Beware of International Travel Scams with this Epic List
It’s pretty easy in the USA to tell who is a scammer and what is a scam no matter what city you go to. But when you travel outside the United States and into foreign lands, things get confusing and complicated as you’re usually jet-lagged, tired and have no clue where you are half the time. You can try to blend in with the local fashionistas however usually as an American, foreigners just know… and you’re a walking target. Read below to learn some of the most common scams from around the world and keep this list handy!
How Scammers Are Tricking US Travelers in Famous Destinations
Free walking tour platform GuruWalk has shared their top tips for recognizing and avoiding common travel scams when walking around popular tourist destinations from around the world.
Fake Booking Scams
Scammers often operate in busy squares or transport hubs, targeting tourists hunting for deals on local tours, attractions, or transportation. While these areas are home to many genuine tourist vendors, not everyone can be trusted. Scammers may approach you as “friendly” guides, offering exclusive deals or heavily discounted prices. However, the booking will either not exist or turn out to be vastly different from what was promised. For example, the tour will only last half the duration or be overcrowded. Prices that seem too good to be true or are inflated based on overpromised extras like private boats or VIP entry are both red flags. If you are concerned a vendor is a scam, check if they have a physical storefront or legitimate website, and always ask for official confirmation of your purchase. To be safe, it’s best to stick to known platforms where possible. Alternatively, ask your hotel or hostel for recommendations on who to book with. We at Explore recommend using trusted TripAdvisor to book your adventures.
The Spilled Drink Scam
Pickpockets use a distraction technique in crowded areas where they splash something on your clothes or belongings. Usually, this is water, but sometimes ketchup or mustard. The scammer or their accomplice will then make a fuss, offering to help clean it up. While you’re not paying attention, your valuables will be stolen from your pocket or bag. Be wary of strangers standing too close in a crowd or appearing overly eager to help. Always secure your valuables in hard-to-access pockets or under clothing. In high-risk destinations, it’s recommended to have a decoy wallet with a small amount of cash in it as well as fake wedding rings. Leave your most valuable jewelry at home! Scammers are skilled at subtly unzipping bags and grabbing whatever’s on top while you remain none the wiser.
Taxi Overcharging Scams
It can be tempting to hop in a taxi after a long day of walking or when you’re rushing to fit everything in on your itinerary, but it’s important to stay alert, as some drivers may try to scam you into overpaying. These scams target tourists who are unfamiliar with the local fares and directions. They typically involve drivers pretending the meter is broken, so they can offer an overpriced flat fare, or intentionally taking detours to extend the route. If possible, the best way to avoid falling victim to this type of scam is to simply walk from place to place. This way you also have the chance to soak up local sights that you might have missed otherwise. However, when the distance is too far, it’s safest to use official taxi ranks or book through a trusted app. In case you find yourself in a position where this isn’t possible, you should check with your hotel or accommodation provider what the expected fare should be for the area. Red flags to watch for are no printed fare charts or drivers taking lots of unnecessary turns, especially on the way to a popular destination. Keep maps open on your phone to track the route and confirm they are following a standard route.
Unlicensed taxi drivers will often target tourists with tactics that include refusing to use the meter, taking unnecessarily long routes, or charging inflated rates for short journeys. These drivers are usually found near airports, train stations, or popular tourist sites, offering cheaper or quicker rides. Once inside the taxi, the situation can escalate, with victims reporting threats and intimidation to hand over large sums of money or their valuable belongings. Always use official taxis and avoid drivers who solicit passengers. If possible, you can also ask people at public transport information desks, or hotel staff to call a taxi for you to ensure your safety, or hire an Uber or Lyft. Most places have licensed taxis marked with a light on the roof and a meter inside, and have the driver’s identification and license on display. Especially as a solo female traveler, make sure your driver is legit!
Free Gift Scams
Be cautious if you’re offered a “free” gift, such as a bracelet or rose, or asked to take photos with street performers if you aren’t willing to pay. We learned this in Rome, Italy at the Colosseum where the actors will pull you aside and pose with you – then demand money. These gestures may seem friendly or harmless, but the scammer will often expect money despite initially insisting the gift was free. You might be handed a flower or have a bracelet tied to your wrist before you say no. Once you’ve received the item, they will demand payment. The scam relies on tourists feeling pressured or flustered in crowded spots and giving in to handing over their money. You’re most likely to encounter this while walking around tourist hotspots or outside famous landmarks. To avoid being caught out, politely but firmly decline the offer and keep walking if someone approaches you.
Wrong Change Scams
Take time to familiarize yourself with the local currency once you arrive at your destination. Scammers take advantage of those who can’t quickly identify the value of coins and notes. You can also use your cell phone calculator to change the currency to the country you’re in to get most accurate results. These scams are particularly common in busy settings, such as market stalls, street food vendors, or souvenir stands, where crowds of people are constantly walking by, making it easier to distract you. Usually, you also tend to pay in cash and don’t ask for a receipt and therefore are less likely to notice. Scammers may count your change quickly to stop you from keeping track. If you do realize, they may claim you handed over a smaller bill if you question the amount. Whenever possible, use small bills to pay to limit the change being exchanged or pay by card.
Bracelet and Ring Scam
One of the most common scams in Paris, France involves people approaching tourists near landmarks such as the Sacré-Cœur and offering to make a bracelet on their wrist. They will be friendly and chatty at first, but the situation can quickly turn aggressive, with the scammer demanding an expensive payment for the bracelet. Because they usually work in groups (even if they appear to be alone), another danger in this situation is being pickpocketed while you are distracted by the original scammer. If you are approached, you should avoid making eye contact and just keep walking. If you feel threatened, drawing attention to the situation is the best way to get them to leave you alone. Being extra loud and calling people around you will do the trick, as scammers are less likely to persist when others take notice.
If a stranger “finds” a gold ring near you and insists it must be yours, only to ask for payment or reward. The ring is worthless, but the tactic is meant to guilt or intimidate you into paying. If someone approaches you using this or a similar tactic, keep walking and do not accept any items someone is trying to hand.
Charity Scam
Another common scam in Paris is the charity scam, in which individuals with clipboards claiming to represent charities or causes approach you and ask for signatures on a petition. Once you have signed, they aggressively demand a donation, sometimes suggesting a minimum contribution. They usually also work in groups, so while one of them distracts you asking for a donation, their accomplices may attempt to pickpocket you. This tactic is especially common in the gardens near the Eiffel Tower, a place tourists usually sit down to relax a bit and take in the sights, and other places people may slow down for a while to appreciate the view. Simply shake your head no and say, “No, Merci!” and watch your valuables closely.
ATM Scam
With most international credit cards offering no interest or fees for overseas purchases, it is best to just use your American Express or similar. But sometimes you need cash! Scammers near ATMs in Paris often use distraction tactics to gain access to your bank card and PIN. The trick involves pretending to assist tourists struggling with the machine by claiming the ATM isn’t working properly or that your card is “stuck”. Once you leave to seek help, they use tweezers to remove your card, then withdraw money using the PIN they saw you use. If you want to withdraw money, give preference to ATMs in secure locations, such as inside banks or hotels, and always shield the keypad when typing in your PIN.
Scammers often rely on distraction and intimidation to exploit travelers. To stay safe, avoid carrying large amounts of cash and use a money belt or hidden pouch for essentials. According to Paris Tours & Tickets, always double check credentials of anyone offering services, such as a taxi driver or guide, and learn a few basic local phrases to help navigate or deflect unwanted attention. And when in doubt, shout! There’s a whole channel of people shaming pickpockets on TikTok. Nothing brings people together like mutual hatred for scumbags!
