Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
lot of cash and a minimal ability to fend off an attack. This phenomenon
is not reserved only for American travelers visiting abroad. We have more
than enough criminal predators in our own country. Only a few years ago
in South Florida there was a horrific rash of robbery homicides in which
several European tourists were murdered. Human predators deliberately
targeted these unfortunate folks. They were picked because they were
likely to have a great deal of cash. They were easy to spot because at that
time, rental cars in Florida bore specific and readily identifiable plate
numbers. Furthermore, Florida is a relatively liberal state as far as con-
cealed weapons laws are concerned. A mugger targeting a native Florid-
ian could never be sure if his intended victim was armed. It was, however,
a sure bet that out-of-state or foreign tourists would not be. Nor would
they be likely to know what to do in the case of an assault. The state of
Florida ended up dealing quite harshly with persons convicted in such
attacks and even mandated that rental cars no longer could be identified
by specific tag numbers.
Certain countries have industries devoted to the victimization of for-
eigners. Sometimes it is through nonviolent means, as in the case of the
simple theft of property without violent attack or credit card theft, as is
common in Nigeria. When federal agents travel abroad, they pay for their
accommodations and meals with their government credit cards. It was
standard operating procedure for agents who had traveled to Nigeria to
immediately cancel their cards upon returning to the United States. In vir-
tually every case, unauthorized charges had already been made on the
account even before it could be canceled. David's wife, who is originally
from Russia, was well aware that groups of professional thieves and armed
robbers stake out the airport in Moscow waiting for affluent foreign visi-
tors. Once they spot people they believe to be worthwhile targets, they
follow them to their hotel. Then they can follow the visitors at their leisure
and wait for the opportune time to strike. Remember, as a nonresident,
you will be unfamiliar with the places you visit. Locals know what areas to
avoid. They know the dark alleys to steer clear of. Tourists or new foreign
residents do not.
KEEP A LOW PROFILE
Victims of nonviolent theft can consider themselves lucky. Unfortunately,
in many instances crime involves more direct forms of confrontation. The
