13 Travel Scams That Fool Even the Savviest Travelers
There’s nothing like traveling to new destinations—exploring new cultures from the ground up, enjoying new cuisine, and leaving with lasting memories anyone can admire. Yet, while there are beautiful sights and enriching experiences, we all share one common devil, including seasoned adventure seekers—travel scams are everywhere.
The FTC estimates that over $10 billion in fraud was reported in 2023, and tourists are often victims of unsuspecting fraudsters. More than ever, travelers need to be informed and heed warnings because scammers are increasingly creative.
Here are 13 common types of travel scams that even an experienced traveler may encounter and valuable tips to help you avoid these traps.
The Staged Distraction
This scam is usually found in crowded tourist hotspots. Scammers congregate in a group to cause a diversion, such as spilling a beverage on you, dropping a bag of coins, or having a fight. An accomplice expertly pickpockets your belongings while you’re distracted.
If you plan to bring valuables such as a wallet and passport, keep them stowed in an anti-theft cross-body bag out of easy reach. Refuse to become involved in sudden commotions and refuse unsolicited help.
Fake Holiday Home Rentals
With the advent of Airbnb and Vrbo, vacation rental scams have boomed. Scammers hijack real listings or create fake ones, luring travelers with dazzling pictures and below-market prices. After you pay and show up, you’ll discover the property doesn’t exist.
Avoid booking through other means other than reputed platforms. Choose listings with multiple reviews and check out the host’s profile. Any offer that is just too good to be true probably is.
Taxi Overcharges
Imagine arriving at a destination late at night, only for your taxi driver to claim, “The meter is broken,” or demand an exorbitant flat fare. While journeying, passengers may not realize that some rogue taxis take unnecessarily long routes to increase the eventual trip cost.
Researching the average taxi fares or using apps like Uber beforehand will help you eliminate this problem more efficiently. Tell them to turn the meter on, and when they don’t, step out and hail another cab.
The Found Ring Scam
A stranger approaches you, holding up a shiny, “valuable” ring, claiming they saw you drop it. When you deny ownership, they offer to sell the ring at a “bargain price.” Of course, this cheap trinket turns out to be worthless.
If someone tries to make those offers, just walk away. Ignore and firmly decline any unsolicited “charitable” gestures.
Fake Police Officers
Often, this devious scam plays on someone’s authority in law enforcement. The scammers pretend to be police officers, approach tourists and claim they have counterfeited money or broken some local laws. They will demand your passport or wallet, which you will never see again.
You should always insist on seeing proper identification. If you experience any problems, please speak to someone at the nearest police station to resolve your issue. Actual officers will never object to these requests.
Flirtatious Locals
One of the most common traps aimed squarely at solo travelers is a charming local who becomes your friend. Drinks or dinner at the spot they keep recommending suddenly skyrocket throughout the day, and a threatening bouncer makes sure to have you pay.
Don’t trust strangers who seem too friendly. Instead, suggest meeting in a neutral, well-known place so you don’t have to follow them somewhere you don’t know.
Free Gift Scams
A “kind” stranger offers you a gift—such as a bracelet, flower, or trinket—placing it in your hands or around your wrist. After you get it, they force you to pay; if you don’t, they make a scene. Decline unsolicited gifts, and don’t interact with hawkers for too long.
Motorbike or Vehicle Damage Scam
You rent a motorbike, only to return it and notice that the owner complains that it is badly damaged. They take your deposit or passport until inflated repair fees are paid.
Before renting, take pictures or videos of the vehicle’s condition. Lock it securely (preferably with a lock you bring).
Suspicious Currency Exchanges
Unofficial exchange booths lure tourists with highly competitive rates, and once they have your money, scammers give you counterfeit bills or shortchange you.
Only exchange money at banks or hotel currency exchanges. Avoid exchanging money with street-based money changers.
ATM Skimming
Scammers use fake ATM setups, card skimmers, or hidden cameras on ATMs to steal your financial information.
An indoor ATM at a bank is much better than a standalone one in a remote area.
Enter your PIN by covering it with your hand, and also check over the machine for signs of tampering.
Public Wi-Fi Identity Theft
While sipping your coffee at a picturesque beachside café, connecting to free public Wi-Fi may seem harmless—until your sensitive personal and financial data is stolen through “man-in-the-middle” attacks.
Don’t use public Wi-Fi to access sensitive accounts. Depending on where you are and what you’re doing, your first line of defense should be a Virtual Private Network (VPN).
The “Closed Hotel” Scam
Once you get to your destination, a taxi driver says your pre-booked hotel is shut or overbooked and takes you to an alternate (and potentially more costly) spot, where he or she gets a commission.
Please confirm your booking details beforehand and, if possible, call the hotel directly. Stay in your original accommodation and don’t entertain diversion.
Tasting Sessions and “Special” Invitations
You’re invited to a free tea-tasting event or a “traditional celebration,” only to face hefty bills for services you never requested. These scams exploit politeness to create social pressure.
Refuse politely unsolicited invitations to private events. However, look for real cultural experiences with proper guides or trustworthy agencies.
Travel scams are unsettling, but being afraid to pick up and travel elsewhere isn’t necessary. Remaining informed, aware, and cautious will help avoid scams. With these tips in your back pocket and enough trust in your instincts, you can protect your wallet and experiences.
Want to learn more? Check out these resources to better protect yourself during your next adventure. Safe travels!
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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