April 29th, 2010
Part of being a savvy traveller is being aware of what the latest scams are. Avoid being fleeced by familiarizing yourself with the following treacherous trickery that has reportedly taken place across the globe. You can thank us later...
1. Beware Ticket scamming
The 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup is literally weeks away and those who haven't been able to secure a ticket are probably champing at the bit to get hold of one or two. Don't be a sucker and fall prey to one of the oldest travel scams in the book - packages including tickets to special events, in particular sold-out matches. Keep your wits about you as ticketing scams include paying cash for tickets that don't exist or purchasing event travel packages that are suppose to include tickets to a particular event. FIFA have put measures in place to minimize scams, so while it make take a bit longer to secure a ticket be sure you purchase yours via the proper, authorized channels.
2. Sticky car valets
Five-star fabulous doesn't mean you should lose all sense when it comes to sensible safety and security - especially when handing over the keys to your rental or trusted automobile. You're easy picking for parking valets with sticky fingers if you treat your possession with a fast-and-loose attitude. Money, jewelry or precious items should be stowed out of sight in the boot or taken with you. It doesn't hurt to make sure you know where your vehicle is going to be parked either. If it's not going to be parked in a garage then find out where it will be stowed before handing over your keys - this will ensure you're not slapped with any surprise parking tickets or return to find your car has been towed away.
3. Don't forget those hidden costs
The best things in life might be free but that doesn't necessarily apply to holidays. Make sure you find out about all the hidden taxes and payments before you secure your booking. Sometimes if an offer seems too good to be true it very often is. Doing the research might be tedious but it will be well-worth it in the end - it also means you're able to make an informed choice and selected the very best deal in relation to what you want.
4. Fake holiday locations
Terms such as 'Airport' Hotel or 'Beach' Resort can be misleading especially when they're not nearly as close as is implied. And don't forget that scunky scam favourite which requires a deposit to secure a stay at a hotel that doesn't even exist. Google Earth is pretty handy for sorting out the fake addresses from the fabulous ones. Use it.
5. Dodgy booking URls
When booking online, make sure you do it through a reputable website, such as GoTravel24.com - not that we want to blow our own horn or anything. Clicking through to deals via URLs you've never heard of before or that haven't been recommended by people you trust is not a good idea, especially if there's a chance that you'll be handing over vital information such as your id number and credit card details.
6. Hotel room identity theft
While we all may take extra care when interacting online, we sometimes forget to consider the obvious or most convenient places for crooks to fudge with our identities. A hotel room has been dubbed one of the easiest places to steal somebody's identity as guests are more likely to leave vital personal information lying around. You'd lock your cash and jewelry away, so why be careless with documents or information that could allow criminals a gateway into to your finances or reveal the whereabouts of your near and dear?
7. Taxies that take you for a ride
The most obvious scam of the lot is when a taxi driver takes a longer route than necessary to get you from A to B. Make it known that you have a smart phone or a map book and are able to follow the course of the journey. Don't be afraid to question your cabbie about why they've chosen that particular route.
8. Frequent flier fees
Airlines have been known to tack on extra fees for taxes and baggage, depending on the carrier and destination. Booking as far in advance as possible might help you avoid these costs. If there is a charge you're unsure about, question it. Always scrutinize the fine print when booking online. Click here to find out more about these fees.
9. Two for the price of one
The word free often has a way of blinding many people to the fact that they may not necessarily be getting a better deal. Make sure it all adds up before you sign-up for that extra third or fourth hotel night free. A better deal might be available if you have the common sense to do a little bit of digging - but once again make sure it's through a reputable and trusted source.
10. Beware terminal crooks
Airport security areas are often very busy and chaotic, especially if the boarding time is tight. Be alert and keep an eye on your personal items all the way down the X-ray belt, it's also wise to insist on securing your luggage before any secondary screening. Your fellow passenger might just be a terminal crook looking to pilfer items such as iPods, cell phones and laptops. Avoid the risk by keeping your eyes peeled.
Know of any scams we haven't mentioned? Why not post some useful advice in the comments section below?
