This is a scam that happens mostly in Europe, where sidewalks are crammed with patios and coffee shops.
You are sitting at a table on the side of the street, really enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of Las Ramblas, Barcelona. People pass by you and everybody is friendly.
While you are sipping your drink, somebody is squeezing by your chair with the intention of passing by-- say on your right side. It’s a busy place, so you politely try to make some room.
As you are moving, he “accidentally” drops his keys right at your feet. Because you are sitting, it’s easy for you to bend slightly and pick them up, returning them to him.
In those five seconds, as you are doing your move while he is apologizing for almost hitting you, his partner grabs your bag/ purse, which was on the left side of your table (the initial guy passes to your right). Victims are distracted just for a few moments, but scammers are ready to operate. Since they are doing that several times a day, they are so smooth that it’s almost unnoticeable.
How to avoid: hold your bag between your legs and if it has a shoulder strap, put your leg through the strap – could lead to a funny scenario but at least you would keep your bag.