Shell game scams typically occur in truck stops, vacation spots and casinos. The typical shell game is a game of chance in which the con artist puts a ball under one of three shells on a table. You bet that you can pick out the shell that has the ball under it. You can double your money if you win, but you won't.
Instructions
1. Never bet with anyone unless he displays the appropriate licenses. Even if the stand is near a casino, that doesn't mean it is connected to the establishment.
2. If you feel compelled to bet, start small so you don't get badly bitten. If you lose, have the host show you which shell hid the ball. In most shell game scams you never have a chance to win, because the ball isn't under any of the shells. You might see the host put it under a shell, but he knows make it disappear.
3. If you lose, walk away, don't try to win back the money you just gave away. If you win, don't raise your bet. Either walk away with your winnnings (the smartest thing you can do), or don't bet any more than the amount you won. Play with the house's money. Some scam artist will let you win a small pot to set you up for a big loss.
4. Watch for other versions of the shell game. Scammers will pull this ruse with playing cards in the game known as Three-Card Monte or with chips.
5. Don't be fooled if you see someone win, particularly if that person wins several times. The people who run these games usually have helpers who bet large sums and win to make you think the game is legitimate. 99% of the shell games you encounter will be pure scams.
