Attention, vacationers! Shell players are plundering the bags at Playa de Palma!

Attention, vacationers! Shell players are plundering the bags at Playa de Palma!

The summer months attract many tourists to Mallorca, where they spend a lot of money on flights, hotels, culinary delights and souvenirs. The prices for accommodation and travel are under great pressure and are rising every year. A serious problem that is becoming increasingly common in tourist hotspots, especially on Playa de Palma, is con artists, especially shell players. The police have been warning for years about these fraudsters who try to deceive gullible holidaymakers.

At Playa de Palma, the shell game is played with a small red ball that is hidden under three halved potato wedges. The tourists have to guess where the ball is, but they usually always lose. The stake is often 50 euros, while the alleged winnings are 100 euros.

The fraudster's scam

The shell players act in organized groups of five to six people. They pose as teammates to inspire trust. A key role within this group dynamic is played by a “scout” who is constantly on the lookout for the police. Once the police show up nearby, the scammers quickly disappear, leaving their unsuspecting “customers” behind.

The consequences for the fraudsters are the constant danger of being caught playing the shell game. This can lead to fines of between 31,000 and 450,000 euros. Despite these risks, they seem to remain active and work tirelessly to defraud tourists.

First hand warnings

Another aspect of this problem is illuminated by the professional card gambler Maik M. Paulsen. The entertainer, who has been working in Berlin for over ten years, appeared for the first time at Ballermann, the popular holiday resort where the shell players are active. Paulsen offers his services in exclusive locations and warns urgently about fraudsters who are organized into gangs.

He explains that the shell game not only works with hollowed-out potato peels, but also relies on personal interactions with the audience. The trick is to first reveal the ball and then secretly remove it while the containers are shuffled. Paulsen has trained extensively in shell games and cardsharks and admits that the entertainment and style of presentation are crucial to captivating people.

With more than half of all DAX companies in his client list, he has worked at various prestigious locations. In his career as a juggler and close-up magician, he combines his experiences to fascinate viewers. For example, he can be recognized by a tattoo of the Ace of Spades on his arm, which he uses in his performances to personalize his shows.

Maik Paulsen's warnings and experiences offer valuable insights into the world of shell players on Mallorca. Despite the risks associated with these activities, the island remains a popular attraction for tourists, who should, however, be careful not to fall into the clutches of con artists. While the police are actively taking action against fraudsters, the challenge remains to make holidaymakers aware of the dangers.