Exploring the world is one of the best things you could ever do. Traveling introduces you to new cultures and people, it takes you among places that are unfamiliar. However, such an adventure with travel comes with risks too—like scams. There is nothing worse than getting your dream holiday turned into a nightmare just because you fell for a scam that could have easily been avoided.
You could be forgiven for being frightened off but you do not need to avoid discovering the planet. Instead, knowing the biggest travel scams and how to avoid them can help keep you safe so you really enjoy your trip. This blog post will cover a few of the most notorious travel scams: how they are executed, and what you can do to avoid becoming their next prey. Let’s dive right in!
1. The Taxi Overcharge Scam
The Taxi Scam One of the oldest tricks in the book for travelers is a taxi scam. You get to the airport or train station, you catch a cab and boom, the meter is broken by magic force or they take an extra long road to your final destination. Next thing you know, ya get slapped with a bill way more than what you bargained for.
How to Prevent It: The best way to prevent the taxi overcharge scam is to be prepared. If they have them, you should use the rideshare apps such as Uber or Lyft when you can; but always check before you arrive to find out what an average taxi will cost. But if you do have to take a taxi, make sure that you negotiate the price before getting in (if the meter isn’t working). Alternatively, you can ask your accommodation upfront approximately how a lot they need to be charging for a taxi.
An additional piece of practical advice is to take only official taxis. Unofficial or unlicensed drivers are the most likely to attempt to scam tourists in many countries. Official taxis will generally have some form of identification and often a contributing color or insignia — recognize these elements before arrival. Have Some Small BillsChange helps avoid disputes over false change from the driver, so you should also make sure you have some small change ready.
2. “Free” Bracelets or Flowers
The Scam: You are walking down the street when a person walks up to you beaming, offering a “free” bracelet or flower. Before you can even say no, they bind it to your wrist or place it in your hand. Then they come out the woodwork demanding money — very much so.
Here’s how to Avoid it though: While it may be hard, when something is offered for free, don’t accept it. In other words, do not say yes to all things providing welcomed help in your path. When someone offers you something for free, and you’re like “no fuck off” nor fists on the side be a little bastard, yeah? Continue walking and don’t converse, these scammers are extremely persistent. In all these situations practice being assertive as scammers look out for someone who is uncertain or willing to listen.
3. The Fake Police Officer
SCAM: In certain areas, the scammers will approach tourists pretending to be police officers and ask to check passports or wallets. All they have to do is say that they want to check for false bills or drug, when in actuality their only purpose is to steal your money or credit cards.
What to Do Instead: No real police officer approaches someone out of the blue and demands that they show their valuables unless there is a very good reason. If a police officer shows up and asks you to give him your wallet or passport, ask for his ID ــ with a calm voice. Even better, take it to the nearest police station. A real officer will not mind, and an imposter will fade away easily enough. And having a copy of your passport instead of the actual one is also recommended especially because it helps when you lose this important document. Avoiding back alleys and remaining in populated areas will also lessen the risk of being approached by a fictitious policeman.
4. The Closed Attraction Scam
The trick:* You arrive to visit a well-known place and someone tells you it is closed — for holiday, special event or renovation. However, as good fortune will have it, they just happen to know about another attraction or an excursion that can be sold to you instead—for a fee of course. Spoiler alert: The ride was not closed at all.
The scam is especially prevalent at major tourist sites. How to Avoid It: As a general rule, check opening hours of attractions on the internet or with your hotel before you go. If someone says something is closed, say thank you and walk on. Just go to the gate yourself and confirm that is closed. You can double check on the status of an attraction by using authoritative guidebooks or Google Maps. Keep in mind that tourists are easily scammed and if you know the truth, then you will be hard to con.
5. The “Helpful” Local
THE SCAMYou are a tourist on the side of the road staring at your map when a friendly local comes up to you telling you that they can help. Some are really nice to you, while others take you some direction—for example, a shop/restaurant of which they get commission for bringing tourists there. In some cases to rob you, they will even offer you a “shortcut”.
