Scammers’ favorite targets are travelers because they know for a fact that they are unfamiliar with the area, the language, and the local costumes. Plus, they are totally aware that travelers hold a lot of cash and valuable items.
Even the savviest travelers may fall into their trap because they are ignorant of the different “creative” scams that exist all around the world. It is devastating but the truth is: scammers can be anyone you interact with during your trip!
While you pack your clothes and items, make sure to pack more knowledge about the different types of scams to avoid being a victim.
Currency-exchange
When you come across some currency-exchange deals that look very attractive, you will think that this is too good to be true, and that’s because it probably is.
In many countries, the currency-change business takes advantage of tourists who are not aware of the local exchange rate, they may advertise that they don’t take a commission on exchanges, which could be true. But, even if their exchange rates are several times higher than the norm, they would still hide it from tourists.
Watch your Money after the exchange
One of the most common scams out there is when you slide your money under the window at the currency-exchange kiosk, and the worker will hand you back counterfeit currency. In other words, they may shortchange you!
To avoid falling into this trap, count your bills before and after exchanging the money. Or, you could generally exchange your money at the ATMs or banks because they offer better exchange rates anyway!
Be Aware when you use a Taxi
Taxi drivers love finding tourists because they know they’ll be able to take extra cash from them easily, especially if the tourist was clearly confused about his/her destination.
There are two ways to avoid this scam:
– Negotiate a price before starting the journey; the price may still be higher than how much it would normally cost.
– Insist on using the meter before the taxi takes off.
If he refuses to do both of these things, then he is a scammer and you need to find a different taxi.
Don’t let the Taxi Drivers take you somewhere else
This scam occurs often in India and Thailand. Taxi drivers try to take you somewhere different and then make an unexpected stop to a tailor, jewelry store, or another business the driver is in partnership with.
Of course, you are not interested to buy anything, especially when it is forced. However, they will still try to convince you, creating a very uncomfortable experience for everyone involved. So from the beginning, insist on taking you directly to your destination.
Gifts are not always a good gesture
Another scam that happens very often all around the world is when fake Buddhist monks walk up to random tourists and “gift” them bracelets and medallions. Once they accept it, they start aggressively demanding for money, which puts the tourists in a very awkward situation.
According to The New York Times, tourists can find this scam anywhere, literally. From New York to Nepal, because it is easy to make money out of people’s desire to respect other religions.
Deaf Scammers
This scam, in particular, is very popular in Europe. People, mostly children, approach tourists pretending to be deaf, they would give them a petition requesting donations for some charity. Then they start aggressively ask for money that leads tourists, sometimes, to run away.
Moreover, if you stayed in that location for way too long, the rest of the group may take advantage of that uncomfortable situation with the “deaf” kid and pickpocket you. And for what it’s worth, most of these scammers are not deaf, according to the YouTube Channel Honest Guide.
The French Lost Ring
If you are willing to travel to the land of Romance; Paris, then you should be aware of this scam that became very popular recently. A person would approach you holding an expensive-looking ring or a valuable item claiming that you dropped it. When you say it’s not yours, they’ll offer you to keep it anyway.
When you agree to that since it is a sweet gesture, they will start manipulating you into giving them some money because he/she is “poor”, while reminding you that they are the person who just “gave” you a valuable item.
If it happened to you, don’t accept the ring and walk away. Don’t let scammers ruin your Romantic vacation.
Pickpockets!
Tourists in unfamiliar locations are way more exposed to pickpockets, and scammers are aware of that. So, they tend to hang out in tourists’ destinations or subways warning foreigners of pickpockets in the area.
As the victim walk away, they will check their wallets by giving them a quick pat, and that is how the scammer easily knows which pocket he will target! Make sure to hide your cash and valuable items somewhere scammers can’t reach.
The accidental ketchup on your shirt
Scammers have developed their ways and techniques and now they are using the distraction game in order to scam you easily. They walk next to you and “accidentally” squirt ketchup or mustard on your shirt, and then they will awkwardly try to clean it up.
As you are distracted by this whole ketchup thing, their partner will sneak by and steal your bags or pickpockets you. They may also try to bump into you or ask you to hold their baby as a different way of distraction.
In any case, be aware of all scammers’ techniques before you travel abroad, and make sure to stay away from anyone who is trying to force you into talking to them, they are mostly just scammers in disguise.