Travel is generally as safe as staying at home, however there are always travel scams, travel cons and other nasty ways that criminals can take advantage of those unfamiliar with local ways.

To listen to this podcast, find episode 212 in iTunes, or hit play below:

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Because of sickness, bad internet, and our desire to get the podcast published before entering Paraguay, we’re going to have to fill in these shownotes properly in a week or so. Apologies! The podcast sounds great though … take a listen.

1. Distraction scams

This is when someone distracts you while another person robs you. This is the most common game we’ve seen here in South America. It can be as simple as asking for a light, or a carefully planned attack with several criminals working together.

Some examples:
* oil or mayonnaise on bag.
* also in La Paz, scarf idol.
* ask for time, ask for light.
* ask for change, with a waiting car.

If you know of travel scams with distractions or theft please add to this thread.

2. Con artists

This is normally a long game, taking from several minutes to a few days. The game is to have you trust the criminal, and find yourself in a place where you are obligated to pay up. Some we’ve found …

* my sister is moving to …
* the card game
* murder in your hostel
* it’s my wife’s birthday (taxi)

Do you have a story about travel con artists? Please share it with the Indie Travel Podcast Community.

3. Borders

When we talk about border scams, we’re not meaning those who insist on a bribe before you get your passport back (that happened to us while leaving Laos), but the transport companies and the border controls with their own little games.

* thai/Cambodia border
* Mongol rally story
* no passport stamp in Ciudad del Este, Paraguay.

Share your stories of dodgy border scams and security checks here.

4. Virtual kidnapping

To find out what virtual kidnapping is, listen to this podcast … or we’ll have some notes and stories here in a week.

Once again, apologies for the poor shownotes!

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This article was written by Craig and Linda

Craig and Linda Martin have been living on the road since February 2006. Both born and raised in Auckland, New Zealand they are ... somewhere in the world! Craig and Linda host the Indie Travel Podcast - you can get in touch with them here.