4 airport scams and how to avoid them
You are standing at the airport, full of adrenalin, ready for your next adventure, or that long-awaited holiday.
However, unfortunately, weary travellers in airports are a common target for scammers.
So throw in jetlag, language barriers and travelling with children and you've got a scammer's paradise full of unsuspecting victims.
But don't worry - with some help from Southern Cross we have complied a list of the most common airport scams and how you can steer clear of them.
With a bit of preparation and travel smarts, you can breeze through airports without a worry.
1. The security staller
How it works:
You're finally at the front of the security screening queue, and you place your laptop and bags on the conveyor belt to go through the x-ray, while you head through the passenger scanner.
The person in front of you goes through but the buzzer sounds, so he removes his belt and tries again. This time, it's his watch, then it's his keychain.
When you finally get through the scanner, your stuff is gone. You've been scammed by the security staller.
While the person kept you waiting, his accomplice in front of him nabbed your stuff, quickly hid it in his own bag, and left before you even knew it was gone.
How to avoid it:
- Keep an eye on your laptop at all times, even if you think it's safe. If you can't see it, or you can see someone reaching for it, tell the security guards immediately. Also, try not to place it on the conveyor belt until you know you can walk through the scanner yourself.
- Make your items bright and obvious. While you might not want to cover your laptop in stickers, perhaps try putting a bright strap around it to help you keep track of it, even if it's in someone else's hands.
- If you're travelling with someone, try splitting up so that your friend can go through, then place items on the conveyor belt once they've cleared the passenger scanner. That way, they're already waiting for your gear once it comes through the x-ray.
2. Bluetooth blunder
How it works:
You're quietly listening to music on your wireless headphones, but what you don't realise is that the Bluetooth connectivity (which links your phone to your headphones) also lets people around you access your phone and information.
This means they could be reading your emails and texts, scrolling through your photos and gaining access to any personal information you might have stored on your phone.
How to avoid it:
- Bluetooth connectivity is great, but if you can get away without having it on, then leave it off – even if that means avoiding wireless headphones.
- As a default, ensure your phone is set to "undiscoverable" in the Bluetooth settings, so that if you do need to use it, your phone is secure.
- Buy phone encryption software if you're storing sensitive data, for added security and protection.
- Try to store your important information somewhere it can't be easily found, like a flash drive or an encrypted document.
3. Horrible helpers
How it works:
You've reached your destination, claimed your bags and passed customs inspection.
As you walk through the arrivals hall, a helpful person approaches and offers to carry your heavy bags, or push your trolley for you.
While they may seem helpful and courteous, these scam artists will demand a cash payment for assisting you and have even been known to hold unwitting passengers' luggage to ransom until their fee is paid.
How to avoid it:
- The golden rule here is to carry your own baggage and never let it fall into the hands of people you don't know (except for baggage handlers and check-in staff).
- Some airports have a short supply of luggage trolleys, or charge for the use of them. Keep in mind when you're packing that you may need to carry your bags, so pack light.
- Never let your luggage out of sight, even if you're waiting at the luggage carousel. Place collected luggage in front of you and if you see your bag on the carousel, keep an eye on it as it comes around. Some of these 'helpers' have even been known to take bags right off the carousel.
4. Taxi tricks
How it works:
You're tired after a long flight and eager to get to your accommodation.
You hadn't organised a pickup with your hotel, but upon exiting the arrivals gate, you see a friendly person in uniform with your name on a board - your hotel must have organised a pickup for you, great!
But beware: halfway to your accommodation they pull over and demand a hefty ransom fee to take you the rest of the way.
It's late at night and you're in an unfamiliar city, so there seems to be little choice but to comply.
You've fallen victim to a plot hatched in conjunction with crooked airline staff, who supply these "drivers" with passenger names and accommodation details taken from customs arrival cards.
How to avoid it:
- Before you depart, ensure you have printed copies of all your accommodation details, including any transport arrangements. Confirm with your hotel whether they have made transport arrangements for you and get this in written form to keep with your printouts.
- If you do see your name on a board and you're not expecting a pickup, ignore it completely. Instead, stick to official airport taxi ranks or ask at an information centre for a recommended taxi company.
Have you ever fallen victim to a scam?
Written by Chloe Winter. Republished with permission of Stuff.co.nz.