Tag Archives: theft

Tourists love to visit the Eiffel tower at night and hence there are pickpockets at the Eiffel Tower at night too.

Many tourists visit the surrounding area of the Eiffel Tower at night to see it lit up with strobe lights and enjoy the tower’s nighttime ambiance. The benefit of visiting the tower late in the evening is that there are smaller crowds and shorter lines which make the ascent more pleasant. What attracts tourists is that the entire Eiffel tower is cloaked in the warm glow of 336 light projectors and 20,000 sparkling strobe lights – see the below video. From the tower’s observation decks, you can enjoy cool evening breezes as you view floodlit bridges, churches, and other landmarks in the glittering Parisian lightscape. Visiting the Eiffel Tower at night is a beautiful way to appreciate Paris which is known as the city of lights.

Planning Your Nighttime Visit at the Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower is open until 11:45 p.m or 12:45 a.m., depending on the time of year. Entrance fees vary, depending on whether you’re climbing the steps or taking the elevator. However, make sure to check with their website, as this time and availability changes due to special events, holidays, as well as recent issues with political and terrorism concerns.

Pickpocket activity on the way to the Eiffel Tower

For years, pickpockets, both professional and opportunists, have known that a great spot to target the pockets and handbags of tourists is the subway metro lines 1 and 4, but more importantly, the main stretch of pavement from the Champ-de-Mars-Bir Hakeim metro and RER station to the Eiffel Tower.  This area is where most of the tourists will get on and off the metro to walk to the tower. These specific locations were brought to the public’s attention when an undercover police story broke about the arrest of numerous young girls who were all pickpockets working in these locations.  In December, Paris police arrested 19 people believed to be the ringleaders in a major pickpocketing operation on the Paris public transport network.  These thieves targeted the metros and stops favored by tourists – as well as the walkway to the Eiffel Tower.

Authorities say the gang is responsible for about two-thirds of thefts on the metro and has netted at least €1.3m. The Paris police judiciaire has been working with Spanish and Italian authorities for the past three years to track down the leaders, who recruited 100 young girls from eastern Europe.  Investigators believe the girls were threatened with violence if they failed to reach their daily targets, typically between €300 and €1,000 ($300-$1,060).  This is a sad story, but one that all travelers need to be aware of.  Many people make a living as pickpockets – both young and old, and in order for them to do so, someone – especially unknowing tourists will end up falling victim to these individuals.  Let’s hope that reading these pages on how to identify pickpockets will give you enough insight so your trip to Paris will only be great memories of famous locations, great food, and interesting sights – not the lobby of a Paris police station making a report for having your wallet stolen.

Pickpocket Activity at the Eiffel Tower

Pickpocket Sign at the Eiffel Tower

Pickpocket Sign at the Eiffel Tower

Many tourists who visit the Eiffel Tower at nightfall victim to pickpockets. The strobes come on for about 10 minutes every hour to illuminate the Tower and that attracts the tourists, and the tourists attract the thieves. The pickpockets use a variety of distractions to target tourists such as asking for directions, asking the time, where the subway is in the area, as well as other common pickpocket distractions.

Visitors should also be aware that the Eiffel Tower operating company knows about the pickpocket problem too – and even documents that they are not responsible for theft due to pickpocket activity when visiting the tower.  “The company may not be held liable for theft (from pickpockets), loss or damage of any kind, during a visit”  is a quote from their website. While this is normal for any business which is open to the public, having a quote that specifically makes reference to “pickpockets” is not. This in itself should alert you to take additional precautions.

Pickpockets operate at a variety of locations at the Eiffel Tower.  One of the most obvious indicators will be one of the numerous “beware of pickpocket” signs you will see at the base of the tower, right before you enter the Eiffel Tower elevators, within some of the elevators, as well as around the various observation decks.

