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Scammers know travellers can be easy targets when jetlagged and unfamiliar surroundings make them vulnerable, however with some preparation and travel intelligence you can avoid falling prey to these common airport scams.

Find yourself waiting at an airport for hours? No problem; connect to a network labelled as 'Free Wi-Fi' and browse your favourite websites while passing the time.

1. Taxi Scams

After an exhausting flight, you arrive at an unfamiliar airport ready to place your suitcases into an accommodating taxi cab. However, as soon as you try reaching for them they just seem to disappear around a corner!

Scam drivers at airports often take long, scenic routes to rack up your meter. To protect yourself against this practice, research the fastest route from the airport to your destination and insist that your driver take that path.

Be sure to count your change when settling up with a driver and verify their meter is working before getting in the car. If in doubt, ask at the airport information desk where to locate official taxi or limousine services as this will keep you safe while saving money.

2. Pickpocket Scams

People on vacation can often become overexcited and forget the risks of pickpocketing. Scammers know this and use it to their advantage by acting friendly or telling sad stories to distract you. Always remain suspicious of strangers and never leave luggage unattended; additionally, always bring multiple forms of payment when traveling abroad and use a secure network when paying.

An often-encountered scam in souvenir shopping involves wrapping and trading the item once you leave. This tactic can be especially dangerous in countries that offer lower quality currency; therefore, it is wise to exchange your cash at a bank before leaving an airport.

3. Luggage Scams

At an airport or train station, people will approach you offering to help carry your bags for an exorbitant fee. Although this might seem convenient, this service comes at a steep cost.

Another popular airport scam involves someone accidentally bumping into you and quickly taking away your wallet, camera, or cellphone despite an apology. Although difficult to prevent, keeping an eye on all your belongings at all times will help protect against this type of crime and only using official airport transportation such as taxi https://atobtransfer.com/uae/dubai-airport-transfers/ or limo drivers soliciting passengers can also help prevent this type of theft from taking place.

4. Fake Greeter Scams

Once your flight arrives at its destination, you are exhausted but eager to reach your accommodations. When leaving the arrivals gate, a friendly face greets you with your name on a board, leading you to believe your hotel has arranged a pick up service - however halfway to your accommodation the driver abruptly pulls over demanding a higher fee for transporting you there.

Travel is at its height and airports are overflowing, meaning hackers have more opportunity than ever before to rip off unsuspecting passengers. One common scam involves fake Wi-Fi networks claiming to provide free WiFi - so be wary of any public networks labeled as such by cyber security company Lookout.

Always ask a member of staff if a network is safe, and refrain from accessing anything confidential like online banking accounts.

5. Taxi Driver Scams

Taxi scams are all too often encountered at airports, often targeting tourists. Taxi drivers may overcharge, add extra fees, divert off route or give incorrect change. They may even attempt to steal luggage or personal belongings from passengers en route. Before your trip it is advisable to do some research about local taxi customs and regulations as well as use only well-marked taxis that accept smaller bills for payment - make sure the meter works before entering into any transaction with any taxi driver!

Fare meter scams are another popular ploy employed by taxi drivers near airports, whereby they claim that the price displayed on the meter applies only to individuals rather than to your entire group. Before driving off, be sure to verbally verify whether this amount includes everyone in your party or not.