Have you ever been targeted by a scammer when you’re out and about? There are lots of scams that take place in public, particularly in big cities such as London.
At Everywhen, we want to help you stay one step ahead of scammers, so you don’t lose your treasured possessions, and you can focus on enjoying your time out and about. In this article we look at some of the most common scams that target valuables, so you can be aware of what to look out for.
The London poo scam is so named because it involves bird poo (or should we say fake poo). In this scam, someone will tell you that you’ve got bird poo on you and offer to help clean you up – it’s then that they will take the opportunity to swipe any valuables, such as your phone. There may or may not be real poo or fake poo involved – sometimes they’ll spray you with liquid to try make it more convincing1.
The good news is that this scam is easy to avoid once you know how it works. If someone tells you you’ve got poo on you, avoid stopping, resist their offers to help clean up, and go to a public area such as a café or shop. There, you can check and clean yourself up at your own pace.
By keeping your belongings close and avoiding unnecessary contact with strangers, you can significantly reduce the risk of becoming a target.
The London poo scam is just one type of distraction scam – a type of scam where scammers cause a distraction in an attempt to steal your valuables. Other versions of the distraction scam include:
Someone asking for directions, often with a large map
Someone asking you to take their photo
Someone spilling food or drink on you (similar to the poo scam in that they’ll often try to help clean you up)
Street performers, fights or other disturbances that draw a crowd
Keeping your valuables out of sight can go a long way towards reducing your risk of theft.
If you need to use your phone, try to limit the time you have it out and visible to others.
Most people you encounter will be genuine, but if a situation or person doesn't feel quite right, trust your instincts. It's always okay to walk away or move to a busier area if it makes you feel more comfortable.
Cutting bags often works in tandem with a distraction scam. Thieves will take advantage of their victim being distracted by cutting open the bottom of their bag and holding another bag beneath it to catch any valuables that fall out2. Fortunately, a few simple precautions can help to reduce the risk. Choosing a sturdy, well-made bag rather than a thin tote can make it much harder for a thief to get your belongings. It's also a good idea to keep valuable items such as your phone, wallet and keys in internal compartments or zipped pockets, where they're more secure and less likely to be removed unnoticed.
By staying aware of your surroundings and taking advantage of these simple security measures, you can enjoy your day out with greater confidence.
If you're visiting a popular tourist spot, it's natural to want to capture a few memories for the photo album, including photos with you in them. While most people are happy to help, some opportunistic thieves may volunteer to do so with the intention of running off with your phone or camera3.
The good news is that this is easy to avoid. Rather than handing your device to a stranger, ask someone you're travelling with to take the photo, or look for a fellow tourist, member of staff or official guide. Many attractions also have designated photo spots where help is available. By being selective about who you hand your device to, you can enjoy taking photos and making memories with peace of mind.
Sometimes, even if we stay on high alert, scammers can get the better of us. That’s why it’s important to have travel insurance while on holiday – if an item goes missing, you can make a claim so you’re not out of pocket. Take a look at our dedicated travel insurance page for more information.
Even if you're not on holiday, you can also investigate insurance add-ons that may be able to help protect items you take out of your home. Adding personal possessions insurance to your home insurance policy will mean you can rest assured knowing that in most cases, if an item is pinched, you’ll be covered.
Want to know more? Simply get in touch with the Everywhen team today.
Sources:
https://www.mylondon.news/news/zone-1-news/visited-london-first-time-almost-33818675
https://www.godigit.com/international-travel-insurance/tourist-scams/tourist-scams-in-uk
]https://www.eurochange.co.uk/travel/tips/the-ultimate-guide-to-spotting-and-avoiding-travel-scams
The information contained in this article is for general information purposes only. It does not constitute legal or other professional advice and cannot be relied upon as such. Should you have any queries, we recommend that you consult the appropriate professional adviser. The links provided in this document are for reference only. Please note that we are not responsible for the content of any linked site.
