Stay Out of My Territory...and Away From Travel Scams! Heisenberg's Guide to Safe Travels

I Am the Danger...to Travel Scams!

So you think you're going on vacation huh? A little R&R? Think again. This report courtesy of Mastercard is a real eye opener. Turns out the travel industry is crawling with more lowlifes than a biker bar in Albuquerque. Fraud's up spiking during peak seasons like some kind of… uncontrolled chemical reaction. Apparently these travel agency and tour company scams are four times higher than your average con. Talk about a blue sky turning gray real fast.

Tread Lightly: Where the Tourists Are Scammed Blind

David Mann some big shot at Mastercard says it's all about location location location. Makes sense right? I mean you wouldn't cook meth in broad daylight in a school zone would you? (Okay bad example.) But seriously he says some cities are hotbeds for travel and tour scams. Cancun Hanoi Dhaka Bangkok…sounds like a recipe for disaster. Meanwhile San Francisco Dublin Seoul Budapest Edinburgh seem comparatively cleaner. But don’t get cocky.

This is Not Meth: It's Travel Fraud

And it's not just about shady tour operators. Oh no it gets better. In places like Jakarta taxi and car rental scams are through the roof. But don't think you are safe when you are eating. I mean who expects their Pad See Ew to come with a side of identity theft? Apparently food service fraud is huge in the U.S. and the Middle East. Restaurants overcharging adding phantom tips stealing credit card info… They're not just breaking bad; they're downright criminal.

Say My Name: Heisenberg's Travel Advisory

It seems like these con artists are getting more creative than ever. Trip planning fraud is up thanks to doctored photos and malicious confirmation links. These are the kind of tricks to turn even the most innocent vacation into something…unpleasant. I've seen enough shady deals in my time to know that if something looks too good to be true it probably is. Trust me on this one. It's basic chemistry.

Apply Yourself: Tips From Mr. White

So how do you avoid becoming another statistic? This Mastercard report offers some suggestions: digital wallets travel insurance credit cards with fraud protection. All solid ideas I suppose. But let me give you some real Heisenberg level advice: Trust your gut. If a deal smells fishy walk away. Do your homework. Research those travel companies. And for God's sake don't flash your cash like you're Tony Montana.

Remember My Name: You're Welcome

Remember knowledge is power. And in the world of travel scams it's the only thing that stands between you and a major headache. So stay vigilant stay smart and for heaven’s sake watch out for those suspiciously cheap all inclusive resorts. You never know what they're really selling. Now if you excuse me I have a business to run.