Tag Archives: Street Crime

U.S. embassies and consulates are located in countries around the world which have diplomatic relations with the United States. Those who work in the American embassy or consulate are official representatives of the U.S. and its interest. They act as liaisons between the U.S. government and the host country. Most US embassies and consulates are located in the country’s capital city. Working with the Department of State, it’s their responsibility to convey U.S. policy to foreign governments and international organizations, as well as react to local unsafe conditions or hostilities when they occur. Here is the breakdown of what the US embassies and consulates can do and cannot do for its citizens:

What U.S. Embassy and Consulate Can Do For You

Replacing a lost or stolen passport or renewing a passport
Arrest, abduction, or imprisonment- If arrested consuls can assist in a law-related travel emergency by providing a list of attorneys, contacting your family, and ensuring that jail conditions and personal health are in acceptable condition
If you become ill overseas, they can assist you in obtaining medical attention and information on local English-speaking doctors.
Assist with marriages, birth, and adoptions
Obtain vital records (birth certificates, Social Security cards)
Emergency medical evacuation or dispositions of remains if an American citizen dies abroad
Notarizing Forms
Filing US taxes abroad

What U.S. Embassy and Consulate Can’t Do For You

Assist with U.S. residency or immigration issues, including Green Cards.
Provide information regarding U.S. visas or immigration benefits
Locate lost property
Cash Checks
Pay personal debts or lend money
Authorize and pay medical expenses
Get you out of jail, or have your charges reduced
Give legal advice, pay legal fees, or serve as attorney
Prepare tax returns
Collect or forward mail packages
Locate or provide information on U.S. citizens
Renew or replace driver’s licenses
Serve as interpreters or translators

It’s highly recommended that all travelers register to the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). STEP is a free service that allows U.S. Citizens traveling or living abroad to enroll with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Once enrolled you will receive the latest safety and security information for your destination. In case of a disaster, civil unrest, or family emergency the embassy or consulate will contact you directly, as well as help family members back in the U.S. get in touch with you as soon as possible. Stay Informed, stay connected, and stay safe enrolling into the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program.

Don’t Fall for Pickpocket Scams in Paris while using the Paris Metro or Trains

Paris is the city of light, fashion, artistic expression, and love. Paris was also rated in a TripAdvisor.com survey as one of the top ten cities in the world for pickpockets. Tourists visiting Paris are targeted by a variety of thieves, which can be can be any gender, race, or age, however, you have the highest chance of being targeted by young teens (especially young girls) under the age of 16 because they are difficult to prosecute. While several thousand tourists make police reports that they had fallen victim to Paris pickpockets, it is believed that nearly half of these thefts occur on Paris trains and the Metro.

Keep in mind that pickpocket activity at the below locations may have changed, so keep that in mind.

Taking a little time to learn about how to avoid Paris pickpockets can potentially save you hours of travel disruption and hanging out at a Paris police station making a pickpocket report – not something most travelers want to do.

Paris Train and Metro Stations with High Pickpocket Activity

Just know that Paris pocket pickers love to target tourists while they are passing thru or riding the train or Metro, and is believed that nearly half of Paris’s pickpocket reports are reported occurring on these two systems. Know that all Metro lines present high levels of pickpocket activity, especially during the summer months. In regards to timing when pickpockets operate, keep in mind that it can happen at any time, however, many of the thefts occur on the Metro between 4 and 6 pm when it is rush hour.

Paris pickpockets can be any gender, race, or age but are commonly children under the age of 16 because they are difficult to prosecute. Keep out an extra eye for groups of young female teens, as they are probably one of the most prevalent groups that can be easily identified.

The following Metro and RER Lines are ones that travelers need to be very vigilant when riding on, or in the area of, as they have higher than average numbers of victims falling victim to pickpockets:

REF Rail Link – In Paris, two trains, in particular, are favorites with pickpockets because they’re both loaded with tourists: The RER train between Charles de Gaulle Airport and central Paris, and the RER train that goes between Paris and Versailles. For years, both the US State Department, as well as the Paris police have reported that the rail link RER B from Charles de Gaulle airport to the city center (downtown Paris), both east and west directions, are often prime hunting ground for pickpockets – as many of the stops are tourist favorites.

Metro Line 1 – especially between Charles de Gaulle-Etoile to Bastille (both directions).

Metro Line 2 – Barbes-rochechuart to Anvers

Metro Line 4 – Chatelet to Barbes-rochechuart, and especially the part that goes to Montmartre from Chatelet.

Metro Line 6- Charles de Gaulle-Etoile to La Motte Picquet Grenelle

Metro Line 9- Alma Marceau to Franklin D Roosevelt

Metro Line 13- Saint Lazare to Montparnasse bienvenue

The following train and metro stations are reported to be locations with considerable pickpocket activity:

Chatelet
Les Halles
Barbes Rochechouart
Gare du Nord
Auber-Opera-Harve Caumartin
Charles de Gaulle-Etoile
Concorde
Strasbourg-Saint Denis
Republique
Montparnasse
Franklin D. Roosevelt
Bastille
Care de l’Est
Nation
Gare de Lyon

Video of Paris Metro Pickpockets

The below video was shot by a rider of the Paris Metro. The video shows child pickpockets roaming a Paris Metro subway platform. The video shows how young pickpockets work and roam in groups. Watch how they cover their heads when they realize they are being videotaped. Many times, child pickpockets operate in crowded trains and platforms.

Pickpocket Scams on Paris RER and Metro Lines

While waiting for the RER to depart, several young people enter the train carrying clipboards. One of the members approaches you and asks you to sign his petition. With the clipboard in one hand a pen in the other, also covering your lap, the young man takes your bag from your lap and runs. He was able to take your belongings because your hands and eyes were distracted by the petition.
A small group of 2-4 well-trained pickpockets searches for tourists exiting a train. Once a tourist is spotted, the gang members scatter among the crowd of departing passengers and follow the target to an escalator that exits to the street. One or two thieves stand directly behind the target, and third a few steps further behind. Thief number 3 slowly walks up the escalator passing other passengers and his accomplices. Once he is standing directly in front of the target and is near the landing, he awkwardly drops coins from his pocket. As he collects his coins on the landing, the target and fellow passengers are unable to disembark because the thief is blocking the exit. Due to this, the passengers are thrown into each other. This commotion creates an opportunity for the two thieves that were positioned directly behind the target to remove wallets and other valuables from the target’s back pocket, without notice.
Metro and train riders need to pay attention when stopped at stations, as metro pickpockets and thieves often time their pickpocket attempts to coincide with the closing of the automatic doors on the Metro, leaving the victim on the departing train. This is especially important to tourists who are standing close to the doors of the metro. Pay attention to the sound of the metro’s bell or buzzer sounds, because that’s the thief’s cue, and it should be yours too. This noise indicates the doors are about to shut, and the train is moving on to the next station. The pickpocket needs just a couple of seconds to grab your phone or purse and dart out the door, knowing that before you even realize what’s happening, they’re on the platform waving goodbye as you speed off to the next stop without a chance of catching the culprit.
Another big Metro pickpocket scam occurs when you are riding the Metro and when you see a group of pre-teens or teens standing close to you and pick a fight with each other. They push each other around, bump into tourists and while you’re distracted, will try to grab your bag. Vigilance is key! If someone acts weird or suspicious, get off the car at the next stop and either move to another car or wait for the next train. Try to find a seat, or stand away from the doors. If you can’t sit, back yourself up against one of the sides. Try to minimize access to your pockets and purses.
You are riding up or down a busy metro escalator when a thief behind you tries to get into your backpack, back pocket, or purse without your knowledge or sight since they are behind you. In another scam, the escalator suddenly jolts to a stop, most times because someone (usually a member of a group of thieves) pressed the emergency stop button at the bottom. As you begin to walk up or down the stopped escalator, other similar scams occur such as someone in front of you walking up or down the escalator stairs starts to walk very slow, causing you to slow my pace. While this occurs, the thief behind you has more time to steal your valuables from behind. In other escalator scams, a thief acts like they dropped something, causing you to have to “squeeze by” the person, again, a built-in distraction by thieves to get extra time to steal from you.

