Travelore Tips: 12 Travel Scams To Watch For In 2015 And How To Avoid Them

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Travel scams come and go. These are the ones to watch for in 2015.

• Free, fake Wi-Fi hubs – This is a worldwide problem. It doesn't take much computer savvy to create a fake Wi-Fi hub, then gain access to personal information and passwords from the people who connect to it. Beware of generic hubs (eg “Netgear”), location-appropriate names like “Free Coffee Shop Wi-Fi” or “[Popular carrier] Free Wi-Fi.” When in doubt try asking an employee for the proper hub name.

• Busy worker credit card information theft – Especially popular in Barcelona, a cashier will fake being busy on the phone and while your waiting/bored eyes wander, they take a photograph of your credit card details to sell or use later.

• Stain on your jacket/suitcase – Popular in Italy and parts of South America, someone will squirt goop on your bag or clothes, then as they “help” you clean it off they (or an accomplice) grab whatever they can.

• Friendly local photographer – Mainly seen in Europe, a friendly local will offer to take your photo, then either demand money or just race off with your camera. Best to do the asking yourself or be VERY careful of eager volunteers.

• Pickpockets – The oldest and still the most prolific scam. These people usually operate on busy trains/buses or tourist sites. Sometimes it will be kids, using cardboard or a clipboard (with a petition they want you to sign) to obscure your view while they fish in your pockets or bags. Other times a fake beggar will ask for money, giving a nearby accomplice a chance to see where you keep your wallet. Finally, a local will give you a warning about active pickpockets in the area and to check your wallet and phone. They then note where you keep these items for pickpocketing later.

• Broken camera – Someone asks you to take their picture, drops the camera as you hand it back, breaking it, then demands money.

• Practice English? – This is a shame, because in some places people genuinely want to practice their English. Alas, in other instances, the English student launches into their sad, poverty-stricken (and bogus) life story, in an attempt to extract money from the rich foreigner.

• Shady taxi drivers – This is a worldwide phenomenon. Tricks include taking longer routes or intentionally heading into gridlocked traffic to drive up the price, and hacked meters that advance faster than normal. They may also request that you pay with a larger bill, so they can give you counterfeit change. Also, beware of the driver trying to convince you that your hotel is closed or crappy and allowing them to take you to an alternative (where they get commission).

• Fake police – Far less common than it used to be, but occasionally seen in Eastern Europe, Mexico, and Colombia. Someone in an official-looking uniform (or, in lazy instances, no uniform) will ask to see your passport or check your money for counterfeit notes then run away.

• Greedy tourist scam aka dropped wallet – A former favorite and still occasionally seen in Eastern Europe and Italy. A stranger will approach you (usually speaking English rather than the local language), indicate they’ve found a wad of cash or a wallet and suggest you join them to celebrate the windfall. Then a cop (often fake, but occasionally a real crooked cop) will approach, retrieve the lost/stolen item, count the money and claim some of it is missing and you’ll be pressed to replace it. In these instances, insist on going to a police station to deal with the matter and the perpetrators will often back down.

• The friendship bracelet – This is a big one in Europe’s larger cities, as well as Cairo. Someone comes up and tries to tie a “friendship bracelet” onto your wrist, despite protests, then demands money for it. Sometimes they tie it so tight that you can’t get it off easily.

• The found ring – Also, popular in Europe, especially Paris. Someone approaches you with a gold ring they “found” and tries to force it onto your finger, then demands money. There are similar scams with roses being thrust on girlfriends/spouses and woman selling rosemary for “luck.”

Contributed by Leif Pettersen, http://roadwarriorvoices.com/

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Travelore Tips: How To Protect Your Identity When Traveling

New survey from Experian's ProtectMyID^® reveals identity theft hotspots, common risks and how vacationers can thwart identity thieves

 

The summer travel season is here with high expectations for fun and lasting memories, but vacations can turn into nightmares as travelers try to unravel the damages of identity theft. A new survey conducted by Edelman Berland for Experian’s ProtectMyID^® reveals that 30 percent of travelers have experienced identity theft while traveling or know someone who has. Results show that recovery takes time — more than a week in some instances.

“The last thing people want is for their trip to fund an identity thief’s vacation,” said Becky Frost, senior manager of consumer education for Experian’s ProtectMyID. “Identity theft can derail vacations quickly, but taking some precautions before and during travel can help consumers protect themselves.”

Traveling troubled waters

Nearly one in five travelers reports having sensitive information lost or stolen, and 30 percent said they experienced identity theft while traveling or know someone who has. Those affected by identity theft report the fraud impacted their travel experience. Three in 10 victims say that it took more than a week to resolve the issues caused by identity theft.

Flying by the seat of their pants

Most travelers check for signs of identity fraud after traveling but fail to take proactive precautions before and during their trips.

