Other than untoward incidents (like a broken rib), another equally frustrating and painful experience as a traveller is to be a victim of scams. Besides staying safe, it is crucial that we stay vigilant and look out for signs of a trickster or a scammer. After all, you wouldn’t want some seemingly polite stranger to walk away with your money just because you’ve fallen into his or her trap. These days, tricksters are getting smarter; they can even trick a seasoned traveller. As much as possible, one should avoid getting trumped by tricksters. This article will capture some of the most widespread tricks.
The spoilt camera ruse
Potential scene:
Trickster: Excuse me, can you take a photo of us please?
You: Sure
Trickster and group of friends: *smile for photo*
You: Err, I’m sorry; I think the camera isn’t working *Hands back camera*
Trickster: Oh my God, you damaged my camera.
You: *gasp*
Trickster’s gang of friends: You damaged the camera! Come on man, pay up right now!On the pretext of wanting a group photo to be taken, someone will approach you to ask for permission to do so. However, for some reason, the camera won’t function. When you hand the camera over, he or she will accuse you of damaging the camera. Then, the whole gang will either a) urge you to pay for the damages or b) steal your money in the midst of the commotion.
The scheming cabbie
My Spanish friend told me that she got conned by a taxi driver in Kuala Lumpur. Why am I not surprised? Even my South African exchange student friend back in my university days experienced it before. Since taxi drivers have the preconception that tourists are unfamiliar with the area, they will deliberately take routes that have high traffic, are longer, and even take you through dark alleys. If you didn’t already know, altered meters are installed in some cabs. So do be suspicious if the taxi fare goes up at a much higher rate than usual.If you’re at the airport, seek the assistance of airport staff when it comes to booking a taxi. Also, don’t be taunted by touts at the airport. Alternatively, you may want to use reliable taxi apps.
The drop and deduct ploy
Prevalent in Asia, waiters, among others will drop your coins or dollar notes by accident. He will proceed to pick up the dropped coins or notes by returning lesser coins or notes in the process.
The bogus police working in concert
Who has not heard of ordinary folk masquerading as a real cop? Common in cities like Bangkok and Mexico City, legitimate-looking police officers will approach and demand to check your shopping bags on the pretext of shop assistants alleging stolen or lost items from the shops. Whilst still recovering from shock the fake enforcement officers will rummage through your shopping bags or whatever you are carrying. Incredibly some items will be recovered and stern looking officers will demand a sum as settlement. More likely you will end up paying to avoid further trouble or hassle even though you may know you have been set up.
Unsecured Wi-Fi access
How many of us get excited whenever we see ‘open access’, non-password-protected Wi-Fi connections? If you’re not careful, hackers will gain access to your online accounts, computer and passwords. In order not to fall victim, remember to ask legitimate personnel for the official Wi-Fi. To be on the safe side, all your online activity should be encrypted. Alternatively, you could use a virtual private network (VPN).
Innocent-looking street beggars
Found almost anywhere in the world, innocent-looking street beggars are typically also physically-impaired, or pregnant. They can also be accompanied by a helper. You might have come across women with babies. Sometimes, begging syndicates plant children so that they can collect money where you will whip out your wallet in full sight of nearby accomplices. Who knows? You wouldn’t be aware if an accomplice is watching you from a short distance. For the gang of beggars, it is a strategy to pickpocket or worse rob you later. This is why it’s important to be wary of where your money is going. Make it a rule to never give your money away freely to street beggars, whose legitimacy is often questioned.
The fragile souvenir shop
You walk into a gift shop full of expensive but fragile items. Somehow in the course of touching or handling the items despite the ‘no touching’ signage, the items will either crack or the glassware is slippery, causing you to drop the item. Shocked and awed, the shopkeeper will zoom in on you.In sum, it is important to keep a lookout for anything suspicious or phony. Even then, you can never be confident enough about not falling for any tricks, traps and scams. Nonetheless, one should not forgo travelling just because of scammers.
SOURCES:
http://www.justtheflight.co.uk/blog/16-40-tourist-scams-to-avoid-this-summer.html
http://www.kuala-lumpur.ws/magazine/4-scams-kuala-lumpur.htm#
