Practical Travel Safety Issues - Summer Scams Heads-up

You've probably heard: pickpockets will be flooding into London starting now. Smart phones are expected to be a major target, so do NOT leave them on cafe (or internet cafe) tables, even right in front of you. Pseudo cops (fake police) are flashing badges and making off with cash. The pigeon poop ploy (clean 'em off and clean 'em out) is on the increase, too. Descriptions of these awful scams and more on Thiefhunters in Paradise (http://bobarno.com/thiefhunters/2012/07/avoid-summer-scams/). They're everywhere—not just in London, of course.

Really, awareness makes all the difference. Antennas up!

While none of it is new, sometimes a polite reminder is helpful even for the most experienced traveler lets their guard down once in a while. Regardless of whether you are in golly ole England or the armpit of America.



Edit, if my post seems out of context, it is now cause I was replying to another poster but that post now has been deleted. I guess I should have quoted it for posterity.


edited by moderator

Anecdote:

My parents were in St Petersburg, walking on the sidewalk, my Mum just in front of my Dad. Suddenly my Mum hears my Dad scream at the top of his lungs, she turns around (rather rapidly) and he is standing completely alone, no one anywhere near him.

He had felt at least 2 people try to sandwich him, and so he screamed, and was immediately left well alone:-) My parents walked away with all their possessions, and as my Dad tells the story it is pretty funny.

So yes, be aware, everywhere. Do people really put down their smartphones or wallets in public???

DanishFlyer

The dropped/found gold ring trick is another, though more common in Paris by the Roma than London. Be alert.

Anecdote:

My parents were in St Petersburg, walking on the sidewalk, my Mum just in front of my Dad. Suddenly my Mum hears my Dad scream at the top of his lungs, she turns around (rather rapidly) and he is standing completely alone, no one anywhere near him.

He had felt at least 2 people try to sandwich him, and so he screamed, and was immediately left well alone:-) My parents walked away with all their possessions, and as my Dad tells the story it is pretty funny.

DanishFlyer

Yeah, those Floridians get tough. ;)

The dropped/found gold ring trick is another, though more common in Paris by the Roma than London. Be alert.

Oh, man, they tried that on me so many times in Paris. I just started laughing whenever they approached me.

Mike

Yeah, those Floridians get tough. ;)




Didn't know there was one in Florida too. And maybe I was supposed to spell out "St" to specify.

Regardless, I'm pretty proud that my parents are that travel savvy :-)


DanishFlyer

Didn't know there was one in Florida too. And maybe I was supposed to spell out "St" to specify.

Regardless, I'm pretty proud that my parents are that travel savvy :-)


DanishFlyer

Loved my trip to Copenhagen. What an amazing city!

Mike

#1 rule while traveling = Only take what you can afford, wouldn't mind getting lost/stolen/lifted.
#1a rule while traveling = Document EVERYTHING (photo and serial) and store those documents in at least 3 places one of which is accessible with out i-net access the others should be with a 'safe contact person' and finally 'the cloud' aka the interwebz.

#2 rule while traveling = Nothing in pants/jacket pockets or purses EVER. See #1 above. Throwaway wallets and handbags are great. IF they want it they will cut it away from you. Slit pants pocket, cut straps are common. There is video of a man using chop sticks to pick pocket people so even 'tight fitting' pockets aren't immune.

#3 rule while traveling = That 'nice couple or woman/man' you just meet and are now offering to take a picture or give you a ride to the hotel, club or some 'off the beaten path' attraction may be scam artists. Stick to known transportation/tourist options. Yeah it sucks not to trust people but sometimes you just have to NOT trust them regardless.

Didn't know there was one in Florida too. And maybe I was supposed to spell out "St" to specify.

Regardless, I'm pretty proud that my parents are that travel savvy :-)


DanishFlyer

in FL it is St Petersburg. on the west coast in the area known as Tampa Bay. It would not be a ring there but a cane or a walker :D

And men in particular, watch out for the Walmart scam (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/6654580-post1.html).

Mike

And men in particular, watch out for the Walmart scam (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/6654580-post1.html).

Mike

Since you can get wallets at the 99 cents store for <$2.00, and if I leave a few dollars in my wallet--I'd like to get (Walmart) scammed.:D:D:D

I carry a Pacsafe Metrosafe 200, clipped up tight. My sister-in-law had one and claims that the pickpockets got in with it properly clipped up. I'm wondering if anyone had one of those compromised?

I carry a Pacsafe Metrosafe 200, clipped up tight. My sister-in-law had one and claims that the pickpockets got in with it properly clipped up. I'm wondering if anyone had one of those compromised?

it looks like the outside zippered pocket (the one you'd wear next to your body) could be opened by a pickpocket. Or is it possible it happened when she had it draped over a chair etc?