April half term is finally here and search volumes for “travel scams” have increased by 160% amid fear that last-minute holiday bookings may pose as a target for scammers.
To help avoid this, experts at Scams.info have provided expert tips on how to avoid the most widespread scams targeting tourists abroad, including insight knowledge from scams expert, Nicholas Crouch.
1) Transport
When taking trips abroad, its vital to consider how you will travel throughout the country beforehand. Unregulated airport taxis could take advantage of the fact that you aren’t local and may be uneducated on typical fares. As a result, you could be charged extremely high rates or taken to the incorrect destination which pays the taxi a finder’s fee, rather than the hotel, restaurant, or business you requested.
To avoid this, travellers should always research reliable, licensed taxi firms. In most countries, taxi drivers are required to carry and display their ID badge in the vehicle. Always ask the driver what the fare will be, before starting the journey. If the driver refuses to show you their ID or pre-warn you of fares, book with a different taxi firm and do not enter the vehicle.
2) Hotel and Accommodation
When booking accommodation online, ensure to fully research the facility before booking. Look for reviews with images and check to make sure it’s a registered building. An increasing number of adverts are appearing to show accommodation that isn’t real, outdated, and different to the visuals provided. By booking through reputabletravelagencies, you can avoidillegitimateaccommodation as the agency will cover all the above bases for you.
3) Pickpockets
Pickpocketing is a common scam in popular tourist destinations such as Barcelona and Paris. Scammers may interact with you directly, to allowtime for a thirdparty to steal from under your nose whilst you’re distracted. When in crowded, public spaces, it’s always vital to keep your personal belongings close by. It’s best practice to leave valuables at home, but if you must bring them with you, store them in a money belt or bum bag to preventtheft.
4) Public Wi-Fi
Most hosts will offer holidaymakers the services of their shared public Wi-Fi. Whilst this is convenient, it’s key to remember that public Wi-Fi may not be as secure as your private network at home. When browsing the internet, make sure you don’t use sites and apps that involve inputting personal information, like contactdetails or bankcarddetails. Alternatively, you can download a VPN, which will allow you to block any unwarranted third-party companies from accessing your data.
5) Activities and excursions
When booking excursions or additional activities during your trip, always book through an official company. Some illegitimate companies may lack the health and safety precautions necessary to keep you safe abroad. The safestoption is to book any extra activities or excursions directly through the official travel agency that you booked your trip with. If you choose to book with a third-party, thoroughlyresearchthe company beforehand and always look at previous customer reviews.
6) Photography
It’s important to note that no landmark will have official photographers. Companies that claim to do so are likely to insist that only their photos are permitted, but this is just a ploy to force you into paying them for something that is otherwise free. To avoid this, always consult staff working in or nearby landmarks as they will likely have great general knowledge of the area and be able to advise you on any photography regulations.
7) Gambling
Make sure to thoroughlyresearch any casino games you may take part in whilst on holiday, to avoid being scammed. Casino staff may explain a game to you in a lengthyway to takeadvantage of the fact that you lack knowledge in this area and may favour the casino.
Nicholas Crouch from Scams.info comments on how to protect yourself from scams this Easter: “With a 160% increase in Google search volumes for “travel scams” as we head into the Easter holiday period, holidaymakers could potentially be far more vulnerable to holiday scams this April.
Scammers often prey on victims psychologically by using time pressure and illusions of scarcity to trick victims into acting quickly and not relying on better judgment. This is often deployed during holiday periods, such as Easter, when families may book last-minute trips.
To best protect yourself from being scammed during the booking process or whilst on holiday, ensure you fully research the travel agents and any other company you use before paying. It is also highly recommended that you use a credit card where possible as this avoids any unsolicited payments to be taken directly from your main bank account.”
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