The Rolex Bandit.

[JonTheKingJames]

So, bit of a weird post, but I’m a police officer for those who don’t know.

Crazy there is an investigation going on where a male, is going around and meeting up with people at shopping malls and public places wanting to buy new model Rolexes in unworn condition. What he’s doing is swapping the genuine Rolex watches with high end Chinese fakes when he claims to be inspecting the watch under tables in the food court for example. He then gives the watches back and they put it back in the box and he’s off with the real watch. They only realize it after several days or weeks when they try to sell it and the serials don’t match.

Just be aware, stuff like this is happening.

[beshannon]

Ok?

[DaveTheWatchGuy]

Originally Posted by beshannon

Ok?

Don’t think too hard. OP is just trying to help out anyone of us who may be selling a watch.


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[Driver8]

Originally Posted by JonTheKingJames

So, bit of a weird post, but I’m a police officer for those who don’t know.

Crazy there is an investigation going on where a male, is going around and meeting up with people at shopping malls and public places wanting to buy new model Rolexes in unworn condition. What he’s doing is swapping the genuine Rolex watches with high end Chinese fakes when he claims to be inspecting the watch under tables in the food court for example. He then gives the watches back and they put it back in the box and he’s off with the real watch. They only realize it after several days or weeks when they try to sell it and the serials don’t match.

Just be aware, stuff like this is happening.

Wow, the lengths people go to. Easy scam though if you have enough sleight of hand. Kind of reminds me of Octopussy where Bond swaps the Faberge egg under the table at the auction!

[JonTheKingJames]

Originally Posted by Driver8

Wow, the lengths people go to. Easy scam though if you have enough sleight of hand. Kind of reminds me of Octopussy where Bond swaps the Faberge egg under the table at the auction!

Yes, and he’s using burner phones, VPNs and several other ways to conceal himself. It’s been over 20 watches so far.

[Driver8]

Originally Posted by JonTheKingJames

Yes, and he’s using burner phones, VPNs and several other ways to conceal himself. It’s been over 20 watches so far.

Very little in the way of a trail to go on then. Just perhaps CCTV at the locations, but apart from that it's quite easy for him to get away clean.

[Benzsiam]

Thanks for the warning!

[RogerOP]

Seen this on YouTube where people do it in stores

[Dean_Clevername]

Thanks for the warning, knowledge only helps

[1William]

Interesting. Thanks.

[Tim Plains]

Thorpe made a video about this and suggested putting a small piece of coloured tape on your watch.

[AbeFroman]

Originally Posted by Tim Plains

Thorpe made a video about this and suggested putting a small piece of coloured tape on your watch.

Or just confirm the serial number…

Colored tape

[RyanJ]

Originally Posted by AbeFroman

Or just confirm the serial number…

Colored tape

Why laugh? Colored tape would be the quickest way to avoid this. My bet is the thief would see the tape and immediately find something they do not like about the watch and walk away.

Serial number would of course work but why not try and prevent the theft from occurring in the first place.

[AbeFroman]

Originally Posted by RyanJ

Why laugh? Colored tape would be the quickest way to avoid this. My bet is the thief would see the tape and immediately find something they do not like about the watch and walk away.

Serial number would of course work but why not try and prevent the theft from occurring in the first place.

A piece of tape that can be easily transferred from one to another when the owner isn’t paying attention isn’t a bulletproof method. It’s a silly approach and shouldn’t be relied on. Just stick to verifying the serial if one has any doubt.

[INC]

It's correct that a simple sticker can't be a solution, however my first idea was the old fashioned "Warranty - DO not remove" kind labels. These can't be removed without a damage and any seller can have their own even for some cents.

About the S/N checking at the customers leaving:

First of all: What about the cases, when the S/N hides below the strap/bracelet?

Above this, my problem is, that the seller SHOULD do this checking right before the customers eyes and during this s/he have to hold back the customer. For me, even to think about it is something, what is so disappointing, that for example I will never ever go back where somebody treats me like a criminal and holds me back until s/he doesn't checks, that I'm not a thief. It's outrageous!

So, the very easiest way to avoid this kind of fraud is:

THE BETTER CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE, when one seller sits with one customer by the table.

[RyanJ]

Originally Posted by AbeFroman

A piece of tape that can be easily transferred from one to another when the owner isn’t paying attention isn’t a bulletproof method. It’s a silly approach and shouldn’t be relied on. Just stick to verifying the serial if one has any doubt.

We will just have to agree to disagree.

Of course you verify serial but a piece of tape is not easily transferred. If you are an absolute stupid seller and someone can unwrap tape from around both parts of the bracelet without the seller knowing, then the seller is probably not smart enough to read the serial anyway.

Gee I wonder what the person is doing with my watch and their hands under the table or in their jacket or wherever for the past 5 minutes...

[Mendota]

Originally Posted by AbeFroman

A piece of tape that can be easily transferred from one to another when the owner isn’t paying attention isn’t a bulletproof method. It’s a silly approach and shouldn’t be relied on. Just stick to verifying the serial if one has any doubt.

I have no skin in this game but I believe you don't just put a small piece on somewhere and then call it a day. You make several complete revolutions around the bracelet close to the clasp. There's simply no way to remove it. A small zip tie around the bracelet, wrapped in soft tape so it doesn't scratch, would work as well. Zero way to get that off and duplicate it.

I'm with brandrea, though. I would only meet a rando at my local police station.

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[Filipão]

Originally Posted by AbeFroman

A piece of tape that can be easily transferred from one to another when the owner isn’t paying attention isn’t a bulletproof method. It’s a silly approach and shouldn’t be relied on. Just stick to verifying the serial if one has any doubt.

You are just so good!

[thesharkfactor]

Originally Posted by Tim Plains

Thorpe made a video about this and suggested putting a small piece of coloured tape on your watch.

Wouldn’t surprise me if it turned out to be his man doing the scam.

[madgpol]

Originally Posted by thesharkfactor

Wouldn’t surprise me if it turned out to be his man doing the scam.

I'd be careful with your wording. That could be libellous unless you have something to back up your statement.
I don't know Paul personally but he seems to do more than most people to bring to people's attention the dangers of this hobby.

[jaySL350]

:

Originally Posted by thesharkfactor

Wouldn’t surprise me if it turned out to be his man doing the scam.

[brandrea]

Only would ever hand a watch over for inspection by a potential buyer at a police station or bank. Those are the only two places I’ve met to do face to face transactions.

[Filipão]

OP, how come such a young Police officer likes the great PG's iconic pic?

[JonTheKingJames]

Originally Posted by Filipão

OP, how come such a young Police officer likes the great PG's iconic pic?

Love classic Genesis!

[garyk]

Thanks for posting. The people in our society who are creating mayhem and the kind of criminal hi-jinx described here are constantly coming up with new schemes but I had never heard of this one.

[VegasBaby]

Originally Posted by garyk

Thanks for posting. The people in our society who are creating mayhem and the kind of criminal hi-jinx described here are constantly coming up with new schemes but I had never heard of this one.

New schemes This is the old "switcheroo". Its been going on with all sorts of items forever.

[2loaded]

Great info.
Can we get a description of the perp?

[gmtbatman]

i think this happened to marco from timepiece gentleman a while back

[dbhak22]

OP, thanks for the heads up. I recommend posting in the 'WatchOut!!!' sub-forum if you haven't already.

[prnceofpersia23]

Those dang food court private sales man, gets you every time.