Traveling? Don't Fall For These Tourist Scams

Traveling to new places by charter bus can be fun and exciting. Unfortunately, it can also be dangerous if you're not careful. Some thieves target tourists because out-of-towners typically have a lot of money or valuables. Tourists are also more vulnerable to falling for scams because they don't know the local customs. Here are five scams to watch out for during your travels.

Sneaky Credit Card Pics

According to Card Hub, approximately $11.27 billion was lost to credit and debit card fraud in 2012. There are a number of ways people steal card numbers, and one of those ways include a person surreptitiously taking a picture of your card.

Beware of customer service agents who appear to be talking on their phones when they are ringing you up at the cash register. It may seem like they are gabbing away their cell phone minutes, but what's really happening is they're taking a picture of your card. A quick glance at the back of your card to "check your signature" lets them obtain the three-digit code needed to charge thousands of dollars to your account.

Even though credit and debit cards offer protection from unauthorized use, it's best to pay cash for your purchases if you're shopping in unfamiliar areas. If you still want to use your card, wait until the person finishes his or her telephone call before paying for your items or cover the front of your card number with your thumb when using self-swipe terminals.

If you do hear the distinctive click of a camera shutter, it's best to report the incident to a store manager and then cancel your card as soon as possible.

The Artisan Bracelet Scam

This particular scam is more popular overseas at tourist traps than in the United States, but it can occur anywhere there are street vendors selling cheap or "handcrafted" jewelry.

The seller will place a bracelet of some kind on your wrist that, suddenly, can't be removed. The person may then bully or guilt you into purchasing the item at an inflated rate. In the meantime, there may be an accomplice standing nearby mining your pockets and purses for hidden treasure.

The best defense against this type of scam is to be quick on your feet. Firmly decline any offers to "test" the merchandise. If the seller looks like he or she is going to place the item on your wrist without your permission, quickly move your arms out of the way. Counter any successful attempts at getting the jewelry on your arm with an offer to accompany the person to the police station to have the jewelry removed. Oftentimes the threat of involving the cops will inspire the person to miraculously find a way to remove the item.

The Fake Takeout Menu

After you've been on the charter bus all day, the last thing you probably want to do when you finally get to the hotel is go to a restaurant. Don't be so quick to call for takeout or delivery using the restaurant menu that was conveniently slipped under your hotel door (or hung on the door knob). The number you call for food may actually be a scammer looking to steal your credit or debit card number.

In this scam, thieves print out fake takeout menus and slip them under the door at hotels. The unsuspecting person orders food but only receives a credit card statement a month later with a slew of fraudulent charges on it.

The best way to avoid this scam is to get names and numbers of takeout or delivery places directly from the hotel staff, or use an online ordering service you trust.

Although you can't avoid every scam you encounter, being aware of your surroundings and skeptical of anything that sounds too good to be true can help you avoid many of them. For more tips on avoiding scams while traveling on a charter bus service, contact a local company for ideas on what you can do to stay safe on the road.

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