Chuckanut
Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso) Give me a forum ...
I thought it might be a nice idea to share stories about how travelers can be ripped off and/or robbed while traveling, especially overseas. I have never had such a problem, though there have been several attempts made. However, I do know people who have been robbed and I think it is worthwhile to share the story so others will not be duped.
A lady was making her first trip to Europe. On her first day there she was eating with friends at an outdoor cafe in Florence. She hung her purse on the seatback of the chair she was sitting in. As the waiter was taking their order, an Italian couple approached the waiter, interrupted and asked for directions. The couple soon became very rude and argumentative towards the waiter who seemed unable to satisfy their request for information. As their voices grew more angry and louder, all eyes were upon these rude people. The couple suddenly stopped their poor behavior and left in a huff. A minute later the lady turned around and found that her purse was missing. The rude couple were a diversion, while a third party stole the lady's purse. All her money, credit cards, passports, etc were in the purse.
Thankfully, the US Embassy in Rome was able to help her out.
Lesson: assume any disturbance may be an attempt to distract you and set you up. Keep large amounts of money, credit cards, ATM cards and passport in a money belt that is safely under your clothing. Keep one day's spending cash, at most, in your wallet or purse.
A lady was making her first trip to Europe. On her first day there she was eating with friends at an outdoor cafe in Florence. She hung her purse on the seatback of the chair she was sitting in. As the waiter was taking their order, an Italian couple approached the waiter, interrupted and asked for directions. The couple soon became very rude and argumentative towards the waiter who seemed unable to satisfy their request for information. As their voices grew more angry and louder, all eyes were upon these rude people. The couple suddenly stopped their poor behavior and left in a huff. A minute later the lady turned around and found that her purse was missing. The rude couple were a diversion, while a third party stole the lady's purse. All her money, credit cards, passports, etc were in the purse.
Thankfully, the US Embassy in Rome was able to help her out.
Lesson: assume any disturbance may be an attempt to distract you and set you up. Keep large amounts of money, credit cards, ATM cards and passport in a money belt that is safely under your clothing. Keep one day's spending cash, at most, in your wallet or purse.