Question 1

What is the "Three-Card Trick Near New Street Station" scam in Birmingham?

Accepted Answer

A classic three-card trick or shell game operates near the New Street Station exit onto Corporation Street and around the Grand Central entrance. A dealer uses rapid hand movements to hide a card or ball under one of three cups, allowing a shill in the crowd to "win" repeatedly to encourage bets. Players never win once real money is placed; the mechanics are manipulated by sleight of hand. Do not stop to watch street gambling demonstrations of any kind near New Street Station or the Bullring. These games are illegal in the UK under the Gambling Act and all participants — the dealer, shills, and lookouts — are working together. Walking away is the only defence.

Question 2

What is the "Fake Disability Charity Badge Sellers" scam in Birmingham?

Accepted Answer

Individuals at Birmingham city centre pedestrian zones — particularly around the Bullring and the New Street shopping corridor — sell printed car park exemption cards or "blue badge assistance guides" at £10–20, claiming proceeds go to a disability charity. Neither the cards nor the charity exist in any registered form. The seller's collection tin is not licensed and no Charity Commission registration is provided. The UK Blue Badge scheme is administered solely by local councils and cannot be purchased from any street vendor. If you need disability parking assistance in Birmingham, apply through Birmingham City Council. Report unlicensed street collectors to Birmingham City Centre BID officers or West Midlands Police.

Other Tourist Scams in Birmingham

Three-Card Trick Near New Street Station

Fake Disability Charity Badge Sellers

Experienced a scam here?