How to Avoid It: Not all Good Samaritans are scammers, but it is better to be safe than sorry. Say no thank you to help, use your phones GPS or ask directions at a proper place such as hotels and shops. If help is required, then approach somebody for help instead of getting helped by someone who approaches you. It is here that trusting your gut comes into play because if something feels off there best to extract yourself from the situation. And if you must ask for directions, opt to stop some families or shopkeepers — who are least motivated by anything else.
6. The Fake Wi-Fi Network
The Scam: You are at an airport or a cafe and you notice that there is an open Wi-Fi network with the name: Free Airport Wi-Fi and you connect to that. It can be enticing to join, but it may in fact be a fake network created by an information thief to gain your private data.
Make sure it does not happen: — Do not connect to an open network that doesn’t need a password. Always be sure to use a VPN while traveling; it protects your data with encryption and secures your credentials. If all else fails, ask a staff member what the name of the correct Wi-Fi network is. Further, do not open up sensitive information such as online banking on public Wi-Fi. When using private accounts, it is always best to use mobile data or a personal hotspot.
7. The Fake Hotel Call
The Scam: It is late at night when you get a call to your hotel room from someone with an accent identifying themselves as the front desk. They said there is a problem with your credit card and told you to repeat the info over the phone.
How to Prevent It: Hotel staff will never make a phone call asking for such details. If you’re called like this, then hang up and just call the front desk at a number you know to be correct or even better — walk down there yourself. Do not ever, EVER give out your credit card information on the phone unless you placed the call. To reduce these risks, make sure to keep an important documents such as credit cards in a safe and private place when not in use.
8. The Damaged Rental Scam
THE SCAM: You rent a bike, scooter or car, then upon dropping it off the rental agency claims you have damaged it and charges you through the roof. Or the damage was already there and you are getting scammed.
How to Prevent It: Before using any rental car, examine it for damage and document with pictures or video. If there is any previous damage report it to the rental company. When you return it, get a staff member to confirm that all is well before leaving. Demand to receive a signed return receipt verifying that no damage was incurred by the vehicle when it was returned. That avoids the compny making fales claims once you are gone And if rentals comes with option to get insurance, consider buying it which might help in case of a dispute.
9. An ATM Assistant Who Is Too Friendly
THE SCAM: You are trying to use an ATM, and someone offers to help with the ATMs mult-language or seemingly complex setup process. While helping you, they can either memorize your pin or even change your card.
How Not to Get Scammed: Don’t ever take help at the ATM. If you are in trouble, abort the transaction and go to another ATM or enter a bank to ask for help. Whenever you enter a PIN number, be sure to cover the keypad and if anyone is standing too close up, ask the people to let you use some privacy. Be cautious of individuals lingering around ATMs, do your best to utilize machines inside a bank or in well-lit areas. If your card gets jammed or you feel uncomfortable, just halt the transaction and go somewhere else.
10. Imposters Monks or Fundraisers
THE SCAM: A man in monk car clothes or someone holding a clipboard approaches you and asks for a donation to some charity. They could frequently present you a listing of earlier benefactors and make you are feeling like placing money in.
Solution: Authentic Monks and Legitimate Charity Organizations Avarely Approach Visitors for Money, Particularly in Tourist Locations. Score: 68 Polite refusal and walk away If charitable giving is your intention, do your homework and donate aft through reputable channels. Feel pressured to give? I have made this point before so will be brief you can donate on your own terms and after making sure the organisation is real.
11. The Bump and Grab
[‘The Scam’] You will be in a market or busy metro station, where someone comes and “accidentally” hits you. Meanwhile, the accomplice snatches your purse or phone.
The Tip: Avoid It at All Costs — stay alert, never in crowded circumstances. And put your valuables and important documents in a money belt or an inside pocket, where no thief would dare to go; you could even buy bags designed with anti-theft technology (like lockable zippers). If somebody mog something you, then check yo shit You might also want to avoid not placing anything valuable in your back pockets. Being aware of your surroundings and staying alert can certainly prevent pickpockets from targeting you.
12. The Fake Tour Guide
THE SCAM: You are at a tourist site and someone poses as a local tour guide. They could provide a spectacular tour at a “reduced” cost but they either pocket your money and vanish or else the excursion is nothing like it was presented.