Solution: First be observant of the people who are near you at all times, especially at train stations. Second, there are clever travel products on the market that can help you keep items like your wallet or money safe. If you insist on carrying a wallet, use a security-style travel that cannot leave your person.

Pocket expands to fit phone & passport. Hide undershirt.

A similar and equally popular pickpocket method is the swarm and snatch. While being swarmed by passengers on a full metro train as they enter and exit, a pickpocket skillfully places his hand in your pocket and removes your wallet. Due to the pressure of the passengers around you, you are not able to feel the intruder snatch your money.
Another trick is to snatch the purse, watch or bag from a passenger near the exit and quickly escape through the closing metro train doors.
A passenger enters the train and has a jacket draped over his arm. The passenger stands next to you and gently drops the jacket over the top of your bag or purse, without you noticing. While his hands are out of sight, he is able to reach into your bag and steal your valuables.

Solution: Always keep your belongings in eye’s sight and be wary of passengers carrying jackets or long scarves, especially in the warm summer months – it is unusual to wear heavy clothing in warm weather. Use a purse designed for travel with built-in anti-theft features. Most importantly look for locking zippers and slash resistant reinforced construction to foil thieves and keep valuables safe.

The metro train is full and there are no available seats, so you stand and hold the above handrail. A man next to you insists that he dropped his ticket and you are standing on it. The man bends down and begins to tug at the leg of your trousers. You focus your attention on the odd behavior of the man touching your leg, and his accomplice lifts your cell phone from your front pocket.
Gare du Nord is a bustling train station and connection for express trains from the airport. Opportunists eagerly await the arrival of disoriented tourists with luggage. A well-dressed, young man offers assistance with the foreign ticket machine. While you are consumed with learning how the automat works from the helpful man, his accomplice helps himself to your laptop bag.
While traveling with a friend to the Louvre metro stop, a group of well-dressed, young women with beautiful, long dresses surround you and ask for the time. You check your watch and the women suddenly grab your wrist to admire your watch. Oddly enough, the women do not release your arm. They continue to talk to each other saying how beautiful the watch is. While your friend and you frantically try to free your arm, one of the women has helped herself to the contents of your backpack.

Solution: If you find yourself in such a situation, try stepping on the foot of the woman or man who holds onto you. This reaction will catch them off guard and bring attention to the group.

You have just arrived on a train from Charles de Gaulle Airport to downtown Paris. You suffer from jetlag and are carrying two suitcases, a carry-on, and a backpack. A stranger approaches you in the train station asking for directions. While you try to explain that you are not from Paris, an accomplice helps themselves to an unguarded bag. The U.S. State Department suggests taking a bus or taxi from the airport into the city.
You and your travel partner decide to play it safe and take the Air France bus from the airport to a downtown train station. You purchase two round-trip tickets totaling 44 Euros with three 20 Euro bills. Once you take a seat, you realize that the driver gave you 6 Euros in change. When you walk to the front of the bus to explain the situation, you overhear another passenger also explaining that they received incorrect change.
Anti-theft backpack keeps hands out and valuables in

Solution: Try to pay with exact change, but when not possible, do not walk away from the bus driver, ticket counter, restaurant, cashier, etc. before counting your change. Research initial costs such as airport transportation before arriving in France.

While going through a turnstile at the Notre Dame metro stop, a young man behind you pushes claiming that the turnstile is stuck. The man reaches across you with his left hand over your shoulder and releases the turnstile. You are now able to exit but without your wallet. While the man was pressing against you and distracting you with the tale of the jammed turnstile, he was picking your pocket with his free left hand.

Solution: It is impossible to always avoid these types of spontaneous events, but you can carry your valuables more safely in a money belt hidden under your trousers. With the short window of opportunity for this scam, a money belt will help to spoil the attempt because it is difficult to reach.

Coversafe V100 Anti-Theft RFID Blocking Waist Wallet

Never purchase metro tickets from people on the street claiming to sell them for a discounted rate. Always purchase tickets from either a ticket machine or counter.
Many men find it more comfortable to carry cameras, identification, and money in a small bag or waist pack. While traveling on the metro to Arc de la Triomphe two men who are speaking to each other in an unrecognizable, foreign language stands near you. One man was reading a newspaper and the other man seems frustrated with him while pointing at the metro map in the train. The man continues to read the newspaper as the train departs he begins to lean on you, pushed from the movement of the train. This makes you feel immediately uncomfortable and while you pay attention to the fact that a stranger is leaning on you, his friend cuts the straps of your waist pack and exits at the next stop. You did not notice the lightness of the missing pack because of the man who was leaning on you-you were focusing on where he was touching you and not the suddenly missing pack around your waist.

Solution: If someone touches you, or presses into you, immediately try to move. Additionally, you can purchase a small bag or waist pack with slash-proof straps or belt with a hidden closure.

Before a RER train departs from Paris, a young person asks you to sign a form while you are seated. An accomplice is behind the young person, and as you busy both of your hands to hold the clipboard and pen, the accomplice is able to steal your belongings, even those sitting in your lap.
Do not underestimate what a thief looks like. While on a packed train, you travel with a group of friends to the Eiffel Tower. Two young girls, younger than 10-years old ask your group if you have any candy. You politely tell the girls no and one of the girls looks at you sadly. While the disappointed little girl continues to stare at you, the second little girl robs you by unzipping your backpack and stealing the camera and wallet. At the next stop, the two girls quickly exit leaving you to notice nothing until they are gone.
During rush hour it can be difficult to enter a packed train. You are able to push your way onto a train with a group of young girls. You are not concerned with pickpockets because you cleverly carry your valuables under your clothes and you hold your handbag closely to your body. Although you packed smartly, the little hands of the young girls are still able to unzip your bag before you sense anything.
Using payphones in a foreign country can be like learning a foreign language. Once you arrive at the La Chapelle station, you attempt to telephone your friend who you are visiting. A friendly man notices you struggling with the pay phone and offers to help. The man overhears where you plan to meet your friend and offers to accompany you. The man is genuinely friendly, so you accept the offer. Later that night when you arrive at your friend’s flat, you realize that you are missing 500 Euros.

Solution: If you need help with pay phones, ask a staff member of the train station or a storekeeper. If a friendly stranger offers to help you, decline.

While traveling on the RER, an older woman walks up to you with a long scarf or tablecloth draped over her arm. She holds out the cloth, but with one real arm and one fake arm. This allows her other real arm to snatch one of your bags lying by your feet.

Be aware in colder months of large winter coats and accessories. The added bulk makes the job of a pickpocket easier as they slip their hand in and out of the coat to grab the goods. Do not carry wallets, money or valuables in the exterior pockets of heavy coats.

