Con men, hustlers and other scam artists often target obvious tourists as their victims. By being alert and knowing what to watch out for--you can avoid being taken during your journeys abroad. Read on for some safety tips.
Never hand your wallet to anyone. One popular European con involves crooks in police uniform who stop you on the street, show phony badges and request to check your wallet for "funny money" or drug cash. It's all a ruse to clean you out of your hard-earned cash.
Beware of photographers that snap your picture at famous landmarks without even being asked. This is typically followed by a request to pay them before waiting for them to return from their nearby studio with your pictures. They never come back, and neither does your money.
Lookout for that "free" drink. There's one scam with a few different takes on it that involves being invited to a bar by a beautiful gal or handsome guy; after a few drinks your new friend has slipped away and a massive bill awaits.
Be aware of pickpockets, particularly at large gatherings or on busy streets, and beware of possible diversions-someone spilling their ice cream on your shoes, or a couple arguing loudly nearby-that could be intended to take your mind off of watching your money.
Another scam involves a found object-such as an expensive-looking watch, that a stranger appears to suddenly find on the ground or somewhere else around you. It won't be long before they're trying to sell you the item, and at a "bargain" price no less.
Overcharging cab drivers is a common way tourists get taken. One way to try and avoid this is asking ahead of time how much the fare will be-and not being afraid to negotiate if the price seems steep.
