Common travel scams and general travel safety: how to deal with it.

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Here we go folks: the meat and potatoes!

Common travel scams.

· The fake policeman scam.

Sound like something from Monthy Python, no?
It goes like this:
Someone approaches you, says he's a traveller from another country, say, Kenya. This should light your first little alarmbell, but don't be paranoid yet.
Then, a common clothes policeman approaches you. MAJOR SCAM ALERT!
He shows some convincing ID and asks to see the passport and money of the other traveller, who hands it over without hesitation. He gives it back and asks you to do the same. Don't give your passport or money! It's a scam.

There's countless variations on this.
Anytime a common clothes policeman is involved: think SCAM! Look for a real policeman or military. Call them. Walk away and tell them to get lost if you don't see a real policeman. Be rude to them. Under no circumstances get into a car with them.

Another Classic:

· The found money scam.

A bundle of money is lying on the street, you or someone else pick it up. SCAM ALERT!
Again from this simple start there are many variations. They will propose you to share it in a little back street or in a pub (you're not that dumb are you?). The "owner" will show up and will say: this bundle is not my money, mine was marked. He will tell the other guy: show me your money so I can be sure you don't have my marked money, and he'll do it. He might show a gun. (at this point, you're in way to far already!) Then he'll ask you.
Basically, you want to avoid being in a scam situation. Once you're in it, they'll have dozens of ways to separate you from your money. Be rude and walk away.

So If you see a bundle of money on the street: walk away, or, if you see a policeman close by, call him and let him deal with it. (fuck those scammers up a bit)

· There's countless scams going on, but these are the two most common ones in any country over the world. You get the idea here, if you feel a scams going on, walk away. You probably won't be sure yet, coz if you're sure it's a scam it's usually too late. This is the only time where you shouldn't be afraid to be rude. They count on people's politeness.
Walk away!

On the next page, I'll talk about that other fascinating subject: general travel safety. You're hooked, ain't you? I can see it in your eyes... Read on!

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