How to detect travel fraud

October 10, 2008 | By admin In Tips |

You have to be very careful when you are traveling. There are so many different ways that people can scam you. The big cities are prone to more scams than smaller cities. Some of the reasons for scams are unfamiliarity, first time travel, barrier with the language and differences in the culture. You definitely need to do heavy research on your travel destination before you attempt a trip there. On the Internet, you will find crime information of various cities in different countries. You can also call the embassy for information. There are also travel brochures available at the travel agency where you live. You do not have to be scared to travel. As long as you do your research, you should be OK.

Group travel is also another way to prevent you from being scammed. When you travel in groups, the likelihood of getting scam is lower. Scammers find it harder to approach a group unless you are cornered or mobbed.

When you go to a foreign country, be very leery of those who pose on the street corners as blink and crippled. People make this a hobby and while some of them really need help, there are some that are con artist trying to steal from you. They present themselves as being poor and in need only to make you feel guilty and succumb to your feelings with empathy.

Look out for anyone who asks for directions. Most locals can detect that you are a foreigner from afar so they will take advantage of you and try to get your attention by asking for the directions and then try to sell you something and harass you.

Be wary of pick pockets. Ask at the hotel which local areas you need to avoid. Someone will be happy to tell you. You really need to stick with the hotel’s entertainment itinerary, but if you must go out locally, ask questions.

When you are traveling overseas, it is best to know how much your currency exchange is worth. If you don’t know, anyone can scam you into giving you less for each dollar you exchange. The currency exchange should be visibly displayed in the establishment so that you know what it is. If you have to ask, then get out of there as fast as you can.

It goes without saying that taxi drivers will also take advantage of any lack of knowledge about the country’s exchange rate. If the cab driver finds out that you don’t know, then that person will overcharge you especially if the tax does not have a meter. Make sure you take a taxi cab that has a visible meter. The cab driver will go as far as to take alternate routes that are longer to put more time on the meter.

Be careful of anyone how approaches you to ask for money. You are considered a tourist and most people think that a tourist doesn’t have bills and probably had to save up for years just to go on a vacation.