Apr 22 2008
Travel Scams
If you travel a lot, learning about travel scams will defiantly pay off. The majority of travel scams happen in large cities but even if you live in a rural area this does not mean you should not be aware of travel scams. Cultural differences, barriers in language, and strange surroundings are all things that make a tourist easy targets for travel scams.
Whether you decide to venture into the next town or overseas, you will probably come into contact with con artists and convincing actors who will try to take your money by playing someone that is handicapped or poor. They may also try to make you feel guilty if you choose not to help them.
There are a number of travel scams to be aware of. First, there is the No Fuel scam. If you travel to a location, a strange person may approach you and let you know that they have run out of gas as they were traveling home. The person desperately needs to get gas in order to get to a family funeral. The person will tell you that he and his family members are Christians so you can trust them. If you get approached by someone like this when you travel, offer to go with the person to the closest gas station. What will most likely happen is that they will come up with an excuse and leave.
Next there is the Precious Item scam. When you travel and a stranger will stop you and ask you for directions. They will ask for money as well. When you give the directions to the person, they should thank you with a “valuable” gift. The person will place something like a bracelet on your arm as a demonstration. When you are not able to remove it, you will feel as though you have to pay for the item.
Another version of this scam is when someone nearby will supposedly find a watch that is valuable on the ground near you and then offer to sell the item to you. These items have no value so you need to avoid paying for the items and be sure not to lend them any money.
When you travel you should also be aware of Diversion Theft. You could be traveling in your car and then your car will get a flat tire. Someone will pull up and assist you. While the first individual is working on your flat tire, his accomplice will steal your luggage out of your car.
Another version of this travel scam is when you are taking a walk through the city and either ketchup or bird poop gets splattered on your shirt. A con artist will assist you in cleaning yourself off and lifts your wallet in the process. This version of the travel scam can work the opposite way as well. There may be someone that will ask you to assist him with a problem and while you help them, your wallet will be stolen. There are many ways con artists create diversions so keep an eye out.
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