Brand Manager for Consumer Awareness Initiative, Travel Insurance Explained, Rebecca Kingsley revealed that holidaymakers must be more wary of scammers when visiting tourists hot spots and attractions. Speaking to the Express.co.uk, Ms Kingsley noted that the exact country you are travelling to is not that important aspect as scammers operate all over the world and target tourist-friendly areas. She explained that regardless of travelling to France, Spain or Greece all travellers needed to be cautious solely on the areas they visit as scammers loiter in tourist hot spots to pickpocket and scam foreigners.
Ms Kingsley said: “I think any possible tourist spot is open to having the fraudsters and scammers there.
“This is because they know that is where they are going to have a lot of people travelling to.
“Also the popular tourist destinations are the hotspots.
“For example with France you have got the Louvre museum and the Eiffel Tower, that type of thing, that is where you are more likely to encounter scammers and fraudsters.
“It is in the most popular tourist hot spots is where you should be warier.
“The fraudsters and scammers are anywhere where there are going to be tourists so I don’t think it will matter what country you are in.”
Ms Kingsley also noted the importance of taking precautions to prevent becoming a victim of fraud while booking holidays.
She outlined three things to remember when booking including an emphasis on doing research ahead of all bookings.
She said: “A report that came out not long ago on the importance of online booking.
“The weird thing with that is to do your research and check that the website is legitimate.
“You should also remember not to pay by bank transfer and instead use a credit card.
“Remember to book with ABTA or ATOL member companies.
“This is because you get a level of security with those when booking a trip
“Just double check everything because if it looks too good to be true it usually is.
“They shouldn’t be relying on everything they see straight away, as holidaymakers should always do their background check and are doing their research.”
Pickpocketing has long been an issue in cities like Paris and Madrid often proving disastrous for holidaymakers.
A keen eye on your belongings at all times is advised and to be wary of pickpocketing tricks and scams designed to distract while an accomplice attempts to steal your belongings.
