The United Kingdom, where time-honoured attractions meet modern urban energy attracts millions of visitors each year. Nevertheless, behind this attractive facade, an underworld of tricksters preys on tourists who are not alert. Detailed information on how to spot fake profiles can be found at the online resource.

Reaching from the crammed platforms of the London Underground to the medieval wynds of Edinburgh Being informed about these swindles and how to avoid falling victim to them is just as valuable as possessing a current passport. To the observant visitor, safeguarding your assets is not an expression of distrust — it is proactive readiness.

The "fallen" scam is a classic example of London's street-level fraud: A stranger drops a wallet or phone near you, and an accomplice accuses you of stealing it, demanding compensation. The answer is easy — do not pick up the object and simply leave the spot for a place where other people are present. Fraudulent charity solicitors will make for tourists, holding signs and paper boards in their hands. Often they will push you to make a contribution to something that has no basis in fact. Proper charity agents will always present photographic ID and will never suggest that you pay in cash.

You should always use the official online portals to make any donation. Another regularly observed trick is the presenting of no-cost roses or bracelets by people who appear helpful and generous. They will then, in an aggressive way, insist that you give them money. You should keep your hands safely in your pockets, and give a refusal that is both firm and polite.

At ATMs, skimming devices attached to card slots copy your data while hidden cameras record your PIN. Always choose a machine that is inside a bank, and make sure your hand covers the keypad while you type in your PIN. In hostelries and eateries, you must be alert to the confusion that can result from the splitting of a payment. Your server will bring back a check that is higher than it should be, relying on your failure to scrutinise the listed items. Count the change you receive with attention, and whenever you can, use a contactless payment card or one that sends immediate notifications of charges. Non-official drivers at airports or stations will place a charge that is far too high, take a route that is roundabout, or they might simply take your bags and drive off.

Use only official black cabs and services that you have reserved in advance, for example Uber. Under no circumstances should you accept an offer of transport from someone who approaches you within the terminal building.

Before embarking, you should make sure your bank is aware of your travel plans. You should do this to prevent the card being stopped. Take two different forms of payment with you — one credit card as your main method and a second as a spare. They should be on different systems, or they should be in two different currencies. Set aside an emergency supply of cash, approximately £100 in smaller bills, stored in either a money belt or the hotel safe. Public Wi-Fi should never be used for any activity that involves your bank or for making purchases. You should use a VPN and make use of your mobile data whenever this is possible.

Enable two-factor authentication on the full set of financial applications that you use. You should also organise transaction alerts, which will let you see any charge that was not made by you immediately.