Tourists are exposed to travel fraud. Travel scams are a threat; Not only do the unwary fall victim to it, but scammers and thieves also prey on experienced travellers. Travel scams happen all over the world, so you need to be careful when traveling. Be careful if you are planning a trip to a busy tourist area. Here are some common travel scams you should know about.
free WIFI
Don’t connect your phone to a free Wi-Fi network that doesn’t require a password to enter. It could be an access point of a hacker who can break into your personal data. Always check login details with staff when visiting a store, cafe or public place. Fraudulent Charging Ports Public telephone charging ports in airport post-security kiosks are safer as they are installed in restricted areas. However, avoid connecting your phone to a public charging station in high-traffic areas open to the general public, as the cables could install malware on your device, which could steal your data.
Map skimming
Credit cards and debit card skimming are the norm in foreign countries. This happens when someone takes your card for a regular transaction and illegally copies information from your card’s magnetic stripe. To reduce these risks, pay in cash or UPI and ask for your card to be retrieved if you sense anything suspicious is happening. Never share your PIN with anyone.
Pickpockets
This usually happens in crowded places. Pickpockets have different ways of distracting you. This can include a crowd of beggars pushing you around or a group of people publicly pushing you around or offering to help. This can be avoided by staying alert, being wary of unusual occurrences, and keeping valuables in more difficult-to-reach pockets.
Broken taxi counters
Unmetered taxis and unlicensed drivers often operate from airports to major tourist destinations. They charge a flat fee. In many cases, the cost is much higher than the metered rates. Sometimes they take you to shops and restaurants where they get a commission, and you can be overcharged. To protect yourself against such scams, use only licensed, metered taxis; try to negotiate; and consider calling Lyft, Uber, etc.
Trinkets and Fortunes
Popular international tourist destinations may have scammers who seem generous, often offering small valuables. Everything is fine until they demand massive money in return or hypnotize you. To avoid such situations, walk away instead of engaging in conversation. Even if it’s too late, try to return the valuable and leave.
carry the bag
This scam is run by an acquaintance or friend who asks you to smuggle a package across the border. They may offer money back, but these types of scams can cause problems because the bag may contain drugs or illegal items. Be vigilant and try not to carry packages for someone you just met, and even if you’re picking one up for someone you trust, make sure you know what’s inside. inside.
