Each year, millions of Americans travel outside of the United States, and it creates numerous opportunities for the foreign con artists that target unsuspecting tourists. These fraudulent schemes often involve the extortion or theft of money, posing significant risks for vacationers, students, businessmen, and other US travelers visiting traveling abroad.
FRAUDULENT RESERVATION SCHEMES
When planning an upcoming foreign trip, US travelers must remain vigilant against various online scams designed to deceive them. These may include fraudulent offers for hotels, flights, and vacation packages advertised through social media or sent directly via email, often appearing to be too good to be true.
One may also receive emails regarding fake cancellations or be redirected to a realistic imitation of a legitimate website, prompting you to enter your personal and financial information. These tricks are designed to extract additional funds from you bank account or your credit card, or to get a hold of your sensitive personal data.
It is vital to verify the validity and legitimacy of URL of any website you visit and refrain from clicking on suspicious links. Make sure you search directly for the hotel or airline to verify whether the offers are legitimate or merely too good to be true.
TAXI FARE SWINDLES
Many US travelers have also become victims of unscrupulous taxi drivers who would charge exorbitant amounts for their services. Taxi drivers may use a meter that increases too rapidly or may try to negotiate a fare with the rider without using the meter altogether. Confirming the expected cost of your ride in advance would give you a significant advantage and a peace of mind.
The traveler can also run into an unlicensed taxi operator, which even though while appearing legitimate, would lack a proper meter or safety certification. Such unlicensed taxis may demand even higher fares or take you to the wrong destinations.
To make sure that your taxi ride is safe and fair taxi, ask for help from your hotel staff or the official tourist board in arranging a taxi ride, since they are acquainted with reputable taxi operators.
At all times, avoid entering any unlicensed taxis and do not hesitate to ask the driver to pull over if the fare seems unusual.
If the negotiated fare appears reasonable, finalize the price before starting your journey to avoid any unexpected charges.
‘FREE PRESENT’ CONS
The ‘free gift’ scam typically involves a person who appears friendly and benevolent, and offers you a bracelet, hat, or some other small item presented as a ‘free present.’ Later, they will typically demand payment from you for the item ‘gifted’ to you, and may create a public scene to pressure you into complying, by trying avoiding any potential embarrassment.
Another similar tactic has a person offering to take your photograph, only to later demand money for ‘services rendered.’ It is very important to be vigilant when approached by strangers offering something for free and maintain the resolve to disengage at once from situations that may lead to coercion.
If a stranger places an item on you, it is prudent to reject it or give it back at once. Simply walking away can be an indicator that you are not a target worth chasing. Typically scammers would not pursue their tactics after such a retort.
INCORRECT CHANGE SCHEMES
It is also very important to acquaint yourself with the local currency and accurately count any change received, as some local vendors may try to deliberately shortchange you or even cheat you out of the change you are owed entirely. Dishonest traders quite often assume that foreign visitors will be in a hurry and may not pay close attention to the amount received.
Shortchange scams are particularly common in countries where the local bank notes are similar in appearance or in environments where some distractions can easily interfere with the transactions. Con artists may hand you back a handful of coins, expecting you to accept the change without counting it.
Do not hesitate to count your change to make sure that you receive the correct amount, even if a line of customers is long and you feel pressured to move on. It is also beneficial to familiarize yourself with the various denominations of coins and bills in advance, to make sure you can tell whether you are being shortchanged.
‘FRIENDLY LOCAL’ HUSTLES
While there are many people who may offer you a genuine assistance, there will be a number of grifters aiming to create a deceptive sense of trust. These con artists often approach unsuspecting victims in public spaces, offering to direct them to a particular location or asking for help with an unexpected expense.
Such scams can occur in many different ways, and may include a friendly person inviting you to a restaurant or a bar planning to run a substantial tab that you will be left to cover, or a local resident leading you to a store or a market with pricey items, pressuring you into making a purchase.
It is very important to remain cautious when approached by strangers and to critically assess their motives for seeking your assistance or offering something seemingly pleasant. It is strongly recommended to continue with your activities and firmly decline their offers, even if they are being persistent in their approach.
PICKPOCKET CREWS
Foreign visitors also frequently become targets of single pickpockets or organized groups, especially in crowded locations known for high crime rates. Pickpockets often see foreign travelers as more susceptible to deception, assuming they may be carrying cash or valuables on their person.
Distraction techniques used by these thieves may include bumping into victims and offering assistance in retrieving dropped belongings, striking conversation with potential victims while an accomplice steals from them, or diverting attention to nearby attractions or performances while theft occurs among the audience.
To protect ones valuable possessions, it is strongly recommended to leave them in hotel safes and remain alert, as thieves typically focus on outer pockets or bags that are easily accessible. Consider investing in anti-theft devices, such as locks and hidden compartments, and remain cautious of unexpected physical interactions.
