13 Travel Scams to Avoid and Stay Protected

8. Street Scams, Distraction Tricks and Pickpocketing

What it is: Distraction techniques—someone drops a map, asks for signatures, or spills something—while accomplices pick pockets. Other street scams include fake petitions, "gold ring" tricks, and over-eager helpers who demand payment later. These are classic, low-tech cons that rely on surprise. How they work: A friendly person starts a conversation or causes a small commotion. While you’re distracted, someone else removes your wallet or phone. In another version, someone offers to take a photo and conveniently "drops" your phone into a bag that they then won't return. Prevention steps: Keep valuables in a front pocket or money belt and use a small daypack with zippers. Politely refuse unsolicited help and keep an arm across your bag in crowded areas. When offered to take a photo, watch your device the whole time or hand it over only briefly. Teach family members a simple code word to signal trouble. For Indian travel contexts, avoid crowded pilgrimage routes at peak times and keep copies of ID separate from originals. Where to report: Report pickpocketing to local police and your embassy if passports are stolen. In the U.S., most major cities have tourist police units that can assist.