This article is tourism topic.
Certain ordinary scams are ones that the traveler should know. They are designed to get your money or customer base on the wrong grounds. They can be divided into three different categories: overcharging, misleading or coercing the purchase of services you do not want, and direct theft.
Scams are not necessarily criminal, and the police may not have the will or ability to help victims. In the worst case, they may be involved, and some local law enforcement practices may be based on just the kind of earning or intrigue whose moral classification may not differ much from the scams on this list.
Scam prevention is based on advance knowledge: searching for information about your destination in advance will wake you up to scams in the area, as well as let you know general prices and really good attractions so you don’t have to rely as much on helpful people when you’re vulnerable.
But, if you do fall victim, don’t get too bad: after all, you’re dealing with people who knew the location much better than you and are trying to trick you. In some cases, you might even face experienced and hardened criminals. If you believe something that happened to you was illegal and you can trust the police, report it, or else just add it to your experience. Keep in mind, however, that if you want to make an insurance theft claim, you will usually need to file a police report within 24 hours and keep a copy for yourself for the insurance company.
Avoiding scams
A few common-sense rules of thumb may help you stay out of trouble without having to know exactly the scams in certain areas:
Preparation
- If you have travel companions, keep each other up to date on rough plans for each day
- Do not carry unnecessary cash or valuables (such as Louis Vuitton handbags, iPhones, etc.)
- Don’t make your foreignness a big number in high-risk areas. Don’t carry a lot with you, such as a camera and strap, dress like a local. Avoid common "tourist" aids such as maps or backpacks. Don’t be surprised if a vehicle with a registration number from somewhere far away and with well-known rental autologues is subjected to burglary or theft, as the villains realize you have a long way to go to testify against them, possibly even a language barrier.
- Do not keep your name visible in your bags, as someone may approach you and pretend to know you (if necessary, use an opaque bag mark)
- Alcoholic beverages as well as other intoxicants affect your judgment and should only be enjoyed with people you have good reason to trust
- Searching for information about your item, its general layout, and general price ranges will help against several scams. When you arrive in a new city, make a plan of where you plan to go, and beware that airports, train stations, and other similar places are usually exactly the places where advertisers and scammers expect potential victims to be offered "help."
- Knowing where you are going to go and what you want to do, as well as sticking to your plans, is a great way to avoid being scammed
- Knowing the language - albeit just the basics - will help you look less “foreign” and help you get help from locals if you become a victim
Warning signs
- Each country has its own areas where there is more crime. In general, these areas are low-middle-income areas, tourist areas, railway or other public transport stations, or nightlife areas. While the airports themselves are often safe, you may be in a dim neighborhood as soon as you step out the door.
- Remember that amazing offers as well as lavish profits are usually too good to be true and probably part of the scams.
- Beware of a stranger who seems to focus exclusively on you, especially if he or she is trying to persuade you to leave your group of friends or join an unfamiliar area.
- Power beggars, especially if they use children in turn (common scam).
- Regardless of the situation, if you are in a group of strangers and they know each other but not you, they have considerable dominance.
- Avoid sending money via Western Union or similar services to people or businesses you don’t know.
- Beware of charming strangers trying to arouse your sexual feelings; including, but not limited to, strippers and prostitutes.
Reaction
- Always discuss and agree on a price before accepting products, services or accommodation, and always keep proof of payment
- You don’t have to be polite or kind if someone refuses to leave you alone, even if you ask
- You also don’t have to answer dating questions from strangers. They may be not only friendly locals, but possibly also scammers trying to get the useful information out of you.
- Continuing to walk while offering an “awesome deal” may seem rude, but is common and many locals know it without any problems. Try to learn from them.
"Helpful" locals
Accommodation recommendations
Closed attraction
Art school
Coercion of aid
Just robbed
Border crossing points
The "official" asks for a souvenir
Applying for money from those being photographed
- See also:Photography # Stay safe
- See also:Video recording # Stay safe
A beggar's gift
Dirty shoes
Asking for medication for sick relatives
Fake cops
Overcharge
Rental car damage
Tolls
Changeover peak
Coin collector
Brokerage transactions
Currency exchange
Calculated price
Fair money exchange
Resale scam for gems or other things
Fakes
Art auction on a cruise ship
Non - exportable antiques
Color codes for plastic bags
"Cheap" airlines
Intimidation
Free tour
Passport as rent guarantee
- see also Crime # Passport or identity theft
Overcharged street vendors
Fake gambling
Cash on the sidewalk
Free hair salon service
Theft
Friendly locals offer drinks
Maradona scam
Car problems
Street fighting
Counterfeit tickets and stolen goods
Prostitutes
Taxi scams
- See also:Taxis
View route
Meter-free taxis
Using the wrong taxi fare
Luggage hostage
Charge per person
Food and drink scams
Two menus
Pane e coperto
Unlisted entrance fees
Scam bar throwers
Accommodation scams
Prepayment Scams
Convenience service prices
Allegations of damages
Disposal of property
Early eviction
Fake booking pages
Home accommodation networks
Higher prices with a small print
Forced update
Baggage or documents hostage
Refusal of refund
Reputation management
Early arrival or without reservation
Non-potable water
Dating scams
Online
Face to face
Connection scams
- See also:Communication
Wireless networks
Secure HTTP
Phones
see also
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