Taxis and Driving

The biggest scam with taxis in Paris may be how difficult it is to catch a cab. While there are not as many reports of overcharging or scams on Parisian taxis, compared to Rome for example, it is still to be a vigilant passenger.

You enter a taxi and tell the driver where you would like to go. The driver seems to not understand even though you said quite clearly, “La Louvre”. You pull out a map and even show the driver where you want to go. Finally, after a few minutes, you realize that the taximeter has been running the entire time. Beware of the “confused” taxi driver.

Be suspicious of unlicensed taxi drivers who approach tourists at the airport offering a cheaper fare. Because the driver is unlicensed, there is not a way for the passenger to know in advance what the fare might be. It is best to wait in line at the taxi stand.

You decide to take a taxi after dinner and what is normally a five-minute trip, takes 15 minutes. You don’t notice the time go by because you are too busy enjoying the site-seeing tour that the driver has taken you on. Or maybe you see the Eiffel Tower two times because the driver is going in circles. Sometimes when in the city, it is best to use buses or the metro trains.

Ride the Paris Metro like a Local and reduce your chances of being targeted by a pickpocket

Plan your route before leaving the hotel, selecting the most direct route in order to limit the amount of travel/train time.
Try to avoid changing trains in larger touristy metro stations such as Gare du Nord, Gare Montparnasse or Chatelet Les Halles. One can easily get lost in these large stations and that makes travelers vulnerable to potential theft.
During busy travel times, stand on the far end of the platform, away from the entrance stairwell.
Stand further back on the train platforms to scout out a suitable, or empty train car to enter. This keeps you out of a crowd and allows you to be flexible to enter a different car at the last moment if necessary.
If someone comes up to you and try to sell you something or ask you to sign any form of a petition, decline politely and walk away in the opposite direction.
If the metro escalator stops and someone asks to help you with your suitcase decline or watch to make sure someone else isn’t going in your handbag on the other side.
Carry backpacks or large bags in front of you, especially when the train is full. Carrying your pack on your back signals to other passengers that you are a tourist.
Wrap straps of handbags or purses securely around your wrist, especially when sitting or standing near an exit door.

Additional Paris Metro and Train Pickpocket Information

Know that Paris Metro and Train pickpockets use simple, t effective strategies that steal items from tourists. Many times pickpockets will have a light jacket or sweater draped over a forearm – which is used to hide the fact that they are reaching under the jacket with the other arm for a victim’s wallet. Paris Metro pickpockets will use this type of technique on a crowded metro or train car, but their favorite opportunity seems to be during the bustle and bumping that occur as a car empties and refills. The idea is to grab a wallet from someone on or boarding the train just before the doors close and then get off while the victim rides away.

What Should a U.S. Citizens Do if Their Passport is Lost or Stolen Abroad?

The first thing you should if you lost your passport when abroad is contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for assistance. Phone numbers for U.S. embassies and consulates are also available here Country Specific Information and Key Officers handbook. You will need to speak to the American Citizens Services unit of the Consular Section. If you are scheduled to leave the foreign country shortly, please provide the Consular Section with details regarding your departure schedule. Every effort will be made to assist you quickly. You will also be directed to where you can obtain the required passport photos. US passport

If you are notified by a relative or friend that their U.S. passport has been lost/stolen, you may wish to contact Overseas Citizens Services, (202) 647-5225 at the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C. providing as much information about possible about the person’s who needs passport services abroad. This will assist us in trying to verify the person’s previous passport, clearing the person’s name through the Department Passport Name Check System, and relaying this information to the U.S. embassy or consulate. Your relative/friend must apply for a new passport at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

What Are the Requirements to Obtain a Replacement Passport?

You will need to complete a new passport application. The consular officer taking an application for replacement of a lost, stolen, or misplaced passport must be reasonably satisfied as to your identity and citizenship before issuing the replacement. In virtually all cases this can be done through examination of whatever citizenship and identity documents are available, conversations with the applicant, close observation of demeanor and replies to questions asked, and discussions with the applicant’s traveling companions or contacts in the United States. Please note the new requirements for passports for minors under the age of 14 and how this will change the way passport applications for minors are handled abroad.

What Information Will I Need to Provide the Consular Officer?

You will be asked for certain information to assist in verifying your citizenship:

Personal Data:(including, but not limited to)
- your name
- date of birth
- place of birth
- passport number (if available)
- date and place where your passport was issued
If you can provide the U.S. embassy or consulate with a photocopy of your passport identification page, that will make getting a new passport easier since your citizenship and identity information would be more readily available.
Affidavit Regarding Loss/Theft of the Passport/Police Report: When you report the loss, theft, or misplacement of your passport you must execute an affidavit fully describing the circumstances under which it was lost, stolen. U.S. Department of State form DS-64 may be used for this purpose, or you may simply execute a sworn statement before the consular officer describing what happened. A police report is not mandatory but may be required when the embassy/consulate believes a problem may exist such as possible fraud. An applicant eligible to receive a passport should not be placed in circumstances to miss a plane or unreasonably delay travel to obtain a police report.
Citizenship Verification and Name Clearance: The U.S. embassy/consulate will confirm your previous passport issuance through our Passport Verification System or by requesting that Overseas Citizens Services, (202) 647-5225, in the U.S. Department of State retrieve the actual passport application. The consular section will also attempt to clear your name through the U.S. Department of State name check system to ensure there is nothing preventing the issuance of a U.S. passport to you (for example outstanding arrest warrant, court order, etc.) See 22 CFR 51.70 .
Proof of Identity: You will also be asked for some proof of your identity. If all your personal papers were lost or stolen with your passport, your identity can be established in a number of ways. In most cases, the problem of identity is resolved quickly. It should be noted, however, that if there is any indication of possible fraud the consular officer may request additional documentation or other information. Information From Consular Interview: The consular officer may be satisfied as to your identity based on the interview with you, or may require other information. Identifying Witness: Persons traveling with a group or with friends, family or associates in the foreign country can have such a person execute an affidavit of an identifying witness before the consular officer. An identifying witness does not have to be a U.S. citizen. Information From Family, Friends or Associates in the United States: If you are traveling alone and do not know anyone in the foreign country who can attest to your identity, your family, friends, or associates in the U.S. may contact the consular officer by phone or fax confirming your identity. This is usually quite informal. In emergency situations, your contacts may also communicate with the U.S. Department of State, that Overseas Citizens Services, (202) 647-5225. Information From Previous Passport Records: If necessary, information about your identity may be obtained from your previous passport application which may have to be retrieved by Overseas Citizens Services, at (202) 647-5225, in the U.S. Department of State from the Federal Records Center which is located outside of Washington, D.C.

Will the Replacement Passport Be Issued For the Full 10-Year Validity Period for an Adult?

Replacements for lost passports are normally issued for the full 10-year period of validity for adults. Occasionally, cases will arise in which the consular officer has some lingering doubt because of statements made by the applicant, or other circumstances, but is still reasonably satisfied as to identity and citizenship. If there is no time to request and receive the Department’s verification, a passport limited to 3 months may be issued. Limited passports may also be issued in cases in which an applicant has, by mistake, packed the passport with luggage being sent to another location, left the passport at home, perhaps in another country, but has to travel immediately, lost or been robbed of multiple passports in a short time span, etc.

When issuing a limited passport in an emergency situation, consular officers will carefully explain to the applicant that the passport is limited for the duration of the present trip only. When the applicant returns to the United States and wishes to travel again internationally, the applicant will have to apply for a replacement passport and pay the regular fee.

