Ricks Cafe Cave Scam

[Face Down]

Everyone wears swimming trunks in Ja. There are little pockets to hold small items. When you walk the beach or go places , frequently you buy drinks.People place money in these pockets to purchase these items.The J's will spend wet or dry.

Board shorts have side Velcro pockets for things riders carry with them. My husband carries his wallet in a ziploc bag in a large pocket on his board shorts. He keeps it with him bc I am highly likely to leave my bag on a chair at Sea Star during the Pub Crawl!!!! Quite simple actually!!

True and true...but I would never jump in the water with my wallet or loose money in my pocket, plastic baggie or not. And I am pretty sure most people would feel the same!!

[STRIPER]

I swim and jump with $ every single time I go,pretty common I'd think

[DConkle]

My husband was in Negril in November and thought he had left his cash on the bar before going in the water. He did later find it in his pocket. I went to Amazon that same day and purchased a water proof zip lock holder,with a lanyard for him to be able to keep his money with him. And am glad to be made aware of this scam!

[garysteph1018]

To each his/her own... My husband is a very responsible man & takes care of his stuff his way. I can promise that what he does works for him, and he will know where his money is at all times.

[garysteph1018]

... good idea Dconkle ... may look that up myself!

[Limo Mon]

When I get in the water no J's on me. If I went on the cave tour they would have to leave me cause the Limo Mon has no cash while in the water.

[Sadiekat]

I don't necessarily doubt the story, but I have to say that we were there 4 times during our trip in February, and it didn't happen to the Mr., or me, but I don't dive . As a matter of fact, I was talking with the older diver, I only know him as BirdMan, but the dude is in some remarkable shape........ I digress. He said that Rick's leased the property on the other side of the cove specifically to keep the kids out. Maybe it worked, maybe it didn't, but it doesn't sound like they're not trying to do somethng about it.

[dlgroh]

We always go to Jamaica with a group of friends. If we don't, we make sure we aren't put into a situation where someone "down on their luck" could take advantage of us. Be thoughtful of where you are and remember that there are always people, no matter where you travel, that are looking for someone that would be easy to "swindle" money from and not think twice about it. I know how easy it is to be trusting and feel "safe" but think if you were in your own environment and drinking like most of us do while in Jamaica....people in our own homelands could do the same. Be smart and safe.

[ThePuraVida]

I was the one who posted the thread on TA. I just returned on Sunday, and yes, the "scam" was in full effect. I went to Rick's 4 different days and it was going on non stop.

The problem is, these scammers stand by the exit ladder and yell at the jumpers saying "NO NO GO TO THE OTHER WAY! SWIM TO THE CAVES", like getting out at the ladder isn't an option.

I saw confusion and fear in many people's eyes and tried to yell at them to swim to the ladder.

Some people who jump become disoriented and all they want is to get out of the water. These scammers lead them to believe they get out by heading towards the caves.

Ricks security just sits by, laughing and joking with the scammers doing ABSOLUTELY NOTHING about it.

Trying to make a buck and showing the tourists the caves, is no big deal. It's the fact they they deceive the tourists into believing they HAVE to go through the caves to get out, which is the problem.

I had a firm talk with security who didnt car at all..

[garysteph1018]

^^^^^ That is exactly how my sons' pastor described it.