Another area pickpockets find their marks is the line for the women’s rooms at the base of the Eiffel Tower.  Sometimes the line is very long, and once you get farther down into the bathroom area, the size of the corridors becomes narrow.  Many tourists have reported thefts at this location, as well as while using the restroom at this location.  This photo shows the pickpocket warning on the way down to the toilets.

Eiffel Tower Stairs and Pickpockets

If you elect not to wait for the Eiffel Tower elevator to take you back down due to the long, crowded lines, many tourists elect to walk down the stairs. Generally, walking down the Eiffel Tower’s stairs is not a great idea. While it may seem like a good idea initially, many pickpockets like to work the stairwell knowing that it is an easy location to target unsuspecting tourists. The stairwell is packed with tourists, going both ways. It is not very wide, so you are forced to bump into people during your journey. Many tourists have reported that they fell victim to pickpockets walking down the Eiffel Tower when they were targeted by pickpockets using the following pickpocket scam.

As you make your descent down the Eiffel Tower stairwell, about a 1/4 of the way down, the pedestrian crowd starts to back-up. You are forced to walk slower and begin to enter a packed crowd walking close together. A small group of people in front of you begin to walk very slow. It can be men or women, but many times it seems that the group is young women. The women stop short, causing you to bump into them.  One of the girls begins to yell at you, while other women pickpockets are behind you and naturally bump into you. Everyone is trying to pass you, but you are held up by this unruly group of girls.

As many people try to pass you, items are removed from your pockets, purse of daypack.  The same type of thieves do the same going up the Eiffel Tower.  Think about this for a second, other than someone who wants one heck of a good workout, who walks up the Eiffel Tower, except someone up to no good.

Gold Ring Scam

Always be on the lookout for the Gold Ring Scam at the Eiffel Tower, or anywhere in Europe for that matter – but it does seem to hit the most in Paris.

Honesty and Lost Rings in Paris

The scam works like this.  You are walking in Paris when a man, woman, or child crosses your path and suddenly stops and bends over, picking up a shiny object on the sidewalk.  Many tourists think that the person is picking up a bottle cap or some other junk.  That’s when the scam begins. Here is a sample conversation that has been repeated to thousands of tourists every year:lost found ring scam

“Excusez-moi, Monsieur. Vous avez laissé votre bague ici.” He showed me a large gold wedding band.
“What? No, it is not my ring, Monsieur.”
“Mais oui, c’est à vous.”
“Mais non. I have no ring.”
“Mais oui, it is your ring. Well, if it is not then give it to your woman. It will make her happy. It is a woman’s ring.”
He hands me the ring. Indeed it is heavy. Apparently gold. “Um, no. It is not mine.”
“I cannot wear it. I am a man,” he said. “Give it to your woman.” He turned and walked away.
“Well, OK. Merci, Monsieur.” I turned and walked away.
He turns again. “Ah, Monsieur. S’il vous plait. I am hungry. I don’t have enough money for a baguette.”
“Um. OK. Take some change.” Hmm. He is honest but only needs money for a baguette. I gave him a few coins from the change still in my hand.
“No, that is not enough. Just a little more. I gave you the ring.”
“Well, OK, here is two euros but nothing more.” And I walk away.

You just fell victim to the “gold ring scam.”

Video of the Gold Ring Scam in Paris

The below video was shot by a family visiting Paris.  Wait for a few seconds and you will see a young man stop in front of the boy, bend over, and pick up the “gold ring” and try the scam. This family was smart and moved on.  But at least you have an idea of how innocent this scam looks when it happens.

Other Paris Tourist Scam

Dancing doll scam.  You will find this scam on the streets of Paris.  It looks like these dolls magically dance, but don’t be fooled and keep a hand on your wallet or bag.

