Eh, you going USS ah? Imagine someone stopping you and asking for your Instagram. Sounds weird right? A Canadian tourist recently shared her unsettling experience in Singapore, sparking a discussion about tourist safety. Let’s talk about what happened and how to avoid becoming a target.
Friendly Encounters: The Reality
- Unusual Approach: A tourist was approached at Universal Studios Singapore (USS) by a stranger who asked for her Instagram and personal details.
“On my first day, I went to universal studios. As I was walking into the park a random girl stopped me and asked me for my instagram… She asked me how long I’d be in Singapore, what I was going to do. She also asked me when I’d b”
- Singaporean Response: Locals on Reddit found this behavior highly unusual, emphasizing that Singaporeans generally don’t approach strangers so readily.
“Rule of thumb, don’t talk to overly friendly strangers in Singapore. We are not people who generally approach others first.”
- Potential Scam: Some suspect this could be part of an organized scam targeting tourists. Singapore is generally safe, but scams can happen.
Tourist Target: Hidden Dangers
- Vulnerability: Solo travelers are particularly vulnerable to such approaches.
“As a Singapore citizen, I would say it’s a high possibility of an organized international crime syndicate that is preying on tourists. If you feel unsafe, report it to Singapore Police Force.”
- Personal Data Risk: Sharing personal information like social media details and travel plans can expose tourists to potential risks.
- False Sense of Security: Singapore’s reputation for safety might lead tourists to lower their guard, making them easier targets.
Stay Safe, Stay Alert!
- Report Suspicious Activity: If you encounter a similar situation, report it to the police and the venue (e.g., USS).
“You can report this to the police, but they probably won’t take action unless something happens. Next best thing is to write in to USS/RWS, they will probably take it seriously and post people out front to check it out.”
- Protect Your Information: Be cautious about sharing personal details with strangers. Avoid revealing you’re traveling alone or your itinerary.
“Not normal and as a solo female traveller, you should definitely have more safety awareness. Like, do not do these:
* give your social media or details to a random person
* tell them you’re traveling alone – say you’re meeting your friends somewhere or that you have a local friend. You should be ready with some fake details in case you’re asked
* Say where you’re staying
* Reveal any real details about your plans/itinerary”
- Trust Your Gut: If something feels off, remove yourself from the situation. Better to be safe than sorry, right?