Are Fees Charged For Replacement of Lost/Stolen Passports Abroad?

The normal passport fees are collected from applicants for replacement passports. Applicants will be asked to provide names of persons they feel would be able to assist them financially if there is sufficient time. See our information about Financial Assistance to U.S. citizens abroad and Learn About Sending Money Overseas to U.S. Citizen in an Emergency. However, if:

the applicant’s money and documents have been lost or stolen, or
the applicant is a victim of a disaster

and the applicant does not have and cannot reasonably be expected to obtain money to pay the fees before continuing travel, no passport fee will be charged and a limited validity passport will be issued. When the person applies for a full validity passport on their return to the United States the regular passport fee will be charged for the replacement passport. See the U.S. Department of State Schedule of Fees, 22 CFR 22.1

Can the U.S. Embassy Issue a Replacement Passport Over a Weekend or Holiday?

U.S. passports are not routinely issued by U.S. embassies and consulates abroad on weekends and holidays when the embassy/consulate is closed. All U.S. embassies and consulates have an after-hours duty officer available to assist with life or death emergencies of U.S. citizens abroad. Contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate after-hours duty officer for assistance if you have an emergency need to travel. Phone numbers for U.S. embassies and consulates are also available in our Country Specific Information and Key Officers handbook. Duty officers must focus primary attention on life or death emergencies. Depending on the circumstances and conditions in the foreign country, it is very likely that a replacement passport may not be issued until the embassy/consulate reopens for business. At that time the Consular Section will be in a better position to verify your citizenship and identity and clear your name through the Department of State name check system.

Even the most careful driver can be faced with an emergency situation. If the emergency happens in an unfamiliar area or at night, it becomes even more stressful. Don’t panic and start to gather as much information about your situation. Also planning ahead of time what you can do to stay if your car breaks down will help get you through the situation with less fear and stress.

Take Note of Your Location

Know where you are in relation to cross streets, or if on a highway an off-ramp or mile marker.
Get off the roadway, or pull to the side, even if you do have to drive on a flat tire. The tire is replaceable. Stay visible.
Turn on your emergency flashers. If you have emergency roadway flares in your trunk, position them conspicuously, do this only if it is safe.
Raise the hood and tie a handkerchief to the aerial or door handle, only exit the vehicle if you feel it is safe to do so.
Use your cell phone to call for help. Make the call from inside your locked vehicle if you are safely out of traffic. Otherwise, do so at a safe distance from the vehicle and roadway. Have your roadside assistance phone number entered in your phone contacts and have a printed copy of it in your glove box.
If a roadside telephone or call-box is handy, use it. If not, sit in your locked car and wait for help.
If a motorist stops to render assistance, it’s better to remain in the car and ask him to call for or get help. You can use your phone camera to record the conversation (Likewise, if you see a stranded motorist, it is best to notify the police via phone than it is to approach the car.)

If You Think You are Being Followed, Don’t Drive Home

Driving home will only tell the follower where you live.
Drive to an already identified safe spot. Once there sound your horn and flash your lights. Do not leave this safe location until you’re sure your follower is gone. Suggested safe spots are police stations, fire stations, public and well-lit places. Do not engage whoever is following you and keep your doors locked. Assess if you need to call 911 to protect yourself from a threat.
Flash your lights and sound your horn long enough to attract attention to you and consequently, the person following you. Your goal is for him to leave. If you are stopped and not driving take a photo or video using your phone.
Remember, your common sense is your best protection.

Protecting Yourself

Always drive with your car doors locked and windows up far enough to keep anyone from reaching inside.
At stop signs and signals keep the car in gear and stay alert.
Travel on well-lit busy streets. You can spare those extra minutes it may take to avoid an unsafe area.
Keep your purse and other valuables out of sight, even when you are driving in your locked car. It is better to place them on the floor than the seat.
Always lock your car, even for a short absence. And before unlocking your parked car, quickly check to make sure no one is hiding in the vehicle.
Never pick up a hitchhiker. Even the most harmless-looking stranger can be dangerous. Don’t find out.
When you arrive home, leave your headlights on until you have the car in the garage, and the house door unlocked. If you can have a remote control garage door opener installed, it will allow you to remain in your locked car until your garage door closes.
Check the daily routes you travel and pick out safe spots-24 hour gas stations, convenience stores, and police and fire stations. If trouble should arise, drive straight to one of these locations.

Choose your parking space wisely

In airport parking lots I recommend parking in view of the exit pay booths, parking lot office, or within view of a shuttle pickup location or kiosk. The increased traffic at these locations will discourage potential thieves. Well-lit areas are next best location; most airport lots have surveillance cameras in place, so making it easier for an attendant to see your car on a grainy camera will help.
Park “trunk out.” If you are storing items in your trunk, you will want to point the trunk out into the lot aisle, where more people can see anyone trying to break in. Don’t give thieves the opportunity to use your car as cover while ripping you off.
When parking on the street, try to park within sight of a busy store or hotel entrance, under a street lamp, near a busy corner or out in the open away from things that might provide shelter to a thief (like thick or low-hanging trees). The busier the street, the better.
Remove or lock up items such as GPS units, accessories for your cell phone or MP3 player, a loose E-ZPass apparatus – to remove temptation.
Similarly, visual cues that might deter a thief can be critical – even if they are just for show. Things like a steering wheel lock or a blinking alarm system light will inspire thieves to move on to the next vehicle, even if you don’t have the alarm activated.
A neat car is less likely to get broken into.
A car that is filled with jackets or beach towels that appear to be covering items of value, or that has wires sticking out here and there suggesting that electronic devices may also be stowed, are much more likely to attract interest. If a potential thief sees nothing but car upholstery, he or she is less likely to be curious about what might be hidden in the car.
Check for your valuables as soon as you return to your car.
If you have any suspicions, you will want to make sure nothing was stolen before you pull out. If your car does get ripped off, you want to figure it out at or near the location the theft occurred in case you have to file a complaint. When surveying your vehicle, keep in mind that thieves know what to take- often items you won’t notice until you are long gone. For example, a common tactic is to take a camera out of a camera bag, but leave the bag behind; it looks like it was undisturbed so you won’t figure it out for hours or days.

Rent wisely

When renting a car, keep the following tips in mind:

Rent models that are not easily exposed or broken into and that have a trunk big enough to store anything you want to secure. A hip convertible style car sounds like a great idea, but it is easier to break into than a hard top.
The more modest and nondescript the rental model, the less likely to attract attention it is.
Don’t leave your rental contract in the car, as this document has just about all the information you will need if the car is stolen – and also all the information a thief will need to evade detection if he or she is stopped for any reason before you report the vehicle as stolen.

Protect valuables left inside your vehicle by using a portable safe designed to be used in your personal or rental car.

Taking a little bit of time before you travel to up your “street smarts” is an important detail of your pre-departure preparation, especially if you want to make sure you don’t bring home memories of hanging out in a police station making a stolen wallet or passport report. Watching videos of pickpockets in action is one of the best ways to help make you a more street smart traveler.

There are basically two types of pickpockets, the skilled pickpocket, who may use distractions and even work in teams to alleviate you from your possessions and the opportunistic pickpocket who just grabs vulnerable and unsecured valuables such as wallets in open purses, or camera momentarily left on a chair or table.

