Traveling can be an exhilarating experience, filled with
adventure and the opportunity to explore new cultures. However, for many
tourists, it can also be a minefield of scams and deceit. The more you know
about the tricks and traps scammers use, the better off you’ll be on your next
trip.
Car rental scammers set up a website that looks like a
legitimate rental car company. But when you call and reserve a car your
information and credit card information is stolen. Thieves hope that travelers
are overwhelmed, stressed, confused and likely making a reservation from a
smartphone while handling other, distracting issues. Look closely at the
website, phone number, URL address and e-mail addresses and you will more
easily spot the fakes.
Accommodation scammers may list fake properties on bogus
vacation rental websites, collecting deposits for accommodations that don't
exist. Always book through reputable platforms and read reviews.
Street-level cons can take many forms and often catch
tourists off guard.
Ride-share impersonators posing as drivers pick up
unsuspecting tourists and charge them exorbitant fees. A close criminal cousin
to ride-share imposters are taxi drivers who overcharge tourists unfamiliar
with the local taxi services and protocols.
Travelers are often approached at baggage claim by a person
offering a taxi into the city, they are annoying and persistent. Before your
trip, research where the taxi line is at your arrival airport and the usual
cost for a taxi to your destination. Or arrange a car service through the
hotel.
Fake tour guides are scammers posing as official tour guides
and offer tours at inflated prices or lead tourists to overpriced shops or
restaurants. Some phonies will tell you an attraction is closed and try to sell
“special” access to you. Don’t buy it.
An alarming trend is the use of intimidation tactics by
street performers. These individuals may engage in seemingly harmless acts,
such as juggling or dancing, before aggressively demanding tips. These pushy
street performers may become confrontational if they feel they haven’t received
enough compensation for their “entertainment.”
If you find yourself in a situation where someone is being
overly aggressive, it is best to walk away confidently but calmly.
One of the most insidious scams targeting travelers is the
proliferation of fake travel document websites. These websites often masquerade
as legitimate services that offer expedited passports or visas, but in reality,
they aim to steal personal and payment information.
The website will not have a .gov address or may have a
misspelling in the name – like govv.uk.com instead of .uk.gov – that you may
not detect right away. Only the federal government can process passports, while
various authorized companies can expedite visa applications for a fee.
There will always be rip-off artists targeting tourists. To
avoid falling victim to these scams, remain vigilant, trust your instincts, and
always do your research before engaging with strangers or making transactions.
The best traveler scam-blocker defense is knowledge. Before
embarking on your trip, take the time to research not only your destination but
also the common scams that occur there. Many travel blogs, forums, and
government travel advisories provide valuable insights about how to identify a
threat and avoid it.
Despite your best efforts, you may still encounter a scam.
If this happens, it’s essential to remain calm and composed. If a con artist is
aggressive, avoid engaging in a confrontation. Politely, but firmly, walk away.
If you have been scammed or if you witness a scam, report it to local
authorities. This can help prevent others from falling victim to the same scam
and may assist law enforcement in addressing the problem.
Don’t let scams ruin your journey. Equip yourself with
knowledge and stay aware. That’s the best way to ensure a safe and memorable
trip.
NOTE: Harding Bush is a former Navy SEAL and associate
director for security operations at Global Rescue, the world’s leading provider
of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services.
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