How and Why Scammers Use Charity as Their Shield

Today we’re gonna talk about the elephant in the room…

Okay, so being a scammer is one thing. But scamming people for your profit? Or offering them service that is only favourable one way (not for the customer) and on top of that claiming to be a charity? That is simply disgusting and reprehensible from our point of view.

Hold onto a bar for 2 minutes scam = “Charity to help Ukraine”

You may have seen this trick in many places around the world. If you google it, you will find dozens of videos and articles – hold onto a bar for 2 minutes and win 100$. Let’s leave aside if it can be done or not (it can’t).

According to Prague city rules, you cannot run such a thing on the streets of Prague. Yes, maybe if there’s a fair somewhere, or you have the proper permit, then it might be possible. But you can’t just start running a business, that is a scam on the street.

Sorry, we live in the 21st century and certain rules apply. But! What you can do without any permit of operation or location wise – charity. As long as you are giving some portion of money you collect to charity, you can do pretty much whatever you want.

So the spinning handlebar challenge is a “European Institut of Eastern Partnership” charity initiative. I tried hard googling it but found absolutely nothing. So a scammer shielding himself with a charity.

Hop On – Hop Off tours = “Charity project Car for Viky“

First of all, it’s fair to remind you that Hop On – Hop Off tours in Prague suck. Don’t take my word for it, and read some of their reviews:

“Wish there was a zero star rating”
“Total rip over & an expensive one at that!”
“Too expensive for service provided but perhaps no good alternatives.”

Whaaat? No alternatives?! This guy probably never saw this Honest guide episode about the best Hop on – Hop off in Europe… So we agree it’s a shitty service but not really a scam. But where’s the charity in this? Well, according to the Prague city ordinance, you are not allowed to offer services on the street of Prague or sell any goods of any kind… unless… yup, you guessed it – you’re a charity.

I did a little bit of research (usually can be found on the 2nd page of Google results) and the guy who runs one of the Prague bus tours just recently started his own charity called “Help Mi”, thanks to which, he can now sell services on the streets to people…

If any or how much of that goes to charity? Only he knows. Maybe he can write it into comments. 

Want to see more?

Flashing Baloons mafia, Trdelníks sold to help kids and much more can be seen in our latest Honest Guide video. And if you like Honest Guide and want to support our work you can do so by buying our book (5-star reviews so far) or you can support us on Patreon! Thank you!