Seeing someone who is skilled in the art of pickpocketing is like watching an incredible artisan who has been working on their trade for years. Watch the below videos of pickpockets in action so you one; become wise to the pickpocket’s modus operandi and two; think about taking precautions so that your valuables stay on your person while out in the crowds.

The easiest and most reliable way to thwart a pickpocket is to use travel gear designed specifically to safeguard against theft

Theft of Purse in Hotel Lobby

Theft of Purse from the back of Chair

What lessons are to be learned by watching these pickpocket videos

Any time you place your purse down, no matter how close it is to you, or who you ask to watch it if you have to walk away from it briefly, know that it can be easily stolen as seen on these videos. In the first video, you can see how the group of thieves blended into the location looking at items on the back wall. That’s all one of the thieves needed to talk the purse that was unattended. In the second video, you saw how the purse was stolen in a hotel lobby of a nice boutique hotel. The thief was watching the victim to see if she would put her purse down and she did. This is where having a purse or travel handbag with a detachable purse strap would have been a great way to prevent this type of theft. If you need to set your purse down, someone needs to physically watch it without being distracted or you need to make it snatch proof.

If you do carry a travel bag, shoulder bag, or purse, use one that has security zippers built into the bag. By using zippers that lock, pickpockets cannot get inside the bag pockets without your knowledge. Newer styles of travel bags are made with anti-pickpocket features including locking zippers, anti-slashing straps, anti-snatching straps, as well as wire mesh barriers are woven into the bag’s materials so the bottom cannot be cut for the contents to fall out.

You don’t have to look far to find the same anti-theft features on travel backpacks and security daypacks. This is the best collection of anti-theft backpacks and many have videos showing how they function. As a low-cost solution to use on a bag you already have and love is to put a small lock on the zippers or use a cable – anything that would prove to make it difficult for a pickpocket to get into your purse or travel bag’s compartment.

Pickpocket Video Filmed at the Fontana di Trevia Fountain, Italy

This is another great video that shows how female pickpockets work in groups. These are young girls who are obvious predators looking for vulnerable women (usually tourists) whose purses are “easy pickins” for the removal of their wallets or other valuables. You may have to watch this video several times to see all three young female pickpockets.

Watch for the following: In the beginning, one of the female pickpockets has stolen a wallet from a woman, and is forced to give it back. 2. Watch later on how one of the female pickpocket’s break away from the group and tries to help a mature lady up the steps away from the fountain. 3. Watch how the one of the female pickpockets “hones-in” on a woman’s purse being carried by a woman close to the fountain’s edge. Also, note that no one in this “sea of tourists” is even the slightly aware that these three pickpockets are operating in the crowd.

What lessons are learned by watching this pickpocket video:

Use a security travel purse or travel bag on your next trip. As an alternative, you could also wear a security fanny pack that has anti-pickpocketing features built in such as security zippers, covered buckles (so the pack can’t be unbuckled from behind) steel cables woven into the rear strap (so it can’t be cut off from the rear) and anti-slash panels to prevent pack slicers. Anti-theft waist packs are a great way to keep valuables close, handy and secure and aren’t as bulky as a bag or backpack.

Last, when you are in Rome and you have that urge to throw “three coins in the fountain” watch this video and it might give you second thoughts when you see where your coins end up.

Theft of woman’s wallet while she’s shopping in a jewelry store

General Pickpocket Scams in Amsterdam Holland

Amsterdam is known as the Venice of the North. The city itself fans out from the Centraal train station with a system of canals built to support the increasing population in the 17^th century and to provide protection from high waters. The oldest area of town lies to the east of the main road Damak, and is known as the quays or the famous Red Light District, and to the south of the quays lies the old Jewish quarter of Waterlooplein. The half-circle running canals are lined with narrow, colorful, wooden houses and the city is full of architectural wonders in the Renaissance, Gothic and Baroque styles. Amsterdam offers something for every taste from architecture, a lively nightlife, history, and culture.

Famous Scams in Amsterdam

The following scams have placed Amsterdam, in particular, as one of the top 10 cities for pickpockets, according to a TripAdvisor poll. Any of the following situations can occur in any city in the Netherlands or even Europe, while walking on the street, in a museum or church, on a train or even in your hotel lobby.

The Fake Police Officer: You are walking during the day through an alley and two officers approach you and your partner and tell you that there is a scam going on in Amsterdam where storekeepers are making change with counterfeit notes, so they are conducting a search to make sure that you are not carrying any of these fake notes. You pull out your money to show the officers and they quickly swipe it from you and run away.

Scam: There are gangs that pretend to be – and even go so far as to dress up as – police officers to earn your trust. The perpetrators are usually from Eastern Europe and speak English. There are many ways how this scam can play out: 1) One officer will question you while the other can at the same time pick your pockets; 2) The officers may pretend to arrest you in order to gain access to your belongings and perform a “search”; 3) The officers may ask to see your cash to make sure it is not counterfeit and then steal it; 4) The officers may ask to see your passport, credit card, or even ask for your PIN number and then steal the items.

Solution: First ask to see identification. If you are suspicious about the authenticity of the officers do not show your wallet, instead offer to meet him at the nearest police station. If the fake officer becomes aggressive, yell for help and try to draw attention to yourself or ask locals to call the police.

The Foreign License Plate: You are making a tour through Europe and you have a rental car from Germany. You park your car on a side street near your hotel for the evening and keep the majority of your luggage in the trunk, so you don’t have to lug it in and out of every hotel. The next morning, you find that the back window of the car has been smashed in and everything, even from the trunk, has been stolen.

Scam: There is a sophisticated theft ring in Amsterdam who target tourists in vehicles. The thieves search for cars with foreign license plates or rental car insignia. The perpetrators know that most tourists will store valuables in the trunk, believing it is safe.

Solution: Always keep your car doors locked and park in paid-parking garages where security is provided.

The Cookie Monster Scam: A friendly stranger on the street approaches you and starts a conversation. You are excited about the opportunity to speak with a local, so you speak with the man and he offers you a cookie. The man is so friendly and you don’t want to appear impolite, so you accept the treat and eat it. Suddenly you get really sleepy and find a park bench to take a nap.

Scam: The starts a conversation to gain your trust and get your guard down. He then offers you a cookie that is laced with drugs, so you pass out. He follows you and steals all of your belongings. The original Cookie Monster has been arrested, but there are copycat attempts with other food items such as a can of soda.

Solution: Never take food or drink from a stranger. Do not accept anything from strangers on the street.

The Hotel Overbooking Scam: You book three nights with a hotel-booking website such as Venere.com. Once you arrive, the hotel receptionist informs you that the hotel is booked. You show the receptionist your confirmation number and the hotel apologizes and offers to help you find a similar accommodation. You go to the other hotel and it is a total dump, but it is late, so you decide to stay.

Scam: Many hotels will rent rooms to walk-in guests because they can charge a higher rate than many discount hotel booking sites. This usually happens to guests who arrive after 2pm.

Solution: Try to book with a site that pays for the room immediately, rather than paying once you arrive. This will guarantee that your room will not be given to another guest. It is also a good idea to call the hotel before arriving to confirm the reservation and to inform the hotel when you will be checking in.

The Museum Scam: You are waiting in the long line to get into the Ann Frank Museum when a couple walks up to you and begin to ask tourist questions.

Solution: Pickpockets love to target tourists when they are stopped – they are a very easy mark – especially at the popular Ann Frank Museum. Make sure you are always alert to someone who walks up to you unannounced – it could be a set up to where someone tries to remove your wallet or camera from your purse or travel bag when you are distracted by the conversation to someone else.

