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In all my years of travelling, I’ve encountered – and yes, even fallen for – my fair share of scams.
The truth is that tourists are prime targets for scammers, given their general naivete about the country. This can be especially true for solo female travellers, as many people assume women will be more gullible or easier to pressure!
So, let’s go through ten of the most common travel scams to watch out for. Plus, some tips to avoid them!
1. The Fake Taxi Meter
Taxi scams are a thing in pretty much any country. You hop into a taxi, but then the driver tells you the meter is broken. Hint: It’s probably not.
Instead, he’ll offer you a flat rate that’s probably much, much higher than usual (and you don’t know that it is since you’re unfamiliar with the place).
How to avoid it: Stick to reputable taxi companies (search which ones are reputable beforehand) or use ridesharing apps. Or agree on a price before getting in. Get out and find another ride if the meter is truly broken.
2. The Closed Attraction Trick
When visiting a famous landmark or attraction, a “friendly” local might come up to you and tell you it’s closed for the day.
Too bad. Good thing that they have an alternative tour they can take you on!
But in reality, the attraction is probably open. They’re just trying to make some money on their (likely overpriced) tour.
How to avoid it: Check the attractions’ official websites or pages for their hours. If someone tells you a place is closed, just politely thank them and check it out for yourself.
3. The Free Gift Scam
When you’re walking, a local might suddenly approach you without you noticing (usually coming in from the side).
Then, without asking for your consent, they’ll suddenly place a flower in your hair or tie a bracelet around your wrist. Then, they’ll demand payment for it.
How to avoid it: Firmly refuse or, better yet, keep your hands in your pockets when walking around. If they’ve already given you the bracelet or flower, take it off, return it to them, and politely yet firmly walk off.
4. Fake Wi-Fi Hotspots
Be wary when connecting to public Wi-Fi because sometimes they might be fake networks.
Scammers can sometimes set up Wi-Fi networks near or in establishments that typically offer free Wi-Fi (airports, hotels, restaurants, etc). These networks are meant to steal your data by automatically connecting you to fishy websites that trick you into giving information,
Scammers will name their fake Wi-Fi networks in a way that make them sound like they belong to the establishment you’re in (e.g. “Starbucks Manila 5G”).
This actually happens more often in establishments that don’t offer free Wi-Fi. After all, when you open up your Wi-Fi settings, there won’t be two Wi-Fi networks with similar names.
How to avoid it: If you can afford it, always use personal mobile data instead. If you have to use public Wi-Fi, always ask staff members for the official Wi-Fi networks. But your data is still at risk with public Wi-Fi either way, so always use a VPN.
5. The Pickpocket Distraction
You’re walking through a crowded area when suddenly—oops!—someone bumps into you, spilling their drink on you or themselves.
They might apologize profusely or express a lot of anger towards you. Anything to get you distracted.
Then, while you’re busy cleaning up or talking to them, their accomplice comes in to snatch your bag or phone.
How to avoid it: Stay alert whenever you’re in crowded areas. Always keep your valuables near and secure—even or especially if you’re talking to someone.
READ MORE: How to Protect Your Valuables While Travelling
6. Fake Police Officers
Some scammers pose as police officers, complete with the uniform, medals, and sometimes even (fake) guns.
They’ll approach you, claim that you broke some minor law, and demand a fine right then and there. This can seem intimidating, and handing over the cash might seem tempting just to get it over with.
But don’t give in—they’re most likely not real police.
How to avoid it: Ask for ID. If they have ID, tell them you want to go to the nearest police station to settle things. Real police won’t have a problem with that, but scammers will. If they refuse all that, call the police yourself to verify or report them.
7. Overpriced Currency Exchange
Never exchange money at small street kiosks (or even at airports, honestly). The exchange rates are probably grossly unfair or have hidden fees!
How to avoid it: Instead, go to official exchange offices, withdraw money from bank ATMs, or use a travel card with good exchange rates.
8. Fake Accommodation Listing
Imagine arriving at the accommodation you booked only to find out the apartment or hotel you booked doesn’t actually exist. Scammers often set up fake listings with stolen photos and details.
Then, they’re nowhere to be found once you’ve paid the deposit.
How to avoid it: Always double-check a platform or property’s legitimacy before paying.
9. The Bar or Restaurant Scam
Let’s say you’ve met a friendly local. (Maybe there’s some romantic tension, even).
They ask you out on a meal at what they think is the best spot in town. So you eat out with them and have a great time.
Then, when it’s time to go, they ask for the bill and excuse themselves to the restroom. You see that the bill is incredibly high, and your new friend isn’t in the restroom anymore.
How to avoid it: Check prices before ordering, and if something feels off or your friend or date seems overly enthusiastic, leave.
10. The ATM Helper
You’re at an ATM, struggling with a transaction, when some local offers to help. Next thing you know, your card is cloned, or they’ve seen your PIN.
How to avoid it: Never accept help from strangers at ATMs. If you need help, contact the bank directly.
Beware: it might get worse
Now, there might be a ton more scams out there that I haven’t listed. Different countries and attractions may also have new, unique ways of scamming people.
In fact, travel agencies even report a 900% increase in travel scams due to AI! So be on the lookout and watch your every step when you’re in a foreign country.
All right, that’s it. Good luck and safe travels!
