It’s always exciting to plan a vacation, but when preparing, you need to be aware of hidden scams that can disrupt or even ruin your trip. For guidance on your next vacation, we’ve compiled some of the most common travel scams to watch out for.
Currency Exchange Tricks
Travelers should be cautious of currency exchange scams, which can happen at street kiosks and legitimate-looking offices. These scams often charge hidden fees or incorrect exchange rates, so using official banks or ATMs for currency exchange is best. Don’t forget to always count your money before leaving the counter.
Pickpocket Distractions
In crowded places, pickpockets often work in teams, using distractions to steal your belongings. One person might bump into you while another takes your wallet or phone, so stay vigilant, keep your valuables secure, and be cautious in crowded areas.
The Free Bracelet or Rose
A friendly local might offer you a “free” bracelet or rose when visiting tourist areas. They’ll aggressively demand payment upon accepting, so you should politely decline such gifts. This scam preys on politeness and can quickly become uncomfortable if you refuse to pay, so don’t be afraid to walk away.
Fake Police Officers
Tourist scammers sometimes pose as police officers, asking to see your passport or wallet and claiming to be checking your documents. Sadly, they may use this as an opportunity to steal your belongings, and according to MyLondonNews, they may even use fake identification to gain your trust.
The Taxi Overcharge
A common scam to be careful of when vacationing involves taxi drivers overcharging tourists. Some of them intentionally use a longer route or a rigged meter, so you should always agree on a fare before starting the journey. Familiarize yourself with the usual rates, and you’ll avoid being overcharged.
Fake Wi-Fi Networks
Criminals will often set up fake Wi-Fi networks in tourist areas to steal personal or financial information. Therefore, you should only connect to trusted networks, preferably those provided by your hotel or reputable businesses. Using a VPN is also wise, as it adds an extra layer of security to your online activities.
The Closed Hotel
On vacation, scammers might tell you that your hotel is closed and offer to take you to an alternative. You shouldn’t accept such offers; their suggestions will usually be more expensive and lower quality. Always contact your hotel directly if someone tells you it’s closed, confirming before making any changes.
The Helpful Local
A seemingly helpful local might offer unsolicited assistance when they notice you seem lost, only to demand a hefty tip afterward. Be cautious of strangers offering help without you asking; it’s generally smarter to politely refuse and seek assistance from official sources.
Closed Attractions
Much like with hotels, scammers might approach you near popular tourist attractions, claiming it is closed and offering to take you to a different attraction. These alternatives will be overpriced and not worth your time, so just walk away. If the attraction is closed, official workers will make this clear.
Overpriced Souvenirs
Tourist shops near popular attractions are often in the market to rip you off, selling tacky souvenirs at outrageous prices. Instead, you should shop around and compare prices before making purchases. Local, non-touristy markets will offer far better deals and more authentic souvenirs.
Fake Tickets
It may seem cheaper to buy tickets from unofficial sellers, but doing so can result in fake or overpriced tickets. Always purchase tickets from official websites, ticket counters, or authorized agents to avoid this. Remember: if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Fake Charity Collections
Tourist scammers may pose in busy streets as charity workers collecting donations, and they can be very convincing, showing fake IDs or documents. However, they’re usually fake, so if you wish to help, it’s far safer to donate through well-known and reputable organizations, which will typically operate online.
Street Games
There are countless examples of street games in popular tourist vacation destinations, and they’re almost always rigged. Tourists like you are lured into playing and will always lose money, so don’t play them; they’re just scams designed to take you from your cash quickly.
Rental Vehicle Damage Scam
After renting a vehicle abroad, some companies will falsely claim you damaged your rental vehicle, billing you with excessive repair fees despite you doing nothing wrong. Protect yourself from this by inspecting the vehicle thoroughly before renting, documenting any existing damage, and, most importantly, purchasing insurance.
Fake Monks
When you travel, people dressed as monks or religious figures may approach you, offering trinkets or blessings in exchange for donations. Genuine monks do not solicit money in this manner, so you should politely decline and move on before you’re pressured into giving money.
Time-Share Presentations
Another common scam known to ruin vacations is time-share presentations, which often use high-pressure sales tactics, luring you with promises of free gifts or stays. These presentations can be long and manipulative, and time-shares can be scams in themselves, so it’s best to avoid them altogether.
Unofficial Tour Guides
At popular tourism sites, unlicensed tour guides will try to offer you their services, only to provide subpar or inaccurate information. You should always book tours through reputable agencies or your hotel, which will help you find licensed guides that have expertise in the sites they are showing.
ATM Skimming
You will inevitably need to access cash during your vacation, but skimming devices are often attached to ATMs, especially in busy tourist spots. These will steal your card information, so to avoid such a disaster, you should only use ATMs in well-lit, secure locations, preferably inside banks or well-known businesses.