How To Avoid It: If you are interested in taking a guided tour, book it through registered agencies, your hotel or an official tour office. Avoid anybody who approaches you directly at a tourist attraction offering any type of service. Always check reviews online when signing up for in person tours, or ask to see ID or credentials if someone offers to guide you. A prepared guide usually has a badge and credible agencies will also send you proof of your reservation much in advance.
13. The Currency Exchange Scam
The Scam: You get your money changed at an illegal exchange booth or by someone in the street, and they either give you less money or use fast hands to short-change you.
So, How to Avoid it: Change money only in official exchange offices (they are also at the airport), banks or ATMs. Count your cash thoroughly and prepare your currency in accordance with the country’s currency systems to avoid confusion. Do not exchange the currency with street people, even if it seems amazing rate—too good to be true. Apps that give you a real-time currency conversion can also be useful as well so that you make sure the amount you are getting is enough.
14. The Broken Taxi Meter
THE SCAM: You get inside a taxi, and the driver informs you his meter is broken. Instead, they usually provide a flat rate which is anywhere from double to triple the standard fare.
☑️How to avoid it: If a taxi driver tells you the meter is broken, get out and find another taxi. When possible, research and utilize rideshare apps or contact your hotel for reliable taxi service. Always use the meter for taxis, or agree on a fare before you begin your trip. Learning a few words to signal you know the fair price in the local language can be helpful.
15. The “Accidental” Spill
The trick :)* Someone spills coffee or mustard on you kind of by accident They are very apologetic and begin to help you clean up. While you are distracted, they or an accomplice take your bag or wallet.
What to Avoid:** Be extremely careful if someone spills something on you. Hold tightly onto your things, and say no to help! And get out before you clean up. As a rule of thumb, you should be cautious around overly enthusiastic strangers especially in crowded places. The distraction is on purpose because they want to get around the theft, which makes you vulnerable.
16. The person selling fake attraction tickets
The Scam: You’re close to a tourist attraction and meet someone who is selling tickets for less than the normal price. You get to the front of the line and find out they are a fake (after you have purchased them).
How to Prevent It: Always buy tickets from official ticket offices or authorized websites. Do not buy any tickets from anybody selling on the street — no matter how convincing they may be. Try making your booking ahead of time on the internet, if possible and avoid having to deal with all those ticket sellers at the entrance. The most secure and safe way of buying tickets is through official websites or authorized agents to make sure your trip goes smooth.
17. The scam story of “Your hotel has been shut down”
The Ruse: Weirdly, when you arrive at your destination, a taxi driver or someone around the station indicates to you that your lodging is shut down or completely reserved. They just happen to have a place where you can stay — for two or three times the cost, of course.
Solution: Always contact directly with your hotel before going there and confirm your reservation. In the case that a friend tells you your hotel is closed — thank them and just contact the hotel yourself after all. Don’t take their word for it. This kind of scam can easily be avoided by researching your accommodation beforehand and having their contact details on hand. Then never let your taxi driver select accommodation for you, this is common for a commission kickback scam.
18. The Pickpocketing Distraction
The Con: Pickpockets tend to work in teams and cause a distraction. An accomplice bombs you with a question, or tosses something in your path, and you look down to find the first person simply lifted your wallet right out of your pocket.
How to Prevent It: Never let your guard down, especially in crowded places. Keep your valuables close to you and in front of you, and if anyone tries to attract your attention in a strange way be careful. Do not wear expensive jewelry and avoid flaunting costly items, which can make you a target. And trust your intuition; if something seems off, get the hell out of there (especially for the members of my community reading this).
19. The Restaurant Menu Switch
THE SCAM: You overhear someone say their Travellers … Similar Posts Parsing through the background information to find actual cultivation opportunities is challenging. A few existing projects manage to gain media attention despite hardly past beta, but these are often designed by people who have tried and failed in agriculture before with no previous knowledge of this nature. The radio-report you usually hear covers little… However, when the check comes out, the bill is much more expensive. The waiter pulls out another menu with higher prices and says you must have read that wrong.
What to do to Prevent It: Confirm prices when ordering and verify the menu. If you are uncertain — snap a picture of the menu. If something doesn’t seem right, you should walk out without ordering. Also, reading reviews about the restaurant beforehand can save you from such places. If you are feeling pressured or uncomfortable, there is absolutely nothing wrong with excusing yourself and going somewhere else.
