Be aware of common travel scams, and learn how to protect yourself when a scammer approaches. These include the “counterfeit bill” scam, “It’s close today” scam, and “processing fees” and “late booking” fees. Avoid these at all costs. You’ll never know what will happen, but it’s worth putting some precautions in place.
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Counterfeit bill scams
One of the easiest ways to protect yourself from a counterfeit bill scam is to learn about the local currency before you travel. Research the currency in the country you are visiting, and try to make small purchases with the local currency. If you can’t, always exchange your money into smaller bills at your hotel or at a bank. In case of any question, ask for help. In case of a scam, contact your bank, embassy, or consulate in your destination country.
Another scam involves approaching a mother with a baby and trying to collect money from tourists or locals. Avoid handing over your money to this woman, as she may be a distraction for a pickpocket. A baby, for example, is easy to distract, so avoid giving her your wallet or passport. Another common travel scam involves the “good Samaritan” who offers to help you, but he’s actually a fake police officer.
When traveling in a country with a large number of counterfeit bills, it’s important to protect yourself from these scams. To protect yourself, you should always insist on proper identification. Another popular scam involves the “it’s closed today” scam. Be cautious about what you post on social media sites, as scammers may use your personal information to create a fake identity. In addition to updating your security software, back up your content regularly, and never use public computers.
It’s close today scam
The “it’s close today” scam is a common travel fraud, especially in Southeast Asia, where you can be cheated out of a day’s worth of sightseeing by being accompanied by a stranger. You may be approached by a “good Samaritan” with a fake number, who will ask you to accompany them while they steal your card information. This scam is extremely frustrating, but there are a few tips you can follow to protect yourself.
Processing fees
There are several ways to protect yourself while traveling abroad, including researching fees before you leave. Many travel scams start as romantic relationships. If you have a card that you don’t use for international transactions, be sure to check for any charges on the card before you leave. You can also download a free currency converter tool to ensure you get a fair exchange rate. Ultimately, you should always do the math when you exchange currency. Travelers should be wary of these types of scams as they can easily trick them into giving out money.
Beware of processing fees. If you don’t know the difference between a buyer protection payment and a seller protection fee, it’s best to avoid transferring money to unscrupulous parties. Travelers should also never make deposits on rental properties without a contract. Similarly, they shouldn’t wire money or purchase gift cards that aren’t legitimate. You should always use a buyer protection payment method when making payments to avoid these scams.
Late booking fees
Whether you’re planning a vacation with your family or a romantic getaway for two, it is important to protect yourself from these scams. The government has done little to prevent these scams, but senators from both parties are pushing the government to do more. A letter to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) by Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar and Republican Senator Steve Daines, calling for more travel protection measures, states that 67% of American travelers plan to travel in the coming months.
To avoid becoming a victim of this scam, make sure you book your trip in advance. If you are using a credit card to pay for the trip, it is important to make sure the website is authentic. If a website doesn’t have a padlock, it is a scam. Also, always verify the website with a review. Be wary of ads on social media that claim to offer travel deals.
International departure fees
Avoid being a victim of travel scams when you travel. Travel scams happen everywhere and anyone can fall for one. Scam artists use a variety of tricks to deceive travelers, including offering to clean up a spill or picking their pocket when the victim is distracted. Here are some tips to protect yourself from these tricks. First, always wear identification while traveling. Second, do not show any signs of panic or fear. Third, avoid a lack of confidence and act confidently. The confidence will deter travel scammers from taking advantage of you.
Avoid bogus travel vouchers. Travel vouchers can be purchased fraudulently with stolen credit cards. When the supplier catches on, the criminal resells the vouchers and leaves the victim with worthless paper. Avoid using credit cards and instead use a bank or other payment method that is guaranteed to work. The added security and fraud protection that credit cards provide will help protect you against such scams.
Don’t use airport Wi-Fi. You may be tempted to use the Wi-Fi network to check your emails or get directions to tourist attractions. Unfortunately, this is a common place for travelers to get swindled. The Wi-Fi networks of public places can be unsecured and provide a perfect platform for savvy scammers. They will bill you with exorbitant prices for tickets and high charges – often in the five-digit range.
Avoid placing valuables in public places
Always keep your valuables hidden when you’re traveling, especially your wallet. Keep your cell phone and cash in a safe, locked place like your car trunk, and never leave travel money or documents in your wallet or purse. When possible, use a hotel safe or use a locker to secure your valuables. Never leave valuables on display, even in a lockable beach bag. This will protect you from potential thieves.
You’ve probably seen people with their expensive jewelry in plain view. Some of them wore rags to disguise themselves as less of a target. Similarly, don’t flaunt your expensive jewelry when you’re out and about. Not only will it draw unwanted attention, but it could even lead to theft. Luckily, government officials are doing their part to raise awareness about this global pandemic, and they’ve taken a big step towards educating the public.
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