Travel ScamsThere are countless travel scams that victimize travelers visiting and expats residing in foreign countries. What are some of these scams? Mustard Trick This scam is used a lot in Ecuador. Here’s how it works. Criminals will squirt liquids (usually mustard, ketchup, or water) on tourists and steal their bags while “helping” to clean them off. Another variation involves criminals picking the pockets of travelers instead of snatching their bag. The Bump Travelers walking alone or using public transportation will be accidently bumped into by one or numerous people. The person will politely apologize and slowly walk away. Unfortunately, during the incident the person pick pockets the traveler’s money or passport. Fellow Traveling Victim Travelers or expats are approached by a fellow foreign who explain that they have just been robbed and need some money to make ends meet or to pay for another passport (because theirs was stolen during the robbery). Unfortunately, the person is lying and is attempting to actually steal your money. Many travelers fall for this because the can sympathize. Click here to read my personal experience with this scam. Mother and Baby Travelers using buses are approached by a woman carrying a baby and are asked if she can use the vacant seat beside you for her baby. You agree and she places her baby beside you and your bag. You notice that during the bus ride the woman continuously keep readjusting her baby. Actually, the woman is a thief and is rummaging thru your bag and stealing your belongings. Razor Sharp Many travelers like to use large duffle bags or book bags while touring the sites or using public transportation. Criminals usually quickly spot these travelers and target them. The criminals will stand behind the tourists, cut the bottoms of their bags with a sharp razor, and steal the contents as they fall out. Most victims never realize that their bags have been cut until later. Smash and Grab Criminals will spot victims either driving alone in vehicles or taxis wait until they are stuck in traffic at a red light or stop sign. All of sudden criminals will smash the window of the vehicle, quickly grab the bags or purses inside, and flee the area. This is a common crime committed against
female travelers.
While driving in your vehicle, another vehicle pulls beside you and starts pointing at your tire. You pull over to check the problem and discover that the other vehicle has also stopped to “assist”. Suddenly, two or more criminals jump out of the vehicle with guns and rob you. Click here to read about other vehicle scams and vehicle security tips. Credit Card Fraud After arriving home from your trip abroad you discover extra charges on your credit card or ATM card used while visiting foreign destinations. Click here to read about other credit card fraud schemes used abroad. Telephone Scam You receive a phone call in your hotel room and the caller on the other end tells you that there has been an accident with one of your family members. The caller tells you to call a specific number to get more details. You call the number and later discover charges on your phone bill to usually a Caribbean or African country. Sometimes these charges are in the hundreds of dollars. As a result of these travel scams, the criminal receives a commission of the expensive call that you now have to pay for. Click here to learn about more telephone scams. Clip Joints
Drugging Male victims or college students drinking in foreign bars are often approached by criminals who offer them drinks which are laced with drugs like scopolamine. These drugs render victims either unconscious or helpless, who are robbed or sexually assaulted by criminals. These are a few examples of travel scams which victimize foreign tourists and expatriates in foreign countries all over the world.
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