The UK, celebrated for its iconic buildings and its thriving cities pulls in huge crowds of visitors annually. Yet beneath this attractive gloss, a murky sector of criminal schemes is designed to catch the unwary. Detailed information on how to spot fake profiles can be found via our digital platform.

Between the packed stations of London's rail network and the mediaeval closes 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.

In London's streets, the "fallen object" scam is a standard approach: A stranger will deliberately drop a wallet or a telephone in your vicinity; an accomplice will then try to convince you that you are a thief and that you must give them money. The approach is direct — do not make physical contact with the item and move yourself to a public spot. Fake charity collectors approach tourists with laminated badges and clipboards. The usual practice is to force you into payment for a cause that is wholly invented. Those who are genuine charity collectors always have photographic identification and do not under any circumstances request money in the form of notes or coins.

Make certain that any donation you wish to make is sent to the proper website. Another pervasive scheme involves "free" roses or friendship bracelets handed to you by seemingly kind strangers. They will then, in an aggressive way, insist that you give them money. Avoid any risk by keeping your hands where they cannot be used to accept anything, and make a clear and definite refusal.

At bank machines, card skimmers are attached to the card entry point to collect your information, while cameras that are not visible will note your security code. You should only ever use cash machines that are located within the branches of banks, and ensure you keep one hand over the number pad while you enter your code. When you are in drinking establishments or restaurants, exercise caution around the complication that can arise when the cost of a meal is to be shared. Your server will bring back a check that is higher than it should be, relying on your failure to scrutinise the listed items. Check the amount of change you receive with care, and when you can, make your payment with a card that is contactless, or with one that allows you to receive immediate warnings about any transactions. Fake taxi drivers at airports or train stations overcharge, take circuitous routes, or even drive off with luggage.

Only use licensed black cabs or pre-booked services like Uber. And never accept rides from drivers who approach you inside the terminal.

Before you travel, notify your bank of your itinerary. You need to do this to keep the card active. Have a primary card and another one, just in case. Ideally, these cards should be on different banking systems or they should handle two different currencies. Hold a separate amount of currency for unexpected needs, around £100 in small bills, placed in a money belt or a safe at the hotel. When you are on an open wireless network, you should not use it for any banking purpose or to make a financial transaction. Instead, use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) and rely on your mobile data where possible.

Enable two-factor authentication on the full set of financial applications that you use. You should also make sure you have alerts for all transactions, so you can see any unauthorised payment the moment it happens.