“I am from Bosnia – Do you speak English scam”
This is a classic setup scam used around the world.  Gangs of women roam around beneath the tower. They usually wear bright clothing, long skirts, maybe even a flower in their hair. Their approach is usually to ask if you speak English. If you acknowledge them, they hand you a white card. On it is written how they have escaped from Bosnia (or another country) with their brother, they are homeless and need help, and can you spare any change? So what do you do? Appear hard-hearted and tell them you don’t have anything? Or give them something? Meanwhile, while you are distracted by reading their card, any unprotected belongings are rifled by an accomplice. Given there are large numbers of these women, all carrying white cards, there must be a lot of homeless Bosnian siblings in Paris. Best to wave them away as soon as they approach you and they quickly go off seeking another victim. We were approached at least twice on each visit to the tower.

“Crippled old lady” scam

You may come across an old woman, painfully bent over and using a child’s crutch with a begging bowl out. Watch for long enough, and you will see her make a miraculous recovery, put the crutch under her arm, and stroll casually away with her “earnings”. Best to ignore her and keep walking.

“Praying to my cup” scam
This one was actually more common on the Champs Elysee but if frequently found at the tower base. A woman with a headscarf will be kneeling in silent prayer before a cup on the ground. Watch long enough, and you will see her get up, walk with her cup to a nearby accomplice, casually tip her “earnings” into his bag, then go to another spot to take up her position of prayer once again. Best to ignore her and keep walking.

More Articles You May Like

Avoid children pickpockets in Venice Italy, pickpocket eiffel tower

How to Avoid Pickpockets While Traveling eiffel tower paris france

Anti theft wiast packs, frequent flyers pack

Tips and Tools to Keep Your Purse Secure While You Dine

Anti-theft Daypack

Daypack with anti theft features including lock down strap

Purse with full suite of anti-theft features

Purse with full suite of anti-theft features

 

Thieves often prey on unsuspecting diners, especially tourists, while they are enjoying a meal in a restaurant. Watch these videos that capture thieves who seem to be restaurant patrons help themselves to more than just a meal. Having your purse or daypack stolen while traveling overseas can devastate your trip and cause a huge inconvenience – especially when you factor in trying to replace your credit cards, passports, and any other important documents and cash that might be inside the bag.

See what not to do with your purse or pack by watching the following videos.  Advice: do not leave your bag draped over the back of your chair or simply placed on the floor next to you. Never leave small valuables on top of the table. In a blink of an eye, you can be distracted and your item was stolen. Use

a bag with an anti-theft strap to keep it secured to your chair. Keep scrolling down to read more.

 

 

Strap un hooks from bag

Strap unhooks from bag to wrap it around a fixed object and back onto the bag.

Thieves who steal purses in restaurants are most successful when they blend into the atmosphere at the restaurant. Most always the thieves sit down at a table next to the victim and pretend like they are at the restaurant to eat like everyone else.  Couple that with victims who pay little attention to their handbags because they are deeply involved in the dining and socializing process and you have a recipe for successful theft.

Advice: To dine with peace of mind your purse or travel handbag can never be out of your view or unattached from your body or your chair. Wear your bag cross-body style even while sitting. For more personal comfort attach your bag to the chair to foil bag snatchers. Newer style travel bags have anti-theft features such as snatch-proof purse straps and locking zippers to keep pickpockets out. With these bags, you simply detach one end of the strap and loop it through the back of your chair or other fixed item and then attach the strap back onto the bag. Now your bag is snatch-proof and you can enjoy your meal, worry-free.

 

Beware of the Lost-Found Gold Ring Scam

The “lost ring” scam is one of the oldest and most famous of the tourist scams in Paris, France and has now spread all across Europe where many tourists gather. There are several versions of this scam and its delivery is dependent on the scam artist or thief presenting the scam. One common thread is that always the story told by the con artist ends in asking for a few Euros in exchange for you keeping the gold ring.

How the Con Works

In essence, the “lost ring” or “found ring” scam, is based on the simple act of duping the target to believe that this is their lucky day. The scam can be targeted to anyone, but almost always a traveler. The scammer walks up next to you and quickly bends down and picks up a ring on the ground (that they placed prior to walking over it.) The ring is often a gold men’s wedding band.

