Travel Scams can ruin more than simply your vacation. Travel with Bill Bailey as we discuss how you can avoid travel scams while you travel. Be aware of the travel scams that you may encounter while you travel and make your vacations safer with tips on travel from Bill Bailey and avoiding travel scams.
Bill Bailey Recognizing Travel Scams That You May Encounter
There are many ways in which scams are attempted on unsuspecting travelers every day. Some of the most common travel scams are found in hotels, on the street, and even in your cab. Learn how to recognize these scams with some tips from Bill Bailey.
First, the front desk credit card scam. You have just arrived after a long trip and just want to check into your hotel. You check in, go to your hotel and settle in for a nice rest, looking forward to your next adventure. The phone rings and it is the “front desk” needing to verify some credit card information. When she asks you if these are the last four digits, you pull out your card and find they are not, you promptly read off the information to her, you have just been scammed. Someone now has your credit card information and you don’t even know it.
How to Avoid this scam
If someone claiming to be the front desk calls to clarify anything to do with your credit card, don’t give it out over the phone, period. Simply say that you can come down to the front desk in the morning to straighten things out and protect yourself.
Second, the taxi cab scam. You are waiting for a cab, someone drives up in an unmarked car and offers to drive you, claiming to be a taxi cab. You don’t even think twice about whether it is a real cab or not. You are out of your element and just assume. You may end up losing more than time with this cab. Many have lost money, luggage, have been attacked or much more.
How to Avoid this scam
Do not get in an unmarked car no matter what. Your safety is ultimately in your hands. If you don’t see proof that this is a real cab, wait until you see a real cab. They must be marked and will be recognizable from other cars on the street. Be smart. You wouldn’t get into an unmarked car at home, don’t do it while traveling.
Lastly, street travel scams. These are by far the most prevalent. People selling fake clothing, accessories, false tickets to events and destinations and pickpockets are a dime a dozen on the streets of any country. The best way to avoid these types of scams is to:
- Separate your money, don’t carry it all in one place, and never in your back pocket.
- Do not buy anything off the street
- Purchase you tickets at a qualified distributor or at the destination itself.
If you pay attention to your surroundings and use your common sense while traveling, you may be less likely to fall for these or other travel scams found throughout the world. As an experienced traveler, Bill Bailey reminds you to travel smart and bring your common sense with you on your next vacation to avoid travel scams.
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