Broken Glasses Scam: Somebody drops glasses on the ground and steps on it, however, you are the one accused of stepping on them.

Solution: This is another Amsterdam pickpocket scam designed to get you to stop for a group of pickpockets can target you. As one of the thieves gets nasty in your face, one of the accomplices tries to remove something from your bag or purse. Know this scam up front – put your back to a nearby wall if you are so inclined to have a discussion with someone who pulls this scam. Carry a travel bag that has pickpocket prevention features like these to avoid this type of theft.

Scams reported by the US Consulate in Amsterdam

Below are two scams reported by the US Consulate in Amsterdam. While this is not a direct scam for tourists who are already in Amsterdam, it may be the reason for your trip over the pond (Atlantic).

“Each year, thousands of people lose money to sophisticated Advance Fee Fraud (AFF) schemes. These are known internationally as 4-1-9 fraud, after the section of the Nigerian penal code which addresses fraud schemes. Victims are usually contacted through email with promises of lottery winnings, an inheritance, an incredible investment opportunity, or other ways to get rich quickly. Unfortunately, many of these schemes are actively operating in The Netherlands, and American citizens may fall prey to these criminals. Please be advised that offers of money that will be made available to you in The Netherlands are likely to be fraudulent, and that money spent on such schemes cannot be recovered. Perpetrators of 4-1-9 schemes are often very creative and innovative and use a variety of tactics to entice victims into the scheme. Many victims are convinced that they have been singled out from the masses to share in multi-million dollar windfall profits for doing absolutely nothing. Before you are tempted to participate in such an offer, please review some common features of fraud schemes.
- An individual or company receives an e-mail, letter or fax from an alleged official representing a foreign government or agency;
- An offer is made to transfer millions of dollars in “over-invoiced contract” funds into a personal bank account;
- The individual is encouraged to travel overseas to complete the transaction;
- The individual is requested to provide blank company letterhead forms, bank account information, telephone/fax numbers, etc.;
- The individual receives numerous documents with official looking stamps, seals, and logo testifying to the authenticity of the proposal;

The individual is asked to provide up-front or advance funds for various taxes, attorney fees, transaction fees or bribes.

Other forms of 4-1-9 schemes include: c.o.d. for goods or services, real estate ventures, purchase of crude oil at reduced prices, a beneficiary of a will, lottery winner, recipient of an award and paper currency conversion. While the victim’s bank account information may be requested, this is often an indicator to the culprit that they have hooked another victim, rather than an attempt to plunder the account. They will gain access to your money through other means! ”

“The Consulate General of Amsterdam has received a number of complaints from American and Dutch citizens who have been lured into online relationships via false pretenses.” (US Consulate-Amsterdam) The perpetrators are primarily men who pretend to be women in chat rooms or on dating websites and after the relationship develops, he/she will start frequently asking for money and that it be transferred through wire services. The swindler claims that the money is needed to resolve a family issue or to arrange for a trip to the United States or to The Netherlands.

When it is time to make the trip, the swindler will typically say that something has come up and they “can’t leave the country”. Perhaps an injury that leaves them in the hospital and one of their family members contacts you requesting money for an emergency surgery. There are many ways that this scam can play out, but the sole purpose is to get as much money as possible from the victim.

ATM Machines & Credit Cards

Most ATM machines in Amsterdam are safe and often provide a better rate of exchange than exchange bureaus. Because money is easily accessible from ATMs, they are excellent targets for petty thieves waiting to make a quick buck. When you access your bank account from an ATM, cover the keypad when you enter your PIN and do not count your money in a public place.

Additionally, the Overseas Security Advisory Council reports, “During the past year, there has been an increase in credit card skimming conducted by criminals. Police are making arrests against skimmers; however, precautionary measures should be made when using credit cards, even when using them for paying parking fees.” (The Netherlands 2010 Crime & Safety Report)

10 Basic Tips to Protect Your Belongings from Pickpockets in Amsterdam

Although millions of people have fallen victim to petty theft, it is most certainly not a reason to avoid the riches of Amsterdam. Prepare for your departure to avoid being a target on your trip. Travel companies have even created specialized products to help you keep your belongings safe while viewing the wonders of the world; take advantage of these tools.

Research ahead of time to determine areas with high pickpocketing activity. Either avoid these areas or be vigilant when traveling through.
“Ga Weg!” – ”Get Lost!” Learn a few Dutch phrases to catch the pickpockets off guard.
Appear confident, even if you are nervous, or lost. If you do get lost, step into a café or museum lobby to review your map.
Avoid talking to strangers. If unavoidable, stay alert and keep some distance when speaking with them.
Use ATMs located in bank lobbies during bank opening hours. Block the keypad when entering your PIN.
During the day, walk on the sunny side of the street and avoid empty streets or alleys. Most pickpockets lurk in the shade.
Be suspicious of strangers who try to position themselves close to you.
Be on high alert in areas that are crowded and create the opportunity for people to easily bump into one another: buses, trams, open-air markets, etc.
If possible, travel in groups – safety in numbers.
Try to dress like the locals, no shorts, flip-flops, baseball caps, etc.
When traveling on a tram, attempt to find a seat. If a seat is not available, try not to stand by the doors or near the attendant on board.
Do not pull out cash in public to avoid drawing attention to you. Keep your money spread out in multiple locations.
Leave large amounts of cash in the hotel safe.
Do not examine your map while in a crowded area. Try to study your map before leaving the hotel or while sitting at a restaurant.
If you carry a backpack or purse in a crowded place, wear the backpack on the front, or your purse across your body.
When speaking English, speak quietly, so you do not alert pickpockets that you are a tourist.
Never leave your purse or jacket hanging on the back of a chair.
If you suspect that you are being followed, do something unpredictable and go into a store. This will catch the pickpocket off guard.
Do not buy or accept products off of the street.
Last, prepare for the worst and gather pertinent information such as: credit card phone numbers, make two photocopies of your passport, make additional copies of tickets and hotel reservation information.

Products to Keep Your Belongings Safe from Pickpockets

Travel companies have developed products that provide an additional level of security for valuables, thus giving travelers peace of mind. Such products include special slash-proof backpacks with locks, a portable travel safe, plus travel wallets, waterproof pouches, and wrist, arm or leg wallets.

When making a tour through Europe by car, use a cable locking system with an alarm to help detour thieves. Whether in the trunk of your car or in your hotel room, the Retractasafe with a 24-inch retractable steel cable will help keep your belongings in place.

To carry your passport, money, tickets and credit cards safely around town, hide your belongings in a PouchSafe neck wallet. This version of the neck wallet has a slash-proof strap, three secure pockets and is lightweight and washable making it difficult for pocket thieves to locate and access.

Don’t miss that great camera shot because your camera is locked securely in your travel pack. Use a CarrySafe 100 camera security strap to keep your camera easily accessible and safe. Avoid the threat of “cut-and-run” with this steel reinforced strap, comfort neck pad and the ability to directly attach to the camera.

Pickpockets have been around ever since the invention of pockets, purses, and carry bags. Unfortunately, it is just something th

Shop Travelon Urban Tour Bag

at travelers need to be prepared for when they travel – especially when visiting crowded tourist destinations. One of the best ways to out smart pickpockets is to know their scams, diversions, and methods, so you won’t be victimized. Think of it as part of getting ready for your trip in addition to reading guidebooks and articles about what to see and do. A little time spent learning about how pickpockets and thieves operate and counter-planning before you go and you’ll return home with your valuables plus new memories. Start by selecting a pickpocket-proof backpack as a travel companion.

