Yes, we wore money belts and took along a phoney wallet and purse to give thieves, but we didn't need them. I'm convinced after years of traveling everywhere from Manhattan to Iran that the best protection against tourist crime is not to look or act like a tourist. Take a good look around. Subtle things give you away. We attracted the attention of the gem scammers when we stopped on a sidewalk in Bangkok and unfurled a city map.
Tourists have a special walk.
They stagger down the sidewalk alternatively looking up at buildings and down at dog droppings, with a glassy expression from too many pastries and sore feet. Most of us have nowhere special to go and it shows. Don't act like a confused tourist, even if you feel like one. Stay alert and fully awake to your surroundings. That alone scares away thieves.