Security expert Paul Evans from I-Spy Detectives has shared some of his top tips of how to stay safe when on the road, so you don’t get scammed when travelling
A private Investigator reveals why you should never walk behind a slow walker on holidays.
Although the chances of getting ripped-off or scammed when on holiday are low in most places, being in a new country for the first time and not knowing how everything works can make you feel a little uneasy.
One way to calm your nerves and prepare yourself is to know what the potential dangers are. Security expert Paul Evans from I-Spy Detectives has shared some of his top tips of how to stay safe when on the road, so you don’t get scammed when travelling.
“There are many types of scams when travelling, everything from taxis taking more expensive routes to the good Samaritan trying to help you use the public tube when your ticket doesn’t work only to request an extortionate fee for helping you, but one of the most common is to pickpocket you,” Paul explained.
Criminals know that when travelling you will have valuables on your person, including items like your phone, camera and even your passport. While carrying your bag securely and keeping an eye on your surroundings is important, being confident and walking with a purpose is often enough to put pickpockets off.
“Pickpockets don’t want to get caught so they will select their victims carefully. Often their victims are distracted and not concentrating on the environment around them, someone who’s looking at a map on their phone, or struggling with their baggage is a perfect target,” Paul added.
“What you need to do is look confident, and have an idea where you are going when out in public, if you are stopping to check your map constantly then you are an easy target.”
While tactics are changing and constantly evolving, there are some moves that the expert has noticed over the years that are still in play.
“If someone bumps into you, or spills something over you it can often be a way of distracting you while an accomplice goes through your things. If this happens, create some distance and try to put your back to a wall, this way you can see everything in front of you and keep the criminals out of your belongings,” advises Paul.
“Never stop for street performers or watch out for slow walkers in front of you too. Once again these scenarios make it easy for you to get distracted and what will happen is a pickpocket will be going through your bag or pockets at the same time.”
Being vigilant and aware can help you avoid becoming a victim. You can take it a step further by protecting your belongings.
“A dummy wallet is one of the best ways to not be pickpocketed when on holidays. All you need to do is get an old wallet, fill it with either small bills or monopoly money and put expired cards in there too,” Paul suggested.
“You can then put this wallet in a pocket that is more exposed while keeping your real wallet hidden away, and if you are to become a victim of pickpocketing, the thieves are more than likely going to take this wallet rather than your real one, by the time the pickpocket has stolen from you, you will be out of their sight.”