Most Common International Travel Scams and Solutions
| June 3, 2017 | Posted by Steve Williams under stolen passport, UK Passport |
It is not bad if a traveler had to picture this world in a positive way and perceive those he deals with as human and rational. However, there are always exceptions to any natural law or assumption, and that is why one has to consider the possibility of meeting the worst while are on his journey. For the reason, it proves a good idea to keep watch in order not to fall victim.
Some regular travelers have often grown a poached confidence. Always be on the watch when in unfamiliar places. A favorite novelist, Chinua Achebe, states that ‘Since man has learnt to shoot without missing, Aneke the bird has learnt to fly without perching’. The modern traveler must know that the rogue artists have skills and tricks that are still cooking.
Most Common Travel Scams and Solutions
Fake Charity
Many travelers are often willing to donate during the holidays. This is one of the opportunities exploited by the fraud artists, who send emails to travelers informing them to donate cash for charity’s sake. These are bogus charities, and if one is willing to donate, there are those organizations recognized.
Credit and Debit Card Theft
Theft of the credit and debit cards is on the rise. Fraud artists have honed their skills in reaching the travelers’ cards, no matter how deep they hide them. To evade this threat, it is prudent to use a credit card for shopping in preference to the debit card. Credit cards are definitely more secure. Besides, in case of loses of money from your bank, the credit card user is compensated, a feature that is non-existent in the debit cards.
Deceptive Advertising
Many fake apps are in the market today. Worst of all, some of the fake shopping apps are labeled Amazon and E-Bay. With the use of such apps, the fraud artists are capable of stealing one’s personal information. When one is on a journey and would like to do the shopping from the phone, he must take care of the authenticity of the app he is using.
Fake Guides (‘Helpful Locals’)
A few years ago, a Chinese businessman landed on a foreign state and was lured into buying fake gems. He gave out the money only to realize what he had was not worth more than glass. A traveler can be led into doing something that spills their money. Some ‘helpful locals’ offer misleading advices that get travelers into trouble. The escape route is simple. Do not heed unsolicited advice.
What of Passport Theft?
A traveler gets vulnerable to identity fraud whenever the passport is stolen. This mostly happens when belongings have vanished with the passport. Occasionally, things do happen. If you fall a member of the statistics of passport fraud cases, you can instantly apply for stolen passport.
How to Apply for Stolen Passport in the UK
If you wish to apply for stolen passport, this will cost about 72 Sterling pounds or 82 if you opt for UK Passport Check and Send Service. There is an interview for the cases of a stolen passport. You can apply for stolen passport online, and the guidelines for the process are available. You will request for the form from the Post Office’s Check and Send services. In completing the form, you will attach two identical new photos of yourself. The application form and one photo should be signed by some other person to confirm your identity. You can opt for online or paper applications when sending the form.
Escape any tricks using this guide and travel safe free of any fraud or theft.