User Comments
reply this postSubmitted by home loans on Sun, 04/01/2012 - 12:51. |
Following my own investigation, thousands of persons on our planet receive the loans from good creditors. Therefore, there's good possibilities to find a small business loan in all countries. |
scams around the worldSubmitted by ScamInfo on Sun, 08/21/2011 - 21:09. |
We have to let all other tourists know about these scams. I got so frustrated that decided to set up a website aimed specifically at tourist fraud. It's www.scaminfo.org If you have been scammed and you don't want other people to suffer, forward the link to your friends, Facebook book it, Twitter it. Let as many people know about it, as possible. The aim of our website is to become the largest online resource detailing all the tourist scams around the world. The more people know about it, the less they will fall prey of these scam artists. Hopefully, once we become large and popular - airlines and tourist agencies will take note of our recommendations and mention our advice to their clients and then there is no hiding for those scam rats! Let's help others not fall victim of the same crime we did! |
@Moonbag: It's a fanny pack,Submitted by Agent Orange on Tue, 05/04/2010 - 09:37. |
@Moonbag: It's a fanny pack, not a moonbag! Beware those luggage porters dressed in Orange at OR Tambo airport. Once I had to catch a connecting flight in a hurry and one of these "helpers" standing outside international arrivals sensed that I was in a hurry. He pounced and said "I'll help you catch that earlier flight". Of course, I didn't make it, he did nothing, didn't carry my briefcase, just basically walked with me to the domestic SAA checkin. (What did he think he could do - strap himself onto the runway to stop the plane from leaving?) The horror. |
Airline scamsSubmitted by Schalk Burger on Tue, 05/04/2010 - 09:29. |
Be particularly careful when booking with SAA. Recently Mrs. Daisy Demas, a "senior" manager at SAA arrogantly announced to me that it is official SAA policy to overbook flights, "because all airlines do it" |
kidnappingSubmitted by SP on Tue, 05/04/2010 - 09:19. |
A lady (featured on a talk show) went to India and at the airport was approached by a female cab-driver. She got into the taxi that had child-lock installed and the windows couldn’t open so she couldn’t get out. She was sold to a brothel and only managed to escape yrs later, now HIV+ and after several forced back door abortions. I would strongly recommend you request to be picked up by the hotel’s driver and call them when you get to the airport so they can describe to you who to look for. Also call home and tell them to call the hotel if they haven’t heard from you 3 hrs after landing. Safe Travels people!! |
bewareSubmitted by preshen govender on Tue, 05/04/2010 - 07:52. |
be careful of cheap hookers they can rob you can give you bad service |
Beware of Visa scamsSubmitted by Francois on Tue, 05/04/2010 - 01:15. |
Recently I used an online company which is supposed to arrange for visa application's and then delivery to your door. They had very good references posted and seemed to be a legit company. Be extremely careful which visa company's you use. |
"Wees versigtig"Submitted by Qvadis on Mon, 05/03/2010 - 20:46. |
Suid Afrika het darem wragtig vinnig n derde wereld geword! |
close the windowsSubmitted by Anonymous on Mon, 05/03/2010 - 15:09. |
windods should be closed especially when you are traveling by bus or taxi. Traders at the buzy rank might happen to be thieves as well. If you are travelling with a smaal child make sure that you do not carry more laggage that you will not be able to handle alone. It happened to me and my three year old son |
EnglishSubmitted by Rob on Mon, 05/03/2010 - 15:01. |
When will South African writers learn that American English is not written in our country. The yanks use "z" when we use "s" e.g. familiarise. A simple setting on your word programme would remove such errors. Please, it is as bad as the spoken "h" chaos (chahos) etc. |
MoonbagsSubmitted by Anonymous on Mon, 05/03/2010 - 14:43. |
Moonbags might look very unfashionable, but believe me, I keep my precious belongings on my body, not in a handbag. I have lost EVERYTHING once before and ceased to exist! The trouble trying to prove to the bank end everyone else that I actually existed, was enough to flaunt fasion. |
WowSubmitted by Anonymous on Mon, 05/03/2010 - 14:16. |
Your grammar is appalling! |
ACSA RIP-OFF??Submitted by Patrick on Mon, 05/03/2010 - 13:17. |