The scammer (often a woman) then offers to give you the ring but asks for a small amount of money in exchange for doing so. She pleads that she has no money or job and would appreciate a few Euros in trade for the gold ring.

Another “reason” to give you the band is that she has no husband, or that her husband already wears a gold band and has no use for this one.

Some con-artists claim that it is against their religion to wear jewelry and that is why they want you to have it.

She continues on saying that the ring is worth a lot of money and it is your lucky day because she only wants a few euros in exchange for the ring. She pressures you into thinking that you are doing a kindness by giving her a few Euros. Laying on to her plea for a few Euros is that if she has a young child at her side making her look more honest or needy.

In reality, the ring is worthless and made of cheap brass – but it looks like gold.

Variations of the “Lost Ring Scam”

Some victims of this scam have reported that the scammer begins to yell if you don’t give them a finders fee. Other variations have included a few accomplices who just “happen” to be walking by and verbally support the fact that the ring is valuable and you are very lucky to have found it.

The best course of action in these cases is to simply walk away and try not to engage them in a conversation.

Videos of the Famous Paris Found Gold Ring Scam

What to Do if  You’re a Target of This Street Scam

If you are approached by someone handing you a gold ring, the best thing to do is to walk away, and not engage with the scammer. Be prepared that they may yell at you and accuse you of stealing from them, even if you didn’t take the ring. Their motive is to get you to give them money so they will go away. Don’t cave in to their bullying and public shaming tactics. Remember they are the bad guy, not you.

More Articles You May Like

How to Avoid Pickpockets While Traveling, String Scam

 

Avoid children pickpockets in Venice Italy

Paris string scams

 

How to avoid child pickpockets in Italy

How to avoid child pickpockets in Italy

While Venice is one of the jewels of Italy, it also has a reputation for children pickpockets. Most first-time tourists to Italy pick Venice as one of their destinations to visit. First-time tourists and even repeat visitors should be aware of children pickpockets in Venice. Tourists that are enjoying the charms of the city are prime targets for pickpockets of all ages including child pickpockets.

What may take thieves just a moment to “lift” from your pockets (passports, credit cards, and airline tickets) may take you days to replace. So travelers beware of even innocent-looking locals be they a well-dressed business person standing next to you or a playful group of young children.

Children as Thieves – Pickpockets in Venice

Schooling for thieves starts very early. A traveler was seated on a crowded bus in Rome on her way to the Vatican. She glanced down at her lap to find a tiny little hand reaching into her now unzipped fanny pack. The child could not have been more than 6 years old. Groups of children have been known to gang up on unsuspecting travelers as well. One common scenario is the newspaper trick. A group of children approach the unsuspecting tourist and ask for money or try to sell you knick-knacks as they jab at you with newspapers or cardboard. The papers effectively block your view of little hands fast at work, opening pockets, slashing belts, and cleaning out your travel funds. If you do catch on, usually the shock of being robbed by children delays your reaction a moment more, making for a successful robbery.

Why Children Make Good Thieves

Children pickpockets venice

Street vendors selling souvenirs can be a distraction for tourists and an attraction for pickpockets.

More common in Rome and other Italian cities child pickpockets are now working in Venice too. Under 14 years of age, these children cannot be held accountable for their crimes by local law. So they are ideal for older thieves to train and put out on the streets to work. If the child thieves are picked up by police, they are taken to child refugee safe houses, and then they abscond in the morning only to be back on the street the very next day. Some of the children are stopped by Carabinieri (national police), fed-up local vigilantes and shopkeepers on a daily basis, but the rewards are great and the young thieves keep on robbing.

