I’m a cybercrime expert – how to avoid getting pickpocketed on holiday

A SECURITY expert has revealed what extra steps you can take to avoid getting pickpocketed abroad.

Tourists are notoriously easy targets – particularly when it’s obvious they’re not locals but this expert advice could save you from being the next victim.

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Katalin Parti, a cybercrime expert at Virginia Tech told USA Today : “Try to dress in a way that does not make you stand out as a tourist.

She continued: “Avoid flashy jewellery , expensive accessories, and clothes that are too different from the local style.”

While many opt to wear their Sunday best when away, flashy garb won’t help as it’s best to remain as inconspicuous as possible.

But tourists can do this by forgoing splashes of colour and bringing more muted coloured clothes on their travels.

Chris Pierson, the CEO of BlackCloak added: “Many criminals now target phones instead of wallets.

He also said: “In most cases, the criminals will target someone after watching them enter their passcode on the phone, so they can access the device.”

Pierson urged holidaymakers to shield their hands when typing in their password and said to use Face ID instead if possible.

Others have even suggested limiting alcohol intake although this can be tricky for those travelling to let their hair down.

This is because opportunists are more likely to strike when victims are intoxicated and less aware of their surroundings.

He said if you do opt for a few beers, stay extra vigilant by keeping an eye on your valuables at all times.

Common sense advice also includes not using your smartphone and keeping your wallet out of sight when in a crowded tourist hotspot.

Nowadays there are plenty of companies catering to the very real risk of pickpocketing.

Jazzy fashion accessories doubling as antitheft gear include cross-body purses, money belts and pickpocket-proof bags.

Carrie Pasquarello, CEO of Global Secure Resources stressed that pickpocketers – opportunists and experienced thieves alike will take advantage of distracted tourists.

Scenarios as innocent as clumsily spilling coffee or bumping into an old mate can cost travellers their most prized possessions.

To avoid this, she instructed tourists to avoid busier spots and generally not looking clueless.

Speaking English is often a dead giveaway so it’s best to give loud conversations a miss.

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