Avoiding Scams Against Travelers

Travel is one of the world's largest industries, and it is growing. Unfortunately, a related growth industry is ripping off travelers. For local scam artists, each new tourist season brings in a fresh crop of inexperienced travelers who have not yet learned the tricks of the road. Inevitably, some of them end up learning the hard way. Reading the following paragraphs is learning the easy way. First, divide up your valuables

So that you will have some identification and money left no matter which bag gets stolen. Go to a travel store and get a hidden money belt. There are many designs available, all of which work fairly well. Keep your passport and the bulk of your valuables there, and just keep enough money for the day in your pocket. In high crime areas, you might consider having one money belt, and one neck pouch or leg pouch. Dress as if you are poor.

You don't have to wear clothes with holes in them, but don't wear jewelry, fancy watches, expensive shoes, or upscale clothes. Try to blend in with the locals.

Fanny packs make you look like a tourist, and therefore a target. Day packs have a similar effect. Instead, try to find some local equivalent, often made of native cloth. Choose something modest. It is less likely to be stolen, and it will make a good souvenir. (Reverse psychology: wear a fanny pack, but don't keep anything valuable in it. If you get robbed, they will take the fanny pack, and your passport will be safe in your hidden money belt.)

Be on guard whenever you have luggage with you in public. While waiting in lines, stand on a backpack strap, or keep your bags leaning against the front of your legs. If they start to move, you will notice. When sitting down at an airport or train station, lock your bag to something immovable. If you are sleeping, sleep on top of your bag.

Look out for intuitive "red flags." Anytime a stranger approaches you with a story which involves giving him your money or possessions, no matter how sincere the stranger may seem, you should be very careful and very suspicious. Con artists can be quite convincing. It's their job. If you never give them anything, even "just for a moment," you have a much better chance of keeping what's yours.

Talk to people about current scams. Talk to hostel or hotel owners, tour guides, cabbies, and fellow travelers to find out what is trendy with local thieves.

Above all, be aware of your surroundings. Oblivious tourists are a thief's favorite mark. By being streetwise, watching things happening around you, dressing modestly, and keeping your belongings close to you, you will encourage most thieves to pick another target.