Common Shopping Scams

It can be easy to scam foreign tourist because by the time you realize you have been scammed you've already left that country. You need to be able to spot a scam before you become a victim. Here are a few tips:

* Don't believe something just because someone tells you. There goal is to make a sale. If you ask "Can I bring this item back to the States?" Nine out of ten times you will get a "yes." So you need to know what items you can and cannot bring into the States. There are honest people who will tell you upfront if you can't bring an item into the States. Once when I was in Holland I wanted to purchase some bulbs but the store clerk asked what country I was from and informed me that I could not take those bulbs into the States. So not everyone is out to scam you but you need to be on alert. It may just be that the clerk makes an honest mistake.

* Made by local artist. Many people who travel want items that are made within the country where they are visiting. You maybe told its locally made but you need to examine the item and see if you see any markings on it indicating it was made somewhere else.

* Floor Sample Switches. You may see an item on a store shelf and want to purchase it. There are none on the shelve but the store clerk tells you they will get one from the back room, which is fine. I myself have had this done. But you should always open the item and examine it before you buy it. They may have given you the wrong item (whether intentionally or not) or it could be broken. I always open the boxes and look at the item before I purchase it because you never know. If you feel uncomfortable opening a box on the shelf take it to the clerk and let them know you want to open the box to inspect the item before you buy it. A legit store will not mind.

* Refund. Just because they say they will give you a refund doesn't mean they actually will. Make sure you get something in writing and pay with a credit card so you can stop payment on the item if needed.

* Blank shipping charges. If you are having an item shipped home to you make sure the shipping charge is filled in on the form. Never leave it blank. They can fill in any amount they want once you sign the slip.

* Exchange rate. If you are purchasing an item in American dollars but the item price is given in another currency, the store clerk will figure the exchange rate for you. Ask what exchange rate they are using and make sure you know the going rate to insure that you are getting the correct exchange rate.