Unsuspecting tourists can easily become the target of thieves and scams. By being aware of how to avoid this deception, you can keep your vacation from “getting stolen”.

Oftentimes thieves work in groups and unfortunately will use children, pregnant women, or women holding babies as a distraction. They may come across as the “friendly local” who is just “trying to help”. A vacation can go downhill quickly if your money, passport, or personal items get stolen.

But you can keep this from happening by traveling smart.

Thieves watch for an opportunity to “swoop in on their prey”. Don’t set your purse or any other valuables down when shopping, on public transportation, at the beach, in the airport, or any other public place.

Thieves come in all ages, shapes and sizes. They may be well-dressed, attractive, scary looking, or appear poverty stricken. Be cautious and do not be too trusting of strangers, just as you would at home.

Getting to know the local people is one of the best parts of the adventure, so this serves only as a reminder that, even though you are in the relax mode, it pays to remain diligent.

A good way to protect your valuable documents (passport, visa, etc.), larger amounts of cash, and extra credit cards, is to use a money belt.

Diversions that Thieves (or pickpockets) may Use:

A tactic used by thieves is to create a diversion that will distract tourists. Here are some typical stunts they will try to pull.

Drop and Spill:
One person may drop something in front of you…or spill on you. If you attempt to pick the item up, or are distracted trying to clean yourself off, they (or their partner in crime) will make their move and try to steal your valuables.

Bump and Distract:
Thieves oftentimes work in groups. One may ask you for directions, bump into you, or try to distract you, while another person attempts to steal your goods.

Putting on a Show:
Thieves may create a distraction by using an animal or putting on a “show” to get tourists to gather around while another quickly grabs any valuables left unattended. This recently happened to some friends. They were on a beach when some children used a couple of turtles to entice people to watch them. Several people moved closer to watch the kids, while the other partners in crime grabbed purses, wallets, and other valuables left behind.

Friendship Bracelet:
A vendor may pull you in by attaching a “friendship bracelet” to your wrist (as part of their demonstration) and then ask you to pay substantially more for it than what it is worth. Since the bracelet may be hard to get off, tourists feel trapped into paying for it.

Too Good to be True Price:

A “friendly” salesperson may start a personal conversation with you and then make it sound as if you both have something in common. They will then try to sell you a “fake” item for a much higher price. For example, they may show you a ring and say it is fine gold, and then tell you that since you are now their new friend, they will sell it for a fraction of what it is worth. You then later find out it is a cheap imitation.

Charity:
A person may come up to you on the street in distress and say that they need money for some kind of emergency or charity case. Groups of children (who are in a gang of thieves) may look sad or poverty-stricken and come to you as beggars. As they distract you, the other children are going through your pockets.

The “Accidental” Fall:
A person may pretend to fall in front of you and then seek your assistance, while their accomplices go for your pockets or valuables.

The “Helpful” Thief:
Some thieves hang out by ATM’s or subway ticket machines and then offer  to help confused tourists. They will then either try to get your pin number or purchase several subway tickets for themselves…at your expense. Or once you get your money, they steal it and run.

Phony Police Officers:
Some thieves disguise themselves as “phony” police officers. They will pull you over while driving or walking on the street and flash a fake badge and then demand to have your wallet or purse so they can check it for drug money. They then remove some of the money and then return it to you. Never give your wallet or purse to anyone.

Phony Room Inspectors:

You may receive a knock on your hotel door where two men pose as room inspectors. They demand to come in your room to inspect it, and then quickly steal valuables or money. Do not let any strangers into your room. Call the hotel desk if “inspectors” suddenly show up at your door.

Take my Picture:

A thief may ask you to take a picture of them in front of a special sight and then hand you a camera or their phone. It usually doesn’t work though, so as you hand it back, they pretend to drop it and it breaks. They may then ask you to pay for it (since it was your fault, of course) or pickpocket you while you are trying to help them pick up the pieces.

Merchant Scams:

Become familiar with local currency and know how to calculate it to make sure merchants give you the correct change. Some disreputable merchants will try to scam you by giving incorrect change. Others may do what is called the “slow count”. They will count your change back very slowly and pause several times, hoping you will be in a hurry and just grab it and go…after they have just short-changed you.

Be careful when you pay with a large bill for a small payment due. Some waiters, vendors (or cabbies) may pretend to drop the bill and then “pick up” a smaller bill they had hidden…making you think you gave them that instead. To avoid getting scammed, state the amount of the bill you are handing them and have them confirm that this is correct.