One of the best ways to ensure you won’t be wasting precious vacation time at a foreign police station filling out police reports for a stolen wallet or passport is to watch videos of actual thefts committed against tourists and change your behavior to avoid being the next target.

Some pickpockets operate in teams, and others are lone wolves. The thieves who target travelers are both male and female, young and old. You’d be surprised how sophisticated and professional some thieves are. Watch and up your street smarts.

Pickpocket Video Filmed in Baia Mare, Romania

This is a video of a street pickpocket that is targeting an unprotected zipper pocket on the rear of a daypack. The victim is stopped at a street corner waiting for the light to change. Notice that several other people are waiting at the crosswalk but do not see what’s going on around them. Can you spot the two thieves working together? You may have to watch the video a few times to catch the teamwork. At first, you do not see the accomplice, but she will reveal herself later on.

The main pickpocket is the man with the dark jacket, dark baseball cap, and blue jeans. The accomplice acts as a blocker and comes close to the mark to block others from seeing her partner remove a cell phone from the back of victim’s backpack. The cell phone is stolen just as the light turns green and victim walks across the street, never knowing that his cell phone was taken.

Lessons Learned From This Video

Never place items of value in rear pockets of backpacks, unless they’re in a secured anti-theft backpack. You will not feel an item being pulled out of an ordinary pocket, and many times the theft will go unnoticed by others around you. Solution: If you do carry a backpack, making it an anti-theft pack designed with security features. Specifically, one that has security zippers that prevent a thief from unzipping a pocket without your knowledge. Today there are anti-theft packs and bags for every type of traveler. At the very minimum retrofit your pack with a small lock on the zippers, to make it difficult for a pickpocket to get in the pocket.

Pickpocket Video – Women Pickpocket Operating in Department Store

This is a video of a team of pickpockets working in a department store. The victim is in the upper left corner of the screen. She is wearing a black, long-sleeve blouse, and gray pants. You will see her use her phone and put it in her purse when she is done. She then starts looking at clothes to buy. At about 25 seconds into the video, you will see two thieves enter from the upper right corner of the screen. One is a woman wearing a short sleeve blouse, and her accomplice is a man with a black tee shirt with blue jeans. Watch the woman thief pick up a piece of clothing and hold it up and close to the rear of the victim’s purse. The pickpocket uses her free hand to remove the victim’s wallet from the purse – while using the item she is holding up to block the view of others and to make it look like she is “just shopping.” The accomplice is acting as a “look-out.”

Lessons Learned From This Video:

1. Make sure your purse has security or built-in anti-theft security zippers so a thief cannot open it when you are distracted. As you saw in the video, the victim and the friends she was with had no clue what was going on. Pickpockets are great actors and actresses. They know they have to “blend in” to the situation so they do not cause the victim or others in the area to be alerted to “suspicious activities.” Good pickpockets have this skill down to a science, many times allowing them to get right next to you without you have any idea that what they are doing is unusual.

2. Good travel purses havebuilt-inn zipper locks, as well as other anti-theft / pickpocket security features to prevent theft of the bag and from the bag. If you don’t want to buy a new security purse, you can use zipper locks that can be adapted to many bags.

Travelon LTD antitheft backpack

Thwarting Pickpockets in Barcelona

Famously, Barcelona is called the favorite city of pickpockets. Perhaps because the beautiful city attracts so many tourists. Barcelona offers many sights to distract tourists. The most well-known one is the large pedestrian-friendly street called the Las Ramblas with so much going on, street vendors, performers, restaurants, and shopping to distract tourists. The following video shows how women carry their purses while walking down the Ramblas in Barcelona, Spain. Note how many women hold their purse or handbag in front of them, have purses that have short straps which ride high in their armpit, or clutch their bags tightly – all in response to safeguarding their valuables from slick fingered thieves and pickpockets.

Carrying your bag so that it can’t be snatched away by a thief that runs past you is only part of the way you must protect your valuables. The other way is to use a bag with built-in anti-theft features to keep pickpockets out. Bottom line, we recommend you use a bag designed with the latest anti-theft features and carry it crossbody or in front of you when in crowds.

You’ve probably taken out a travel insurance policy on a previous trip, or you are considering the purchase of one for an upcoming trip. You’re patting yourself on the back for doing the responsible thing, by taking out travel insurance. You think you’ve given both you and your loved ones the peace of mind knowing that if anything happens to go wrong you’re covered.

Obviously, you considered travel insurance so that in the event of an accident, you’re covered, your stuff gets stolen, you’re covered, even if your vacation gets canceled – depending on the type of insurance you get, you’re covered. Now that is peace of mind, or is it? Check for clauses hidden in the small print that could in fact ‘un-cover’ you? The bargain you thought you picked up by combining your travel insurance with your vacation package may not seem so impressive, if in the unfortunate event that you need to claim for stolen possessions the company starts questioning your claims’ credibility even rejecting it all together.

The person selling the insurance won’t tell you about the exception clauses in the policy

If you haven’t taken the time to read the small print of the policy you’re considering you may be in for a small shock if anything does, in fact, go wrong with your vacation. There are some standard conditions when it comes to the small print of travel insurance, what will and won’t be covered and in what circumstances said items will not be covered. Most of us assume that once your insurance says it covers your items in the event of theft you are fully covered against all forms of theft. Therein lies the source of most of the complaints made against insurance companies that reject such a claim.

Imagine if you will that you have treated yourself to a convertible rental car while on your vacation; you’re driving down with roof down enjoying the sunshine beating on your shoulders. Then all of a sudden as you pull up to the traffic lights, someone reaches in and grabs your handbag from the passenger seat, before you open your mouth to shout the lights have changed and away screeches away with your handbag hotel room key and possibly your passport.

Clearly that would be considered theft; however, in the past, some companies have deemed such behavior as ‘negligent’ and thus refused to satisfy the claim. By lowering the roof of your vehicle you increased your risk of falling victim to crime as well as increasing the likelihood of you being the cause of an accident as removing the roof increases your exposure to the elements and their effects-sunstroke, heat exhaustion to name but a few. Some insurers may have a clause in their coverage that is specific to convertible drivers and their exclusions may prove to be an interesting read, preferably before you make the purchase of the policy.

Read the policy and then buy it, don’t fall for the pressure to buy now

By reading the policy document in its entirety you will be aware of any conditions relating to stolen property that may impact on the choices you make regarding the possessions you choose to take with you on your vacation. Insurers expect you to value your property enough to take care of them, if the actions leading up to their theft indicate that you didn’t, in fact, take reasonable care of your property the insurer may not pay out.

Follow these tips

Do you know what to do if something goes wrong? Knowing upfront can save a lot of heartache down the track. The following are a few tips travel insurance tips that you should consider before they leave on their trip. The chances are not great that any of these issues may occur to you…but if they do you will be a lot better prepared if you didn’t.

Proof of ownership – Can you prove you actually owned the items and it was in your luggage?

Travel insurance companies will often refuse to pay for lost or stolen items unless that you can prove that you own them. The best way is with the original receipt. We might keep receipts for the expensive items but who has a receipt for every item you are taking away with you!

