Traveling is an exciting experience, but it can also be a time when people fall prey to scams. Scammers are everywhere and they are always looking for ways to take advantage of unsuspecting tourists. The allure of adventure can sometimes blind us to the lurking dangers of fraudulent schemes.
“Scammers will always take advantage of current circumstances”, stated Paige Schaffer, CEO of ID theft protection company, Iris Powered by Generali. “With more people traveling again, they have taken notice – and action”, she added.
Being aware of the most common travel scams and how to avoid them is essential for a safe and enjoyable trip. By arming yourself with knowledge and practicing vigilance, you can ensure your travels are filled with cherished memories rather than the disappointment of falling victim to travel scams. Always be cautious of strangers, keep your valuables secure, and never give out personal information or payment details to unknown sources. As you embark on your next travels, pack your common sense alongside your belongings.
Safe travels awaits for those who remain cautious and well-informed in their pursuit of adventure.
1. Broken taxi meter
This scam is prevalent in many countries, and it involves taxi drivers who claim that their meter is broken and then charge you an exorbitant amount of money for the ride. To avoid this scam, always make sure that the taxi meter is working before you get in the car. If the meter is not working, negotiate a price before you start your journey.
2. Fake police
This scam involves people pretending to be police officers who stop you on the street and ask to see your passport or identification. They may then claim that your documents are not valid and demand a fine. To avoid this scam, always ask to see the officer’s identification before handing over your documents. If you are unsure, ask to go to the police station to verify their identity.
3. Bump and grab
This scam is common in crowded areas such as markets and train stations. It involves someone bumping into you and then stealing your wallet or purse. To avoid this scam, always keep your valuables in a secure place and be aware of your surroundings.
4. Friendly local
This scam involves someone who appears to be friendly and helpful, offering to show you around or take you to a local attraction. They may then take you to a shop or restaurant where they receive a commission for bringing in customers, usually overpriced. To avoid this scam, always be cautious of strangers who approach you and never follow someone to a location that you are unsure of. If an offer seems too good to be true or someone is overly friendly, trust your instincts.
5. Deception and distraction
The newest chapter in the scam playbook is a variation of an age-old scheme. Opportunistic crimes, including petty theft, are on the rise in bustling tourist hubs, public transportation systems, and crowded areas such as markets. Research reveals that tourist hotspots in France, Spain, and Italy are more prone to scams in Europe. Exercise caution when visiting these areas. Scammers may use various tactics to divert your attention and engage in petty theft, sometimes recurring to an accomplice to seal the deal while the first thief diverts your attention. It’s important to stay vigilant and protect your belongings.
6. Free vacation
Receiving an offer for a free vacation sounds too good to be true. And it usually is. “Free” comes at the charge of being asked to pay fees and taxes upfront. To avoid this scam, always be wary of offers that seem too good to be true and never give out personal information or payment details to unknown sources. Avoid wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency payments. These are red flags for potential scams.
7. ATM skimming
This scam involves criminals attaching a device to an ATM that reads your card information and PIN. To avoid this scam, always use ATMs located in secure areas and cover your hand when entering your PIN.
8. Fake Wi-Fi
As the world relies more and more on an internet connection, setting up fake Wi-Fi hotspots in public areas to steal your personal information is becoming a harsh reality. In an increasingly digital world, to avoid this scam, protect your personal information and financial details by always using secure Wi-Fi networks or a VPN system and avoiding using public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions.
9. Gifts
Scammers may offer you a bracelet, ring, or flower and then pressure you to pay for it. Be wary of unsolicited gifts, especially in touristy areas, and firmly decline.
10. What you see isn’t what you get
With the high demand for travel, more and more tourists are being scammed when booking hotels and Airbnbs that look nothing like the pictures and that sometimes don’t even exist. The “what-you-see-isn’t-what-you-get” scam is happening more often, with scammers taking advantage of the situation and creating fake listings to lure in unsuspecting travelers. It’s important to do your research before booking and to check reviews and ratings from previous guests. Additionally, it’s a good idea to confirm the address of the property and call the front desk to confirm the location and other details on the contract.
When booking a trip, don’t sign or pay until you fully understand the terms of the deal. Obtain a copy of cancellation and refund policies before making any payments. Look up travel companies, hotels, rentals, and agents with keywords like “scam,” “review”, or “complaint”. Check the legitimacy of the property’s address, especially for resort locations.
