While there are a lot of travel scams out there, and while scammers are constantly thinking up new ways to get tourists to part with their money, some thieves are more up front. Instead of gently coercing their victims to pay up, they put victims into positions where money can be taken by force. Here, we’ll take a look at some travel theft scenarios in hopes of keeping you safe while traveling.
Friendly Locals
It’s great to make friends with local people, but be careful as you form friendships. If strangers approach you wanting to go have drinks, the odds are good that you’ll either be overcharged, or that you will be prompted to become so inebriated that your money can be taken from you. Keep your wits about you and don’t drink with strangers to avoid having this happen to you.
ATM Scams
Use extreme caution when using an ATM, particularly in an area where tourist traffic is heavy. There are a few different ways thieves gain access to your bank account; none of them are pleasant.
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A thief will simply watch you enter your pin number, then will steal your ATM card and empty your bank account.
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Some thieves rig ATMS so that they swallow cards. Once victims have lost their cards, suspects either wait for them to leave, or show up offering to help retrieve the lost card. Don’t accept help if your card is swallowed, and don’t leave, either. Wait for officials, then cancel your ATM card to protect your bank account.
To avoid ATM scams, use ATMs located inside bank branches, where security is high. Keep close tabs on your account, and never allow anyone to see you enter your pin. You can also get a pre-paid debit card with a set amount of money on it; this allows you to withdraw cash but prevents would-be thieves from gaining access to your bank account.
Car Trouble
While some people claiming to be suffering from car trouble may be legitimate, following anyone to a car in hopes of helping them could be asking for trouble. In many cases, thieves pretend to need help with a car problem, then kidnap victims and rob them by force, or take them to an ATM where the victim is forced to remove money. If someone asks for help with a broken down car, offer to call help for them, but don’t follow.
Flat Tire
In this scenario, tourists return to their parking spaces to find they have a flat tire. While the victim focuses on changing the flat, someone arrives, offering to help. As the tire is changed, another person arrives and makes off with items such as luggage, purses, and cameras. This is easy, because in most cases, you’ve got to remove items from the trunk to get to the spare tire. Since the thieves are the ones who flattened the victim’s tire in the first place, they’ll likely be watching the car and be ready to swoop in as soon as the victims arrive back at their car. These same thieves may also force you to give them cash, jewelry, and other items.
Prostitutes
Prostitutes are often used as bait, so erring on the side of caution not only prevents you from being exposed to diseases, it prevents you from becoming a victim. Prostitutes often lead unsuspecting men into armed robbery scenarios, and blackmail is also a common occurrence. In many areas, just being caught with a prostitute is illegal and will land you in jail or cause you to have to pay a hefty fine. It’s best to avoid those practicing the “world’s oldest profession” for a variety of reasons!
In order to stay safe, always be aware of what is happening in your immediate surroundings, and be suspicious of anyone who seems to be singling you out. Watch out for seemingly concerned onlookers, even if those people appear to be genuine; the best thing to do is get assistance from police or security guards. Also, be sure to purchase travel insurance before your trip, and consider using travelers checks or pre-paid debit and credit cards. While international travel is safer than ever, prevention is the best way to ensure you have a fun trip that doesn’t involve theft of any kind.