Photograph the contents of your luggage to help aid in the proof of your bag’s contents

Now, travel insurance companies are not all evil and will cover you for general things like clothes, toiletries, and luggage but without proof of brand or value, you’ll often only get a fraction of the true replacement cost.

Take a photo of everything that you are taking on your trip. Get the brand and style where possible. Put everything you’re packing on the bed, and take photos before you place your items in your bag. Detail all this in a spreadsheet as well. Scan all receipts, manuals, warranty cards, or tags. You can claim when you get home but I’d suggest emailing all the photos, scans and spreadsheet to a free email site like Gmail or Hotmail so you can claim while away if needed. Once you’ve done this you will just need to update the information when you buy something new.

Replacement value vs real value – you may not get what you think it is worth

It has become common now for car or home and contents insurance to offer new for old replacement. This is generally not how travel insurance works. You’ll usually be offered the value of the goods minus depreciation. Some items hold their value really well and you actually won’t be able to buy a replacement one for anywhere near the money the travel insurance company gives you. You should always file a complaint if this is the case. Provide proof of the true market value (e.g. from classifieds, second-hand shops, or eBay). If the travel insurance company still refuses to cover the real cost then take it to the ombudsman.

Stolen goods and police reports – If you don’t make a report, you may not get reimbursed

Lost Luggage, Now What?

Travel insurance companies will generally not just take your word for it when something is stolen. They want some sort of proof. This is generally best in the form of a police report but can be a statement from the airline, cruise ship, etc if it happened there.

Police reports can be a tricky thing to obtain in some countries and some countries have special tourist police who are the best to approach in regards to this. If they are not available, you may be asked to pay a fee for this service – which in many places, including here in the U.S, where you can be charged up to $15.00. However, if the amount is small then just pay as it probably isn’t worth the hassle. If it is way larger, maybe you are being scammed by a dishonest police officer – especially in a third-world country. You might want to contact your hotel to help with this or find someone local to consult. If the price is not normal, contact your embassy or consulate. They should know about this in order to help future travelers from being scammed and may be able to help.

If you have trouble speaking the local language and the police can’t understand you then you could try an online translation service such as Google Translate, or find a local or fellow traveler who speaks English and take them along to the police station (a tip is generally appreciated).

Unattended luggage – Lost Luggage – Stolen Luggage

A major area in which travel insurance will not cover you is when your bags are left unattended. This may seem like it would rarely happen as you normally don’t leave your luggage just lying around but unattended is usually defined as being left in an unlocked environment or with someone you don’t know. Common scenarios are left luggage at hotels or hostels, with doormen, or with tour companies.

Before traveling you can ask yourself whether you need to take an expensive watch with you on your travels if it not essential it might be better to leave the item at home. Similarly, if you are just popping down to the pool, do you need to take your whole bag with your purse and passport in it, could you not leave said items locked away in your room safe or if one is not available in the hotel’s safe? If the answer is yes then you should, rather than risk your personal effects being stolen while you top up your tan.

You’d be surprised as to what is not covered by insurance- think highly valuable electronics

A well-known feature of travel insurance is coverage for luggage and personal effects, however, it is also one of the most complained about, and misinterpreted aspects of the policy. There are several different types of luggage insurance products on the market today that you might want to consider, and like always you have to read the fine print on the luggage insurance portion on the insurance to see what is truly covered if you have to make a claim. You will be amazed by what is NOT COVERED when it comes to luggage insurance, as well as all of the documentation, and/or times that needs to pass before a claim is paid – if at all. Remember, all airlines and most insurance companies pro-rate the value of the luggage and its contents, and many will not reimburse for specific high-value items such as electronics, laptops, smartphones, glasses, and other high-value items.

The following is a general listing of what insurance companies may or may not cover is you suffer a loss or theft of your luggage and/or other property while traveling you need to know up-front.

Theft of cash, (to a specified limit) you will need a police report for proof of loss.
If your luggage is delayed (over a certain number of hours as specified by the insurer) and you need to buy clothes or food, then your travel insurance will reimbursed these expenses (up to an amount specified by the insurer).
If your travel documents e.g. passport, credit cards are lost or stolen, any financial loss you incur because of this will be covered by your travel insurance.
Luggage and personal effects left in a motor vehicle during daylight hours, your belongings must have been locked in the trunk or in a locked storage compartment and forced entry must have been made.

What typical situations will generally not be covered for reimbursement in standard travel insurance policies – Remember each insurance policy is different so check the fine print.

Leaving your phone in a restaurant.
Leaving your bag in the back of a taxi.
Forgetting a suitcase on the airport conveyor belt.
Items left in a hotel room, or hotel luggage room after check out.
Items left behind in any aircraft, ship, train, tram, taxi or bus.
Cash, jewelry, sporting goods, musical instruments, mobile phones, cameras, video cameras, personal computers that are transported in the cargo hold of any aircraft, ship, train, train, tram or bus.
Items left unattended or unsupervised in a public place.
If you’re due reimbursement from a transport carrier for the loss of your items, travel insurance will not cover the loss. However, if you’re not reimbursed the full amount, travel insurance will make up the difference (up to an amount specified by the insurer).
What do insurers mean when they say your items are ‘unattended’ or ‘unsupervised’?

When you leave your luggage and personal effects

With a person, you did not know prior to commencing your journey.
In a position where it can be taken without your knowledge.
At such a distance from you that you are unable to prevent it being taken.

Delayed, Lost, or Stolen Luggage Insurance

Whether you travel for business or pleasure, there is a new insurance company that will pay you $1,000 for each bag lost by any airline after four days it’s missing. The cost is only $5, but gives you peace of mind, which if you check luggage will consider priceless. The fine print is easy to understand, and you can get more insurance if needed. For example, if you have a bag with a replacement value of $2,000, a $10 insurance fee is what you would pay for the trip. USA Today has an article and a video of this service to give you more information. The insurance company involved in this is Blue Ribbon Bags. Here are a few interesting facts about their coverage which makes this luggage insurance appealing to many travelers:

Proof of baggage content’s value (receipts) is not required to receive payment.
One purchase ($5) covers all baggage checked at the airport, including baggage checked at the gate at the last minute before your flight.
You may purchase baggage protection up to the moment prior to your flight’s departure.
One purchase ($5) covers your baggage on a round trip or one-way ticket, regardless of the number of connections or stopovers, as long as all flights under a single airline confirmation number.

Now many travelers may wonder why is this type of insurance is offered at a rate far cheaper than other insurance companies. It’s a simple answer – few travelers actually have their luggage lost, stolen, or delayed more than four days. Yes, many bags are delayed and miss a flight, but they are generally put on the next flight, sometimes being the next day. The numbers benefit the insurance company, and they know the majority of the time, the airlines will be able to get your luggage to you within a few hours, or maybe a few days. Remember, this insurance only pays after four days, which will really be the end of the 24th hour of the fourth day. But in the end, luggage does get stolen, or delayed for longer periods, which is where this luggage insurance really stands apart from the rest.

Baggage exclusions aside, travel insurance is not insignificant – far from it. If illness or weather alters your travel plans and your trip payments are non-refundable, you could see your vacation end in financial ruin. Travel insurance should be more importantly looked at to provide coverage for trip cancellation/interruption and overseas emergency medical expenses for injury or illness that can easily run into tens of thousands of dollars.

It’s important to remember that each insurance underwriter has a different list of items and situations that are covered, so it pays to shop around and compare different policies. Always refer to an insurer’s fine print to see what items and situations they exclude.