Buzz
Run for cover if you're suddenly surrounded by individuals claiming to be police officers and notify authorities immediately upon noticing money missing from your account after a single phone call.
Specializing in travel, Cheapflights.co.uk has just compiled and released the 7 most common scam tactics in numerous countries worldwide as well as provided measures to prevent this.
7 Strategies to Escape Scams While Traveling
Airport Security Gate Trap
The scenario could be when you've put all your valuable items (camera, phone, wallet) into the bin to step through the airport security scanner, and suddenly someone cuts in front of you. As they step in, the machine sounds an alarming alert, prompting staff to check this passenger.
You also get stuck while your belongings have already moved inside. That's when an accomplice standing ready inside grabs all your valuables.
Identification: They are thieves specialized in stealing valuable items.
Common Occurrence: Airports worldwide.
Solution: As soon as you notice the loss, report it immediately to airport staff for assistance.
Prevention: Keep valuable items on your person and only place them in the scanner when you are ready to walk through the checkpoint.
False Phone Calls
In the middle of the night, you're awakened by a phone call from someone claiming to be the hotel receptionist. They inform you that the hotel's computer is malfunctioning and needs to reacquire your credit card information.
Identification: These are inmates using illicit phones.
Common Occurrence: Georgia, USA.
Solution: Upon realizing you've been deceived, immediately lock your account and notify the hotel about the situation. Additionally, report to the police if you find money missing from your account.
Prevention: Delay and use the landline to call the receptionist of the hotel you're staying at to double-check the information.
Encounter with Fake Police
A stranger suddenly approaches and hands you something. Two seconds later, two individuals in police uniforms appear and accuse you and the other stranger of possessing illegal items, then demand your passport and wallet for inspection. That's when you'll be robbed of money or valuables.
Identification: Usually involves 3 scammers, one pretends to approach you and 2 fake police officers.
Common Occurrence: Romania, Czech Republic, and Italy.
Solution: Do not give them anything, quickly run away from the scene and report to the nearest police station.
Prevention: Regularly check the identification, badges of police officers, call the police station if you feel suspicious. Keep valuable items close and run as fast as possible.
Encounter with “Bracelet Swindler”
A scammer will try to befriend you, approach you, and then put a rope-made bracelet around your wrist. Then, they demand money at a ridiculously high price for that bracelet. When you refuse and try to return it, the scammer will loudly accuse you of theft.
Identification: They are bracelet sellers who often target women.
Common Occurrence: Italy and France, especially in Montmartre.
Solution: Run away and report to local police.
Prevention: Be cautious of overly friendly locals, avoid accepting anything from them – things you don't need or want.
Taxi Trap
When you get into the cab, they often claim that the meter is broken and try to extort a hefty amount from you.
Identification: They are taxi drivers.
Common Occurrence: Airports, train stations.
Solution: Report to local police if you suspect being scammed.
Prevention: Only take taxis with functioning meters, research the route and corresponding fare beforehand.
Child Trap
While you're walking down the street, a woman suddenly hands you a blanket wrapped around a baby. Shortly after, her accomplices will come and rob you. After they leave, you'll realize the baby you were holding is just a doll.
Identification: They are a group of beggars.
Common Occurrence: Italy, Eastern European countries.
Solution: Stay calm, do not panic, and quickly leave the area.
Prevention: Be cautious of clustered beggar groups, keep a distance from where they gather.
Mistaken Hotel Arrival
The taxi driver will tell you that the hotel you intend to go to is closed, fully booked, or doesn't exist. Then he will try to introduce you to another hotel to stay at, which you wouldn't suspect to be very expensive.
Identification: Taxi drivers.
Common Occurrence: India, Mexico, Romania.
Solution: When taken to a new hotel by the driver, always check the prices beforehand. If suspicious, call the hotel you booked with to verify.
Prevention: When booking a hotel, ask them to arrange a taxi for airport pickup. If encountering such a driver, switch to another taxi.
From pose.com.vn
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Reference: Travel Guide from Mytour
MytourJanuary 8, 2015
