Tourists are a favorite target for shady people, and if you’re not attentive, it’s easy to become a victim. Here are a few of the most common travel scams, along with precautions you may take to reduce the risk.
Fake Tours
Tours are popular with tourists who want to visit shops and memorable locations. False tours, on the other hand, entail extended visits to shops where the driver almost certainly obtains a covert commission from the proprietor. These trips could be lengthy, and you might not see the tourist attractions you were hoping to.
What To Do Instead
Look for qualified tour guides on platforms like Airbnb Experiences or other reliable travel sites or trip planner apps. Also, stay away from free or cheap tours as they are more likely to provide an unpleasant experience.
Pickpockets
Pickpockets come in many different types and sizes. These are the best-known variants:
- Bump and Grab: In a crowded area, a stranger runs into you and grabs something from your pocket.
- Friendly locals: You may encounter a bunch of locals who are quite talkative. It can be difficult to keep an eye on everyone because there are so many of them. Eventually, one of them has a brief window of opportunity to remove something, such a laptop, from your backpack.
Public WiFi Networks
Free Wi-Fi networks that don’t require a password to access should be avoided. You can be connecting to a hacker hotspot that makes it simple for them to take control of your phone or computer.
What To Do Instead
Verify the login information with a staff member before connecting to the first network you come across in a cafe, store, or open area. This information might also be included in a menu or other formal writing.
ATM Skimmers
Two people around an ATM kiosk may be working on an elaborate scheme. Typically, one is a spectator who looks to be informing the individual attempting to withdraw money that the machine is broken. The unwitting tourist then approaches and obtains aid from a spectator, but ends up inserting their debit card into a skimmer.
What To Do Instead
Look for ATM kiosks in a bank lobby or other trusted location, as the machines are less likely to be tampered.
Fake USB Charging Ports
When using a public charging cable at a mall or other busy area that is accessible to the general public, you should exercise caution.
It’s possible that the cable is infecting your device with malware that can steal your personal data.
What To Do Instead
If feasible, bring your own power adapter and charging cable and plug it straight into a power socket. An additional choice is to take a small battery bank in your carry-on luggage.
The post 5 Common Travel Scams In 2022 – And How To Avoid Them appeared first on Traveling Lifestyle.
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By: Maria Valencia
Title: 5 Common Travel Scams In 2022 – And How To Avoid Them
Sourced From: www.travelinglifestyle.net/common-travel-scams-how-to-avoid/
Published Date: Mon, 03 Oct 2022 16:03:08 +0000
