Preparations for a trip should not be limited to only packing the right set of clothes, knowing which tourist spots to visit and which hotels to stay in your destination. It should also include knowing common swindling schemes pulled off on tourists.
This information will help you avoid being a victim of a con and will ensure that you get to enjoy your destination without the unfortunate experience of being robbed of your valuables.
One of the most common con schemes is shortchanging. If you are lucky, you will only lose a few euros worth of change but if luck is not on your side you may lose your whole week’s budget if you are not careful.
Don’t be in such a hurry to pocket your change - some cashiers and taxi drivers will deliberately count your change slowly in the hopes that you will get impatient and just gather it up. To be safe, don’t just wait for them to finish counting your change but you should count it again if you are doubtful to ensure that you get the exact amount due.
Another way to pull off shortchanging is to confuse you into believing that you gave a much lower bill than you actually handed over. To avoid this, you have to be familiar with the currency of the place you are visiting and always make a point of verbally stating the amount of money you are handing over.
To avoid getting shortchanged, bring only small bills and some coins so that you can pay the exact amount. Have your large bills changed at your hotel or in a nearby bank before you set off for the day.
Thieves usually make a commotion or an interesting performance to gather a group of curious individuals. The onlookers then become a fertile ground for a full pickpocket harvest. Common plots include a petty fight among a team of thieves, an attractive lady stripping down to her undies to prove that she did not shoplift or an interesting game or show to induce passers-by to stop and gather around to watch.
Do not trust any one claiming to be a police officer especially if they show a strong interest on your wallet. Swindlers posing as policemen will approach a tourist, show them a fake ID and will demand for the victim’s wallets for inspection.
They will then claim that some of your bills are fake and they will have to confiscate them. If you complain, they will then threaten to bring you to their station for questioning. You should know that protection against unfounded search and seizure is not just a right enjoyed in your home country but also available in all civilized countries around the globe. Be careful not to be taken in by imposters.
If someone offers to sell you valuable merchandise such as a jewelry, a gem or electronic equipment, don’t even stop to hear their pitch. Some will claim that they are in dire need of money so they are forced to sell you a family heirloom or an almost brand new stuff. More likely than not you are being set up to part with your money in exchange for little of value.
Travel with a little caution and common sense and you will enjoy your vacation that much more.
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