Travel scams

One of the things I'd like to know when I do my travel research or homework, is to find out the prevalent scams in a particular country. Since travellers are viewed as walking ATMs, all sorts of scams are honed to perfection to relieve them of their money.

So far I've been spared except for the usual crooked cab drivers.

Allow me to relate a common scam perpetrated on me while travelling solo in Europe.

At the Eiffel Tower in Paris a tall, heavy-set Frenchman accosted me.

"Where are you from?" he asked.

"Singapore."

"Oh, Singapore. Aha, today I went to the airport to meet a Singapore friend but he didn't turn up. I'm supposed to give this coat to him. Never mind, I'll give it to you for free."

Smelling a rat, and a big one at that, I said, "I've no money."

"How much do you have? Give me whatever you have," he said, with an edge to his voice.

I emptied my pockets for theatrical effect. "No franc," I emphasised.

Disappointed he retreated. From afar, I spotted him getting into a small car with his coat. Doubtless, to look for another victim.

Please share with our readers if you have encountered any scams on your travels.