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Published April 05, 2018
You found a cheap flight and you're on your way to vacationland. Now let’s make sure you hang on to those savings.
You see, it doesn’t matter if you vacation at a beach near your home or an ocean away; there are scammers all over who would dearly love to separate you from your wallet.
But avoiding rip-offs starts with recognizing them.
3 SAFETY TIPS EVERY TRAVELER NEEDS TO CONSIDER BEFORE A BIG TRIP
First of all, every traveler should be especially alert when entering popular tourist areas both domestic ad abroad. Check the U.S. State Department’s website for a country-by-country rundown of safety and security information while planning, but always be wary of the following, all-too-common scams.
Thieves distract you, then make the most of it. Here are a couple of sad scenarios experienced by acquaintances of mine while traveling in Europe.
It’s summer, so it’s a pleasure to sit outside and watch the world go by whether you’re in Paris or Portland, but don’t let your phone sit on the table unattended. Thieves have been known to glide past café tables, grab your electronics and disappear before you know they’re gone.
10 SUMMER VACATION SPOTS THAT WON'T BREAK THE BANK
Has someone ever come up to you and volunteered to take your picture? It might simply be a nice person who wants to help; or it could be someone who will take your camera/phone and make a run for it. Be wary of such volunteers; your odds are much better if you're the one asking for help taking a photo, if you need it.
Keep an eye out for ATM machines that appear to be tampered with. Also be wary of folks lurking nearby when you’re getting cash out — basically anyone who might be able to see you punch in a pin number, or badger you for change. When in doubt, go to another ATM, and use them only in daylight hours, if possible.
This is sometimes known as the grandparent scam, and the U.S. State Department says it usually works like this: Someone claiming to be a grandchild or a family member in trouble claims they need money, sometimes to get out of a jam, or sometimes to come visit. The scammer then asks that the victim keep the whole thing a secret.
Believe it or not, people fall for this scam. If you’re contacted, don’t send money to anyone you don’t know. And if this person claims to be a grandchild of yours, disregard the part about keeping it a secret and check with the child's parents immediately.
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In general, follow these simple ways to avoid becoming a victim:
Above all, be aware of your surroundings and use your common sense, and you’ll do just fine.
https://www.foxnews.com/travel/5-common-scams-rip-offs-and-robbery-tactics-targeted-at-travelers