Fake police scam in Amsterdam

That's awful. I am so glad you were't hurt or robbed!!! We have been fortunate in never having that happen in Amsterdam but then we always take a cab or hotel transport from the airport or train station to our hotel where the bell staff take our luggage out and up to or suite or room. We have lived in Amsterdam and unfortunately as in most cities, there are those who want to prey on rather than welcome and help tourists. I am glad you're okay but probably shaken up.

Thank you! We were mildly shaken up...but it wore off quickly since we had managed to keep all our belongings intact! My guard was up in Rome, I just did not expect this in Amsterdam. You are right, there is always that chance of meeting a scam guy, no matter where you are.

What does this mean, "They tried to palm off cash"? What exactly did they do?

They want to check the cash you are carrying and suggest that they are checking for counterfeit money. They also pretend to sniff your wallet for possible drugs(?). In my case, I hardly had any cash with me. In my wife's case she had about 250 USD and another 150 in Euros. They "checked" her cash and when they were returning it they tried to do a simple palming trick where they tried to hold back the bottom half of the wad of cash as they were returning the rest of the money. This whole interaction happened for a total of 7/8 minutes at most, and so if you are not keeping an eye out, there is enough confusion and distraction that they can successfully palm off the amount.

Did you read about it in Rick's book before or after it happened? Thanks for posting so others will be aware.

I had seen something similar in his book on Rome. So I was somewhat aware that this might be a scam. Yes I posted it so that others are aware of it.

No! Since it was only an attempt! But we let the hotel staff know of the issue, and she said she will let the local police know.

It is an old trick. I had this tried on me,unsuccessfully, in Ecuador in 1977.