Beware of Scammers

Travel Scams and Rip-Offs
Keeping yourself -- and your belongings -- safe and secure while you travel
By Christina Breda Antoniades

As countless international travelers have unfortunately discovered, whether you're in Rome or Rio, Rotterdam or Reno, there are more than a few shady characters lurking about who'd like nothing better than to part you from your valuables.

In fact, despite increased fears of terrorism following the Sept. 11 attacks, the leading security threat most travelers face is likely to fall under the category of petty crime, says Kevin Coffey, a California police detective who specializes in training business and leisure travelers about safety.

Small-time crooks young and old work alone or in groups using thieving techniques they've perfected with years of practice. They may use violence, but in most cases they don't have to; unsuspecting victims -- tired, overwhelmed and maybe even battling a language barrier -- make easy targets. However, there are steps you can take to ensure you don't end up the victim of their clever ploys. With the aid of Detective Coffey, here are a few suggestions for protecting yourself -- and your belongings -- when traveling.

Before You Go

Gather your vital stats.
Before you go, create three identical travel packets of emergency information. Tape one packet to the inside of your luggage, give one to a relative and tuck one away in your desk at work. Should you need the information, you'll probably have access to at least one of these packets. Each packet should include:

• A photocopy of your entire passport (front, back and inside pages)

• Copies of your passport photo (in case you're in a place where you can't get one)

• Copies of the front and back of any credit cards. On the photocopies, obliterate the credit card expiration date as well as the last three numbers of your card. Pencil in a "hint" to remind yourself what those numbers are (for example, the last three digits 123, might remind you of your "brother's birthday, Dec. 3.") The photocopy of the back of your credit card will give you the number to call should you lose your card.

• Copies of your vision prescription. Should you lose your glasses or contacts, you can replace them quickly from almost anywhere in the world, thanks to overnight delivery.

• Copies of medication prescriptions. Not only can you get refills but also having your prescription may be essential when explaining questionable medication to customs officials. You should also always keep medicines in their original containers, which offer information about the medication.

• Your medical insurance details, including telephone and account numbers. Check with your insurance carrier about your coverage before traveling anywhere. Depending on the type of travel (i.e., adventure travel), you might need to purchase some ancillary coverage.