Travellers heading on their European summer holidays are being warned of popular tourist scams sweeping the continent. Figures reveal scams cost holidaymakers £12.3 million and now travel insurance experts from Quotezone.co.uk have warned Brits to be alert this summer.
According to research there were 6,640 reports of holiday fraud in 2023, where travellers paid for their trip only to find out some or all of it was fake. Every summer tourists flock to European destinations, but this year the continent is said to be even more popular amongst travellers.
Cultural events like the 2024 Olympics, Euros and Taylor Swift’s European tour could see more travellers in Europe fall victim to sinister scams. The travel insurance experts are offering tips for tourists, from booking trips safely to avoiding popular tourists scams when they reach their destination. Before travelling, the experts say it is crucial to brush up on the emergency contacts of their destination, including any special tourist police lines.
Tiffany Mealiff, travel insurance expert at Quotezone.co.uk, said “Popular tourist attractions can be a hotbed for criminal activity, given tourists are distracted but the sites, surrounded by people and normally in unfamiliar territory.
“Knowing what scams to be wary of is half the battle, if holidaymakers do their homework beforehand and are on alert in these areas it should help keep their belongings safe. With many companies looking to sell holidaymakers tickets to attractions, special packages or deals either before departure or while on holiday, it’s important for people to check and make sure what they have purchased is legitimate.
“It’s also important to remember to get a police report for the loss or theft of an item as this will help support an insurance claim. Travellers need to compare travel insurance products, adding the extras they need such as gadget cover or even personal cash amounts to ensure their travel insurance policy includes everything they need.”
Quotezone.co.uk’s top travel scams list and how to avoid them;
1. Digital pickpocketing
Thieves can steal your bank card details using a reader or app if they get within 6 inches of you, in a ploy known as ‘skimming’. The technology in the bank card transmits bank details using its own radio frequency (RFID), thieves can intercept the details, if they get close enough. Best to be on your guard especially in tightly packed spaces such as public transport, and invest in an RFID blocking purse or wallet.
2. Booking scams
When booking a summer holiday or last-minute break, it could be very tempting to be won over by deals that are too good to be true. Scammers are tempting tourists with cheap tickets and promotional offers – always check several other official review sites to make sure these websites are legitimate. When buying a holiday with flights attached, always look for The Travel Association or Air Travel Organisers’ licensing logos on the webpage. It is also a good idea to use credit cards when making online holiday bookings as most major credit card providers protect online purchases.
3. Restaurants
Make sure to do your homework on local restaurants and stick to those with a large volume of positive reviews. Some restaurants in tourist hotspots will have cheaper menus for local people and charge tourists more money for the same meal. Some restaurants even charge you more for eating or drinking outside, so be aware and always ask for an itemised receipt. If there’s a specials board without prices or seemingly complimentary nibbles at the table, always ask for a price.
4. Taxi ranks
When you are on holiday, make sure to use taxi ranks where possible and check the cabs are licensed. There should be a list of destinations with estimated costs at the taxi rank for tourists as a guide, if not, either agree a price before you get in or check the meter is first at zero then starts to run as your journey starts. Tourists can be vulnerable and easy to spot so be aware of how to prepare for taxi rides and get an idea of how much your journey should cost online first.
5. Hustlers
Tourist traps and highly crowded areas are where thieves have the most success. Beware of anyone who approaches you, is too close for comfort or tries to offer you change in a different currency from what you paid. Scammers will often offer a service, like taking photos or pretending to help you with a stain on your clothes. Make sure to be on the look-out, leave your cash at home and carry your card and phone very close to your body, zipped away.
6. Lockers
Train and bus stations have storage lockers for tourists to leave suitcases and larger items. Some scammers will try and sell you fake keys, giving them access to your belongings. Make sure to always rent them from official sources and don’t be tempted into receiving help from those passing by.
7. ATM Tampering
Thieves can use cameras, skimmers and even fake keyboards to steal your details at the ATM. If you can, use a cash machine at a bank branch, ideally indoors, to increase the likelihood that it is safe to use and be on the look-out for any additions or adaptions to the machine that look unusual.