Fraud Tip of the Day - June 1
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 come up to you in airport baggage areas offering you a bargain rate for the ride to your hotel. At best, you'll pay a wildly inflated price for a roundabout journey. Instead, head for the official taxi stand outside.
- When you check in at a hotel and the front-desk clerk announced your room number within earshot of others, demand a different room. Otherwise you may find yourself prey to a thief or worse.
- Exercise caution when you're using public telephones and be aware of "shoulder surfers," who hang around public telephones. They'll steal your calling-card number when you punch it into the keypad. Block their view, and cup your hand around the keypad. Be equally cautious about speaking the numbers out loud to an operator.
- While walking, stay alert to diversionary tactics used by a pickpocket or thief. One popular routine involves a stranger's throwing garbage at you or squirting you with mustard. While a second person rushes to help you, a thief unnoticed, may relieve you of your belongings.
- Beware of accidents used to collect insurance money. One or more cars may cut you off or stop suddenly in front of you and cause the accident. They other driver will blame you for injuring him and his car. Later his insurance will claim more injury or more serious vehicle damage than you observed. Keep detailed notes.
