Top Tourist Scams to Watch Out For

Whenever someone goes on vacation, they risk falling victim to a scam by a local. It's because these locals think that the tourists don't know about the local customs. But, if you do your research right, you can avoid falling for these tourist scams.

The important thing to do is research, be vigilant and protect yourself. Do research on the local culture to find out if there are scams to avoid. So that when you sense one is coming or see it, you can dodge it

Tuk-Tuk Scam

-Don't fall for this sinister scam

-This miniature vehicles are commonly seen in Asia, particularly Bangkok, Thailand, India and other parts of Asia. They are sort of motorcycles with a covering for passengers. These drivers think tourists are loaded and they will offer to drive tourists to places where they will shell out money for fake jewelry and more. Here's how to avoid those scam artist tuk tuk drivers.

• Download a map of the city and follow the directions on your mobile phone. This will help you navigate with ease and also avoid running up large taxicab fares.
• This particular scam runs around the touristy parts of the city, like Khao San Road in Bangkok
• Have a list of destinations that you do want to see. Insist strongly upon being taken there. If the driver starts getting pushy or veers away from the destination you insisted upon, find a different driver or get to that destination on your own
• There is also what is known as the Grand Palace Scam. This scam is paired closely with the tuk tuk con job. The driver will tell you the Grand Palace has been closed for days and offers to show you some other tourist destinations. Simply verify on the official website whether the Grand Palace is actually closed. Then you'll have the upper hand over the driver

Pickpocketing

-Keep extra sharp eyes for these little thieves

-In major cities, pickpocketing is a common occurrence. Locals know tourists from all over the world will come to see the sights. And in turn, will bring a lot of currency with them. Some locations are more prevalent to these little thieves, like the Trevi Fountain in Rome, the Eiffel Tower in Paris, Las Ramblas in Barcelona. These are popular tourist destinations and as such, are subject to thieves. These pickpockets take advantage of the fact that there are so many people, and so many people awed by the beauty of the location. Here are some ways to avoid falling victim to these thieves.

• Cancel all of your bank cards while out and about. That way, even if the thief takes your card, you'll have peace of mind that they won't get one red cent
• This scam is almost anywhere that is popular with tourists. Pickpockets count on the fact that tourists like to travel and will be so awed by the beauty of a foreign destination that they won't be paying attention. Keep sharp eyes out to have the upper hand
• DO NOT KEEP YOUR PURSE UNZIPPED OR YOUR WALLET IN YOUR BACK POCKET!! This makes it easy to get robbed!!
• To baffle and frustrate the pickpockets more, to not only your advantage but also amusement, separate the cards and cash so that, if worst comes to worst, you will still have access to money

Credit Card Fraud

-Avoid those mysterious charges when you're out of the country

-First and foremost, it's important to know that some countries have higher rates of credit card fraud and identity theft than others. India is said to be one of the higher risk countries for identity theft, along with Russia, China and some parts of Europe and the Far East. But, in terms of credit card fraud, popular destinations like Ireland or the United Kingdom are notorious for it. The reason being so many people from all over the world come to see the sights. There are plenty of horror stories out there about people getting mysterious charges on their credit card they don't remember making. There is always a fear that a scammer has somehow accessed your bank account and will wipe you clean of all your hard-earned funds. This can put a major downer on the nice vacation you were planning for months or even years. Despite happening in major places like Ireland and the United Kingdom, it can happen anywhere. Here's some ways to protect you and your hard earned funds from these sticky-fingered thieves

• This can be found anywhere in our massive world. Ireland and the United Kingdom, sadly, are especially known for it
• Check transaction receipts to ensure that you did get charged correctly. Keep a close eye on your bank balance
• Let your bank know when and where you're travelling so that they can red flag any transactions that they know were not made by you. Let someone at your bank know where you're going, when you are leaving and then coming back. Tell them that you might be using your card in this location from this date to that date. So that they can red flag anything that can be suspicious. If your card doesn't work overseas, that means the card is blocked. Someone has blocked the card from use. Don't call the company and get mad at that person; they are doing what they are trained to do. Be grateful for the fact that they are doing their job and protecting you.
• (I know about this type of situation because my mother worked in credit card fraud for a local bank for 10 years. She would get yelled at by cardholders who tried to use their card overseas and she had to block them. A great example includes a woman from New Jersey who was living in Ohio who went on vacation to Hong Kong one year. She tried to use her card and my mother blocked it. The woman called up and argued and my mother stressed to her that China was a high-risk identity theft country and that her card was blocked for her safety)

