·
Criminals work in teams don't focus your attention on one
individual.
·
You CAN pass up a good deal there's no such thing as a good
deal!
·
Don't buy anything from street vendors
·
Be careful of anything unusual --- fights are staged to distract you
·
Watch out for women offering "good luck" sprigs of wild flowers or
spices and then, after to have accepted the gift, demanded money.
·
Be alert to scams involving an unknown person spilling a drink,
food or noxious substance on your clothing. An accomplice may be
preparing to steal your wallet, purse or briefcase while you are
distracted.
·
Man approaches tourists asking if they would like to change some
money. Moments later an official looking man is a suit appears,
flashing an ID card, asking what is going on, and explaining that
there has been illegal money changing and drug dealing going on
in the area. He then demands to check the tourist documents and
cash. To appear convincing, he first checks the other man's wallet
before moving on to those of the tourist. In this whirlwind routine,
money is palmed away without the tourist realizing it.
·
Beware of vagrant children in groups of four or five who are often
expert criminals. While one of them tries to divert your attention by
showing you something another will try to pick your pocket. Try to
avoid them if you see them coming. If you are forced to walk by
them just let them see that you know what they are up to.
·
Purse snatchers and briefcase thieves are waiting for an unknowing
tourist to drape these items on a chair or leave them unattended
under tables. Keep you belongings in view or in touch.
·
Beware of pickpockets who often have an accomplice who will
jostle you, ask directions or the time, or point to something spilled
on your clothing, or otherwise distract you by creating a
disturbance.
·
Beware of strangers approaching you offering bargains or to be
your guide.
·
In a foreign country you are quickly identified as a tourist when you
are asked a question by a local and you can't answer. You're being
set up.
·
Carry a local newspaper it makes it look like you're a local not a
tourist.
·
Assume you are being watched you probably are. Assume an
alert, physically fit, aware posture i.e. a poor target.
·
Be aware of phony police in plain clothes do not produce any
documents thereby showing them where you keep your valuables.
·
You usually can't avoid looking like a tourist - just don't look like a
"stupid tourist!"
