With summer finally here, many of us will be preparing to jet off for a well-earned break abroad. Whether you are heading to the picturesque beaches of Spain, the streets of Paris or the iconic coastal cities of Croatia, it is easy to assume that once you are on holiday, you can finally relax and switch off.
However, according to one private investigator, that laid-back attitude could cost you far more than just a relaxing day at the beach. Paul Evans from I-Spy Detectives is warning holidaymakers that the biggest risk to their belongings might not be an unlocked hotel safe or a lost suitcase at the airport, but rather their own good manners. According to Mr Evans, one of the most common types of scams abroad works well because it relies on our basic human nature to be kind.
“One of the most common scams we see abroad involves using distraction techniques,” Mr Evans explained. “These usually start with a friendly stranger asking for help. They might be holding a map, pretending they are lost, or simply asking for directions. It seems innocent enough, but what people do not realise is that while they are talking, someone else is going through their bag.
“Most people do not want to come across as rude, especially when they are in a foreign country. Tourists often feel they should be polite and helpful, even if something feels a little off. That instinct to be friendly is what these scammers count on.”
In many cases, the private investigator continued, the distraction does not even need to be very convincing: “All it takes is for someone to stop you in a busy square or street, engage you in conversation, and keep your eyes off your belongings for just a few seconds. That is all the time a thief needs.”
To protect yourself, Mr Evans recommended taking a much firmer approach than you might be used to at home. He revealed that the best thing to do when approached by a stranger out of the blue, especially in a busy area, is to say “no thank you” and walk away.
“Keep your bag in front of you and zipped at all times. If they persist, do not feel bad about being direct or even walking away mid-sentence. You are not being rude. You are being smart.”
He pointed out that many victims do not even realise they have been targeted until long after the crime has taken place: “We have seen cases where people have lost phones, wallets, passports, and even expensive jewellery. They do not feel the theft happened. They only notice later when they reach for their phone or go to pay for something, and it is no longer there.
“You don’t need to be aggressive or paranoid, but if someone feels too pushy or gets too close, don’t engage with them. The worst-case scenario is that you accidentally ignore someone who genuinely needed help. The best case is that you avoid getting robbed.”