Be streetwise – Venice is a very safe town but pickpocketing is one thing you should look out for. Favorite places for the robbers include busy lanes and bridges, the bus terminus at Piazzale Roma, the St. Mark’s area and rush-hour water buses. Don’t be lulled into a false sense of security if the only people near you are ten-year-olds or heavily-pregnant girls; these are classic examples of the pickpockets sent out by Fagin-like operators. Newspapers have reported children as young as 5 being employed in crime. Be very aware of people falling in behind you in a queue, especially if you are being jostled. Shout loudly and attract attention if someone attempts to rob you.

Often girls are the ones to approach purse-carrying women as they seem the least threatening. They will play around you or distract you with a cardboard sign asking you to buy a trinket or candy. Children also have smaller hands which you may not feel slipping into a bag or pocket. Venice with its many alleys and narrow streets is an ideal setup for the thieves to steal from tourists and to and run away out of sight. Your best defense is a security purse that has built-in anti-theft features to keep your valuables secure from pickpockets.  Travel with peace of mind.

Anti-Theft Travel Gear

Our best advice is to carry your valuables close to your body and hidden from view, if you can’t leave them locked in a hotel room safe. A neck pouch that zips closed or uses velcro to stay closed should be worn under your shirt or blouse. Even if the neck cord is visible or the item is a bit lumpy under your shirt most likely a thief will pass you up for another victim that isn’t wearing one. Another similar type of body wallet is a flat money belt that you tuck into the front of your pants.

Find a Money Belt to Keep ID from gettinglost or stolen

Anti theft neck pouch for travel

More Articles You May Like

How to Avoid Pickpockets While Traveling

 

children pickpockets venice, anti-theft bags

 

children pickpockets Venice Italy anti-theft waist packs

If you have never fallen victim to a pickpocket, you are lucky – and to tell you the truth – if you are just a little street smart, you may never in your lifetime. However, pickpockets come in a variety of levels of expertise from the expert to the opportunist. Falling victim to either one and losing your credit cards, as well as your passport and currency or phone can really put a crimp on your vacation abroad.  Even seasoned travelers can fall victim to a distraction and be pickpocketed.  See how easily you can be distracted by one thief while an accomplice relieves you of your valuables.

 

Learn from these prevention tips provided by a victim.

5 TIPS From a Victim of a Pickpocket

Here are five tips that the victim’s wife said she and her husband from now on will always follow.

1. I’ll leave all non-essential cards and documents at home.

I will thoroughly empty out my wallet before I leave home, but I could have done a better job. There was no reason for me to carry my driver’s license abroad, for example, and now I’m still waiting on a replacement! (Ahem, New York State DMV.) Hint keep images of ID on your password-protected phone.

2. I won’t withdraw large sums of cash at once from an ATM.

I’ve always withdrawn wads of foreign currency at a time under the theory that I was keeping ATM fees to a minimum. I found out it’s not worth the risk; next time, I’ll pay the five dollars!

3. I’ll divide my cash and credit cards into at least two stashes.

I generally try to be good about carrying half of my funds in a money belt and half in a wallet or secure pocket, but from now on, I will always do that.
If half gets stolen, at least I’ll have backup cards.

4. I’ll remember that I brought that zippered purse or travel bag for a reason and will always engage the zippers, and lock them down with the anti-theft clasp.

These are our favorite anti-theft handbags that have built-in pickpocket prevention features.

5. I will use an anti-theft travel bag to hold all valuables including my phone, and never use my back pocket ever to hold anything I don’t want to lose.

6. ( Bonus tip) I will travel with the phone numbers of my credit-card companies( hint keep them in your phone contacts).

As I was scrambling to find the numbers on the Internet, I couldn’t help thinking that having them on hand would have saved a lot of time during post-pickpocket cleanup.

Bonus Story

The following video is of a woman who was targeted by a pickpocket while she was riding on the Paris Metro and had her wallet stolen from her purse. Pay close attention to the portion of the video where the woman talks about her purse.

