Common Travel Scams and How to Avoid Them

Travel scams abound all throughout the world, from getting excessively overcharged on taxi trips to unknowingly disclosing credit card details. It’s critical to understand what types of travel scams exist and what to do in the event of an incident. So, here are some of the most typical travel scams you’ll likely come across while on the trip.

Common Travel Scams and How to Avoid Them

1.“Closed” destination spot:

Some kind locals may approach you and notify you that the tourist attraction you really want to visit is inaccessible due to a variety of factors. Then they can direct you to a different location where you will be charged a high entry fee. If you ask them for recommendations for convenient stores, they may suggest markets with high commodity prices. To prevent becoming a victim of this fraud, instead of seeking assistance from locals, go to the ticket counter with any questions. This is one of the travel hacks that will save you money.

2. Petition scams:

A petition scam occurs when someone approaches you at a tourist attraction or on the street and asks you to sign a petition. They will then ask for monetary help from you. One should not sign a petition while traveling, especially if you have limited knowledge about the topic or the petition. 

3. Defective taxi meter:

This scam is commonly perpetrated by taxi drivers. Once you’re in a taxi and begin the ride, then it is seen that, meter reading is not from the beginning and then he will charge from you an outrageous rate. To avoid being a victim of this fraud, ensure to negotiate pricing ahead of time or double-check that the meter is operating correctly.

4. Helpful ATM operator:

Somebody confronts you at an ATM card machine with the offer of assisting you in avoiding local bank fees. They genuinely want to use the card skimmer to scan the ATM card. Allow no one to approach you when performing an ATM transaction, and always conceal your number pad when inputting the pin number.

5. Scam photographers:

Individuals approaching you and offering to take your picture, then demanding money or snatching away your camera, is the false photographer trick. Hold your phone or camera yourself  and avoid the persons who want to help to take your picture.        

6. Avoid talking to unknown people:

Typically, a stranger may approach a foreigner and offer them illegal goods, such as narcotics. They may be cheater and may have a plan for pickpocketing. If they are suspicious, then you can call the police to have them arrested.

7. Fake transport tickets:

Someone offers to sell discounted train, bus, or plane tickets, or charges a slightly higher price to skip the wait. However, the tickets they sell are fake, and by the time you know it, the con artists have already taken your money. Purchasing transportation tickets from the official ticket agency or website is recommended.

8. Spills on dress:

A common occurrence in Europe is, a traveler may experience something falling on his dress while walking along the street. Then a sympathetic stranger comes up behind him and wills to help in wiping away the muck while picking his wallet. The simplest way to avoid this fraud is to refuse to allow anyone to assist you. Instead, one should go to the bathroom and clean up the mess by themselves.

It’s easy to believe that you’re wise enough to travel around the world without being taken advantage of. However, no matter how well prepared you believe you are, as a foreigner, you are almost certain to fall victim to a travel scam. Knowing about the different types of scams out there will help you make wiser and better decisions when the circumstance occurs.