Travelling is great fun and comes with many new experiences and adventures. However, travelling can also make you vulnerable to scammers. To avoid being a target, be aware of your surroundings, don’t trust strangers (even when they seem nice), and do your homework before you go. The best way to avoid being scammed is to know what to look for. Here are 20 of the most common travel scams and how you can avoid them.
Taxi Scam: The Broken Meter
Arriving at a train station or airport may require taking a cab. Since these areas have many visitors unfamiliar with local prices, unscrupulous cabbies try to get away with charging much higher rates. They claim the cab meter is broken and offer a flat fee much higher than the real rate. To avoid this scam, ask directly before the ride for an estimate and ensure the meter is working.
Welcome Gift Scam: A Bad Scene
A friendly local offering a small, charming gift upon your arrival, like a charm or bracelet, might approach you as you arrive at your destination. It seems like a sweet gesture; however, in many cases, it is a nefarious gesture. What was a gift suddenly has a price, and you have a local demanding money and causing a scene. Simply say no to these kinds of offers and walk away. It only works if you participate.
“Sorry, Your Hotel Is Closed”
If you arrive at your destination only for a cab driver to tell you your hotel is closed, or otherwise discourage you from your original booking, ignore them and call your hotel immediately. Many second-rate hotels pay drivers for bringing in guests, and you are the one who will be left with a subpar accommodation on your trip.
Money Exchange Scams & Ripp-Offs
Money exchange scams are everywhere! They range from flashy kiosks with high rates and lots of fees to scammers who will outright steal your money. Avoid the problem altogether by only using reputable money changers such as banks and airport exchange counters.
ATMs Have Many Dangers
From scams to outright theft, it’s easy to become a victim at an unfamiliar ATM. Don’t trust ATM assistants or helpful strangers, even if they are dressed like bank employees. They are likely just waiting to steal your money. Never trust someone lurking around an ATM. It is best to avoid that machine and find another one.
Fake Police Officers
When you are in an unfamiliar place, you can never just assume what someone says is true, even if they claim to be the police. This is especially important when dealing with a “plainclothed” person claiming to be law enforcement. Always ask for proper identification, and do not be afraid to call the local police station to verify. It is never normal for a police officer to demand immediate payment for offenses in any country.
Overpriced Markets & Fairs
Markets and street vendors are part of the local flavor of many destinations. They can be a great place to buy gifts and souvenirs. You just need to make sure to compare prices and check quality. Not everything is as labelled. Quality handmade and artisan items will stand out against mass-produced goods being sold at high prices just to make an extra buck.
Fake Wi-Fi Hubs
It is important to always ensure that you are using the legitimate guest wi-fi at establishments you are patronizing. In fact, it is best to simply use your own data if possible. Hackers use public wi-fi networks to steal your information and even install malware onto your devices. You could be at risk without even knowing it!
Help With Your Bags Isn’t Helpful
No matter how tempting it sounds, do not accept help with your bags. This is especially true of bags that contain anything expensive or highly personal. At the very least, you may end up with someone expecting a hefty tip, and at worst, you might be making it much easier for a thief to run off with your bag.
Counterfeit Money Hand-Off
Scammers may try to capitalize on your lack of knowledge of local currency. High-dollar transactions are a good time for them to try and pass off fake bills or bills of a lower value without you noticing. Always take your time and pay close attention when dealing in foreign currencies.
Gas Station Distraction Scams
Criminals may look for already distracted drivers, or they may create a distraction by pointing out a “low tire.” Either way, this provides an opportunity for an accomplice to steal your purse or wallet out of the car or even steal the car out from under you!
Pickpocket Problems
You have to worry about this one anytime you are in a large crowd anywhere. The problem with pickpockets is that it all happens so fast, and it is really hard to catch them. The best defense against a pickpocket is to keep your belongings secure and try not to carry anything with you that you don’t have to.
The Picture Scam
Be very careful asking a stranger to take your photo, and be even more leery if they are offering. They may try to solicit money from you for taking the picture or even try to run off with your camera. Ask a more reputable person, like your host, tour guide, or a hotel employee.
The Phone Drop Trick
If you see someone drop a phone or wallet, you might think the best thing to do is to pick it up and return it. However, it is better not to touch it and point it out to the person who dropped it. Otherwise, you risk being accused of theft or damages by a scammer hoping to push you into giving them money to make the situation go away.
Fake Ride Shares
When it comes to safety, one of the most important things you can do is check the identity of your ride-share car and driver. Fake ride shares are a common scam and can cost you a lot of money. In worst-case scenarios, fake rideshares can lead to kidnapping and extortion.
Free Spa Samples & Upsells
Spas are some of the most common places to see this happen, but it can happen with almost any business. You accept a free sample, and next thing you know, you are being drug into a store and upsold all types of products and services. It is best to just say no and keep walking. If you want to book a service, do it at your leisure through reputable sources.
Beggars & Guilt Trip Scams
Sadly, you can’t just trust people and be nice to everyone. However, there are people out there just waiting to prey on your kindness. In many places, beggars know that they can make a good living off of foreign travellers. They are more than willing to play up a good sob story or even use a child to tug at your heartstrings. If you want to make a charitable donation, do it through an established organization that can make the most of your charitable contribution.
Free Drink Dangers
Free drinks are bad news. It could be a lure to get you to spend money or to come into an establishment and spend more money. On the more dangerous end, a free drink could be spiked with a drug or poison, and you could be in serious danger. When it comes to free drinks, just politely decline them and get your own.
Dual Menu Scams
Some restaurants have two menus, one for locals and one for tourists. The tourist menu may include inflated prices and service fees. This one is hard to spot unless you see the alternative menu, but being aware of local prices and checking online before you go will help you avoid paying too much.
Fake Tour Guides
It’s not a good idea to pay for sightseeing advice from just anyone. A stranger wandering up and introducing themselves as a tour guide is not a good way to start. They are likely to overcharge, and you won’t get the experience you are looking for. If you want to take a tour, it is best to book through your travel agency or hotel.
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