Be proactive before you travel and plan how you will protect your valuables in public places. One of the best ways you can thwart the actions of a pickpocket is to use a security purse or travel bag that has built-in anti-theft features. Have peace of mind and enjoy the sights knowing your gear is secure with an anti-theft bag.

More Articles You May Like

Avoid children pickpockets in Venice Italy

Travel Medications to Pack

How to Avoid Pickpockets While Traveling

Major national and international initiatives went into effect to heighten the security of ships and ports in 2004. What effect have they had on the safety of cruise passengers ashore? The answer, is probably none directly, though there is an increase in safety within the ports themselves, because of the better fencing, increased surveillance and more intense review of identification documents as passengers and others board the ship. So personal safety as you leave the dock remains with you the traveler. Here are some tips to help you stay safe.

Research Your Ports of Call Before Departing
The majority of international ports of call are safe. Local officials want to keep it that way to remain an attractive destination for cruise ships and the tourist dollars they bring. The most common crimes committed against travelers is petty theft (stealing wallets, phones, and bags) pickpocketing and overcharging for goods or services. Violent crimes are rare, however, you should know the areas to avoid, just like you know what areas to avoid at home to minimize becoming a victim.

How to Research Foreign Ports
Before visiting any port, consider checking the U.S. State Department updates and warnings for the country and port visited, as sometimes you can learn some valuable safety, security, and health information. Visit travel.state.gov  and search for the county you are visiting. This is probably the most valuable site on the Web for security-conscious travelers.

Do a Google search for current crime trends involving the destination(s) you will be visiting prior to departure.  Search terms such as “crime against American tourists [name of specific country here].”  While many of the web results may not be from government agencies, and some may not be valid or recent at all, they will give you some guidance on the subject.

Stay on the Beaten Path
Ask your cruise security director, cruise director, or shore excursion manager if they are aware of any crime risks for the areas you plan to explore ashore. This may be really important if you plan on exploring a port or city on your own and not part of the cruise ship’s organized excursions. Best advice, don’t “explore” where you are an isolated tourist. Isolation translates into vulnerability.

Minimize Your Victim Potential
Think about how you are dressed while in-port, especially when visiting ports that have poor surrounding areas.  Avoid American logos on your clothes, as well as minimize the amount of expensive looking jewelry you will wear while in port.  When it comes to your wallet and purse,  “sanitize” them.  Remove all the credit and ID cards you don’t need while traveling abroad. Think about if you had to report your wallet or purse stolen to local police, what’s in your wallet/purse now?  Make it easy on yourself and clean out un-needed cards and IDs. Use hidden travel wallets, body pouches, antitheft crossbody bags, antitheft purses, and antitheft backpacks and waist packs for peace of mind. When visiting cruise ports, be particularly alert in crowded tourist areas, street fairs, marketplaces, lines at tourist attractions, public transportation, or anywhere else where your wallet, purse or travel bag may be vulnerable to theft. Beware of distraction thieves who work in teams to relieve you of your valuables. Solution -and for peace of mind use travel gear designed to keep your valuables secure on your person.

Travel in Groups
Don’t walk, get in a cab, or go anywhere alone. Go in groups of two or more it reduces your chances of being targeted by criminals.

Stay Sober
Many cruise ports offer restaurants and bars and enjoying that fancy cocktail or additional beer seems like a fun idea, after all, you’re not driving.  However, that extra drink could impair your judgment and make you more vulnerable to a scam or con artist’s charms.

Use Authorized Tour Companies
Not all local tour companies are out to take advantage of you, however, you’re sure to be in good hands with vetted and reputable tour companies. Companies referred by the cruise line typically cost more but they also provide safe vehicles with licensed drivers and trained guides. The cut-price local guide can be a risk not worth taking on various levels.

