The types of scams one may encounter include fake tours, even fake tickets, and in touristy areas, often prices are inflated and visitors may likely find the same items for sales a lesser prices if they just shop in a regular residential area.
Tourists really put their trust in the driver if visiting an area for the first time and are unaware of routes and where things are located at the destination. That taxi just might be taking the long scenic route to bump up the taxi fare.
So what about tourists who decide to take driving into their own hands and rent a car? What happens if they get pulled over by the local police? Are there really fake police officer scams? Unfortunately, yes there are. Scammers may pose as law enforcement individuals when their goal all along is to get the visitor to pay a fine on the spot or perhaps even offer a bribe. Always know the number to the local police and stay in the locked car as a call is made to request another officer on the scene.
Just like when at home, always be aware of surroundings. Distraction is the most often used tool for thieves to attempt to steal a tourist’s belongings. And while at the ATM, pay attention to anyone who may be around and do not make entering the PIN readily visible to anyone standing nearby.
What is the Top Travel Scam?
Most who travel have a mobile phone and access Wi-Fi for everything from restaurant locations to bank account balances to GPS directions. You name it, it is being done with a phone over the Internet.
Most Wi-Fi scams will of course occur over public networks which may not be secure. Hackers create fake Wi-Fi hotspots so they can intercept users’ data being transmitted between the device and the Internet, meaning they can see data like credit card numbers and passwords.
The best protection is to use trusted Wi-Fi networks that are already known to be secure, such as the traveler’s mobile phone carrier. Using websites with https addresses ensures that connection is being made securely. If the hotel has a Wi-Fi network – or restaurant, etc. – verify the address with someone who works at the establishment before just hopping on to something that sounds like it should be secure or should be the right one.
Other alternatives include using two-factor authentication for accounts so that even if a password does get stolen, a second form of authentication will still be needed to gain access to the account. There are also virtual private networks (VPNs) that will encrypt Internet connections making it harder for hackers to intercept data even when using public Wi-Fi.
If travelers just do their homework before they leave on their trip, then the experience really can be the carefree journey it was meant to be. And remember, if something feels off, trust those instincts, because it is better to be safe than sorry.
SOURCE: Top Travel Scam Revealed BY: eTurboNews |..