Keep your money safe on holiday

Whether you’re going on a staycation or looking to travel abroad, we want you to enjoy your holiday that you’ve worked hard and saved for, free from scammers.

Here’s some common scams to be aware of and how to avoid them to ensure they don’t ruin your trip.

Pickpocketing

It’s a common problem, especially in crowded tourist areas, public transportation, or bustling markets. Be aware of distraction techniques, such as the ketchup or bird poo scam, whilst you’re cleaning it up, they steal from you, or they bump into you and pull an item from your bag or pocket. Stay alert, secure your belongings, and consider using anti-theft measures such as money belts or cross-body bags

Fake Police Officers

Be cautious of people posing as police officers who approach you, who ask for your identification, and then steal your money or valuables. Always ask for official identification and, if unsure, seek assistance from a nearby a police station.

Taxi Scams

Watch out for individuals posing as taxi drivers who overcharge, manipulate or don’t use meters. Use official taxi ranks, request that the meter is used, and be aware of the approximate fare to your destination.

Money Switch

Check the change you’re given when spending cash on holidays, scammers are switching the two euro coin for a Turkish lira. The two coins look very similar in both their size and shape and can be easily mistaken by people who don’t frequently use euros. Both coins are also silver on the outside and gold in the middle - meaning unsuspecting tourists are the perfect targets for the scam. Also, double check the money you’re giving them, so they don’t claim you haven’t given them enough and you therefore give them more, as they can switch the notes so fast you won’t even notice.

Restaurant Overcharging

Be vigilant when dining at restaurants, especially in popular tourist areas. Some establishments may not display prices or add additional charges for food you never ordered. Check menus and receipts, ask for itemized bills, and read reviews from reliable sources before you book.

We want to keep our members and they’re money safe from fraud and scams. So we’ve got more advice and information on how to help protect yourself from scams and fraudsters, and tips to keeping your online accounts secure.