World's Worst Travel Scams
And make sure you check out the slideshow.
All of it is a good reminder. The last slide has the following:
* Travel light and leave the nonessentials at home.
* Blend in. Don’t dress like an affluent tourist.
* Trust your instincts. If something smells fishy, it probably is.
* Ask your hotel desk clerk or concierge if there are any neighborhoods to avoid.
* Be cautious, not cynical. Most people aren’t out to rip you off.
I'm not sure why #8 "Fake Art Show" is a scam? I've been to Beijing, was approached on several occasions to check out these galleries. The folks trying to get you to attend easily take "no" for an answer. At the Forbidden City I finally succumbed and checked out a large tent that was set up. Obviously some of the stuff was better than others. One painting did catch my eye and I purchased it of less than $20USD. I could have easily walked away and purchased nothing. Don't know what the harm is?
What am I doing wrong? We have spent over 300+ days over the past 17 years, and have only encountered the gypsy mob twice with no damage.
I love the list.
I have personally foiled the gypsy newspaper schtick twice for other, daydreaming, travelers near Rome's train station.
I've also foiled the bracelet bandit in Prague. They got me, got it tied, and starting throwing a fit. That's when I realized I was in the midst of 'being had'. I nearly paniced... then calmed myself, pulled my knife from my pocket, cut the bracelet off, and started walking quietly away. The commotion died down a couple seconds later.
Here's Rick's description of common scams
Frank, how did the gypsies miss you. We got hit with right off the Eurostar in Paris, and again at least twice at the Eiffel Tower. All on the same day. I didn't get to see the "Ring Scam" in action. I was waiting for it.
Michael--I suspect it's the high pressure sales tactic approach that overwhelms some travelers and they get fooled into buying things that they would ordinarily have more sense about. Probably the same thing can apply to fake glass in Venice or the pushy 'salesmen' on the streets of Rome.
I'd consider it more of a strong-arm tactic than an actual scam, but I suppose if you were not an experienced traveler, you might view it as a scam.
