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Travel Advisory: How to Avoid Thefts, Cons, and Street Scams While Traveling Hardcover – December 24, 2003
"Bob and Bambi masterfully lay out the world of professional cons, rip-off artists, and the pejorative and prolific street thief. In incident after incident they show the mind of you, the unsuspecting victim and more importantly, the mind of the thief. Read "Travel Advisory" and you will soon understand the techniques of thieves, their M.O. and why you, looking like a tourist, acting like a tourist, are like a deer caught in the headlights of an oncoming Peterbuilt."--Allan M. Gathercoal, Amazon.com
Don't become a victim! Next time you a plan a trip, arm yourself with the most comprehensive travel safety guide on the market. Renowned travel experts Bambi Vincent and Bob Arno give you the inside look at today's con games, credit card scams, distraction schemes, and identity thefts plaguing unaware travelers everywhere. Know what a thief looks like? This book has 60 photos of them, from grandfathers, to children, to men who look like your brother. Chapters focus on researching your trip, traveling there, hotel risks, opportunist thieves, strategist thieves, con artists, and identity thieves. Each ends with a bullet-list of hot tips and myth-busting advice.
In the places people love to visit most, the authors find, follow, film, and interview the thieves who target travelers. Why do the criminals spill their guts? What do they say? And how can we avoid their trickery? Based on ten years of trekking through paradise with hidden cameras, this book explores the risks, exposes the methods and motivations of the perpetrators, and teaches travelers how to avoid becoming a victim.
"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."--Carolyn Randall, Amazon.com
"The bad guys are very, very good. This book shows how to make sure that they practice their arts on some other poor sucker, and not you."--D. D. LeDu "Wanderer", Amazon.com
"This book is a must-read for anyone travelling further than their front door....Moreover, it's also highly entertaining, and in places, very funny indeed."--The Vampire Parrot, Amazon.com
"So, do yourself a favor before you travel: get a copy of Travel Advisory. When you consider the cost and stress and inconvenience of a stolen bag, it could easily be the best few bucks you spend."--terrycohones, Amazon.com
- Print length250 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherBonus Books
- Publication dateDecember 24, 2003
- Dimensions6.4 x 0.89 x 9.28 inches
- ISBN-101566251982
- ISBN-13978-1566251983
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now.
Editorial Reviews
Review
"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. Five stars" --bioinformatics.vg/Books/tr/Travel_Advisory_How_to_Avoid_Thefts_Cons_and_Street_Scams_While_Traveling_1566251982.html
"This is a MUST READ for international travelers." --PassportInfo.com
"[contains] true stories of victims, thieves and the incidents involved. Written with humor, you will find many popular destination from around the world highlighted and the techniques to avoid so you don't become a victim. Before you take your next trip, read this book and don't end up being a statistic." --Rita Cook, LASplash Magazine
"This may be the most important book ever published for those who want protection, peace of mind and some sense of confidence their vacation won't be ruined by a thief." --Howard Schwartz, Gambler's Book Club
From the Inside Flap
Stalking the stalkers, Bambi Vincent and Bob Arno traipse the planet's top traveling destinations disguised as ordinary tourists. The authors recognize street thieves and con artists by their telltale behavior, shadow them with hidden cameras, and record their crimes on film.
Through years of investigation, Bambi and Bob have gathered true stories of victims, thieves, and incidents. In Travel Advisory! they share these amazing experiences to help readers avoid becoming victims themselves. They guide travelers through all stages of travel, from research and planning to transportation and accommodations.
With humor and sensitivity, Bambi and Bob reveal the latest scams an ordinary citizen is likely to encounter in popular travel destinations around the world, and techniques to avoid becoming a victim. Their insiders' perspective reveals the techniques of the most underhanded scoundrels, and turns travel concerns into travel confidence.
From the Back Cover
"Fast-paced, fact-filled must-read for the international traveler to avoid spending hours with the local police and U.S. consular officials abroad." --F.A. "Tex" Harris, American Foreign Service Association
"The information in this book reduces the traveler's risk of being scammed to practically nil. As important an item to pack as your toothbrush." --Jim D'Amico, vice president of entertainment and land programs, SilverSea Cruises
"This well-researched overview of travel scams is a 'must-read' for both travelers and law enforcement and security professionals involved in tourist safety and security issues. Bob and Bambi's firsthand account takes you inside the minds of those crooks who prey on tourists." --Dave Wiggins, president, So. California Tourism Safety & Security Association
"That was my grandfather's watch!... A fascination demonstration." --David Letterman, The Late Show with David Letterman
About the Author
These up-close criminal investigations subject Bambi to unknown and dangerous situations. She is neither fearless, nor a daredevil, but a plucky knowledge-seeker. Despite the risk in consorting with mobsters, she packs a variety of video cameras, some ingeniously hidden, in order to film the thieves' activities.
