Tips for Avoiding Tourist Scams and Cons

July 30, 2004 -- Bob Arno and his wife, Bambi Vincent, are expert travelers who've learned all the tricks of con artists and pickpockets in their travels around the world. In their new book: Travel Advisory! How to Avoid Thefts, Cons, and Street Scams While Traveling, they tell you how you can make it through a vacation without becoming a victim. Here are 10 of their tips:

1. Do your homework Travelers become victims for two reasons: They are inexperienced with the cons, scams and theft techniques used in foreign destinations and their awareness level is therefore below that of the locals. Petty thieves like to target travelers because they are easy victims and they carry rich wallets and purses — ripe pickings.

Countermeasure: Research your destination before your departure. Today nearly everything is on the Web. A few simple keywords like name of city, travel safety advice, and mugging will trigger pages of information. Upon arrival at your destination, ask additional questions. For example, where is the hotel in relation to what you want to do, cost of taxi from the hotel to airport, security, and whether it is safe to walk in the evening.

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2. Pickpockets are more likely to steal from a handbag or backpack than from your pocket. It's a misconception to think that thieves are only out for your wallet and cash. Many like credit cards with high limits, or an expensive digital camera or cell phone from your backpack, just as much as cash.Countermeasure: When traveling to new destinations, do what young Europeans do today: carry the backpack on your chest, use small locks to secure the zipper tabs, and never let your handbag dangle behind you while walking. Be particularly vigilant on crowded subways, trams, and buses.

3. Pickpockets are not always slick, skillful Fagin characters. They are more often low-end petty criminals who take advantage of a situation. Often the victims themselves give the pickpocket a golden opportunity. Sneak thieves work on the assumption that they can stalk an inexperienced traveler and find the right moment when he or she is not paying attention and simply grab the purse or bag.