Buzz
Seeking baggage watch at the airport, enticing jewelry purchases, falling for virtual house rentals online... are common scams that travelers need to be wary of.
1. Airport scams: If someone at the airport asks you to watch their luggage or handbag for a few minutes, be cautious. After they leave, the police might come and claim it as stolen or containing illegal items. This could land you in serious trouble.
2. Strangers offering items: If a stranger tries to hand you something, don't take it. A tourist recalls being in Paris, France, when a person suddenly grabbed her wrist and put on a friendship bracelet, then demanded money. Similar incidents happened in Venice, Italy, where people approached tourists, handed them flowers, and demanded payment. While not necessarily scams, these situations can be unsettling for travelers.
3. Taxi scams: Taxi drivers taking passengers on unnecessary detours is not uncommon. A tip for travelers is to act like you know where you're going, even if you don't. If you appear lost or are studying a map intently, you're more likely to be taken advantage of.
4. Jewelry scam: When traveling, be cautious when purchasing souvenirs, especially jewelry or items of value that cannot be authenticated. In India and Thailand, jewelry sellers often approach tourists and persuade them to buy. However, upon returning home, travelers are shocked to find that what they bought isn't gemstones but ordinary glass.
5. Currency exchange scams: Some people often approach tourists to invite them to exchange cash. If you're not familiar with the exchange rate, you're very likely to get ripped off.
6. Food advertisement deception: If you see menus advertising food delivery posted outside hotel room doors, don't trust them hastily. In a case in Florida, USA, a tourist ordered food from an advertisement and was asked to provide credit card details. The store promised delivery within 30 minutes, but the food never arrived, and the credit card was stolen.
7. House rentals: When planning to rent a house online, make sure that the house actually exists, as this could be a scam advertisement.
8. Parking lot scams: If someone appears overly helpful and wants to assist you, especially when you're at a parking lot in Florida, USA, be cautious. When you park to enter a nearby store, your car may get a flat tire or have its spark plug stolen. They will approach and offer to help you, then demand a reward.
9. Pickpocketing: Always be cautious when in tourist areas. Scammers may distract you by pretending to bump into you and dropping items. While you're not paying attention, their accomplices quickly snatch your wallet. Therefore, if you're male, keep your wallet in your chest pocket or wear tight pants to feel when someone touches it. Women should distribute their belongings in different bags, not all in one place.
10. Dealing with muggers: You can prepare a decoy wallet, put some loose change and a hotel room key card inside. This card looks like a credit card so it won't raise suspicion from the robbers. When confronted, hand them this fake wallet.
Source: Zing News
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Reference: Travel guide by Mytour
MytourJanuary 21, 2016