After years of practice, she's able to spot crooks before they strike and expertly shoot with specialized cameras. She uses her film and accumulated knowledge to teach the public how to avoid becoming victims and train law enforcement to spot thieves.
Bambi writes about pickpockets and con artists from a back-door perspective. But close encounters with thieves presents her with an odd and uncomfortable conundrum. Her subjects are often likable on a human level. With knowledge of their deplorable profession, she struggles to find a balance in her association with them.
Bambi writes the travel and thievery blog called Thiefhunters in Paradise at thiefhunters.com.
Bob Arno, a criminologist and stage pickpocket, recently matched his thievery skills against his criminal cohorts in Naples, Italy. National Geographic was there to film it, resulting in the documentary "Pickpocket King" broadcast in late 2011.
When not studying the behavior of street thieves, Bob can be seen picking pockets on the world's finest stages. As a criminologist, he appears frequently on television news and talk shows to share his expertise. He gives presentations to police departments in America and abroad, and lectures to security and law enforcement professionals as well as to the public.
Product details
- Publisher : Bonus Books (December 24, 2003)
- Language : English
- Hardcover : 250 pages
- ISBN-10 : 1566251982
- ISBN-13 : 978-1566251983
- Item Weight : 1.31 pounds
- Dimensions : 6.4 x 0.89 x 9.28 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #2,847,265 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #3,211 in Hospitality, Travel & Tourism (Books)
- #4,028 in General Travel Reference
- #10,048 in Criminology (Books)
- Customer Reviews:
About the author

Bambi Vincent's thiefhunting takes her all over the world. Married to a professional pickpocket, together they track down criminals and get them to talk. Her husband, Bob Arno, is a stage pickpocket, who has stealthy skills that convince criminals to give up their secrets. With face-to-face access, Bambi interrogates, social engineers, and evaluates thieves, thugs, gangsters, and their goons.
These up-close criminal investigations subject Bambi to unknown and dangerous situations. She is neither fearless, nor a daredevil, but a plucky knowledge-seeker. Despite the risk in consorting with mobsters, she packs a variety of video cameras, some ingeniously hidden, in order to film the thieves' activities and document her thiefhunting pursuits.
After years of practice, she has a fine-honed ability to spot crooks before they strike, move into position, and expertly shoot with specialized video cameras. She uses her film and accumulated knowledge to teach the public how to avoid becoming victims, and train law enforcement to spot thieves.
Bambi writes about pickpockets, con artists, and security issues from a back-door perspective. But close encounters with thieves presents her with an odd and uncomfortable conundrum. Her subjects are often likable on a human level. Having knowledge of their deplorable profession, she struggles to find a balance in her association with them.
She studied art at San Jose State University, law at Santa Clara University, and crime on the streets of the world's favorite cities. She and Bob Arno met in 1984 on a bus in Mexico. They married the next year while living in the Bahamas and spend most of each year roaming the world. Together they savor the natural and cultural differences that make each place unique. Bambi writes the travel and thievery blog called Thiefhunters in Paradise at www.thiefhunters.com.
Bob Arno, a criminologist and stage pickpocket, recently matched his thievery skills against his criminal cohorts in Naples, Italy. National Geographic was there to film it all, resulting in the documentary "Pickpocket King," broadcast in late 2011.
While not studying the behavior of thieves in the streets, Bob can be seen picking pockets on the world's finest stages. As a criminologist, he appears frequently on television news and magazine shows to share his expertise. He gives presentations to police departments in America and abroad, and lectures to security and law enforcement professionals as well as to the public.
Customer reviews
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Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find the book very informative, interesting, and important for travelers. They appreciate the wealth of details and timeless information about the modus operandi of street thieves. Readers also describe the book as an easy, well-written read.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers find the book very informative, interesting, and important for travelers. They appreciate the wealth of details and timeless information about the modus operandi of street thieves. Readers also mention the research is all-original, well-written, and well-documented.
"...work they have done to prepare this book is remarkable; the research is all-original, leather-on-pavement, with a very ballsy personal commitment...." Read more
"...Very good book, I love it and learned a lot from it, thank you very much!!" Read more
"A great read. A good portion of the scams I was aware of. But a couple I wasn't aware of...." Read more
"Gives so much timeless information and stories about the modus operandi of street thieves, highly recommended." Read more
Customers find the book easy to read and well-written.
