforms claim to be "government-approved" and charge 3-5x normal rates. They may have fake badges or ID cards.

👍 52by virajperera
Milk Powder Beggar ScamVerified

Women with babies approach asking you to buy milk powder at a nearby shop (not cash). The shop is run by accomplices and charges 5-10x normal price.

👍 25by virajperera
Report a scam →

You must be logged in to post an answer.

Log In to Answer
Browse all questions