If the cashier is talking on the phone while you are checking out, watch (and listen for a click) to make sure they do not take a picture of your credit card…only to use it later.

Don’t Stop for an Accident:

Thieves will stage a minor accident and then try to get tourists to stop—making them an easy target to rob or steal their car.

Taxi Scams:

There are honest taxi drivers and there are dishonest (and possibly dangerous) ones. The honest ones can provide you with a wealth of information and assistance. But be aware of possible scams by cabbies.

For safety reasons and to avoid getting overcharged, use only taxis with a prominent taxi-company logo and telephone number. This is very important when traveling. Unsuspecting tourists have been beaten, killed, or raped when using transportation that they thought was a taxi. The clerks at your hotel can assist you with finding a reputable taxi service.

Have the cabbie use the meter and agree on a price up front—a common trick may be to charge a higher rate. If you believe you are being taken advantage of, offer to call the police and have them settle it. Many taxi drivers are afraid of the police and may back down.

Map out your route in advance and know how many miles it takes to get there. Inform your cabbie of this and ask them to take the most direct route. Some may take an indirect route that adds more miles and ups your costs.

Be aware that if a taxi is called for you, oftentimes the meter starts running from the time of the phone call. Taxis should not charge you per person, but some may try. Before you get in,make sure the driver matches the picture posted on his license and write down the license number of the taxi in case anything accidentally gets left inside, or to report any overcharges that might possibly take place. It is a good idea to give a copy of this to the hotel clerk.

How to Avoid becoming a Target:

Consider any commotion or type of diversion as an opportunity for a thief. Do not fall prey.

Driving Abroad:

When driving abroad, keep your doors locked and windows up (when driving through towns etc.) Thieves have been known to reach in vehicles and grab purses, laptops, and other valuable items while tourists are stopped or driving slowly. Some thieves will throw tacks on the road and then offer to help you change your tire when it goes flat, or they may run up and clean your windows at a stoplight and then want you to pay them. Don’t leave any valuables in a parked vehicle.

• Keep valuables and belongings out of sight – preferably locked in the trunk.
• Know your route ahead of time as well as alternatives. Find out what areas to avoid from  your hotel concierge or other reliable sources. You don’t want to end up in a bad neighborhood that is known for crime.
• Keep the gas tank full—you may not know how far it is to the next station.
• Avoid renting expensive automobiles or SUV’s when abroad. These will call attention to you and thieves will know you are a tourist.
• Don’t pick up hitchhikers.
• If you are flagged down or asked to stop by the locals, don’t do it. These situations oftentimes are criminal related.
• Some countries recommend you stay on main highways or avoid driving after dark.

Avoid Carrying your Laptop in Public:

Don’t carry your laptop in public, if possible. A laptop oftentimes signifies wealth in other countries, and thieves love to target these. If you need to carry it, carry it in a bag that does not look like a laptop case, and wear the strap diagonally across your chest.

Keep Valuables out of Sight:

Don’t leave items in sight in your hotel room—they may get stolen. Keep valuable items locked in the hotel safe behind the front desk.

Don’t Give the Appearance of Being Lost:

Try to avoid the appearance of being lost. Try not to stand and look at a map or your cell phone. Review the map before you leave or go to a restaurant and check it out. Stay alert to your surroundings.

Clothing and Jewelry:

Dress to blend in with the locals.  Avoid wearing expensive jewelry in public or wearing clothes that make you look like a tourist (clothing with a U.S. sports team name or the U.S. on it, items with flags, etc.).

Recommended Bags:

Don’t carry tote bags or purses that just snap shut (zippered ones are harder to get into). Straps should be diagonal across your chest, rather than carried over one shoulder (which can easily be yanked off). That also keeps you from setting your purse down—making it an easy target.

Alcohol Use in Public:

Limit alcohol use in public. Thieves look for those who have had too much to drink. Some have been known to put drugs in the drinks of tourists, so they can rob them…or worse. Do not take a drink from a stranger or leave your drink unattended.

Avoid Accessing Personal Files on Public Wi-Fi:

Thieves hang out in public places that tourists frequent…like public Wi-Fi spots. They can hack into your files and obtain personal data and information about your bank account or credit cards. Avoid accessing your bank, credit cards, or any other personal information on Wi-Fi connections.

For insightful travel ideas, check out my book:

  Know Before You Go: Traveling the U.S. and Abroad

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