How does ACSA justify that at Johannesburg ORTIA it costs R12-00 to use the undercover parking for an hour, but undercover parking at King Shaka costs R20-00 if you remain in the bay for an hour? How does it justify, bearing in mind that the Dept of Transport is the sole shareholder of ACSA, charging a toll fee after leaving the Skaka airport when that airport is a public facility and it is accessed via an existing public road. To boot I have always been under the impression that the Roads Act stipulates that an alternative road has to be provided in the event of road users not being willing to use the toll road. However in the case of Skaka airport no alternative road is available, forcing the public to use the toll. what other public buildings access roads are tolled? About one third of a local airticket is made up of ACSA charges and VAT, so why the additional fees at Shaka? Finally why did the Ethekwini municipality see fit to close off the M4, a major access road to the new King Shaka airport, on the second day after that airport opened because of a cycle race? The M4 is now a major road to the Shaka airport and is signposted as such, so why the inconvenience to airport users on Sunday 2nd May 2010?? |
x-ray theftSubmitted by patrick button on Mon, 05/03/2010 - 12:56. |
After having a cell phone and an expensive pen stolen at johannesburg and richards bay respectively i call the x-ray machine attendant over to confirm the number of objects i place in that plastic tray before it goes thru' the airport x-ray. its just too easy to dutifully unload your pockets at one end of the conveyor belt and even easier for sleight-of-hand experts to help themsleves when you are not concentrating. you may get a few heckles or amused looks, but just insist on loudly informing the x-ray attendants that you fully expect to find the exact number of items after going thru' that x-ray, is my advice. |
Booking earlier?Submitted by Anonymous on Mon, 05/03/2010 - 12:50. |
How does booking earlier avoid extra fees for baggage and taxes on an airline (barring maybe some magical penaties if you try to purchase your ticket 35 minutes before departure)? You base ticket may be cheaper but I have certainly never heard about a better baggage allowance or the government giving you discount on taxes for booking earlier!? |
card skimmingSubmitted by Anonymous on Mon, 05/03/2010 - 12:50. |
My credit card was skimmed at Durban Airport by an SAA employee at check in. I handed over card, ID and flight details, was told I was not booked on the flight - When I produced confirmation of booking, I was sent over to information - I left my stuff with him, he came and got me at info about 5 minutes later to say all was ok, he had made a mistake. Next day, attempts to withdraw huge amounts from my card caused it to shut down and the bank's fraud dept. contacted me. |
scamsSubmitted by Anonymous on Mon, 05/03/2010 - 11:41. |
Beware of dog scams . I have found allot on the internet. People give a physicall adress as well as a phone number. When you arrange for pick ups , they dont pitch or dont answere calls. People please beware most of the scams are on the internet. They even ask if you are a christain or not. |
BE AWARESubmitted by Anonymous on Mon, 05/03/2010 - 11:06. |
On a flight from CT to JHB I was seated at a window seat with two seats next to me vacant. During the flight a fellow passenger came and sat on the isle seat, not making eye contact and listening to ipod. I was reading and often looking out the window, especially during landing. It was only when collleting my luggage that I discovered my hand luggage (that was on the floor between my feet and the middle seat), had been opened and my purse stolen. No money, no credit cards but worst of all! no drivers licence! Fortunately still had a cellphone. Be alert! |
Diversion scamstersSubmitted by Bert on Mon, 05/03/2010 - 09:41. |
While you are drinking a cup of coffee or having a bite to eat at a food outlet anywhere but especially at abusy and chaotic airport, keep all your belongings very close to you. If you have a bag put it over your shoulders or around your neck, tie it to your body. Scamsters work in pairs. They watch you closely for a while for you to expose your weakness. If you like looking around a lot and don't pay much attention to your belongings, they create a diversion, mostly a loud one, and they get everybody to look in the other direction, while scamster number 2 moves in, quick as a flash, for the snatch of the unprotected bag on the floor or under the table. The loud diversion often turns out to be a joke and lighthearted and everyone laughs and returns to normal, thinking, what a nice person. When you finally get up to leave 10 minutes later, you discover your bag is missing with all your money and passports in it. A devastating experience. It happened to me and my wife in a food outlet in Zimbabwe. So do be careful. |
