A monk in Thailand gives you a bracelet and you feel obligated to show your appreciation with a donation. An elderly man in Paris falls, you help him up, and the next thing you know, your wallet is missing. A student in China invites you to an art show where you decide to purchase one of their “one-of-a kind” works, only to realize walking back to your hotel that the print you overpaid for is being sold in every other shop.
That bank of public USB charging stations at the airport may be a welcome convenience, but by plugging in your phone you may have downloaded a virus that can steal your personal data. And that shore excursion from your cruise ship may sound great, but it’s overpriced, overcrowded, and includes extra fees you didn’t count on.
Many seemingly harmless scenarios can be set-ups for common scams and security risks faced by travelers around the world. Join Washington Post travel writer Andrea Sachs, Pauline Frommer, editorial director of Frommer’s Travel Guides, and Yolanda Parra, director of American citizen services and crisis management for the U.S. Department of State, as they discuss some of the most pervasive scams and how to avoid them, the growing threats to online identity, and the legal but unethical practices often perpetuated by the travel industry on vacationers. Knowing what to look out for can make you a less vulnerable traveler and your trip far more safe and enjoyable.
