TOURIST SCAMS YOU SHOULD WATCH OUT FOR
Added on: 5th Nov 2015
THE ROSE SCAM
So let’s get this one out of the way. Whether you’d call it a scam or not,
just know that during your European vacation it is likely that someone
will approach you and your girlfriend with roses for sale. Why? Because
rejecting a rose while you’re with your girlfriend is kind of hard…or at
least that’s what the peddlers think. But don’t feel bad. It’s ok to reject it
on principal and buy her a rose from somebody who’s not trying to use
shady marketing techniques.
THE ROOM INSPECTION CREW
While in Spain, be careful if two men in official uniforms show up at
your hotel door claiming they need to inspect your room. One will
most likely try to distract you while the other goes for your things.
THE PETITION FOR CHARITY
While walking through the streets of Paris be careful if someone comes
up to you claiming to be mute or deaf and asking you to sign a petition.
Their hands have a knack for ending up in your pockets while you
are busy with your signature.
THE PEANUT PAYDAY
If you are ever sitting at a table in Rio de Janeiro and somebody walks
up to you pouring some peanuts on your table while insisting you
eat them, just remember, they’re not free! He will leave you and go pour
peanuts on other tables. If you’ve eaten the nuts by the time he gets
back, he’ll be expecting payment.
THE BUSTED CAMERA
A worldwide phenomenon, be careful if someone asks you to take a
picture of them and the camera doesn’t work. Sometimes, when you
are trying to return it to them, they will fumble it and let it fall. And guess
who they’re going to demand compensation from?
THE HELPFUL PICKPOCKET
Common in Europe, someone will pretend to advise you of pickpockets
in the area. Their accomplice will be watching you to see where your
wallet is when you check to make sure you still have it, and
you can guess the rest.
THE MAP VENDOR
Another common scam in Europe, be wary if anybody approaches you
trying to sell you a map. Sometimes they will unfold it in front of your face
in order to cover up their sticky fingers pilfering your pockets.
THE FAKE POLICE OFFICER
Be careful in Latin America and Southeast Asia if a police officer
offers to inspect your money because fraudulent cash has been in
circulation. When they hand you back your wallet you’ll notice that
some of your money is missing!
THE DISTRACTED CASHIER
A popular scam in Barcelona, if you ever walk into a shop and the
cashier seems distracted on her phone while you are swiping your
credit card, be careful…she could be taking a picture of it to
replicate it later!
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