·         Only 39 percent of travelers alert their debit/credit card providers before departing, and only 33 percent notify their bank

·         Just one in three travelers use passwords to protect their smartphones

·         Thirty-five percent of travelers use hotel safes to store sensitive information

·         More than a quarter (27 percent) of people bring their Social Security card with them while traveling

·         Twenty percent of vacationers say they do not feel vulnerable to identity theft while traveling

·         Ninety-two percent carry credit cards or debit cards while traveling, yet more than half (52 percent) are unaware of their card’s liability limit if lost or stolen

·         Women and seniors (adults ages 65 or older) are most likely to take precautions to protect their identities before, during and after traveling

Identity theft hotspots

Consumers have misconceptions about where identity theft occurs.

·         Among those who have been victimized personally while traveling, 10 percent do not know where their identity was stolen

·         Travelers indicated that they feel most vulnerable to identity theft in restaurants (19 percent), Internet cafés (15 percent), hotels (14 percent) and airports (14 percent)

·         Actual numbers show that the highest vulnerabilities occur in hotels (24 percent), restaurants (18 percent), airports (12 percent), taxis (8 percent) and car rental offices (8 percent)

Safe harbor

Taking these steps can help reduce the risk of identity theft while traveling:

·         Password-protect smartphones and other electronic devices.

·         Create strong passwords with a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols on sensitive accounts accessible through electronic devices.

·         Avoid public Wi-Fi when possible; create your own Wi-Fi with a portable router and SIM card.

·         Delay social media posts that indicate you’re out of town; wait until you’re back from your trip to share your travel adventures.

·         Choose to pay with a credit card versus debit card; credit cards often offer better fraud protection.

·         Bank at the branch; ATMs in high-traffic tourist areas may put you at risk for skimming

·         Alert your bank of your travel plans to avoid account holds and hassles

·         Avoid traveling with unnecessary documents, such as Social Security cards or unneeded credit cards.

·         Disable geotagging on all cameras.

·         Keep a close eye on accounts; review financial accounts during your trip and when you get home, including bank and credit card statements. You should also keep an eye on your credit report upon your return. Signs of fraud and identity theft often first show up on your credit report and financial statements.

·         Have a partner in the fight against identity theft; enroll in identity monitoring and take action if you receive alerts that your identity could be compromised.

To learn more about the survey, please visit http://bit.ly/ProtectMyIDTravelReport. An infographic featuring digital travel tips is available at http://bit.ly/TravelInfographic.

About the survey

This survey was conducted online by Edelman Berland on behalf of Experian from June 2, 2014, through June 5, 2014, among 1,000 adults ages 18 years and older residing throughout the United States. The national study focused on issues related to identity theft and identity protection while traveling. The margin of error is plus or minus 3.1 percent.

About Experian’s ProtectMyID

ProtectMyID is a leading, full-service provider of identity theft detection, protection and resolution. ProtectMyID offers comprehensive identity theft protection features supported by experienced identity theft resolution professionals who deliver personal attention that customers can rely on. ProtectMyID.com^® is a Website owned by ConsumerInfo.com, Inc., an Experian company. For more information about how ProtectMyID helps consumers protect themselves against identity theft, please visit http://www.protectmyid.com.

This press release is provided for general guidance and information. It is not intended as, nor should it be construed to be legal, financial or other professional advice. Please consult with your attorney or financial advisor to discuss any legal issues or financial issues involved with credit decisions.

Travelore Tips: 7 Tips To Prevent Identity Theft While Traveling

You make a purchase at the local boutique and your card is declined. You are the next victim of travel identity fraud. 27 thousand Americans have their identities stolen each day and being in that category can turn a relaxing vacation into your next nightmare. 

So how can you protect your identity while on the road? While there is no sure fire way to guarantee your chances of becoming a victim, there are precautionary measures you can take. When you travel, your risk of identity theft increases. Ensuring that you take some precautions prior to traveling is a great way to protect yourself, said Erik Knight creator of DirtSearch.org. 

Here are ways to protect your identity while traveling: 

1. Check travel companies with the Better Business Bureau (BBB): Before you sign up for that next travel deal, make sure that the company is legit. Entering credit card information on sites that aren't, can only result in trouble. You may also want to ensure that you take precautions at home to lock up precious items and make your house look 'lived' in. 

2. Don't carry large sums of cash: If you have multiple credit cards while traveling, always store them in different places. If your wallet gets stolen, you will have your backup plan. 

3. Make copies of important documents such as passports, driver's license and all credit cards: If you are overseas and someone steals your passport or license, it is important to have a backup copy so that you don't need to take a trip to the American Embassy. 

4. Make sure your credit card is hidden at all times: You are at the airline counter and the reservationist is taking your credit card for luggage charges, you should not leave your credit card open on the table for all to see. Someone can easily come behind you, snap a picture of that information and steal your identity. 

5. Use a debit card as a credit card: Sometimes it may make sense to get a $500 prepaid card. If you are using a debit card make sure you run the card as credit, not debit, because you don't want to give away your PIN number. 

6. Call your credit card company in advance: Call your credit card company to let them know you are traveling and where you will be. This can prevent your card company from viewing these charges as suspicious and declining them because they're made in another country. 

7. Make sure you keep receipts: When traveling overseas especially conversion rates can be tough. Keep receipts to ensure no overcharges because you can always dispute any charges later. Without good record keeping you are at anyone's mercy. 

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