Travellers Beware: 4 Travel Schemes that Can Rob You of a Great Trip
When you’re on vacation, it can be easy to get lost in the magic of a new city and to let your guard down. Remember, that is exactly what some criminals are looking for. Some of these travel “scams” are more annoying than harmful, but many are designed to either take your money or valuables, or to help someone else earn a commission of some kind. That is why it is important to make sure that you’re aware of some of the most common travel scams, in order to protect yourself and your loved ones.
1. Fake police
Picture this: you’re walking down the street, minding your own business, when suddenly a police officer demands to see your visa/documentation. Upon producing the requested documents, they inform you there is something wrong, which must be rectified by paying a fine. To them. In cash. Right now. Seems fishy, right? But it’s a very common scam. If you find yourself on the receiving end of this demand, insist on paying your “fine” at the station.
2. The confused taxi driver
You call a taxi to take you to the airport on your way home. Or perhaps you have dinner reservations and somewhere to be. The taxi driver either gets “lost,” or takes you on a scenic route, therefore lining their pockets with more money. This is pretty easily avoidable, if you think ahead. Firstly, ensure that you are only travelling with licensed taxi companies. Secondly, ask to pay in advance, and if that is not possible, insist that you agree to a price before going anywhere, and make sure to only leave the cab when they have taken you to where you expect to be.
3. Timeshares/Clubs
Perhaps you’re walking through your resort, or maybe you’re walking down the street. A local offers you a gift of some kind—anything from a t-shirt to a scratch card. Upon acceptance of it, they whisk you away to another location to try and sell you on a timeshare or a privilege club of some kind. Assuming you don’t buy, you have only wasted a few hours of vacation time. But if you do end up falling prey to their enticing sales strategies, you could be out thousands of dollars before you know what hit you.
4. “The spill”
You’re walking down the street in your best vacation clothes, when all of a sudden you feel something fall from above. Bird poop. Or maybe you’re at a concession stand, and the local beside you accidentally spills condiments all over your shirt. Either way, before you can think, a kind group of locals swoop in to help clean you up, cleaning out your pockets in the meantime. All before you realise what’s happened.
Many travel scams are well-oiled machines, and even the most knowledgeable travellers can fall for them quite easily.
With a little awareness and knowledge, you are likely to steer clear of many of these scams listed above. Above all, just always try to follow your gut, and remember that if something seems too good to be true, it often is!
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