There’s a terrifying new scam on the rise where criminals are using a surprising trick to distract their victims before stealing their valuables.
Psychologist Lea Yerevanian, 31, is the latest victim to speak out about this disturbing tactic, which she experienced in December while waiting for an Uber at Kings Cross St Pancras station in London.
Her story comes just weeks after reality TV star Yasmine Zweegers, known for Made in Chelsea, shared a nearly identical experience.
In both cases, the victims were targeted in the same area, with scammers using paint—sometimes ketchup or another substance—to create a diversion and steal their belongings.
The Shocking Incident Outside Kings Cross
Lea was waiting for her ride at around 8:30 pm when she was approached by a man who told her she had something on her back.
As she checked, she discovered what seemed to be ketchup smeared on her coat.
“I took my hand and put it on my back, then looked at my hand and there was ketchup all over it,” she recalls.
At first, she tried to brush it off, but things quickly escalated when a second man approached and began to engage her in conversation. It was then that she realized something was off.
“The moment I knew this was a distraction, I put my duffel bag on my luggage and guarded it with both hands,” she says.
The Terrifying Realization
At that moment, Lea began to fear that she was in the middle of a coordinated scam.
“I got really scared when I realized this is not one person.
This is a few people acting together,” she recalls, feeling a deep sense of violation. “I was terrified.
My space was invaded, and it felt like I was being tricked.”
Luckily, Lea managed to escape the situation unharmed by ditching her Uber and hurrying across the road to catch a taxi.
Although she kept all her belongings, her £4,500 coat was ruined by the ketchup stain.
“I don’t want to sound superficial, but thank God none of my things were taken.
But I also think of the women who weren’t so lucky,” she says, reflecting on how devastating it must be to lose your belongings in such a cruel way.
A Growing Crime Wave
Lea suspects that these crooks are part of an organized crime group, and she’s concerned that many more people could fall victim to the same scam.
Her suspicions seem justified, as Yasmine Zweegers had a very similar experience earlier this month.
Yasmine was also waiting for an Uber outside Kings Cross when a man warned her about something on her back.
After offering her a tissue to help clean it off, the scammer quickly snatched her bag.
Just like Lea, Yasmine believes the man was part of a team and that this scam is becoming more common.
Both women have reported the incidents to the police in hopes of catching those responsible and preventing future victims from falling prey to this shocking trick.
As more people share their stories, it’s clear that this is a growing trend, and authorities are warning the public to stay vigilant when waiting for rides in busy areas like Kings Cross.