10 Travel Scams You’ll Almost Want To Fall For (And How To Avoid Them)

Always remember – if something is too good to be true…it probably is. Here are some of the most common travel scams that tourists fall for. While such unfortunate experiences exist in the market, it always bodes well to be street-smart and avoid these scams.

10. The one with the taxi with a “broken meter”

One of the most common travel scams out there is probably the taxi with a “broken meter” scam. This is how it goes (these stunts are performed by trained professionals, so don’t try it at home, friends): you flag down a taxi, stuff your luggage in, and take a ride to your desired destination. Once you arrive and ask how much you owe for the ride, the taxi driver reveals their meter to be broken—oh but they know how much you owe – a gazillion dollars! Isn’t that convenient?

How to avoid it

Always be aware of how much a ride should cost. It’s always a good idea to look at how far you’re traveling and calculate a ballpark amount. When in doubt, ask your hotel/hostel staff to get a cab for you. They will know genuine taxi drivers who won’t try to rip you off. If you’re flagging down a taxi, make sure to agree on a price before you step foot into the cab.

9. The one with the free public WiFi

While free public WiFi is a temptation that treats you like a naughty friend, it’s a major security risk. These networks are often unsecured, making them easy targets for scammers. Hackers usually tend to set up fake Wi-Fi hotspots to trick people into connecting and then go on to steal their personal information and even their identity. Even though network security has improved over time, it’s still risky to use public Wi-Fi without a VPN.

How to avoid it

To stay safe from online scams while traveling, especially in major cities like Manhattan, avoid connecting to public Wi-Fi networks unless you’re sure they’re legitimate. Coffee shops, such as Starbucks, are often safer options as they require a password to access. Always disable automatic connections and be extremely wary about accessing personal accounts or banking on public Wi-Fi.

8. The one with the fake police officers

Scams involving fake police or border patrol officers are a common tourist trap. These imposters can be very convincing and can easily ruin a trip. Their goal is typically to steal money or valuables. They may set up fake checkpoints or claim they’re checking for counterfeit bills, demanding to see your wallet and a collect money as a fine. Some even steal items from your car, claiming they’re not allowed in the next country.

How to avoid it

If someone who claims to be a police officer asks for your ID, show it to them but never hand it over. And always ask for their ID in return. If they issue a fine and demand you pay right away, insist on going to the police station to handle it. Scammers often avoid these situations because real police officers will never ask you to pay on the spot.

7. The one where the attraction is closed

In popular tourist destinations, a common travel scam involves a friendly local approaching a tourist and claiming that the desired attraction is closed due to various reasons (may it be holidays or a religious ceremony). These locals, often fluent in English, then suggest a different attraction that is less desirable but (unknown to tourists) offer them a commission. Tourists can be pressured to purchase overpriced items and miss out on the original attraction.

How to avoid it

Don’t just rely on what locals tell you. Instead, look for the main entrance, ticket counter, or gift shop to get a better sense of the place. If you’re still unsure, ask someone else nearby for their opinion. Remember, most attractions don’t just close for lunch; they often close for the entire day. To avoid any surprises, check the attraction’s opening and closing times online before you visit.

6. The one with the short change/currency exchange scam

If you’re traveling and unfamiliar with the local currency, you might be targeted by scammers. They could give you the wrong change when you’re not paying attention or swap similar-looking bills, or even offer you a bad exchange rate. These scams often happen near popular tourist spots. Be cautious of people offering to exchange money on the street, even if they claim to work for a legitimate exchange or have a name tag. Always verify the currency before accepting it.

How to avoid it

Always check your change carefully before leaving a store, booth, or restaurant. Don’t let anyone rush you. If someone tries to hurry you out after giving you your change, be cautious. Make sure you know what the local currency looks like and how much your home currency is worth in that country on the day you’re exchanging money.

5. The one with the free souvenirs

If you’re in New York City and someone offers you something, it’s usually best to decline it. However, for fellow tourists in other countries, these “gifts” can be a way to carry a sweet memory back home; a story to tell about a kind stranger who gave you a souvenir to remember the city by. One common “free” item is the friendship bracelet. Someone might approach you and try to force one on you and then harass you if you don’t pay.

How to avoid it

Don’t let anyone touch you or give you something without your consent. If they do, simply refuse it and walk away. They won’t bother you further.

4. The one with the shell game

We see this one all the time — how people fall for it is beyond comprehension. It’s such an old and obvious scam, it’s even depicted in movies! The scam involves a game of chance, like three-card Monte or guessing where a ball is hidden. The scammer intentionally lets the victim win a few times to gain their trust, but then as the victim bets more, they start losing money – over and over again.

How to avoid it

Just remind yourself that the house always wins. If you see this scam playing out, best to stay away and not engage.

3. The one with the flirtatious and attractive locals

You meet a charming local (in most cases a woman) in a new country and enjoy a night out together. However, things take a dark turn as the wild night progresses. The woman disappears, leaving you alone to pay an overpriced bill and deal with some intimidating locals. Or, even worse, you could find yourself drugged and robbed.

How to avoid it

Be cautious of overly friendly strangers who seem too eager to impress you with promises of exciting nightlife or free drinks, particularly if you’re easily identifiable as a tourist. Don’t assume that your vacation status has made you more attractive.

2. The one with the ring

A seemingly innocent-looking person picks up a ring near you and inquires if it belongs to you. When you deny ownership, they closely examine the ring, pointing out a distinctive mark that supposedly guarantees its authenticity as pure gold. The stranger then offers to sell you the ring at a price they claim is significantly below its actual value. You buy it, thinking it’s a good deal. However, you later discover the ring is fake when you try to sell it and end up losing money.

How to avoid it

The best way to avoid this scam is to simply refuse to buy the ring or any such trinket. Always remember that no stranger would offer this good a deal.

1. The one with the ATM scam

Scammers often target tourists, pretending to be helpful with ATMs that speak in foreign languages. Be wary of anyone who offers unsolicited assistance. They might be trying to steal your money or personal information through clever ways. An ATM card skimmer can steal your card information in various ways. One common trick is to attach a device to the ATM slot that secretly records your card details. Another method involves placing a fake card reader inside the slot to trap your card.

How to avoid it

To avoid red flags and common scams, stick to ATMs in well-known banks. In foreign countries, double-check ATM machines by gently shaking the card reader to ensure it’s genuine. If the ATM swallows your card, go inside the bank immediately. If you lose your card, contact your bank right away to cancel it.

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