Can anyone explain this possible scam to me?

My wife and I just returned from 3 days in Vegas. An interesting thing happened to me at Monte Carlo and I know someone here can explain to me what I am missing.

I was playing video poker just off the main walkway in the Monte Carlo. I didn't plan on staying long because I only had $10 left before having to find my wife to get more money so I wasn't seated but rather just had one knee up on the chair. As I was playing, an older Asian woman walked up behind me. I thought she was just watching me but she was standing rather close to me. No one else was on the row of machines I was playing. I then noticed she was holding her cupped hand out like she was holding a baby bird or something. Seemed like she was attempting to hide whatever it was from others but still show me. In her had was some kind of gold medallion. I thought it was a security or law enforcement badge at first so I squinted a bit to try to get a clearer look. She then said in a soft voice "what is it?" with this kind of creepy grin on her face. I just looked at her. She then motioned upward with her hands as if she was going to give it to me. I leaned back a bit and just said "what?" She made the motion again like she wanted me to touch it and again said "what is it?" and smiled again. I said to her "I'm not touching that. I don't know you. sorry." She paused for a second just looking at me then walked around to the side of the machines. I didn't see her again and it seemed clear she was performing a disappearing act.

So what's the scam here? If I touch it then win does she tell me I owe her for bringing me good luck? Maybe if I do get interested and touch it she goes for the pick-pocket? Anyone seen this before?

 

Maybe she was just off /high/etc?

 

Yeah, not sure that's a known scam. You may just have to file that under "If you spend enough time in Vegas, you'll eventually see it all."

 

Usually they want you to take whatever they are holding and then they pester you for money.

We call them looky looky ladies in Europe.

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Looky+Looky+Men

 

I had the exact same thing happen to me last week At the Cosmo. It was really strange. I said no thank you as she showed it to me then she said "what is it?" I said I didn't know and she walked away.

 

It might have to do with Chinese New Year. We have had many things handed to us in the last week outside of stores etc. They have to do with good luck or religion.

 

Wigwam - the "looky looky" explanation seems to fit the bill. Never heard that term before but then. Learn something new everyday!

Thanks for the replies everyone!

 

That's just what we need- more people pestering you trying to sell stuff. I would imagine casino security would crack down on this kinda solicitation PDQ. I always pretend not to speak English.

 

I've been approached to buy jewellery but that was a new one for me. Thanks for the info wigwam. I used to be polite, but after one guy tried to hit my cash out button, when anyone approaches me while I'm playing with whatever scam, I tell them to get lost or I'm calling Security.

 

In my gruffest voice, I tell whoever it is to "Beat It!"

 

http://www.vevo.com/watch/michael-jackson/beat-it/USSM20301089

 

She was a retired hooker trying to make some extra money to supplement her pension!!!!

 

This could have taken any direction.
You could have stuck your finger in there and she could have claimed you violated her and ask for money.
You could have looked in and she could have said it was the window to your future and asked for money.
You could have looked in and if you won on your next spin she would have claimed it was because of her and asked for money.
Basically who cares it would have ended in her asking for money one way or another.

 

I go on solo trips to Vegas and this is why I have trouble talking to strangers when in the city. I just feel like everyone there is out to scam me.

 

At least she wasn't selling solar panels.

 

not yet, anyway........

 

Twice while playing a machine I have been approached by sociopaths obviously looking for a handout. I never know what to do in these situations.

It seems like a no win situation. Be polite and it seems to open the door to manipulation. Be short and forceful and it risks having them become angry.

I wish there was some law where sociopaths were taken away.

 

Once years ago I was at the Tropicana playing solo, a lady came up and asked if I would like a free show if I attended a timeshare sales thing. This has happened only once. They must have been scraping the bottom of the barrel that night.

More recently I was playing the sole remaining Creature of the Black Lagoon slot at PH when I noticed a lady standing behind me watching. She asked me how I knew when I won anything and I said just watch and when I hit something I'll show you. She then introduced herself and said that she did card readings if I was interested. I said thanks but no thanks. A few hours later (and several drinks later) when I was leaving I ran into her again in the ladies room on the way out. She kept telling me "you're really a nice person" and such but I excused myself and vacated. Again, something like this has not happened again.

 

Lmao....now 'dats funny!!

 

Strange! Exact same thing happened with me and my friend over Superbowl weekend. She just walked up between us with some gold shiny thing cupped in her hand and did the whole creepy, "what is it?" thing. I just glanced at it and said, "Don't know .... don't care." and went back to my game. She walked off. Really odd. But probably some "good luck something or another" she was trying to sell.