Even The Smartest Tourists Are Falling For This Airport Scam

If you’re heading off on holidays this summer, keep your eyes peeled — because you might not even realise you’ve been robbed until you’re halfway to the hotel bar.

Security experts are warning Irish travellers to be extra vigilant, especially in airports across Europe, where distraction thefts and so-called “switch” scams are on the rise. And no, this isn’t just Rolexes and diamond earrings – even your trusty mid-range watch or a bit of bling can land you in a scammer’s crosshairs.

The trick? A simple distraction. Someone asking for directions, bumping into you at baggage claim, or acting the good Samaritan at a taxi rank — while their mate helps themselves to your valuables or swaps them for a counterfeit.

According to Danny Toffel from Watches2U, the worst spots are duty-free counters, luggage carousels, and taxi queues. The best advice? Don’t flaunt anything flash. Keep expensive items in your carry-on or locked up at the hotel. Better still, leave the good watch at home and wear a holiday beater instead.

Because nothing ruins your trip quicker than realising you’ve swapped your Seiko for a fake that ticks louder than your Ryanair seatmate’s chewing.