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I've been here two weeks. Twice, I've been approached by a young-ish person who starts out with something like "Ah, hello, what are you doing in Hanoi?" They converse for 2-3 minutes and at first it seems like they just want to practice their English.
Then they pull out a plastic-wrapped sheet of paper and a vaguely official-looking badge and say they're from some kind of Red Cross. The paper, which I only skimmed, said something about helping disabled people. I just said "Sorry, can't help you," and they left without an argument.
So my question: Are these people legitimate, or is it just a con? I'm pretty sure it's the latter...
answered about 13 months ago by Dratman
totally jester79..I think this is a scam. Been approached myself too. There's one person usually a good looking VN girl who talks to you and some pimp on a motobike waiting for a quick getaway. If I recall correctly, reading the card from the "red cross" it says they are selling toothpicks. last time I check the red cross don't sell toothpicks. So far these 'students' as they claim to be frequent around hanoi towers area. I personally just ignore them if they try to talk to me.
answered about 13 months ago by hanoikiwi
In my time here I have had them knock on my door - usually at the weekend and have been part of a group of secondary school aged kids. The good looking girl probably is a con - toothpicks dont cost enough to warrant the running of a motorcycle!!!!
answered about 13 months ago by caitlin
The 'red cross' students at Hoan Kiem lake are definitely a scam- it must work though cause it's been around for at least 4 years! I work regularly with the Vietnam and various country Red Crosses, and this is not their modus operandi. The ones who knock on your door selling toothpicks are legitimate. This is usually a representative or volunteer from the Blind Association trying to sell toothpicks made by blind people. It's a bloody rough way to make an income, so have a heart and buy some crappy toothpicks from these guys.
