Travel Advisory! How to Avoid Thefts, Cons, and Street Scams While Traveling [ILLUSTRATED] (Hardcover)

~ (Author), Bob Arno (Author) "Hey!..." (more)
Key Phrases: main credit reporting agencies, pigeon drop, street thieves, Social Security, Las Vegas, South Africa (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Ready to hit the road? Unsuspecting travelers face an obstacle course of scams, cons, and rip-offs. In the places people love to visit most, con games, credit card scams, distract heists, and identity theft have increased dramatically.

Stalking the stalkers, Bambi Vincent and Bob Arno traipse through the planet's top travel destinations. The authors recognize street thieves and con artists by their inappropriate behavior and their "tells." Appearing to be ordinary tourists, the couple shadows thieves with hidden cameras and records their crimes on film.

"Travel Advisory" guides the traveler through all stages of travel, from research and planning to transportation and accommodations, and illuminates the specific risks of cities around the world. The book is a must-read for all travelers, with lessons taught through stories of real people and actual incidents, based on firsthand research and experience.

This one-of-a-kind book reveals the latest scams an ordinary citizen is likely to encounter, common personal theft strategies currently in use in popular travel destinations, and techniques to help travelers avoid becoming victims. Bambi Vincent and Bob Arno put it all in perspective with humor, levity, and sensitivity to the fun and necessity of international travel. Their insider perspective reveals the techniques of the most underhanded scoundrels, and turns travel concerns into travel confidence.

About the Author

Bob Arno has studied pickpockets for 35 years. As a researcher in the field of far-flung locations, he has firsthand knowledge of current strategies used by roving gangs against tourists. His one-on-one interviews with perpetrators have exposed secret MOs and techniques never before documented.

Bambi Vincent has lived in the Bahamas, South Africa, Sweden, and Singapore and she spends several months each year roaming the Mediterranean countries. She writes travel documentaries and advertising campaigns during and between her sojourns. Since marrying Bob Arno, she has spent most of her time on the road, hauling her laptop computer through 85 countries.

Bambi and Bob have appeared on David Letterman, The Maury Povich Show, NPR, 20/20, Extra, CBS News, and many more shows.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 250 pages
• Publisher: Bonus Books; illustrated edition edition (November 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1566251982
• ISBN-13: 978-1566251983
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.2 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #221,028 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent. A Must-Read., April 10, 2004

By	Carolyn Randall (Agua Dulce, CA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Each chapter of this book, standing alone, would be worth the price of the book. The photographs, alone, would be worth the price of the book. Where else could you find so many photographs of pickpockets and street scam artists in action?

Do not let the word "Travel" in the title fool you. This is a must-read for anyone who goes out in crowds, even in their own home town. Pickpockets work at sporting events, concerts, shopping centers or anywhere they can blend in anonymously with the crowd. Help put pickpockets, hotel thieves and street scam artists out of business. Buy this book.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Returned Peace Corps Volunteer Highly Recommends this book, February 28, 2004

By	Carolyn Proctor "author, artist, adventuress" (Las Vegas, Nevada United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

As an RPCV who has lived for 2 years in a third world country, I thought I'd seen it all until I read this book. The information the authors share can make any American's vacation abroad safer and more interesting.
The last chapter on IDENTITY THEFT (it's not money you should worry about losing--it's your credit cards!) alone is worth the price of this book. Identity theft is growing at an alarming rate in America. Even if you never plan to travel abroad, we all need this information to protect ourselves at home.
Carolyn Proctor

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Travel Advisory: How to Avoid Thefts, Cons, and Street Scams, December 14, 2003

By	Beni Masselli (New Port Richey FL) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book is worth your entire vacation expense. It can save you thousands of dollars both in grief and lost time when faced with someone taking all your money, ID, credit and phone cards. It certainly pays to be aware and safe in unknown places. I felt much safer knowing that with the tips in this book, I not only had protected my valubles, but was aware of my surroundings and it helped me avoid all the pitfalls that novice tourists make. Five star