Fake Gladiator

-Rome is the top destination for all things gladiator-related, since the Colosseum is right there. Keep your eyes peeled for the "fake gladiators" running around

-People from all over the world come to see the famous Colosseum and learn all about its rich, but sometimes gruesome history. Tourists can get swept up in the awe-inspiring beauty of it. But there are those who have to put a damper on it by dressing as gladiators to take money from tourists innocent to this scheme. These scam artists will dress as gladiators and charge ridiculous amounts, up to 500 euros to pose for pictures. Here's how to avoid this

• This can be found in Rome, right outside the famed Colosseum
• First and foremost: DON'T TAKE PICTURES WITH THE GLADIATORS!!!
• Travel with a trusted tour company. This tour company will still take you to all of the wonderful sights Italy has to offer and you will run a lot less risk than you would going sightseeing on your own

The Taxi Price Hike

-Be cautious about taxi drivers raising the rate high

-There is a common thing among some taxi drivers. They will "claim" that their taxi fare meter is broken. The "broken taxi meter" is a likely excuse to bilk extra money from unwitting tourists. Don't fall for this otherwise you'll be paying a big bill for a short ride, which is exactly what these con artists want

-These drivers are counting on the fact that tourists to their country don't know the area well and that they don't understand the currency conversion rate. Luckily for you, there are some ways to baffle and even beat these drivers at their own game

• This scam can be found almost anywhere. But it's mostly relegated to airports
• Insist strongly that the taxi driver use a meter. If the cab doesn't have one or the driver puts off getting it fixed, simply get out and get another cab or another ride
• Download any sort of rideshare app that is operating in that country. Services like Uber or Lyft do have operational routes in other countries, but it might be a bit pricier. Do some research into this to have a backup plan. Use the airport-sanctioned taxis as well. They are very trustworthy
• Get a local-based SIM card to use in your phone. This will be handy when there is no Wi-Fi connection or you need to make a call to request a ride. And you'll also be able to look at your phone to kill time waiting for your ride

The "Oops, I spilled something on you" scan

-When a stranger spills something on you in a place crowded with people, be vigilant. It probably was not an accident

-Years ago, the site Reddit was alight with stories of people getting things spilled on them after bumping into you and expecting to be paid. For something you didn't do but instead they did. But, it seems this trick has been picked up overseas and modified just a bit. If you're going overseas, be extremely vigilant.

-If a klutzy stranger bumps into you and spills something on you, they will apologize profusely. They will help you wipe it away. At the same time, they will pickpocket you, taking your wallet and other valuables. Here are some ways to help overcome those klutzy locals

• Larger cities tend to have this scam perfected to a tee
• If a stranger bumps into you and spills something on you, insist on cleaning it yourself. Accept the apology and insist on cleaning it yourself. It could be an honest mistake, you don't always know
• Keep your valuables secure. Keep them in zipped pockets or securely closed bags. That way, if someone does try to relieve you of your hard earned valuables, and they can't get them, you win, they lose

The Street Performer

-Every city has them. Some you need to be on the watch for

-Street performers and buskers mean no harm. They enjoy performing for audiences to throw a little sunshine into someone's day. Unfortunately, some people have perverted the idea of sweet, charming street performances into a grimmer state. One to gain money in an unfair advantage with grim ideas in their head

-In countries like Germany, it's incredibly important to be extra vigilant. Street performers are counting on people being distracted while someone working close with them steals your wallet or other valuables. While's it's nice to enjoy the show, keep your eyes peeled for suspicious activity

• Most major cities have this scam, particularly many parts of Europe that have large cities and large amounts of tourists coming in
• Keep your eyes peeled for any suspicious activity. Even when enjoying a good local street performance, stay vigilant. Imagine you're a police officer keeping your eyes peeled for suspicious activity at a large event
• Keep your valuables in the hotel safe for extra precaution. And if the hotel safe is broken, keep your valuables in your suitcase with an extra strong lock that only you have the key for
• Remember. Not all street performers are criminals. There is only a small percentage who pervert the charming idea of a street performer to a bad end. Most street performers are innocent individuals who bring light and sunshine to a person's day. Tip them to show your gratitude