I'd arrived in Kuala Lumpur and checked in to a Chinese run hotel. There was a “food emporium†nearby (a place where there are many dishes offered all prepared by different chefs, so you can “mix and match†your choice). I sat down to eat and was joined by a local young lady who spoke to me to “practice her English.†She went on to say that she was a nurse hoping to come to England to work but her mudjer (needs more practice when saying mother) was scared what might become of her after seeing some bad press about London. Would I come to dinner tomorrow which her mudjer would prepare and could I convince mudjer that there was no danger in living in London. I thought then how friendly the locals were and agreed. The next day a knock at the door drew me outside and I thought it was a little strange that the girl was wearing dark glasses. There was a large black Mercedes waiting with blacked out windows, even stranger. After some distance (I had no idea where I was) we came to an underground car park and using the lift came out on a high floor. Apparently mudjer had gone out to fetch the ingredients for dinner but brudjer was at home. Didn't see her again. Brudjer greets me and says that mudjer won't be long. We have a chat about life and the universe and tells me he is the croupier in the casino VIP lounge located in the Cameron Highlands. He made me an offer of “fixing†me a pass into this lounge where he could arrange for me to win lots of money which we could split 50/50. . It would pay for sisters London trip and pay for my holiday. I declined his very generous offer and stated most strongly that I would not ever get involved in any form of scam. It's easy he says - let me show you. Like a magician the cards are shuffled and he gives me the secret sign. Now if I had been betting I would have won. Harmless enough as I wasn't and had no intention of doing so. Time after time I won. I firmly declined any proposals to visit the casino. There's a knock at the door another man walks in and they greet each other like they haven't seen each other for a while. I'm also introduced and getting a bit edgy now but mudjer will be back very soon. Shall we play cards the visitor asks and opens up his briefcase that has thousands of US dollars neatly stacked in it. I decline as I wasn't in a position to gamble. My host says that I can play with his money and phones the money lender who enters the room and leaves me with a suitcase equally stashed with money. I decline but found myself drawn in. I easily won all his money about 120000US, but failed to see why he hadn't noticed the secret signs. I said I'd had enough and gave it all back to him but my host got really ****** with me. The visitor wanted a chance to win his money back – I considered it a good escape route if my winnings could be returned and things were “equalledâ€. I found myself with a debt of about 250000US. The money lender returned and was quite upset that his friend had lost all his money and wanted it back……..now. My host was upset because he was now in debt to the money lender. The visitor was also upset because he'd won all this money but didn't have it in his hand. All three wanted money from me and there was no sign of mudjer or my dinner. I said that I didn't have that sort of money and even if I did I wouldn't give to any of them. I was “escorted†by all three to the waiting Mercedes. I noticed the little badge on the boot……(the Triads - chinese mafia, I later found out). At the bank I was encouraged to withdraw 250000 US. I knew I was safe as I had been robbed previously in Thailand and had set my credit limit extremely low. The bank staff declined my request. I managed about £150 but that left me dry. I was escorted back to the hotel and a watcher was provided so that I didn't get lost. I said I'd get some money from the UK – I needed to as there was nothing left on my card, which I was relying on. Each day I walked to the bank to check on progress, my watcher came with me. The hotelier was also onto me as well to pay my bill but I had nothing. I met an Aussie in the hotel and warned him of my predicament. He agreed to help. The money arrived but I said nothing. I give Aussie enough to pay the hotel, packed my bags and left them with him. I walked to the back with the minder….tomorrow the money comes I said. Aussie takes my bags while I'm out, pays my bill and we meet at the bus station. I'm on the first bus out of there no matter where it's going. A week or so later I bump into the Aussie he tells me that they were looking for me and how lucky I was. There's an American there as well who relays the story of his mate……..they don't bother playing games they just put a .45 to his head and asked for the money. On reflection a very well organised scam from the hotelier who tipped off the girl and everything afterwards. So easy to see now but very cleverly the plan unfolded and pincers closed in. Feel very lucky but another booster towards aiming never to be intimidated in any situation.
Just written another one
- Thread starter Dave
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lozcb
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Cameron Highlands are beautiful, i l know that area very well , little bit of kidnapping used to go on with the tourist side of things years ago , more local intimidation run by the local Mafia ( and yes the Triad used to rule there ) and probably still does , fortunately when i have been and stayed there im ususally with a very well connected family ,Quite apt for the present, but he's the equiverlant of Bernard Mathews, owns 75% of all the chicken industry , his cars are very well known and being a chinese Malay they wouldn't dare to get involved , believe me guys it does happen if you let yourself get drawn into situations like that
regards loz
regards loz