17 Top Travel Scams That Everyone Falls For

1. Taxi Overcharge

You’ve just arrived in a new city, and the first thing you do is hop into a taxi. Simple, right? Not always. Many travelers fall victim to taxi overcharge scams. The driver might claim the meter is broken or take you on a long, unnecessary route.

Sometimes, a driver might tell you the fare is per person, not per ride. Make sure to confirm it covers everyone. To avoid this, always agree on a fare before the ride. Use a reliable map app to check the route and fare estimates. Another tip is to ask the locals for typical fare prices.

2. Accommodation Closed Scam

Imagine arriving at your destination after a long journey, only to hear from the taxi driver that your hotel is closed due to refurbishment or overbooking. This is a classic scam that targets unsuspecting travelers in busy tourist spots, particularly in Europe.

The driver will then take you to a different hotel, likely charging higher rates. To avoid this, always call your hotel directly before your trip to confirm your booking and ensure it’s open.

3. Shell Game

The shell game is a classic trick that fools many travelers. In this scam, you see three cups and one ball. The scammer shuffles the cups and asks you to guess where the ball is.

It’s designed to make you think you can win money quickly. But don’t be fooled. The scammer and accomplices work together to deceive you. The best thing to do is to avoid joining the game. This common scam is seen in many tourist spots around the world.

4. Fake Police Officers

One common scam involves individuals posing as police officers. They may approach you, often dressed in convincing uniforms, and ask for your ID or passport. This can be unsettling, especially when you’re in a foreign country.

These fake officers typically claim you’ve broken the law and demand an on-the-spot fine. They might even suggest you pay a bribe to avoid serious trouble. To protect yourself from this scam, always ask to see their official badge and identification. Genuine police officers will not hesitate to show you their credentials.

5. Bump and Grab

The “Bump and Grab” is a popular travel scam. A thief or a group of thieves distract you by bumping into you. While distracted, they lift your wallet or valuables. This scam often happens in crowded places, like busy sidewalks or train stations.

Keep your belongings secure. Use a money belt or keep your bag close. Being aware of your surroundings helps you spot potential thieves.

6. Spilled Drink Scam

The Spilled Drink Scam is a clever trick often used to distract you. A stranger accidentally spills a drink on you and immediately starts apologizing profusely. While you’re busy focusing on the mess and their apologies, their accomplice swiftly picks your pocket or snatches your bag.

To avoid this scam, always be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded places like markets or public transportation. If someone spills something on you, keep your valuables secure and don’t get too distracted by their apologies.

7. Fake Travel Agents

Fake travel agents promise unbelievable deals on flights and hotels. These scams often appear through ads or unsolicited emails offering incredible discounts. If a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Always research any travel agency you’re considering. Look up their name with words like “scam” or “fraud” to see if others have had bad experiences. This can save you from losing money to con artists.

8. Friendship Bracelet Scam

Watch out for the Friendship Bracelet Scam in popular tourist spots. This scam often happens in cities like Paris, where someone ties a bracelet on your wrist. Once it’s on, they demand money. If you refuse to pay, they might create a scene, making you feel pressured to give in.

In many cases, scammers work in pairs. While one distracts you with the bracelet, an accomplice might pick your pockets. It’s essential to stay vigilant and politely decline any unsolicited offers.

9. ATM Skimming

ATM skimming is a sneaky scam that affects travelers all around the world. Scammers attach devices called skimmers to ATMs to steal your card information. These devices can be hard to spot as they look just like a normal ATM part.

One way to protect yourself is by giving the card reader and keypad a tug before using them. This helps you check for any loose attachments. When in doubt, use ATMs in well-lit, busy locations.

10. Overpriced Souvenirs

When traveling, you want to bring something special back to remember your trip. But beware of overpriced souvenirs that vendors often target tourists. They may try to sell items at double or even triple their real value.

In popular tourist spots, the prices can be significantly marked up. To avoid this, compare prices at multiple shops or markets before making a purchase. Another tip is to ask locals for advice on where to buy authentic and reasonably priced items.

11. Fake Wi-Fi Hotspots

These days, free Wi-Fi is everywhere. You think you’re connecting to a legitimate hotspot, but it’s easy to fall into the trap of fake Wi-Fi hotspots. Scammers set up these fake networks in popular tourist spots.

When you connect to a fake hotspot, you’re giving hackers a free pass to your personal data. To stay safe, always ask the staff at cafes, hotels, or airports for the correct network name. Also, use a VPN to protect your data by encrypting your internet traffic.

12. Photo Opportunity Scam

You’re on vacation, and a friendly local offers to take your picture. It sounds great, right? But here’s the catch. As soon as they have your camera or phone, they might refuse to give it back unless you pay them.

The scammers play on your desire for a memorable photo, making it hard to say no. To avoid this, politely decline any offers from strangers to take your photo. Instead, ask another tourist or use a selfie stick.

13. Currency Exchange Scams

Currency exchange scams can really put a damper on your trip. One common trick involves money changers shorting you by using a lower exchange rate or sneaking in hidden fees. To avoid this, always check the actual exchange rate online before making a transaction and calculate how much you should receive in advance.

Another problem occurs when money changers count your cash too fast, hoping you won’t notice the discrepancy. Ensure you recount the money yourself in front of them. Better yet, use ATMs where possible, as they usually offer better rates and are more transparent.

14. Fake Monks Asking for Donations

You’re walking through a beautiful temple, taking in the serene surroundings. Suddenly, a monk approaches and hands you a small bracelet. It feels like a special, thoughtful gesture.

The monk starts indicating that this bracelet is a token of goodwill. Before you realize what’s happening, they tell you that a “donation” is required, usually quite a bit of money. This scam can be convincing. The “monk” often wears traditional robes and positions themselves in areas where tourists gather.

To avoid falling for this, stay alert and remember: Real monks rarely ask for donations directly, especially in public spaces. If someone approaches you like this, politely decline and walk away.

15. Overpriced Rickshaw Rides

Exploring Asia on a rickshaw sounds appealing, right? But beware, rickshaw ride scams are common in tourist spots like Asakusa and Kyoto. Some drivers overcharge tourists by not disclosing prices upfront. You might end up paying way more than expected.

To avoid this, always ask for the fare before your ride. Checking the fare beforehand ensures there are no surprises. Trust your gut; if the fare seems too high, walk away.

16. Closed Attraction Scam

You arrive at a famous landmark only to be told it’s closed for refurbishment or special events. The person who tells you this quickly suggests an alternative tour or site. Often, this is a way to redirect you to another location where they get a commission.

Scammers make the closed attraction seem convincing. They might even have fake notices or uniformed individuals to add credibility.

Always double-check information about closures online or use official apps. This way, you’ll avoid paying extra or ending up at a less interesting site. Scammers prey on tourists who don’t verify facts.

17. Distraction Pickpocketing

Street performers and busy markets can be hotspots for this scam. You might be enjoying a lively performance when suddenly, your pocket feels lighter. It’s important to stay alert, especially in such bustling environments.

In popular tourist destinations, you might also encounter a person asking for help or directions. They seem friendly and genuine, but while you’re kindly assisting them, someone else helps themselves to your belongings.

To protect yourself, keep your valuables secured in a money belt or an inside jacket pocket. Be cautious if someone invades your personal space unexpectedly. Simple awareness can often prevent loss.