- Don't just Look, See - This one is important. Know and study your surroundings for things that make you uncomfortable. Back off if it doesn't feel right. Don't walk blindly into a noisy crowd.
- Look 'em in the eye, even if they're scary - A study concluded a while back reported that men, when being approached by another man, give an almost imperceptible nod of the head. This nod, according to the research, says to the stranger, "I'm seeing you. I'm remembering you. Don't do anything stupid." Most women in the same situation averted their eyes. Purse snatchers walk toward a woman, notice that she hasn't looked, and then loop around to snatch the purse--and they can't be identified, of course.
- Blend in - Wear clothing like the locals wear. Don't broadcast your wealth or use your clothing to advertise your radical US political opinions. Wear minimal jewelry. Relax and look like you belong there. Learn a few words of the language, especially the "politeness" words.
- Don't keep all your finances and valuables in the same place . Spread it out so that if one stash is found it's not everything. Always leave yourself an out. If you're going out, hand your valuables to the clerk in a sealed or locked bag to be put in your hotel's safe and watch that he does it.
- Pay special attention at the ATM - Don't let people behind you see you enter your PIN number. Don't let anyone "help" you. While Europeans are generally helpful, it's unusual for them to offer their help when it isn't asked for--so beware that someone offering you unsolicited help may be running a scam. (One of these scams is to put a sleeve in the ATM card socket that blocks your card from being read. The thieves stand behind as you enter and reenter your PIN. Then you walk away thinking the machine has eaten you card and voila! the thieves retrieve your card and use it with the PIN you've provided them. If your card doesn't seem to work, run your finger over the slot before you give up on it. The thieves will have to have left a tab so that they can retrieve your card when you walk away.)
- ID Please -Ask to see identification if approached by a stranger in an unrecognized uniform. Beware especially if he asks to "count" your cash. Police don't usually do that.
- Don't grab for that wallet! - It's human nature to read a sign saying "watch for pickpockets" and then grab to see if your wallet is still there. This is the wrong thing to do, of course, since it allows a pickpocket to zero in on your valuables
Wow, it seems really dangerous in Europe!
Here's the deal: this is the Internet, and word passes fast. if you read 100 messages in a Europe newsgroup saying "beware, I've been ripped off in Europe!" remember to take in consideration that 2.5 million people visited Rome's Colosseum in 2000 and most of them didn't lose their wallets.
Remember too, that Americans tend to be far more fearless in Europe than they are in their own cities. People who wouldn't think of walking around downtown Chicago after dark tend to do so in Europe because the street atmosphere is so much more attractive for strolling haphazardly about.
Still, if you are going to feel uncomfortable about the possibilities, maybe visiting Europe isn't for you. But it's a shame to live your life in fear. After all, what's the loss of a few hundred dollars on a $4000 vacation? Europe has a lot to offer. My advice is the same I'd give you for every adventure you might want to try, including some pretty romantic ones: Be prepared. Take precautions. Enjoy yourself.
That's about it for now. I'll update this page as new scams and rip offs are reported.
