Overseas travel is one of life’s great pleasures, so it is little wonder travellers are more interested in researching which sites to see and which restaurants to visit than finding out what scams they have to watch out for. In a foreign country people let their guard down, relax, and often behave in a way they never would back home leaving them open to highly organised tourist scams.
These scams often play on the traveller’s kind and trusting nature, their desire to save on holiday purchases, and their lack of local knowledge. It is difficult to say how many of us have been fooled by these scams as victims often don’t realise they’ve been caught out until it is too late and many are simply too embarrassed to admit being taken in by a simple con.
We’ve put together a list of the top 10 travel scams to watch out for around the world. The key piece of advice: keep your wits about you and learn from past travellers’ mistakes. And, most importantly, if in doubt call the police.
1. Fake Police
If a traveller finds themselves being accused of a crime they didn’t commit, chances are they’re dealing with a counterfeit cop. For example, fake police might charge an over the top, on-the-spot fine for putting out a cigarette in public. Always check the officer’s ID and contact the real police if you have any doubts.
2. Faux-Gems
On route to their official destination dodgy tuk-tuk or taxi drivers take travellers to stores where they are offered deals that are literally too good to be true. The so-called ‘Gem Scam’ can actually involve any high-priced or desirable item such as leather goods or “authentic” carpets. Victims soon discover their “jewels” may be nothing more than polished glass and those larger items, well, they never make it back home.
3. Distraction
This can be anything from a child waving a newspaper in your face to an old woman needing assistance or a local helping you wipe a mess off your shirt. While you are distracted, a second crook comes in and swipes your stuff. The key to making it out with all your valuables intact is to pay careful attention to your belongings and others around you.
4. Bar Scams
These can take a variety of forms, but the basics involve a traveller, usually male, being approached by local women (sometimes a group of seemingly friendly men) who invite them for a round of drinks in a local bar. After a few beverages the locals are gone and the traveller is left with a ridiculously large bill!
5. Dodge Taxis
Unfortunately for all the good ones, cab drivers have a bad rep for ripping off travellers, but they do have a lot of tricks associated with their profession. Some of the most common cons are inflating fares or telling passengers their selected hotel/bar/restaurant is closed, but never fear, they know a better one just down the road. Always travel in licenced cabs and, if possible, agree on a fixed fare. Also, insist on going to your original destination and see if it is actually closed for yourself.
6. The Struggling Musician
They can pop up anywhere, but are most often found around New York City’s Times Square or on the Las Vegas Strip. CD bullies approach passers-by asking them to check out their music, handing over what appears to be a free copy of their CD. However, once the disc is in your hands, the aspiring superstar (often surrounded by friends) refuses to take it back and expects you to pay for the pleasure of listening to their unsigned gem. Try to ignore these guys, but if one of the ‘musicians’ does manage to get a CD in your hand and refuses to take it back, gently put it on the ground and walk away.
7. Photo-Ops
You’ve just arrived at an amazing site and are snapping away happily, trying to get that winning shot, when a local in costume or with an intriguing prop shows up and offers to pose for a photo.
They aren’t just doing this for a bit of fun, this costumed conman is after your cash. Once the photo has been taken they’ll demand a crazy amount of money off you. Even worse, if they had a partner who took the picture he might not return your camera until you’ve paid up big time.
8. Packed Trains
All ideas of personal space are thrown out the window when riding a train crowded with people. You tend to ignore passengers bumping and knocking into you and it’s in this environment where you have to pay extra attention to your belongings – was that an accident or someone going for your wallet? The busy public transport networks of New York, Paris and London are particular hotspots, but light-fingered thieves can be found around the world. One particular scam is common in certain parts of Italy. Your train pulls into the station so you jump aboard; however, there are a few minutes to wait until it is due to depart.
In this time dozens of what seem like passengers squeeze their way into the carriage, but just before the doors close and the train leaves the platform they jump off taking the valuables of unsuspecting travellers with them.
9. Where Are You From?
Wandering through an Eastern marketplace you’ll know there’s going to be haggling in store. However, what you might not know is that store keepers start working out how much to charge you from the moment you open your mouth. Almost every shop owner will start a conversation with ‘Where are you from?’ and you need to be careful with your answer.
If you say something obvious like England, America or Australia they will assume you have a lot of money, and as a result will instantly push up the price of their stock. The best answer to give is something a little obscure such as the name of your city or suburb. This will throw the seller and leave you to haggle on a level playing field.
10. Bracelet Scheme
A charming person comes up to you offering directions or sightseeing advice when, suddenly, they tie a woven bracelet around your wrist in a double knot then demand payment. If you refuse, the scammer starts yelling that you’re stealing the bracelet. Victims are often so shaken by the experience that they end up paying the perpetrator.
Be wary of overly friendly people offering services you neither want nor need and tell them to remove the bracelet before you call the police.
We have also created an infographic outlining the 7 most popular travel scams and how to avoid them.
