#scamcity

Nowadays, tourists could be seen everywhere, in any city, in any country, in every continent. They could be roaming around the city and experiencing the culture that country has to offer. However, there are a lot of danger that these tourists always experience when visiting countries. Scammers always eye out for the unwary tourists.

There is a show named, Scam City where the host, Conor Woodman, travels to different parts of the world and unveiling and experiencing these scams and teaching future tourists on how they could avoid these situations. Woodman starts by falling prey to these scammers intentionally and see the outcomes of what these people do. From the common pickpockets, terrifying cab drivers to sex workers could be seen throughout different episodes of the show. With two (2) seasons already finished, and 20 countries exposed of their common scams, the show aims to help tourists and its viewers avoid deception brought about by these awful people.

I have personally experienced one of these scams, luckily enough I was not caught in it but my friend was. We were in a excursion on that day, walking and touring around London. The group was walking on Westminster Bridge (going to Big Ben) then a woman was giving out small flowers to us. We all thought it was a sweet gesture however, as we about to leave their area, they were asking us for money in return because they gave us flowers. My friend who wanted to give to them, despite this scam, pulled out his wallet and as he was about to get a 5 pounds , the woman snatched his 50 pound bill and she vanished in the crowd. I felt bad for my friend because he wanted to help the woman however this horrible woman stole his money.

In realizing these scams through this show, this enables tourists on how to think when they encounter these situations when in a country. Being safe should not hinder one in enjoying a trip thus there is a need in being street smart. As seen in this video, it is so easy for one to steal a wallet.

Media shows that travel is very fun and enjoyable to all who want to experience and appreciate the culture that city or country has to offer. However, media rarely shows the harsh reality that tourists will always face danger if they do not know where they are going. Travel books tell tourists where exactly to go, and what to do however, they do not tell its readers on how to avoid the scammers. This shows an alternate perspective on how to look about traveling.

http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2012/06/13/scam-city-conor-woodman_n_1590165.html