The first time we heard of this con-trick was over 40 years ago – the con man removes all cigarettes from the packet by opening the pack and replaces with something of similar weight and volume. He returns it to the staff member (having taken the 50 “doctored” replacement from his pocket) who has just served him on the basis of wanting a different brand. Two for the price of one! – This scam works because as far as the sales assistant is concerned, it is a perfectly legitimate request, never suspecting for a moment they are being conned!
– BEWARE – MAKE ALL STAFF AWARE OF THE NEED TO BE VIGILANT AND LOOK FOR SIGNS OF DISTURBED PACKAGING.