Traveling is one of the best things you can do. You get to see new places, meet different people, and eat amazing food. But not everything is sunshine and rainbows. Some people try to trick travelers and it happens more often than you think.
I have traveled to over 15 countries, and yes I have experienced scams. Once, in Bangkok, I was told a famous temple was “closed for a holiday,” only to be taken to a shady jewelry store instead. That’s when I realized: you really have to be careful when you travel.
In this article, I will cover common travel scams. I will share easy tips to avoid them so you can stay safe and have fun.
What Is a Travel Scam?
A travel scam is when someone tricks you out of your money or belongings while you’re on vacation. Scammers often target tourists because:
- We don’t always know the local language
- We’re often carrying cash or phones
- We’re excited and not expecting anyone to trick us
That makes it easy for scammers to do their thing.
Scams You Should Know About
Below are a few scams you should know before traveling.
Taxi Scams
This one’s everywhere from New York to Nairobi. A driver might say the meter is “broken” or take the longest route to charge you more.
What to do: Always ask for the meter to be turned on. Or use trusted apps like Uber or Grab.
Story: In Istanbul, I once paid double for a ride that should’ve cost me half. Lesson learned; check prices before you hop in!
Fake Hotels or Rentals
Some people post fake homes online. You pay upfront, but when you arrive, there’s nothing there or it is already taken.
What to do: Book through well-known sites like Booking.com or Airbnb. Read the reviews. If it feels sketchy, it probably is.
Bad Currency Exchange
At some booths or on the street, you might get tricked with fake money or get way less than you should.
What to do: Exchange money at banks or trusted locations. Better yet, just use an ATM.
Too-Friendly Strangers
Someone might come up and say, “Hey! Want to grab a drink?” Then they take you somewhere expensive or unsafe. Sometimes it is all a setup.
What to do: Be polite, but careful. Trust your gut. Real friendships take time.
Fake Tours
A “tour guide” might offer you a cheap tour that ends up being a scam or doesn’t happen at all.
What to do: Book through your hotel or a trusted travel site.
Pickpockets & Distractions
Crowded places like markets or trains are pickpocket central. Someone might bump into you while their friend grabs your wallet.
What to do: Keep your stuff in front of you. Use a money belt or crossbody bag.
Fake Police
Some scammers dress like police and ask for your ID or wallet. Then they take your money.
What to do: Ask to see your real ID or say you want to go to a police station. Real police won’t mind.
Online and Tech Scams
Online and tech scams are also reported every day. So, you should use it very wisely.
Booking Scams
A fake travel website might look real but steals your money.
What to do: Only book on trusted websites. Look for the lock symbol in the web address bar.
Free Wi-Fi Dangers
Public Wi-Fi is great, but scammers can use it to steal your info.
What to do: Avoid logging into your bank or email on public Wi-Fi. Use a VPN if you can.
ATM Skimming
This is when someone puts a fake device on an ATM to steal your card info.
What to do: Use ATMs inside banks and cover your hand when typing your PIN.
Scams in Different Places
Here are a few scams that happen a lot in certain areas:
Southeast Asia
“Temple is closed” scam: They say a site is closed and offer to take you somewhere else to a scam shop.
Rental damage scam: You rent a bike or scooter, then they claim you broke it and ask for money.
Europe
Bracelet scam (France): Someone ties a bracelet on your wrist and demands money.
Petition scam (Italy): Someone asks you to sign a fake petition. While you’re distracted, their friend takes your bag.
Latin America
Fake police or fast kidnappings: Someone may pretend to be a cop or grab you and demand money.
Tourist pass scams: People sell you fake passes to museums or parks.
How to Stay Safe When You Travel
Here are some traveling tips you should know before you leave.
Before You Go
- Look up common scams in the place you’re visiting
- Make copies of your passport and ID
- Tell your bank you’re traveling
While You’re There
- Don’t carry too much cash
- Keep your bag zipped and close
- Don’t share too much info with strangers
On Your Phone
- Use strong passwords and two-factor login
- Avoid using free Wi-Fi for private stuff
What If You Get Scammed?
If you face any unpleasant thing then you should not be nervous. Try some immediate action.
Don’t Panic
It happens to the best of us.
Do this:
- Report it to the local police or tourist help center
- Call your bank if your card was used or stolen
- Visit your country’s embassy if you lost important documents
Help Others
Leave reviews online to warn others. Tell your story. It might save someone else from going through the same thing.
Final Thoughts
Traveling is an amazing part of life, but it is even better when you stay smart and alert. You don’t need to feel scared, just prepare yourself.
Always trust your gut. If something feels weird, it probably is. Take your time, ask questions, and do a little homework before you go. That way, you can focus on what really matters, enjoying the journey.
