Holiday Tricksters and Con Artists - 10 Tips to Avoid Becoming a Victim
We all like to believe we can totally relax on holiday.
However, it is wise to keep your wits about you when travelling abroad.
Without becoming completely cynical about strangers -- after all there are good and bad people everywhere -- pack some common sense and educate yourself to avoid becoming a victim.
When the locals are over-friendly or eager to help it is not always with an ulterior motive, but that is very often the case.
It does not make them criminals, and the motive may be as simple as steering you towards a family business hoping you will part with some cash.
Who can blame them for trying.
Taxi drivers may offer to take you to a business where you will get a good deal -- but usually only because they are paid a commission.
Visit the website of the British Foreign Office and their Country Advice pages -- or your country's corresponding government agency.
Visit http://www.
ScamBusters.
org and travel review websites where you may pick up useful tips from other travelers.
Make a note of police and emergency numbers as well as contact information for the consulate or embassy in your destination country With so much information available online and through guide books there is no excuse for being gullible or a helpless victim.
Educate yourself and you may just stay one step ahead of the con-artists!
However, it is wise to keep your wits about you when travelling abroad.
Without becoming completely cynical about strangers -- after all there are good and bad people everywhere -- pack some common sense and educate yourself to avoid becoming a victim.
When the locals are over-friendly or eager to help it is not always with an ulterior motive, but that is very often the case.
It does not make them criminals, and the motive may be as simple as steering you towards a family business hoping you will part with some cash.
Who can blame them for trying.
Taxi drivers may offer to take you to a business where you will get a good deal -- but usually only because they are paid a commission.
- ATM Machines - Just as you should at home, watch for suspicious activity around ATM machines.
Shield your hand when punching in your account details and password.
Criminals may install a fake front or tiny camera on the machine to steal your details. - Credit/Debit Cards - Keep an eye on your card when making purchases to ensure it is not swiped a second time or taken off to a back room where a copy is made.
- Driving Abroad - Thieves might flag you down or pretend to be police officers.
Ask for identification if you are suspicious.
Legitimate police will never ask for your wallet, purse or bag.
Rental cars, cars with foreign plates or towing caravans are prime targets.
Thieves may stop you and request assistance, or claim that you have a flat tyre.
It may be a ploy to steal your vehicle or rob you. - Passports/Wallets/Documents - Every year thousands of travelers are parted from their passports, wallets, and important documents by pickpockets and thieves.
Identity theft is a huge and growing problem.
Make copies of the information page of your passport and documents and keep them in a separate place. - Pay Phones Be vigilant and cover your hand when entering personal information.
Watch for anyone who may be listening.
If a suspicious person appears to be using the phone next to you, even with their back turned toward you, walk away.
Criminals have clever ways of recording sounds and information. - Scratchcards/Holiday Clubs/Timeshare Scams - No prizes for guessing that all scratchcards are winners! Usually a free holiday or prize has to be claimed by attending a 'presentation'.
These can be unbearably lengthy and in desperation to escape the unwary are often conned by high-pressure salespeople into signing contracts they don't understand.
Spain is a hot spot for scratchcard scams.
Older travelers are often the target of this type of con.
Remember the saying: 'There ain't no such thing as a free lunch'.
If it appears too good to be true then it probably is. - Spiked Drinks/Food - Be wary when offered free food or drinks by strangers.
Avoid leaving food or drinks unattended, especially when traveling alone.
Drugging has become prevalent in many parts of the world as a way to rob you, assault you, or worse. - Street Crime/Pickpockets - A distraction or commotion may be used to rob you.
They may spill something on you or bump into you.
Women carrying babies or young children are often used as a distraction.
Avoid appearing affluent and leave your expensive jewelery at home! - Suitcases/Bags - Bags are popular targets, especially at airports, railways stations, car rental offices, and on public transport.
If a bag isn't stolen outright, it might be slashed and the contents removed when you are not looking. - Taxis - Book with a reputable company or through your hotel when possible.
If the driver claims the meter is not working agree a price upfront or find another.
Have some idea of the length of the journey and approximate fare.
Ask at your hotel, look up the information on the internet, or use a map or guide book.
If the driver gets the impression you know your away around it may be less tempting for them to take you on the scenic route.
Visit the website of the British Foreign Office and their Country Advice pages -- or your country's corresponding government agency.
Visit http://www.
ScamBusters.
org and travel review websites where you may pick up useful tips from other travelers.
Make a note of police and emergency numbers as well as contact information for the consulate or embassy in your destination country With so much information available online and through guide books there is no excuse for being gullible or a helpless victim.
Educate yourself and you may just stay one step ahead of the con-artists!
