Foreign & Commonwealth Office warn of World Cup scams, recommend travel insurance
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has launched a new campaign for football fans heading to South Africa for the 2010 World Cup. There is a great deal of concern that fans from around the world may arrive at the tournament unprepared for the experience and vulnerable to risks from the climate, geography, transportation, disease and also organized scams.
Amid the frantic rush to get the best flights and accommodation, FCO is urging fans to familiarise themselves with South Africa – from its culture to its weather - by fully researching their destination, and obtaining a comprehensive travel insurance policy.
Travel Tips
1. Get travel insurance
2. Book your accommodation before travelling
3. Check out the transport options in South Africa before you travel
4. Get to know the different rules of the road
5. Visit your doctor and get necessary vaccinations and medications before flying
6. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 30 days from your return travel date, and that it has at least two blank pages
7. Don’t get caught out by buying a fake or invalid ticket
8. Be aware of South Africa’s law and customs
9. Make arrangements to arrive early at the stadium on match days
There is also specific advice on avoiding ATM scams:
Scam 1 - You find you are having difficulty with your card. Someone will come to your aid and likely wipe the card, put it in the machine and offer to 'try the number for you'. They will seem helpful and non-threatening. The chances are that they will switch cards on you or clone it and use your pin.
Scam 2 - As you approach the cash machine, people dressed in the bank's colours will tell you that you must swipe your card with them as the machine isn't working. They will swipe your card, cloning it, then try it in the cash machine. The card will work and they will offer to put the pin in for you or watch you do it.
Scam 3 - Leaflet holders and the ATM's face can contain small cameras designed to catch your pin number. Remember there should be no loose wires, no containers or leaflet holders, and no loose fittings.
Scam 4 - Your card gets stuck and a passer by suggests you try the pin one more time or may offer to try it for you. Then with no success the passer by offers to stand guard while you report it to the bank, or ask to retrieve the card from the machine inside the bank. The passer by gets the card from the machine and leaves with your pin number.
How to avoid these scams
·always protect your pin number, never write it down or give it to anyone else
·have the ATM card for your transaction ready and in your hand. Opening your wallet or purse can be time consuming and provides a potential thief with easier access to your valuables
·carefully cover the keypad while entering the number, and check where the security cameras are located. While many ATM have cameras, they wont be positioned to record the keypad
·be wary to any offers of 'help' with ATM transactions, even if it appears the help is coming from an official
·make sure the card you get back from the ATM after your transaction is yours, and don't count or expose your money after your transaction. As soon as you receive your money and bank receipt, put them away and leave the ATM area
·only use ATMs in well-lit, high-traffic areas. If the lights aren't working, don't use that machine
·stay alert. Report anything or anyone that seems suspicious or strange about the ATM machine. This could include anyone offering help, trying to look over your shoulder or taking pictures in the area
·call the bank right away if the machine retains the card. Do not allow someone you don't know to 'stand guard' while you report it in the bank.
