Tourists are the 'ideal target for scammers' - key tactic can help you avoid being conned
Tourists set to visit some of the world's most popular holiday destinations have been warned to do their research before travelling to avoid being scammed.
The online gaming company Slingo has warned tourists to take care whilst on holiday, sharing some of the most popular scams that can be found in various popular destinations.
Whilst tourists will always be excited to visit a faraway destination, it is important that they do their research before setting off.
Dom Aldworth, brand marketing coordinator at Slingo, noted that tourists who evidently do not understand the local culture are regarded by scammers as the best people to approach.
They advised: "There are plenty of reasons that tourists make the ideal target for scammers. When heading away abroad we're often relaxed and have our guard down, meaning we're less likely to be suspicious of strangers.
"Alongside the language barriers and a lack of knowledge of local customs, prices and laws can make for the perfect ruse for scammers looking to exploit you."
According to Slingo, one of the most popular holiday scams is when a criminal distracts a tourist to steal their valuables.
This type of scam can take a number of forms, with scammers typically asking questions, such as the time or directions to a nearby destination, or starting a fake argument with holidaymakers.
To avoid distraction scams, tourists should always stay alert when talking to strangers and keep valuables in a secure place, such as a zipped pocket.
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Slingo also warned travellers to always be mindful when taking a taxi on holiday, with some drivers taking advantage of tourists holding different currencies.
One of the most common scams that takes place in unofficial taxis is when the driver states they do not have the change for the money the tourist has given, taking the money and leaving the vehicle to find change.
The company advised tourists to do their research, only ever using official taxis and insisting on using the meter to get an accurate price for the journey.
Finally, tourists were warned by Slingo to watch out for fake police officers whilst visiting popular holiday destinations.
In this type of scam, criminals dressed as police officers approach tourists, accusing them of an offence and demanding money or valuables as a fine.
In these cases, holidaymakers should remain calm and rational when interacting with anyone who looks like a police officer and ask for verification.
