We revisit our Travel Scams thread with an update on some of the current and most cunning travel scams around. Make sure you don’t get caught out!
We live in troubled times. No, nothing to do with the economy or war but TRAVEL SCAMS! They are still around and we’ve uncovered even more that you should be aware of in this 3rd part of our Travel Scams blogs. The worrying fact of the matter is that there are so many more but these are the ones you’ll most likely encounter.
Punctured Tyres on Hire Cars
Where?
Most common in California but appearing elsewhere in the USA.
How?
The conmen/thieves target hire cars which are usually fairly obvious and quite often have the firm’s logo on the back. The most commonly reported method used by the thieves is to puncture your tyre before you leave the car park. They follow at some distance until the roads are quieter when they flag you down.
“How lucky we saw you” they say, “we’ll give you a hand changing your tyre”. One of them then duly proceeds to lend assistance and manfully struggles with the task. The other rifles through your luggage and takes whatever he wants.
How to Avoid
If you can’t change the tyre yourself, contact your hire car supplier to find out the best course of action. Decline any offers of assistance from passers-by unless absolutely necessary. Ensure vehicle is locked at all times.
Cashier on the Phone
Where?
Most common in Spain and Barcelona in particular. Starting to be seen elsewhere in Europe.
How?
You’re in a shop looking for some great deals or souvenirs. You approach the till in order to pay for your food/gifts/alcohol/other items. The cashier is busy playing on their phone and barely acknowledges you (we’ve all experienced that in Spain) and slowly scans your items. Eventually you hand over your credit/debit card to pay whilst muttering something about 1588 under your breath. Don’t take it personally though, they’re not being rude but actually using their camera to take photos of your card. These photos will later be used to clone your card.
How to Avoid
Simply ensure your card is covered at all times and nobody can see your PIN when you enter it.
Women Selling Rosemary
Where?
Mainly in areas with a high Gypsy population. Common in Madrid and also India.
How?
You’ll be sauntering along happily minding your own business when an old woman approaches. She will proffer a sprig of rosemary saying that it’s a sign of luck/friendship/gullibility (delete as appropriate). Quite often she will grab your hand and try to read your fortune, not surprisingly this comes at a cost. If you don’t pay up they often start to curse you and your family! How charming!
How to Avoid
Try and avoid eye contact if you spot her harassing someone else. If she approaches, firmly say “No thank you” and walk past.
Pickpocket Warnings
Where?
Common throughout Europe.
How?
A friendly and helpful local will approach and tell you that he’s just seen a pick pocket make off with someone’s wallet and you should be careful. In fact, maybe you should check you still have everything on you. You quickly pat your wallet, phone, keys etc. and thank the man for his concern and wander off.
But not all is what it seems. The helpful local has just discovered where you keep your valuables and either he or an accomplice will soon remove them from your pockets. Quite often they’ll draw your attention to signs warning people of pickpockets to appear genuine.
How to Avoid
Best case scenario here is to use a travel belt that can be worn under clothes etc. If you’re not wearing one, thank him for his concern but try not to check any pockets at the time. Make sure all valuables are in hard to reach pockets. Ensure all valuables are split between the group so you don’t lose everything at once if the worst should happen.
People Asking For Photos
Where?
Everywhere there’s a tourist.
How?
It’s a sad day when you can’t even trust your fellow travellers. This scam has been around for a while now and still catches people out because it’s so cunning. Essentially a group of people who are struggling to take a group photo will ask for your help. Being the kind and affable person you are, you immediately agree to take a lovely photo for them.
You line them up, say “say cheese”, and press the button. Nothing happens. You try again. Still nothing. You’ll look at the camera with a furrowed brow as one member of the group will come forward looking confused. You point out the camera isn’t working and hand it to him to see for himself. The camera never makes it. The scammer will let the camera fall from your grasp and smash on the floor below. The rest of the group will now come forward angrily demanding compensation for the broken and amazingly expensive camera.
How to Avoid
Make sure that they have a firm grip of the camera before you let go. If it has a strap, keep hold of this until you’re sure they aren’t going to drop it.
Friendship bracelet
Where?
This one’s been around for a number of years now. Popular in Paris and Rome, especially around Montmartre and the Spanish Steps. Also seen in Spain and Cairo.
How?
A man will approach you and offer a friendship bracelet. You of course refuse but even as you’re speaking he’ll be taking your hand in his. You have seconds to act before he skilfully ties numerous threads around your wrist and starts demanding payment. Sometimes they’re nicer and actually ask you to hold a piece of string before they tie you up. If you are caught out, KEEP IT ON, you can wave it at other scammers as a defence.
It’s also worth noting that these men sometimes work in pairs. Whilst one distracts you with his string skills, the other will pick your pocket.
Shameful confession:
This actually happened to me in Rome. The guy was so charming and smiley I let him off with 3 Euros and a warning not to do it again.
How to Avoid
I’m not the best person to ask here! The secret here is be firm and don’t hesitate. Firmly say “No thanks” and pull your hand back if they try to grab you. (NB remember, the bracelet can be used to ward off other bracelet sellers).
Have you been scammed on holiday?
If you or someone you know has been conned, let us know below or on Facebook and Twitter so we can warn others. We’re particularly interested in any new or particularly clever scams. In the meantime, stay vigilant, make sure you have travel insurance and have a great holiday.
A friend in Paris warned me about this and sure enough it happened and I was saved by being forewarned. A young girl or lady would approach you and point to a gold ring on the floor. She will ask you if it was yours. You say no. She will tell you that she would let you have it in exchange for some money like 20 euros. If you go for it you just bought a fake ring worth nothing. I told her to do the honest thing and take it to the police. Then left.
Glad you didn’t get caught out! Some of them are really good at palming items, other’s make it really obvious. It can be quite fun watching them try to con you if you know what to look for!
while in a restaurant in madeira , my blackberry telephone was in my coat in the boot of the car locked in , thieves opened the car and stole the phone
I reported to police they fingertipped the car etc spent a morning in funchal police station doing all the correct things
Took all relivent paper work home to my holiday insurance axia who refused to pay out as they said the phone was not mine as it was on contract!!
I still had to pay the £350 plus to the phone company to get another one
I think this a real scam and holiday insureance is what I paid for and did not get the cover