10 scams to watch out for when traveling to Russia during the World Cup

This exciting World Cup summer in Russia can turn into a nightmare if you don't watch out for these scams.

Stolen credit card information

At some ATMs, hackers often install spy devices in the card slot and cameras behind the withdrawer to collect card numbers and PINs. So check carefully to make sure there are no strange devices or suspicious cameras in the ATM. If not, go to ATMs near major banks to withdraw money.

Avoid logging into your bank account or accessing personal information in local internet cafes. Scammers may collude with some cafe owners to install hidden cameras to observe passwords, or install spyware on public computers. Also, limit your use of public wifi.

Suddenly found money

While wandering around Red Square one day, you see someone "suddenly" drop a pile of money. The tourist standing next to you quickly picks it up and offers to give you half of the money. Don't be foolish enough to accept, because if you don't, in a few minutes, the person who dropped the money and a few "tiger" guys will come to you to demand the entire amount back.

Another common scam that gangs of thieves often use is to attract the victim's attention by getting acquainted, dropping things, asking for help, begging children... Therefore, tourists should not bring many expensive items or should go in large groups.

Tricks on the Internet

Be wary of online contests that promise to win “a pair of World Cup tickets”. Some professionally-designed websites or online contests with logos of major sponsors may be fake. They will ask you to enter personal information, including your bank card for “security reasons”. Check the contests (if any) carefully from the official websites of the companies and organizers before participating.

In addition, due to the high demand for Russian visas during the World Cup, a number of fake Russian consulate websites have been set up to receive online visa applications. Accordingly, personal information, bank accounts and visa application fees of tourists will be stolen by hackers.

Play football with the locals

Going to the World Cup? You'll have a hard time turning down an invitation to play street football with some young men. But be careful to keep your valuables close to you, because in a few seconds of carelessness, they could be gone.

Play crab shrimp fish

This popular game is one of the biggest losers for tourists. Scammers will set up three empty lids (or cups) with a ball or bean in them. They will flip the lids and ask the player to place a bet on the bean. Some scammers will pose as tourists and place bets and win, which will entice real tourists to join in. After the first few wins, they will see their money slowly evaporate and eventually run out of money.

Be careful when exchanging money

Be careful when being led by kind strangers to exchange money at small shops. Not only will you get the wrong exchange rate, but you will also be shortchanged as the computers may be hacked.

Luggage swapping

In places that offer lockers, don’t trust anyone who offers to unlock the locker for you as a staff member. They will put your things in the locker, lock it, and give you the key. But scammers can swap the key in seconds and steal your luggage as soon as you leave.

Airport shuttle

Imagine you’ve just landed at the airport late at night, excited to go to the World Cup. You head out the door with your bags and see a driver holding a sign with your name on it. Even though you didn’t book the car, you can be quickly convinced that the hotel booked it, because how else would they know your name? But once you’re in the car, he’ll walk around and ask you for $100 (or Euros or Rubles) to take you to your hotel.

So how does he know your name? These types of scammers often have an insider working at the airport. They will memorize your information and call these drivers waiting at the gate.

Staged arrests

Beware of setups like this: You’re walking down the street and a policeman stops you for passing counterfeit money. When you check your wallet, you find some counterfeit bills in it. If so, you probably just made a purchase and got change at a street vendor. The policeman is in cahoots with the dealers to find out who has the counterfeit money. Check money you receive from strangers carefully.

Be careful when filling up with gas

If you decide to rent a car for the World Cup, be careful when visiting private gas stations. A group of scammers may offer to clean your windows and then draw your attention while another person adjusts the gas price. In this case, decline, get out of the car and look carefully.