How to Recognize and Avoid Travel Scams

Travel scams are more common than you think.

A tourist is an easy target: he is distracted, he doesn't know the city, he has cash and valuables with him. According to a report by Booking.com25% of travelers have experienced at least one scam attempt while traveling. Recognizing the most common scams is the first step to avoiding them. Here's a complete guide to safe travel.

Street scams: the most common ones

The lucky bracelet

A classic in many tourist cities (Paris, Rome, Barcelona, ​​Prague, Istanbul). A street vendor approaches you, takes your wrist, and puts on a braided bracelet. Then, often insistently, he demands payment. If you refuse, he becomes aggressive. The solution: don't stop, don't shake hands, keep your hands in your pockets or crossed. If they put it on you anyway, calmly cut it off and give it back. Never pay.

The fake signature (scam petition)

Someone stops you and asks you to sign a petition (for sick children, animals, human rights). While you're signing, an accomplice snatches your wallet or purse. Variation: they ask for a donation and, as you open your wallet, they hold out their hands. Rule: never sign anything on the street, never open your wallet in public, and keep your backpack in front of you.

The fake accident

Someone bumps into you and knocks over something apparently fragile (a phone, a bottle, a ceramic object). They then demand compensation. The same scenario may involve an accomplice who restrains or distracts you. Don't touch anything, don't apologize, and walk away. If they persist, threaten to call the police.

The stain or dirt

Someone accidentally "dirties" you (coffee, ketchup, egg) and apologizes, offering to clean you up. While cleaning you up, the accomplice lightens your pockets or backpack. In some variations, they direct you to a fountain or public restroom to clean yourself, where the accomplices are waiting. Solution: Refuse help, walk away, and don't stop in isolated places to clean yourself up.

The wrong race

Someone asks you for information or offers you tourist advice. While you're talking, an accomplice robs you. Pickpockets work in pairs or groups. Variation: they offer you a "free" rose or flower, then ask for money. Don't accept anything from strangers on the street.

Taxi and transportation scams

Taximeter off or non-existent

The taxi driver doesn't turn on the meter and gives you a fixed price, which is almost always inflated. The solution: ask to turn on the meter before leaving. If he says it's broken, get out and take another taxi. In many countries (Thailand, India, Morocco), this is commonplace. Use the Uber/Bolt/FreeNow app to get a fixed price before getting in.

Increased tourist rate

The taxi driver charges a higher fare because you're a foreigner. Check the official fares before getting in: many cities publish fares on official websites or on signs at the airport. Many airports have fixed fares to the city center (e.g., Rome Fiumicino €50, Milan Malpensa €95, Paris CDG €50-60).

The false exchange

Pay with a large bill; the taxi driver will give you change in counterfeit or incorrectly-denominated bills. Always check your change before getting out. It's best to pay by card or have the correct amount of cash. In some countries (Morocco, Egypt, India), check the bills individually.

The long tour

The taxi driver intentionally takes the longest route to increase the fare. Use Google Maps to monitor the route from your phone. If you see him wandering off, tell him to follow the route you indicate. In cities you know, give the directions yourself.

Accommodation and booking scams

Fake ads

Beautiful photos of a house that doesn't exist. The scammer asks for an upfront payment and then disappears. This happens mostly on unverified platforms or through word of mouth. Book only on platforms with verified reviews and payment protection (Booking.com, Airbnb, Vrbo). Read the reviews carefully: if they're all 5-star and written in strange language, it could be fake. Check that the listing exists on Google Maps with recent photos.

Fake check-in

The owner asks you to pay in cash upon arrival, then disappears with the money. Never pay outside of the booking platform. If a host asks you to pay by bank transfer or Western Union, it's a scam. On Airbnb, all payments must be made through the platform.

Security deposit not returned

Upon arrival, the host asks for a cash security deposit (€100-€500). Upon departure, they withhold the deposit with various excuses (lack of cleanliness, broken items you didn't touch). Always document the condition of the property with photos and videos upon arrival and departure. Ask for a receipt for the deposit. On platforms like Airbnb, the deposit must be handled through the platform, not in cash.

Phantom booking

You book on a clone website that looks like Booking.com or Expedia. The fake site has a similar URL (e.g., booking-reservation.com instead of booking.com). Always check the URL in the address bar. Use only official apps. If the price is too low, it's probably a scam.

ATM and card scams

ATM skimmer

A device attached to the ATM slot reads your card information. Often, there's a hidden micro-camera that records your PIN. Use ATMs inside banks or supermarkets (those outside, isolated, are more at risk). Cover the keypad with your other hand when entering your PIN. Check the card slot: if it appears to be attached or detached, don't use it.

Currency exchange on the street

Unauthorized money changers offer fantastic rates, but the currency they give you is counterfeit or the bill is incorrect. Always use official ATMs or authorized exchange offices with posted fees. Never change money on the street. In countries with high counterfeiting rates (Morocco, India, Egypt), use bank ATMs, not stand-alone ATMs.

The inflated restaurant bill

At restaurants, the bill includes dishes you didn't order, or the waiter adds an undeclared "mandatory tip." Always check the bill before paying. In some countries (Thailand, Indonesia), they check to make sure the waiter hasn't added extras. If you pay by card, check the amount on the POS receipt before entering your PIN.

Technology and Wi-Fi scams

Fake Wi-Fi

At the airport, hotel, or café, a Wi-Fi network with a name similar to the official one (e.g., "Hotel_Free_WiFi" instead of "Hotel_Guest_WiFi") will intercept your data. Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to encrypt your traffic. NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and ProtonVPN have apps for both phone and computer. Don't do banking on unsecured public Wi-Fi.

SIM card scam

At the airport, local SIM card vendors activate cards with inflated rates or hidden contracts. Buy SIM cards only from official resellers (telephone company stores) or use eSIMs from apps like Airalo and Holafly.

Frequently Asked Questions About Travel Scams