Before travellers even arrive at their hotel, scammers at airports can put a spanner in the works. Photo/getty
Before travellers even arrive at their hotel, scammers at airports can put a spanner in the works. Photo/getty
Holidays usually give people the opportunity to relax, unwind and recharge their batteries.
But before they even arrive at their hotel, scammers at airports can put a spanner in the works. And they can strike as they go through the departures security system.
To help tourists avoid being duped Palma Airport has produced a handy guide to the most common scams lurking at airports, from the "queue staller" to the "suitcase helper".
10. The queue staller
The queue to go through airport security is one of the most likely places where scammers will strike.
Their devious ploy is to work in pairs, with one person holding up the queue at the X-ray machine - and the other going through and taking belongings before the owner can get to them.
How to avioid
To ensure this doesn't happen, travellers should make sure they keep their eyes on the belt at all times.
They should watch for anyone loitering suspiciously and alert a guard if necessary.
Don't place your belongings on the conveyor belt until you can walk through the scanner yourself.
In a similar move, thieves often try to distract travellers in a bid to get them to move away from their suitcases.
Once this happens, an accomplice to the distractor will move in and make off with any unattended luggage that contains mobile phones or other important documents.
How to avioid
Security experts suggest never packing all of your valuables in one place.
It's helpfult to keep a photocopy of your passport on your person.
8. The "free" wifi scam
Most airports offer free wifi so passengers can check up on their emails or social media.
But sometimes the networks aren't safe and have actually been set up by hackers.
This means they can then access travellers' devices and steal personal information such as bank account details and account passwords.
7. The baggage carousel "bump"
The baggage carousel is another prime location that scammers target.
Here holidaymakers should watch that they don't fall prey to the "bump and run" scam.
This ploy is when a thief bumps into someone and quickly apologises - and steals a wallet or purse while the owner is distracted.
However frustrating passengers find the baggage carousel, and however tired or impatient they are feeling, they should make sure that their valuables are safely tucked away and that they are vigilant.
They should also make sure they keep their eyes on the carousel to make sure no one makes off with their luggage.
6. The suitcase "helper"
When travelling with heavy luggage a friendly person offering to help can seem like a welcome gesture.
But often these "helpful people" will refuse to give back passengers' luggage when they reach their airport transport unless they are given money.
How to avioid
Experts say that the only people who should assist holidaymakers with luggage are official airport porters.
Keep your guard up while crossing borders. Photo / Getty
5. The pickpocket
With most tourists having their wallets, mobile phones and passports to hand, it is easy for pickpockets to strike.
Once they have their baggage, they wander around looking for car rental desks, exit signs or somewhere to get a drink.
While distracted, pickpockets are waiting to grab valuables that have been shoved into pockets.
How to avioid
Experts suggest fastening bags, not putting anything valuable in the pockets of suitcases and keeping anything of value inside jacket pockets or handbags.
4. The mobile phone scam
As many travellers want to avoid roaming charges, renting a mobile phone in the country they are visiting may seem like a good idea.
And vendors will say that they will give back any security deposit for a phone when it is returned.
However, what some bogus vendors don't tell customers is that the devices have extortionate charges.
Meanwhile the imposter security officer is also something passengers need to be particularly aware of.
Of course, they may seem like a security officer but scammers can dress up and pretend to be officials who then demand travellers pay an on-the-spot fine in return for letting them go free.
How to avioid
Make a point of getting your driver's number. Check the company ID if needed.
2. The bluetooth sting
Most people forget to turn off the bluetooth mode on their mobile phones, especially when they are relaxing on holiday.
But when it is left on "discoverable" airport hackers can easily pair with the device.
Once they do this, they can steal information or even install a virus.
Unselect "discoverable" and encypt sensitive data using software.
1. The broken taxi meter
When travelling from the airport to a destination by taxi, scam drivers may claim that their meter is broken.
This can be a ploy to overcharge someone.
To avoid this happening, travellers should agree on a price before they get into the car.
Another common taxi scam is for the driver to take the "scenic route".
While road design, traffic hold ups or road works can force a driver to take a longer-than-normal route, there are some occasions where a driver knows that some holidaymakers may not be aware if they are literally being taken for a ride.
Book ahead with a reputable taxi company. Agre on a price before travelling.
A spokesman for Palma Airport said: "Security at airports has tightened up a lot these days, and Palma de Mallorca PMI is no exception.
"Of course, we are not trying to scare you and put you off travelling, as Palma de Mallorca PMI is one of the safest airports in the world, and its unlikely you will be scammed.
"But saying that, when in a foreign country, it is always wise to have your wits about you and make sure that you are extra vigilant.
"Book everything yourself, keep an eye on your luggage and make sure you keep your valuables safe and everything should be just fine and you can then relax and enjoy your holiday."
