If you are planning to go on holiday, it may be worth looking down this list of scams to avoid being hit in the pocket.
You can avoid being duped by reading up on these tricks commonly used by fraudsters to con tourists. And one of them involves taxis.
The trick sees unknowing customers pay more for trips, as drivers provide a set-fee, due to an apparent broken meter. While some people accept this as unavoidable, there are ways to ensure you pay only what you owe.
According to travel experts at Panache Cruises, tourists should never agree to start a ride if the driver claims the meter is broken - as this will result in major overcharging. Monitor the meter while you’re driving and if you suspect it's going up faster than usual, ask them to pull over and get out.
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Also, before setting out, find out the average taxi fares from your hotel, or a local tourist office. Most accommodations will be happy to recommend reliable taxi providers, reports the Daily Record. If you get into a taxi to see the driver isn't using a meter, then make sure to agree on a fare before taking a trip.
Unfortunately, there are far more scams that can cost people money and their possessions like phones, wallets and passports. Experts say it's not just novice tourists that should worry, as even the most seasoned traveller can be a target.
Here are four other holiday scams to watch out for.
1. Bump and grab
The easiest way to steal someone’s valuables is to create a diversion so they can be caught off guard. One of the most common pickpocketing tactics is the ‘bump and go’ method, where a thief pretends to bump into you while an accomplice picks your pocket when you’re distracted.
This is especially likely to happen in busy, bustling areas like tourist attractions and train stations, so be especially mindful in those locations. Try not to carry all your valuables, keep copies of important travel documents and opt for a discreet money belt worn underneath clothes.
2. Vehicle hire scams
Be careful when renting a car, motorcycle or a jet ski, as the owners can blame you for damage you didn’t cause. They may even take your passport for guarantee and threaten to keep it if you don’t pay for expensive repairs. Before taking the vehicle for a drive, take photos and videos to document its condition to avoid being blamed for something you didn’t do.
3. Free bracelets
When you visit big cities in Europe then you can expect to encounter scammers who offer to braid you a free friendship bracelet. They’re very quick and before you can say no they’ve already tied the bracelet around your wrist.
They’ll cause a scene if you refuse to pay which makes polite tourists feel forced to fork out cash. Don’t get fooled by ‘free’ offers and don’t let anyone put anything on your body and be firm about it.
4. Closed hotel or attraction
Some taxi drivers make their money by earning commission from bringing customers to local businesses. They’ll tell you the hotel, tourist attraction or restaurant where you’re heading to is temporarily closed for a local holiday, or fully booked - and recommending an alternative which is usually overpriced and low in quality.
If this happens then just insist on going to the place you had originally booked. If it was really closed or at capacity then you wouldn’t have been able to book it in the first place.
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