Don't Get Fooled
Most of us think we’re smart enough to spot travel scams, but the unfortunate reality is that even the savviest of us can fall victim to fraudsters.
Whether it's being wildly overcharged for a taxi or unknowingly sharing credit card details, here are some scams you should look out for on your next trip.
Fake Law Enforcement Officers
Beware of the fake officer scam, which happens in many large cities. It usually begins with someone approaching a tourist, offering illegal items such as substances.
During the conversation, a "police officer" comes and flashes a fake badge. They then insist that the tourist surrender their passport and wallet.
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Fake Law Enforcement Officers: How To Outsmart Them
Never hand over your wallet or passport. Instead, ask them to show you their identification and tell them that you'll call the police to verify their identity.
You can also say your passport is in your hotel safe, and they'll need to accompany you there. If they refuse, just walk away.
The Broken Taxi Meter
This scam is typically used by cab drivers near airports or train stations, though it can happen anywhere.
After you get into the taxi, the driver might tell you that the meter is broken and quote an outrageously high fare—this can add up to hundreds of dollars if you're not paying attention.
The Broken Taxi Meter: How To Outsmart It
Always discuss fares in advance or check to see that the meter is working before you get in the vehicle.
If the driver refuses to turn the meter on or suggests a lower fare without it, just get out and find another taxi. After all, not all cab drivers are shady.
Closed Tourist Attractions
In this scam, a friendly local might approach you and claim that the attraction you're planning to visit is closed. They'll then suggest an alternative attraction or shop, where you might feel pressured into making a purchase or paying an overpriced entry fee.
Closed Tourist Attractions: How To Outsmart Them
Don't just trust what people say—verify their claims by heading to the attraction yourself. You can also ask someone else nearby for confirmation about the attraction's status.
The Overbooked Hotel
Here’s another scam that’s common with cabs. Imagine this: You're on your way to your hotel, and suddenly, the driver claims it's fully booked.
So instead, they take you to a pricier hotel where they pocket a nice commission.
The Overbooked Hotel: How To Outsmart It
Before your trip, call your hotel to confirm they’re open and operating as usual. You can also ask about shuttle services and arrange to get picked up.
If the taxi driver claims your hotel isn't an option, stand your ground and insist on being taken there anyway.
Spills On Your Clothes
This scam is common in Europe. A traveler feels something land on their shoulder, like bird droppings or a spilled drink.
Then, a seemingly friendly stranger comes to the rescue, offering to help clean up the mess—all while taking advantage of the distraction to swipe your wallet from your pocket or purse.
Spills On Your Clothes: How To Outsmart It
In these situations, it's best to avoid accepting help from strangers. Instead, head to the nearest restroom and clean up the mess yourself.
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Free Bracelets
This scam often targets female travelers. You might encounter a friendly individual who strikes up a conversation and offers you a "free" bracelet or some flowers.
However, once you accept it, they'll demand money. And if you refuse to pay, they might start causing a scene.
Watchara Samsuvan, Shutterstock
Free Bracelets: How To Outsmart It
Never let anyone put anything on your body, and don't accept free items unless there's a clear reason for the item coming so cheaply. This is especially true in areas that are popular among tourists.
If you find yourself in one of these situations, simply ignore the peddler and continue on your way.
ATM Assistants
In this scenario, someone approaches you while you're at an ATM, offering to help you avoid local bank fees. However, their intentions are far from helpful—it's likely that they're hiding a card skimmer in their pocket, and are just waiting to snatch your card information.
ATM Assistants: How To Outsmart Them
Always be cautious when making ATM transactions. Don't let anyone stand near you while you're using the machine and remember to cover the number pad with your other hand when you're entering your PIN code.
If someone approaches you during the transaction, take your card and go to another ATM.
Beggars
You may come across beggars, often claiming to be disabled, pregnant, or accompanied by a "helper," asking for money. Some might be women with babies—though the child may not actually be theirs, and children are often used by organized begging syndicates.
More than just exploiting your compassion, this scam also makes you vulnerable to pickpocketing, as thieves can see where you keep your wallet when you pull it out to give spare change.