"...But getting this much information into an easy-reading book is by itself a major accomplishment, and Bambi Vincent deserves great credit as the..." Read more
"...The book is organized topically, which makes it easy to read only the sections which are relevant to you...." Read more
"...The book is well-written and illustrated...." Read more
"It is a very easy read and very informative. Italy looks like pickpocket heaven so we will be very careful and follow a lot of their suggestions." Read more
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Top reviews
Top reviews from the United States
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I needed something to help me really understand what I might be up against, and Bambi Vincent and Bob Arno's work has it in spades. The book is well written, well documented (including photos of crimes in progress), entertaining, and above all, educational. The amount of background work they have done to prepare this book is remarkable; the research is all-original, leather-on-pavement, with a very ballsy personal commitment. It was done not for a few months like most well-researched books, but over decades.
This book covers details of many varieties of con that are only hinted at in other work on this subject, evidently because the authors have spent many years researching, walking, talking to con men and their victims, and living on the road while looking for cons to record - in print, on film and in videos. It is possibly the definitive work on this type of crime, although I would be hard put to say precisely what that covers. There are many categories involved and the word 'con' is about as good as I can do to describe them. Preparing me to meet them effectively, mostly through awareness and continuous vigilance, is the job the authors have taken upon themselves. After reading this book, I think I am as ready as I can be.
Perhaps if I spent years learning and practicing the techniques myself, as Bob Arno has done for his work as an entertainer, I could do better. But getting this much information into an easy-reading book is by itself a major accomplishment, and Bambi Vincent deserves great credit as the primary author. Very strongly recommended for anyone who travels, whether it's to a foreign country or the other side of their own city.
I will make one suggestion. I would like to see this couple develop and market punitive pocket/purse devices for travelers. Perhaps a wallet that when opened sprays a permanent dye, or potent, disgusting, long-lasting odor spray. Perhaps leather that contains deadly tetrodotoxin, poison arrow frog poison, or at a minimum a pocket mousetrap (possibly with an upgrade to amputate an uninvited fingertip, with further option to deposit infective bacteria)--something cruel to ruin the thieves' holiday much as they ruin those of their victims. Sort of a miniature Charles-Bronson-in-a-Pocket.
Six stars out of five.
The book is organized topically, which makes it easy to read only the sections which are relevant to you. I still chose to read the entire book, and am glad I did. The last section, on credit card scams, is even applicable (and perhaps especially so) to the non-traveler.
Each chapter contains personal stories and anecdotes which explain the dangers, how travelers are exploited, and how to avoid these problems. Then the last page or two of each chapter is a summary of the chapter's suggestions, in easy list-form. These lists would make for a handy travel companion, if you don't want to carry the whole book with you (and if you raen't reading the book on a Kindle).
If you will be traveling anywhere, but especially to a foreign country/culture, be sure to read this book--or at least the sections relevant to the type of traveling you'll be doing.
I've been all over Europe and seen the pickpockets work. Everything that Bob and Bambi have written has been 100% accurate and correct. Barcelona, Rome, London... it can happen everyone.
Don't let this book ruin or scare you from coming to Europe. Europe is safe and has amazing histories that are worth visiting. But as anywhere, have some common sense, use the guidelines listed in this book, and have fun.
I use a money belt that I tuck inside my pants... yeah sounds weird, but as least I know that I won't get robbed without somebody robbing my passport, Euro, and my credit cards. I can concentrate my attention on the sites and my camera.
Bottom line, definitely buy if you are heading to Europe as this will save you so much in the terms of time, money and headaches involved if pickpocketed or robbed.
Top reviews from other countries
( an manchen Stellen sogar etwas besseres 'american english' ). Alle Empfehlungen sind sehr professionell und zum
Teil auch in wirklich recht prägnanter und hilfreicher Weise, zum Teil überraschend, aber sehr originell vermittelt. Wenn man / frau gut englisch versteht und all dies unter den aktuellen Gegebenheiten ( Internet / virtuelle Kommunikation ) aktualisisiert, ist dieses Buch dennoch ein wirklich sehr, sehr hilfreicher Ratgeber. An manchen Stellen finden sich allerdings sehr typisch amerikanische Gepfogenheiten und entsprechende Darstellungen des Sachverhalts ( ich persönlich habe dies dann nicht ganz so übertrieben ernst genommen und kann das Buch, unter dieser ganz kleinen Einschränkung dennoch sehr empfehlen ).
After this incident, I realised I was actually ignorant of the extensive thief subcultures to be found in every city, which particularly victimise train commuters and tourists.
I ran after the thief and got my suitcase back, but was shaken by the ease he walked off the train with it, just as the doors were closing. Three large woman blocked my view and I realise now from this book, they were likely accomplices.
My only quibble is the book is relatively expensive for 250 pages. Unputdownable with eye-opening detail and great advice for travellers!
