Summer is the main travel season for many people. But beware: tourists often fall for the nasty tricks of pickpockets. Scammers also lurk in many places. We’ll start with a real incident involving one of our customers and provide tips on how to protect yourself.
Mr. Johannes E. books a short trip to Barcelona. To be fully covered, he takes out TravelCover. However, the trip does not go as planned. During a guided tour, Mr. E.'s iPhone is stolen from his pocket. He immediately files a report on site. The replacement value of the iPhone, amounting to EUR 635, is covered by the European Travel Insurance.
Beware of crowds
Whether on public transport or crowded streets. The more people, the easier it is for thieves to steal. In the hustle and bustle, victims often don’t feel they’re being touched. Thieves often use the jostling trick to distract people, making it easy to grab wallets or other valuables.
Distraction
Often one thief distracts the victim while another goes for the loot. Common distraction tactics include begging children.
The rose seller
Street vendors often try to sell roses, jewelry, or similar items to tourists by any means. They hand items to potential victims hoping they’ll take them. The problem? They usually don’t take them back and demand money. Be very careful about what you accept.
Stained clothing
If someone suddenly stains you with ketchup or something else and then kindly offers help, alarm bells should ring. This is a common trick used by thieves. Don’t let anyone touch you—clean the stain yourself.
Cities known for pickpockets:
- Barcelona
- Rome
- Prague
- Madrid
How can you generally protect yourself?
- Don’t carry too much cash. Most cities have ATMs.
- Always carry your backpack, wallet, or other valuables in front of you. Men should never carry wallets in their back pockets.
- Behave discreetly and don’t wear visibly expensive jewelry.
- Be mindful: Think carefully about when and where you take out valuables like laptops or phones.