20. The Flimsy Hotel Wi-Fi
Scam: You have to pay for Wi-Fi at some hotels, and then it will keep dropping every minute. Might provide a premium service with a charge.
How to Avoid It:** Read the reviews before booking and see if previous guests mention the Wi Fi. If you need Wi-Fi for your stay, call the hotel ahead of time and double check. Search for places that list their Wi-Fi policies clearly, and maybe take your own portable Wi-Fi hotspot with you just in case. It can also be the safeguard of your well being because having a trustworthy link allows you to access information about the environment around you in an expedient manner.
21. The ATM Skimmer
THE SCAM Scammers will affix skimming devices to ATMs and these devices will read your card information whenever you insert it. They then use this detail to rob you blind.
How to Prevent It: Check for suspicious attachments on card readers before you use them — check for loose parts or an extra attachment on the card slot. When possible, use ATMs inside banks as they are less prone to tampering. Always shield the keypad as you enter your PIN, and regularly check your bank statements for any suspicious transactions. Do not go to a stand-alone ATM in an unlit or secluded region.
22. The Fake Beggar Scam
Scam: You will meet beggars — occasionally large with children, raising money for initiatives. However, a lot of those beggars are part of an elaborate scam and the money you give them is going to someone taking advantage of them.
How to Avoid It: Give anything except money — Look for local charities you can donate to instead of handing cash over. This way, you´re guaranteed to be making an actual impact. As always, be vigilant out there as scammers love to play on emotions and the best way to ensure your money is going to help the right cause is through organizations you can trust. That is a real conundrum and yet you could still be philanthropic by using common sense.
23. The Fake Souvenir Scam
The Scandal: Buying a “local handmade” souvenir that was mass-produced and sold for 1/10th the price somewhere else.
How to Avoid It: Before purchasing souvenirs, compare prices. If a deal sounds too good to be true or if the seller wants you to buy immediately, walk away. Check out for reliable shops or markets and research on average price. Purchasing from local artisans or registered shops can help you find genuine articles whilst promoting the regional economy. Negotiate not fearlessly but reasonably and if something is too much run away from that answer.
24. The Credit Card Double Charge
The Scam: Swiping your card, and being instructed to swipe it again at a restaurant or shop claiming the credit card did not go through. Then later it dawned on you that you had been double-charged.
How to Prevent it: Always take a look at the receipt you receive after you make a purchase, and then check your credit card statement. If you hear that your card has not worked, demand to see a receipt before attempting to pay again. Opt for credit cards that offer fraud protection and never pass up the option for a printed receipt. If you notice a double charge, do not hesitate to contact your bank for the dispute.
25. The Fake Car Breakdown
What happened: The Scam: You are driving; somebody flags you over saying your car is leaking — or that it is making weird noises. They come to your rescue but charge you an arm and a leg or they work on your car for more troubles later.
How To Stay Away From It: If someone is waving you down, still continue driving with caution. When there is something wrong with your car, drive to a near by service station instead of letting any other person help you. So better not tackling it under critical conditions, Each time refrain from towing the wheel to fixation with official road bushes or esteemed service stations! Have emergency numbers stored and listen to your gut when a situation feels off. But in all, it is best to deny aid and hope for experts.
Conclusion: Be Aware, Stay Safe
There are travel scams that come with the territory of traveling, but those should not prevent you from enjoying your travels. Staying safe is all about staying informed, being aware and listening to your gut. Trust your gut — if it doesn’t feel right, it isn’t. Now that you know what to watch out for and how to manage these scams appropriately, then you can avoid becoming a target; leaving your focus on creating great memories and enjoying everything the world has to offer.
Just keep in mind that most of the people you come across traveling are nice and will help, but it is good to be prepared. So remember these few tips and have a good trip!
Another idea is to speak with your fellow travelers, either online or face-to-face. The more we share these scams, the easier they are to identify and help others avoid being scammed. Traveling is connecting, growing, and doing things that expand what life can offer you — being knowledgeable and cautious enables you to do all of these while avoiding the stress. Have a great trip and happy trails!