Beggars: How To Outsmart Them
It can be really hard to figure out who genuinely needs help and who doesn't, so the best approach is to refrain from giving cash to street beggars. Instead, offer to buy them some food or inexpensive clothing items, like socks or scarves.
This way, you can make sure your help directly benefits those in need and isn't inadvertently supporting any unlawful activities or begging gangs.
Mongkolchon Akesin, Shutterstock
Friendly Photographers
Let's say you're enjoying a popular tourist spot or landmark, and a friendly local offers to snap a group photo of you and your folks.
Excitedly preparing for that perfect shot, you glance up... only to realize that your newfound friend has vanished into thin air—along with your expensive camera or phone.
Friendly Photographers: How To Outsmart Them
You’ll have to read the room here. While it’s not uncommon to let strangers snap a group photo, it's typically after initiating the request, not when it's offered out of the blue.
When in doubt about who to trust, it can be safer to ask fellow tourists for assistance and offer to return the favor for them.
Fake Wi-Fi Hotspots
In today's world, Wi-Fi is pretty much everywhere, but not all free connections are safe. Hackers can create unlocked Wi-Fi hotspots in public areas, luring unsuspecting users to connect.
Unfortunately, this gives the thief access to your computer passwords, online accounts, and other sensitive data.
Fake Wi-Fi Hotspots: How To Outsmart It
When you spot a tempting unlocked Wi-Fi connection, it's always a good idea to check with the building's staff to confirm that it's an official network.
Additionally, try using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to encrypt all your online activity.
Bike Rental Damages
Let's say you rent a moped or scooter, only to find it damaged or missing the next day. Suddenly, the owner demands extra payment or expensive repairs as compensation.
What you may not realize is that the damage or theft could have been orchestrated by the owner themselves.
Bike Rental Damages: How To Outsmart It
Before riding off, take photos of the bike to document any existing damage. And use your own lock instead of one provided by the rental service, as the owner may have a spare set of keys.
If any damage occurs, take the vehicle to a repair shop recommended by someone other than the bike's owner.
Fake Transportation Tickets
Be wary if someone offers to sell you discounted train tickets or promises to help you skip the line for a small fee. Similarly, if a taxi driver suggests taking you to a “friend” who is a local travel agent, be on alert.
In many cases, the tickets they sell turn out to be fake, leaving you scammed and without valid entry or transportation.
Fake Transportation Tickets: How To Outsmart It
Always get transportation tickets from the official ticket office or website to ensure their authenticity.
Gemstone/Carpet Deals
Imagine chatting with a friendly local who mentions his successful side business of buying jewelry, gemstones, watches, or carpets and reselling them overseas for a tidy profit.
He might even offer to share his secrets with you and point out where to find the best deals. But there's a catch—these products are fake.
Gemstone/Carpet Deals: How To Outsmart Them
Avoid purchasing expensive luxury items overseas while on vacation, regardless of how tempting the deal may seem. And always remember the golden rule: If it seems too good to be true, it's probably a scam.
Fake Wake-Up Calls
During your hotel stay, you might receive a call from what seems to be the front desk in the middle of the night, requesting your credit card details for confirmation. But be careful—it could be a scammer trying to get your financial details.
Fake Wake-Up Calls: How To Outsmart Them
It's always safest to hold off on giving out credit card details over the phone. Instead, if you receive such a call, visit the front desk in person the next morning to address any concerns or issues directly.
Flirtatious Locals
Imagine arriving in a new country and being pleasantly surprised by the attention you receive from the locals, especially charming women. Let's say one of them invites you out for a night of fun.
However, after an exciting evening, you find yourself faced with an unexpectedly high bill—or even worse, you realize you've been robbed.
Flirtatious Locals: How To Outsmart Them
Keep your guard up if you encounter attractive women who are unusually forward or aggressively hitting on you. While it may seem like a dream come true to be approached by them, if it's not a typical experience for you, it's probably a scam.
Always trust your instincts and remain vigilant in unfamiliar situations.
