When traveling, it’s important to be aware of the common travel scams that target tourists around the world. By researching the most common scams before your trip, you can be more prepared and less likely to fall victim to them. Here are 10 of the most common travel scams to watch out for:
1. ATM skimming
2. Pickpocketing
3. The fake “free” bracelet scam
4. The broken taxi meter scam
5. The timeshare scam
6. The fake tour guide scam
7. The airport taxi scam
8. The hotel room rental scam
9. The souvenir shop overcharging scam
10. The Wi-Fi hotspot scam
Travel Scams: Outsmarting Pickpockets and Thieves
Outsmarting pickpockets and thieves can be a difficult task, but there are some things you can do to make it easier. Firstly, try to wear a money belt. This will help to keep your valuables safe and secure. Secondly, leave valuables in your hotel room where they will be more secure. Finally, stay vigilant in crowds and steer clear of commotions. These tips should help you to avoid scams and becoming a victim of theft while traveling.
Travel Scams: Travel Money Belt for Portable Safe
A money belt is a great way to keep your valuables safe when you travel. It’s a portable safe that you can wear around your waist, or under your clothes. It’s perfect for holding your passport, credit cards, cash, and other valuables. A money belt is a must-have item for any traveler.
Bank Card Safety Tips for Travelers
Theft and scams can ruin your travel plans, but there are some simple steps you can take to protect yourself. Bank card safety is important when traveling, so make sure to follow these tips:
Bring fewer cards and keep tabs on them. Only bring the cards you need and keep track of where they are at all times.
Don’t use a debit card for purchases. Debit cards offer less protection than credit cards if they are lost or stolen.
Act quickly if your card is lost or stolen. Contact your bank or credit card issuer immediately to report the loss or theft.
Safeguard your PIN code. Never write your PIN down or share it with anyone. Memorize it and change it regularly.
Inspect the ATM for card skimmers. Before using an ATM, check for signs of tampering, such as loose fittings, damaged keypads, or anything.
Losing it All and Bouncing Back
No one wants to think about being the victim of a crime while on vacation, but it’s important to be prepared in case it does happen. Here are some tips on how to protect yourself from theft and scams while traveling:
-Keep your valuables close to you at all times. If possible, wear a money belt or keep your passport and other important items in a secure place on your person.
-Be aware of your surroundings and who is around you at all times. Thieves often work in pairs or groups, so if you see someone suspicious hanging around, be extra vigilant.
-Don’t flash your cash or valuables in public. This can make you a target for thieves.
-Be cautious of strangers who approach you offering help or services. Many scams involve someone offering to help you with something (like directions) and then stealing your money or valuables when you’re not looking.
Tourist Scams and Rip-Offs
Tourist scams and rip-offs are unfortunately all too common. We’ve experienced many of them firsthand and have put together some tips to help you avoid them. Insider tip: Before you travel anywhere, research the destination to find out if taxi scams are popular there and what these entail. In Thailand, for example, we’ve heard of cases where tuk-tuk drivers have taken tourists to gem shops instead of the sights they wanted to see.
To reduce your chances of falling prey to unscrupulous types, Bernier-Toth offers this advice: “Be polite, but wary; trust, but verify, and don’t be afraid to say ‘no thank you.’”
Avoiding Taxi Scams in Europe
Avoid using handbags, fanny packs, and outside pockets that are easy targets for thieves, the State Department says in “A Safe Trip Abroad.” ATMs/Credit Card/Debit Card Fraud In Europe.
The Sauce Trick; Money Changing, Dodgy Tours, Taxi and Tuk Tuk Scams, Ticket Scams, Fake Cops, Rental Scam, Bar Scam, Border Scam, Fake Beggars often times bird poop, or other substances put on your clothes. A “Good Samaritan” will offer to help you clean it off. Refuse it and continue with your task. Muddle through the task yourself or ask a different bystander for help.
Theft-Proofing Your Rental Car
These rental car tips will help you pick the right car and avoid theft and scams. Make sure to lock your car doors and windows when you leave them unattended. This will help deter thieves from breaking into your car. You can also use a tamper-proof backpack or handbag to store valuables out of sight.
When finding a place to park, look for well-lit areas with high foot traffic. This will make it more difficult for thieves to break into your car or steal it together. If possible, park in a garage or covered parking lot.
When using public Wi-Fi, be sure to connect only to trusted networks. Avoid logging into sensitive accounts, such as online banking, while on public Wi-Fi.
Travel Scams: Internet Security for Travelers
We’ve experienced many common travel scams firsthand. Learning from our mistakes, we’ve put together tips to avoid scams around the world.
Here’s how to avoid online booking scams, prepare before you leave town, and protect your information while traveling.
Make copies of your travel records, ID cards, credit cards, and other personal information that you’re bringing with you on the trip. Keep them in a safe place in case you lose the originals. Unfortunately, travelers aren’t the only ones using the internet to make life easier and recent years have seen a surge of cyber criminals preying on unsuspecting victims. Up the security of your devices while traveling: Delete phone apps that contain financial information such as payment apps and online banking apps. You can re-download them when you get home. Use a secure WiFi connection or your own data plan instead of public WiFi whenever possible.
Travel Scams: Avoid Bump and Grab
Generally, there are a few things you can do to avoid travel scams and becoming a victim of the “bump and grab” theft technique. First, be aware of your surroundings and be cautious of people who seem to be loitering or loitering in groups. If you see someone suspicious, avoid them and if possible, move to a more populated and well-lit area. Second, keep your belongings close to you and don’t put them down in an insecure location. Third, be particularly aware of your belongings when you are in a crowded place or when using public transportation. If you can, keep your purse or bag in front of you where you can see it. Finally, trust your instincts. If something or someone makes you feel uneasy, don’t hesitate to walk away or ask for help from a security guard or police officer.
