Travel Scams: Stay Safe & Savvy on Your Journey

Traveling is a magical experience where you wake up in one country and fall asleep in another. Where your suitcase is your best friend, and Google Maps is your compass. But as enchanting as hopping on a plane and discovering new places may be, there’s always that little voice reminding you, “Don’t fall for a scam.” Well, fellow explorers, I’m here to help you quiet that voice with some hilarious yet helpful advice on how to avoid common travel scams while staying safe and savvy on your adventures.

Plus, I’m going to throw in some tips on how to travel sustainably because, you know, we want to protect our planet while avoiding the less-friendly humans on it.

Picture this: You’ve just touched down in a new city, eager to explore, when suddenly a “helpful” local approaches you offering the “best deal ever” on a guided tour. Five minutes later, your wallet’s lighter, and you’re the proud owner of a tour that leads you straight to a gift shop…where they get a commission. Sounds familiar? Yep, you just got scammed!

But don’t fret—you’re not alone. Even the most seasoned travelers have fallen prey to a scam or two. The key is to recognize them before they happen. Let’s dive into the most common travel scams and how you can stay one step ahead.

1. The “Broken Taxi Meter” Trick

Ever landed in a foreign country, hopped in a cab, and suddenly the meter “doesn’t work”? Yeah, this scam is as common as airport layovers. Here’s how it works: You get into the taxi, and the driver informs you that the meter is conveniently broken. Then they charge you a fixed fare—usually double or triple what you should actually pay.

How to Avoid It:

• Research average fare prices before you arrive.
• Ask if the meter works before hopping in, or better yet, use a rideshare app like Uber or Grab.
• Negotiate the fare beforehand if no meter is available.

Tip: When the meter is “broken,” feel free to tell the driver your wallet’s also “broken” and you’ll pay them later. See how that goes!

2. The “Overly Friendly” Locals

You meet a local who seems to love your foreign accent and just happens to know the best restaurant/bar/market in town. Before you know it, you’re buying them drinks, paying for a “VIP tour,” or being dragged into a shop where you’re pressured to buy something.

How to Avoid It:

• Be cautious of overly friendly strangers who want to guide you somewhere for “free.”
• Stick to the public, well-reviewed places you’ve researched beforehand.
• If a local really insists on helping, politely decline or offer to meet them at the destination instead of following them blindly.

Tip: If you feel like you’re in a tourist trap situation, say you’re waiting for friends who are locals—true or not, it gives the impression you’re not an easy target.

Book your reliable tours with locals here!

3. Fake “Police Officers”

Ah, the ol’ fake cop routine. A uniformed person approaches you, demanding to see your passport or claiming you’re breaking some local law. Before you know it, you’re handing over your ID—and sometimes your money—for “fines.”

How to Avoid It:

• Always ask for ID or verification before complying with any requests.
• Never hand over your passport to anyone who approaches you on the street. Offer a copy instead or ask to visit the police station if needed.
• Real police officers will not demand cash on the spot for any reason.

4. The “Free Bracelet/Flower” Scam

This is a classic on the streets of Europe, especially around tourist landmarks. A seemingly sweet person approaches you, tying a bracelet around your wrist or handing you a flower. You smile, only to realize that nothing is truly free. They’ll soon demand money and get aggressive if you refuse.

How to Avoid It:

• Don’t accept unsolicited gifts from strangers.
• Walk away before they can tie anything on you or hand you anything.
• If you’ve already received something, firmly hand it back and continue walking.

Tip: If someone tries to tie a bracelet around your wrist, just start applauding and tell them you’re allergic to jewelry.

5. “The Bump and Grab” Pickpocket Routine

You’re enjoying a stroll through a crowded market when—oops!—someone bumps into you. It seems innocent until you realize your wallet’s gone.

How to Avoid It:

• Keep valuables in a secure, hidden place, like a money belt or an inner jacket pocket.
• Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas like markets or public transport.
• If someone bumps into you, check your belongings immediately.

Tip: Pretend to sneeze dramatically every time someone comes close—it’ll keep people at arm’s length and your wallet safe!

6. The ATM Skimmer Scam

ATMs can be lifesavers when you’re traveling. But what happens when they’re rigged to steal your card info? ATM skimmers can be installed on machines to collect your card data and PIN.

How to Avoid It:

• Use ATMs inside reputable banks or well-lit areas.
• Check the machine for loose parts before inserting your card.
• Cover the keypad when entering your PIN.

Fun Fact: If an ATM machine looks like it’s been attacked by a raccoon on Red Bull, find another one.

7. The “Closed Attraction” Scam

You’re outside a famous temple, museum, or tourist spot, and someone approaches you saying, “It’s closed for a private event, but I can take you to a better place!” Spoiler alert: It’s not closed, and the “better place” is probably a tourist trap where your new friend earns a commission.

How to Avoid It:

• Always double-check the opening times of attractions online.
• Politely decline offers to guide you elsewhere. Just smile, say, “Thanks, I’ll wait for it to open,” and watch their expression change.

8. “The Wrong Change” Trick

You hand over money, but oops! The vendor gives you back the wrong change, and not in your favor. This scam is particularly common in areas where tourists aren’t familiar with the local currency.

How to Avoid It:

• Know the currency and approximate conversion rates before making purchases.
• Count your change in front of the vendor before walking away.
• Use contactless payment options whenever possible to avoid cash altogether.

Tip: Hold up your hand and declare, “I majored in math” (whether true or not)—they’ll usually back off.

9. The “Wi-Fi Scam”

You’re dying to check your emails or post that perfect Instagram shot, and you find free public Wi-Fi. What could go wrong? Well, cyber thieves could be lurking to steal your personal info via unsecured networks.

How to Avoid It:

• Avoid using public Wi-Fi for sensitive activities like online banking.
• Use a VPN to protect your data when connected to public networks.
• When in doubt, invest in a mobile hotspot or purchase an international eSIM like Yesim for safer connections.

10. Sustainable Travel Scams

In our quest to travel more sustainably, we can sometimes fall for “eco-friendly” tours, hotels, or products that aren’t really as green as they claim. Some companies use greenwashing tactics to charge you more while barely making a dent in their environmental impact.

How to Avoid It:

• Research the companies you book with to ensure they follow legitimate sustainable practices.
• Look for certifications from reputable organizations like EarthCheck, Green Key, or Rainforest Alliance.
• Support local businesses that engage in genuine sustainability efforts.

Sustainable Tourism: Scamming the Scammers

You’ve dodged the scammers and avoided their tricks—well done! But there’s one more thing to keep in mind: how to be a responsible traveler. Scammers aside, let’s not forget the real heroes of travel—our planet. Here are a few ways you can travel sustainably:

• Pack a reusable water bottle to cut down on single-use plastics.
• Choose public transportation (hey, no need for that taxi scam!) or rent eco-friendly cars if you need to.
• Respect local customs and ecosystems to preserve the beauty of the places you visit for future travelers.

Secure Your Travels!

Ready to embark on a scam-free, sustainable adventure? Whether you’re planning your next trip or simply dreaming about one, make sure to book your flights and accommodations with reliable platforms that have your back. Check out the best deals on flights and hotels here, and gear up with Amazon’s travel essentials to stay one step ahead of the scammers!

Happy (and safe) travels!