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6 travel scams to avoid on your next trip

Smash and grab
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Smash and grab

How it works: Thieves hang out at street corners in tourist areas or business districts where they know there's a long red light. They identify rental cars and peek inside to see what's on the passenger or back seat. Before you know it, they smash your window, grab your purse or laptop and run.

One variation of this happens in areas with scenic overlooks and tourist spots, says Reid. Thieves will scour the area looking for empty rental cars with valuables inside, smash the window and take off with your bags.

Where it happens: Tourist strips, business districts in Hawaii and other scenic regions.

What you can do: To avoid the smash-and-grab while driving, always keep valuables in the trunk. While visiting scenic tourist spots, never leave anything valuable in your car.


 

 

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