| Bloomfield,
CT 06002 |
|
July
17 2005 |
| |
"We
are not afraid", is the sentiment of Londoners I interviewed
while in London.
Security will be stepped up in London against the threat of
suicide attacks. Tony Blair, Prime Minister, promised that new
laws to track down radicals and those who are violent against
countries.
Meanwhile, new identity theft scams are emerging in London and
United States.
While at the Charing Cross Police Station in London, several
victims complained about a new or a revision of an old identity
theft scam: ATM's. According to police, there has been an
explosion of ATM identity theft.
According to a victim I interviewed, here is how it works. A
customer puts in his ATM card. After he puts the card in, it
becomes jammed halfway through. There is an identity theft thief
waiting in a car or nearby with a remote camera. He is able to get
an impression of the ATM card. The victim said that the thieves
jammed all of the ATM machines in that area. They were able to
copy the information on the card. ATM victims lose thousands.
The victim lost $2,500. He will get his money back in about one
month. He loses and the bank loses.
Other crimes are pickpockets. One man I interviewed lost his
wallet to thieves. He lost his wallet at a pub.
Here are tips from Charing Cross Police in London for Londoners
and Americans who are traveling in London and other countries.
Travel safety tips
Out and about
- Keep your bag or camera where you can see them by wearing them
in front of you instead of over your shoulder. This especially
important if you are in a crowded area-a bus or a tube.
- If you are in a restaurant, theatre or cinema, don't leave your
bag on the floor or over the back of your chair. Keep it where you
can see it.
- Buy theatre or concert tickets from a reliable source and not
from 'touts' in the street.
- If you are out at night and on foot, keep to well-lit, busy
areas.
- When you are traveling by bus or train, try to avoid using
stations in isolated places. Sit near the driver on buses, and on
trains always make sure you are in a compartment with several
other people.
- Only use taxis which have been licensed by the police--these are
easily recognized by a license on display and the driver wears a
badge.
- In your hotel, keep your valuables in the hotel safe deposit box
or safe, instead of leaving them in your hotel room. You may find
it useful to keep a record of all of your personal
belongings-camera, credit cards, passport and travelers checks.
- When you leave the hotel, make sure the door of your room is
firmly closed.
- Remember that hotel lobbies and reception areas are used by
non-residents, so don't leave your bags lying on the ground.
- In airports, watch your luggage. At Heathrow, a man started to
take my luggage in front of me. I stopped him.
For more travel safety tips, read my book: "Don't Get Ripped
Off! Get Help! Tell It to George." |
| |
Cynthia
Bercowetz (consumreye@aol.com)
Author/Consumer Advocate
22 Oak Lane
Bloomfield, CT 06002
Phone : 860-243-2208 |
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