Fraud Tip of the Day - June 1

How to avoid being scammed while traveling

Keep these travel tips in mind and avoid being scammed when you're taking your summer vacation or traveling throughout the year.

Vacationers are a favorite target for thieves. Everyone knows travelers often carry cameras, jewelry, credit cards and cash with them. All it takes is a momentary distraction for you to lose your valuables. Criminals also know tourists are often busy taking in the scenery, which can distract them from danger. We begin June with a list of common travel scams so you can be better prepared this travel season.

Common Travel Scams

• Don't accept taxi rides from people that approach you in airport baggage areas offering you taxi service discounts. If you take them up on their offer you may end up paying more than you should when the taxi driver takes a longer route to your hotel. Your best bet for an honest cab ride is the airport's taxi stand.
  
  
• When the front desk tells you your room number make sure no one else could hear. Thieves are known to hang out in hotel lobbies gathering information on guests when they check in. If in doubt, ask for another room.
  
  
• Be wary of "shoulder surfers" when using public telephones. Vacationers are often targeted for their calling card numbers. They're stolen when you type the numbers into phone keypads. Make sure you cover the pad by cupping your hand over the keypad or otherwise block your entry from preying eyes. There may be times you have to say your number out loud when speaking to an operator. When doing so, make sure no one else is within earshot.
  
  
• Be alert for distractions that could expose you to thieves and pickpockets. Examples are children showing you toys, garbage being thrown at you, squirting things on you, attractive members of the opposite sex rubbing against you, or situations where you're expected to help someone out of compassion.
  
  
• Travelers are a popular target of car accident scams for insurance money. Be on the lookout for vehicles cutting you off or stopping in front of you suddenly and for no reason. If you hit them, you'll be blamed immediately for damage to their car and personal injuries. If you're involved in a car accident while on the road, take photos of the scene and write down as many details as you can. The other driver may claim more serious injuries or car damage than you saw.