Get Travel Health Insurance
Anyone who takes a cruise internationally should consider the purchase of travel medical and evacuation insurance. Obviously, other types of travel insurance could be equally important, especially if you need to cancel your cruise for an emergency before your trip, but travel medical and evacuation insurance could be more important. Why? When you travel outside the United States, most personal medical insurance policies do not provide coverage outside the USA (including most versions of Medicare) and if they do, you will find that you need to abide by certain requirements and approvals for coverage.  Additionally, you will have to most always pay the medical and evacuation bills yourself first and then fight for reimbursement.

Prevent Becoming a Victim of Pickpocketing and RFID Digital Theft

Become a Smarter Traveler newsletter sign up

Travelon Classic Backpack

Shop Travelon Classic Backpack

There are two primary things you must do to avoid theft and protect your valuables when visiting tourist locations or encountering large crowds.  One, you need to be alert to your surroundings.  Be alert to people trying to distract with questions or performances. Children and women are equally as skillful as men are when it comes to distraction and thievery.  Distracted tourists looking at sights or talking to “friendly” strangers are easy and lucrative targets. They know travelers have cash, valuables, a phone, and potentially even a laptop in a backpack. Second, you need to protect your valuables so that thieves can’t access them when they do target you. Thwart their efforts with pickpocket proof travel gear. The bonus is you are a little more relaxed knowing your gear is safe.

AVOID THEFT IN CROWD DISTURBANCES

Travelon Heritage Backpack

Travelon Heritage Backpack

A disturbance in a large crowd is oftentimes a way for thieves to bump into targets to steal valuables. It can take only a second or two to steal your wallet from your pocket, a handbag, or a backpack. To eliminate the opportunity from becoming a victim, both men and women need to be smart about the approach of strangers. When a disturbance or disagreement breaks out, hold onto your valuables, handbag, and wallet until the disturbance is completely over and you are away from the crowd. The same thing goes for if you’re watching street performers, enjoy the show, but know where and how you’re protecting your valuables first.

PROTECT YOUR VALUABLES TO AVOID THEFT

These are a few simple tips to keep your items out of the hands of thieves while you’re in a crowd.

  • Wear pants with buttoned or zippered pockets to prevent pickpockets from stealing items from those pockets. Turn regular pockets into theft proof pockets by having velcro sewn inside the very top of the pocket.
  • Only keep a small amount of money, one credit card, and one ID in your wallet.
  • Never publicly check your valuables because a thief may be watching you and will them know which pocket to target.
  • A smooth leather wallet is the easiest to slide out from a pocket and steal so use an anti-theft wallet.

Anti-Theft Wallet to Avoid Theft

AVOID THEFT BY PICKPOCKETS

  • Do not carry your wallet in an open handbag or tote bag without a zipper. Use the zipper to keep your bag closed, and never place it on the ground. If you must, straddle it with both feet and squeeze it tight until you are ready to pick it up.
  • Use a handbag with anti-theft features, that is more difficult to open than a regular bag.
  • A crossbody purse, where the straps lay diagonally across your body, is a visual deterrent to thieves.

Crossbody handbag to Avoid Theft

  • Never leave your handbag unattended in a tourist spot, crowded concert, grocery store, or streetside flea market. The point is not to tempt anyone either.

BE PREPARED IN CASE YOU BECOME A VICTIM OF THEFT

  • Keep a copy of your ID, passport, credit cards, and airline tickets in the safe of your room or accessible via the internet in a password-protected document or file.
  • Consider leaving expensive jewelry at home or reducing the amount of jewelry you wear.
  • Carry your cash in a money belt.  Newer style underclothing money belts fit passports and have built-in anti-theft features too.

This is a traditional Travel Money Belt that is Airport Security-Friendly Won’t Set off Alarm & Hides Bills

Money Belt to Avoid Theft

  • Use an RFID blocking protection backpack, handbag, or wallet to protect your identity from e-thieves.
  • If using a rental car and you can’t carry your valuables with you, hide them inside the trunk or in a locked glove compartment and always lock your car.

Taking just a few precautions to protect your valuables will give you peace of mind on your next trip.