Don't Let Pickpockets Spoil Your Vacation! Here's an Important Safety Tip! by Jan Mostrom

Being cautious of pickpockets while traveling abroad is very important. Watching your bags, even wearing backpacks in front of you, is smart in dense urban areas. But there is another way thieves target Americans (yes, we are identifiable because of this!). They target us because we are friendly.

We love to be friendly, but because we are open to conversations and helping others, a very common trick to distract us from watching our personal items is by using our kindness. Asking for directions, help or other assistance is a usual tactic of the thieves. They engage us, and then someone else comes in behind us to grab anything they can.

So, go ahead and be friendly, but be cautious, especially when approached by anyone. And don't let a pickpocket spoil the fun of your next adventure!

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