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Common Travel Scams
TRAVEL
TIP OF THE MONTH: Common Travel Scams 
All
of us here at Mondo Adventure Travel have done our fair share
of
travelling. While we have all heard and read warnings about particular
travel scams, the majority of the time, safe travel is a combination of
street smarts and luck however sometimes even the most seasoned
travelers can be in the wrong place at the wrong time.
While
we never like to think about the negative things that can happen while
travelling, it is a good idea to be aware and educated so that you can
hopefully try to prevent common travel scams from happening to you.
It’s hard to prevent a scam that you don’t know about, and you won’t
always have time to weigh the facts, so to help you we’ve come up with
a few common scenarios and suggestions:
1. Great deals at the airport or bus station:
You
get off the bus, train or airplane in a new country and someone offers
you a great deal on a night’s stay or transportation and while the deal
may sound appealing, chances are you’re being led into a trap or the
services you receive will be substandard. Scammers often take advantage
of travelers when they are tired and disoriented. Avoiding this scam is
fairly easy but requires a little planning: even if you’re opting for a
flexible style of travel, have a room waiting and reliable
transportation booked for the first night at any new destination (we can help you with this!). You
can always look for other accommodations after you’ve had a good
night’s rest and something to eat.
2. Fake cabs:
Whole
articles have been written about taxi safety abroad. It’s true, hailing
a taxi on the street can put you in danger. Being charged inflated
fares and taken “the long way” to a destination are minor concerns
compared to the risks of express kidnapping, assault or robbery. Many
travelers choose to avoid taxis altogether and opt for cycling, walking
or public transportation (as appropriate). If you plan to take a cab,
make sure it is a legal, fully-licensed, in good condition (including
fully-functional door handles on the inside). Ask about the rate to
make sure you are being charged an appropriate fare. Consult your map
before leaving your room to get a feel for the streets, and pay
attention to where you are going. Make it clear that there will be no
stopping to pick up other passengers. Most importantly, trust your
instincts. If you suspect something is wrong, pay the driver and get
out.
3. Phony police:
Being approached by a police officer in a foreign country can be an
intimidating experience.
This scenario has at least two versions:
1)
You are approached by a policeman who asks to see your credit and debit
cards, and he needs your PIN information. He might also ask to see your
cash and jewelry; or
2) You are pulled over and the “police” need to search the
car – robbing you in the process.
Criminals
are counting on the fact that you can’t tell a fake uniform from a real
one. Help yourself by knowing what the local police uniform and marked
cars look like. Legitimate police will not ask for your credit cards
and PIN information or to see your jewelry. This tactic is often used
by people who will grab the goods and run. If you’re pulled over, you
can ask to see the police officer’s badge (take note of the name and
number) and call the local police to verify this person is, in fact, a
police officer.
4. Distract and grab:
There
are many variations of this tactic, where one person distracts the
victim while another picks his or her pockets. There are tales of
tourists being sprayed with mustard, having coins scattered at their
feet and even having “babies” tossed to them! It’s hard to beat
instinct and not react to the distraction, but there are some things
you can do prevent becoming a target. Thieves tend to target popular
tourist destinations, transportation depots, and large venues and
events – so your best approach is to be vigilant and avoid crowds.
Money pouches hidden beneath your clothes and “dummy” wallets are also
an option. Have your camera securely connected to you with at least 2
locations so that it is not easily removed from your possession.
5. Over priced food and
drinks:
It’s
a common trick to overcharge tourists, but some destinations take this
tactic to extremes with excessively high bills – and then threaten
physical violence if the bill is not paid. Sometimes there’s a face to
this scam: a pretty girl who asks a male traveler to buy her a drink,
or a friendly local who wants to practice his or her English over a cup
of tea. The trick is to ask the price before you order and pay up front
if necessary. Reputable bars and restaurants should have a menu that
lists their prices. A good understanding of local currency and a few
key phrases in the local language can be a boon in this situation.
6. Spiked drinks:
We’re
all aware of this problem at home and take measures to protect
ourselves – drinking with trusted friends, placing your own orders and
keeping a close eye on your drinks. The same rules apply when you’re
traveling, especially since tourists are often targeted for robbery as
well as sexual assault. There have even been reports of vendors and bar
owners spiking drinks. If you’re suspicious of the staff or drinking
alone in a strange place, opt for a drink in a sealed bottle or can and
look for signs of tampering. If you don’t feel well, seek medical help
immediately and contact the police.
7. The hotel needs your
credit card information:
You’re
settled in for the night after a long day when the front desk clerk
calls your room. There has been a mistake processing your registration
or a form is incomplete, and they need your correct credit card
information.
The request seems harmless, but who is on the other end
of the line? A hotel should never bother a guest during the middle of
the night unless it is an emergency. If you do get a call, tell them
you will come down in the morning to straighten out the error and hang
up. Do not give out any information or offer to call back. Report the
issue to management in the morning.
8. Lost wallets:
This scam comes in two forms:
1)
Someone finds a wallet near you and offers to share the contents – but
the original owner shows up and demands to be repaid for money that
wasn’t there.
2) Someone has lost their wallet and blames you.
They want you to empty your pockets (so they can run off with your
wallet). In either case, the criminal may try to extort money from you
with a threat to call the police.
It may be tempting, but never pick
up dropped wallets or money, or respond to someone who does. Simply
walk away. Chances are the scammers aren’t going to make a scene,
they’ll simply move on to another target. These scams are popular in
public places such as airports where there are usually lots of security
cameras.
9. The phone call in the
middle of the night:
Your
parents get a phone call in the middle of the night saying you have
been detained or taken to the hospital. The official-sounding caller
requests that money be wired immediately to a bank account. You’re out
enjoying yourself and aren’t even aware there is a problem. Is there
something you can do to prevent it?
Yes. Here’s where your back-up
plan comes into action: Make sure your parents know how to contact you
and your government’s emergency consular assistance hotline. The
embassy can act to locate you and can advise your parents on what to
do. Ideally, your parents already have your itinerary, a copy of your
passport and the details of your travel insurance policy to speed up
the process. If you are in trouble, you should also contact your
embassy. Most governments also recommend that travelers register their
trips with the embassy so they can locate you in an emergency.
10. Car troubles:
Most
locals are willing to help if you find yourself in trouble, but beware
of people who are too willing to offer assistance – they may have
caused the problem in the first place. Their most common target is your
rental car. There have been many cases of tourists being robbed while a
“good Samaritan” is helping them change a flat tire.
When you rent a car
prepare for emergencies. In addition to understanding local laws and
hazards, know who to call for help rather than relying on a fellow
motorist. In some countries, the only people you should accept roadside
help from are police. You can also take proactive measures: Before you
head out or head back to your hotel, quickly inspect your car for
anything suspicious like a nail or slash in your tires. On the road if
someone indicates for you to pull over, drive to a safe, well lit area
if possible. If someone approaches you at your hotel about a problem,
take along security guard to check it out.
hello
At the end of the day
an important thing to remember in any of these situations is not to
resist if you are threatened with violence. Cash and travel documents
can be replaced. Remember most people are not out to harm travelers,
and a little preparation can help you avoid the ones who are. The more
you know about your destination including the culture, safety risks and
local language, the better prepared you will be for any challenges.
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| When you travel, remember that a foreign country is not designed to make you comfortable. It is designed to make its own people comfortable. - Clifton Fadiman |
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