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Fake policemen, taxi drivers with freshly broken meters, and inflated restaurant bills - even the most alert and attentive traveler can fall victim to a scam, especially in the summertime when crowds are dense. Here are 6 of the most common tourist traps, and our tips for protecting yourself from them / By Lihi Ron Check-in I Our Guide 6 of the most common travel scams and rip-offs (and how to avoid them)

01 Don’t let anyone touch your luggage. Kindly looking airport valets who spring out of nowhere offering to help you carry your bags can turn out to be total fraudsters who’ll demand you fork out an exorbitant sum lest they walk off with your things. Avoid this scenario by traveling with lightweight wheeled-luggage and use the trolleys at your disposal at the airport. 02 Use regulated taxis only. If a taxi driver tells you his meter “just broke”, get out of the car immediately. Download a trustworthy ride-hailing app or ask the hotel receptionist to order you a cab. 03 Beware of street vendors. The scenario usually goes like this: a vendor comes up to you in the street and offers to sell you some nice-looking bag or piece of jewelry (likely stolen). Suddenly a policeman in uniform shows up and demands to see your passport and wallet. Refuse, and ask him to give you the telephone number of his police station or tell him your passport isn’t on you but that he can come with you to your hotel to get it. He’ll be gone in a matter of seconds, as will the vendor.

04 Beware of inflated restaurant bills. Always check the bill at a restaurant before handing the waiter your credit card for payment. Don’t let your credit card out of your sight and don’t be ashamed to ask to see the menu to compare prices. You’ll be surprised how easily prices are upped when you’re not careful. 05 Don’t leave your rental car unsupervised. If you’re at a rest stop and two passers-by come up to you to let you know your tire’s flat, most likely it’s a scam. One of them will offer to change the tire

(which doesn’t actually need changing) while the other gets in the car to steal whatever he finds. Don’t get out of your car without locking it and don’t leave the car unsupervised. 06 Use official websites to purchase tickets. If someone offers to sell you concert or museum tickets at cutthroat prices, chances are it’s a scam. Phony tickets can look identical to the real thing, so beware and purchase tickets exclusively via official websites or at the venue.

12 ATMOSPHERE AUGUST 2024