15 Sneaky Food Scams That Could Cost You
“Recent food fraud incidents have increased the need to strengthen the food industry’s ability to detect and combat fraud across food supply chains,” says SSAFE Executive Director Quincy Lissaur. Food and Agriculture Organization estimated that food fraud costs the global economy $30-40 billion annually.
With food costs rising, consumers are desperate to make their dollars stretch. However, the Consumer Price Index for food has risen consistently for several years, making it more important than ever to be a smart shopper. Falling prey to these sneaky food scams doesn’t just hurt your wallet; it corrodes trust in the brands you depend on.
The “Specialty” Dish Scam

Sometimes, restaurants try to sell you their “specialty” item, but that’s to get you to order the most expensive thing on the menu. Waiters are usually trained to promote such items because they reap higher profits, not necessarily because they are good.
Sometimes, these dishes are made with less fresh or surplus ingredients. To avoid being lured into overspending, research authentic local dishes before you dine and ask about ingredients or preparation methods if something seems off.
The Incorrect Change Scam

Shortchanging is a common scam, especially when dealing with unfamiliar currencies. Vendors may rely on tourists unfamiliar with local money, giving less change than owed. This can happen at busy markets or if there are people hurrying customers.
Always count your change and do it in front of the vendor. If something doesn’t feel right, mention it immediately in a friendly way.
The “Friendly” Local’s Food Tour

A supposedly friendly local who wants to give you a food tour will take you to some overpriced, touristy restaurants where they receive commissions. Food tours often provide quantity instead of quality, exposing you to places that aren’t authentic.
Avoid unsolicited tours and plan your foodie stops with online reviews or recommended guides. Research what locals love before setting off on your food tour.
Concealed Cover Charges

Some restaurants include items you may not expect to pay for in your bill, such as bread, water, or seating in a certain area, like an outdoor patio. They may not always be upfront about these charges, and it may be a surprise when the bill appears.
Before ordering, ask if there’s a charge for extras, like bread or preferred seating. Being proactive will save you from unknowingly agreeing to unnecessary costs. This simple habit ensures your dining experience is both enjoyable and transparent.
Street Food Overcharging

Street food vendors may like to target tourists, charging them highly for snacks. They may believe visitors are unfamiliar with typical costs, and it’s pretty easy to overcharge.
To avoid paying more than locals, keep an eye on what others pay or ask for the price first before you order. If it’s too high, you can walk away to other vendors. Knowing what is fair guarantees you will enjoy street foods within your budget.
The “Closed” Restaurant Scam

You might be told your choice is unavailable and redirected to another location, usually some overpriced, mediocre establishment. The locals receive a commission for delivering tourists to a specific restaurant.
A call can confirm a restaurant’s operating hours or online availability. Do your homework and go where you want to go first to avoid a detour in a less desirable location.
Inflated Menu Prices

Menus intended for tourists usually have higher prices than those given to locals. So-called “tourist menus” can include the same items but at an incredibly high price.
To get a fair deal, request a menu in the local language, which is more likely to carry regular prices. If available, you can also compare both for discrepancies.
The Menu Switcheroo

Sometimes, after ordering, you might realize that the final bill is higher than what you saw on the menu. After deciding on an order, the menu may be replaced with higher prices.
Always confirm the dish price when placing an order, and recheck that the bill reflects the menu’s pricing. If it is different, report it immediately, as you might not want to pay more than necessary.
Overpriced Bottled Water

Restaurants often charge outrageous amounts for bottled water when dining out, especially in tourist areas where tap water may be a safe and cheaper alternative.
If you are dining somewhere where the tap water is safe, ask for that instead of bottled water. This will save you money and reduce waste. Being conscious of these sneaky methods helps you avoid the trap of overpricing.
The Seafood Bait-and-Switch

Ordering seafood far away from the sea can be a disappointment because seafood is often frozen and not as high-quality as advertised. While restaurants may advertise dishes with the term “fresh,” the reality will usually differ.
Restaurants known to serve seafood, especially those nearer the coast, are your best bet for a good seafood meal. Inquiring about sources or reading reviews helps to identify reliable restaurants.
The “Free” Welcome Drink

A welcome drink might be offered for free but may appear as a hidden charge on your bill. Many resorts and high-end places use this trick because tourists are so unsuspecting that the drink is free.
Before you take the drink, ask the staff if it has a price. Asking this question upfront may prevent an unpleasant surprise when the bill arrives.
Upcharge Tipping

Some restaurants, mainly those serving tourists, include a large tip or service charge in the bill. You don’t notice that, and so you end up double-tipping.
Always check to see if your bill includes gratuity before you leave an additional tip. This ensures fair compensation without accidentally spending too much.
Taxi Driver Restaurant Recommendations

Taxi drivers who recommend restaurants may be pointing you to restaurants that pay them kickbacks, not giving you authentic food. These restaurants are usually overpriced and low in quality.
Instead of trusting a driver’s recommendation, research restaurants ahead of time or ask for recommendations from locals who don’t have a financial incentive. This approach will yield better meals and save you money.
Fake “Traditional” Restaurants

Many restaurants claiming to serve authentic local cuisine offer watered-down versions of traditional dishes designed for tourists. These places often sacrifice quality and authenticity to appeal to broader tastes.
To find authentic local food, research where locals dine and avoid places located in tourist-heavy areas. Sticking to trusted recommendations will make the culinary experience more genuine and satisfying.
The Rigged Bill Scam

Your final bill might contain items you never ordered or hidden charges that are supposed to go unnoticed. This scam is prevalent in busy restaurants where the staff assumes customers will not check their bills.
Always go through your bill line by line and ask questions about any unfamiliar charge. If something seems off, speak up immediately to resolve the issue before paying.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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