Robbery, Theft, and Scams

Traveling internationally can be an exciting experience, but it’s important to be aware of potential risks such as fraud, scams, robbery, and theft. By taking proactive measures before, during, and after your trip, you can reduce these risks and ensure a safer journey. 

Important UTD guidelines for travel abroad  

• Obtain Travel Authorization: Obtain authorization prior to departure. 
• Enroll in the U.S. Department of State’s STEP program to get alerts for your destination. 
• Register Your Trip: Register your trip prior to departure. 
• Save the On Call contact to your phone. Call 24/7 for travel and emergency assistance. 

Before Your Trip 

• Assess destination risks:  Carefully review official sources to understand risks and recommendations on risk mitigation measures. 
• Know Your Insurance: Review your coverage benefits. 
• Create an emergency communications plan to help you manage emergencies while abroad.  
• Leave expensive items at home: Consider taking cheaper, less valuable items instead. 
• Invest in tamper-proof bags and money belts to keep travel documents, money, and cards hidden under your clothes: These can help protect your belongings from opportunistic thieves. 

During Your Trip 

• Stay alert: Be vigilant in public places, including airports, public transport, restaurants, beaches, and tourist attractions. 
• Carry only what you need for the day:
  • Don’t carry all your money when out and about. 
  • Store valuables in the hotel safe. 
  • If possible keep your passport and other travel documents in the safe at the hotel. 
• Keep belongings close: Always keep your bags and personal items within sight and reach, especially in crowded places. 
• Avoid displays of wealth: Keep money and valuables out of sight to avoid attracting attention. 
• Be cautious of scams:
  • Taxi scams: Use licensed taxis and agree on the fare before getting in. 
  • Overcharging scams: Be aware of shop owners, taxi drivers, or ticket agents overcharging or giving incorrect change. 
  • Fake tickets and accommodation scams: Verify the authenticity of tickets and bookings before making payments. 
  • Online scams: Avoid sharing personal information online and be cautious of unsolicited emails or messages. 
  • Bag or wallet scams: Avoid picking up “lost” wallets or agreeing to taking care of bags that are not yours. 
  • See others at the U.S. Department of State webpage Protecting yourself from scams. 
• Emergency Services and Travel Assistance – Have a list of emergency contacts and local medical facilities for your destination. UT Dallas travelers can get travel and emergency assistance by calling On Call International 24/7 at +1 (978) 651-9722.  

After Your Trip 

• Monitor financial statements: Check your bank and credit card statements for any unauthorized transactions. 
• Replace lost documents: If travel documents were lost or stolen, arrange for replacements as soon as possible. 
• Report data security incidents: If you believe your UTD device, account, or confidential information may have been compromised, immediately contact the Information Security Office at infosecurity@utdallas.edu. 
• Change passwords for accounts you accessed while abroad: If you logged into a service with your UT Dallas NetID and password, your password can be changed via the self-service portal at netid.utdallas.edu. If you logged into personal services, such as banking or personal email, it is recommended that you consider changing those passwords, as well. 

Resources 

1. CDC Traveller’s Health – CDC.gov – U.S. guidance on health risks, vaccination recommendations, and preventive measures for travelers.  
2. Learn About Your Destination – travel.state.gov – U.S. travel advisories. Take the time to learn more about your destination. 
3. Protecting yourself from scams – travel.state.gov – You can become the victim of a scam at home or abroad. There are many different types of scams, but they all share a common goal: taking your money. 
4. International Risk and Safety website. 
5. Traveler Toolkit. 
6. Special Reports. 

Informative pages from other governments. Please note that not all the advice in these pages will apply to U.S. travelers. 

• Scams that affect travelers – smartraveller.gov.au – Before you travel, learn some of the common scams that can happen. Take steps to minimize your risk. 
• Theft and robbery – smartraveller.gov.au – Be careful about your personal security, and with the belongings you choose to take. 
• Overseas fraud – travel.gc.ca – The information on this page will help you recognize overseas scams and take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones. 

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