This is a scam that happens often in Thailand and Cambodia. If you are in one of their airports’ shops, keep a considerable distance from the shelves or leave your bags outside the stores.

This is an organized scam where fake or even real police officers will take you away, suggesting you stole items. They use intimidating ways to make you feel guilty and they won’t let you go unless you bribe them. Cash extortion is big in these countries, so please take this very seriously.

How to avoid: hate to say it, but it’s probably better to avoid the airport shops in those specific locations – if you’re not arrested, you’ll be cheated anyway.