Traveling Scams and Prevention

Common Scams While Traveling

Below are some common scams that happen in almost every world region. Travelers, especially university students, should be mindful of these scams when outside the country.

Dating/Romance Scams

A romance scam occurs when an individual, especially one you have not met in person, quickly offers friendship, romance, and/or marriage. This individual will claim they have problems and ask for money. The scammers might ask for help paying hospital bills, visa fees, or legal expenses.

How to avoid it:

When using dating apps, try to verify the person you are connecting with is legitimate. You can try checking social media or other sites to cross-reference the information or ask them for verifying details.
If meeting up with someone for the first time, meet up in a public setting.
Do not provide any personal information unless you are sure they are a real person (if online), and do not offer financial information or agree to pay hospital bills, etc. for a person you have just met.

Pickpocketing Scams

Pickpocketing is prevalent in crowded tourist areas. Scammers use distractions like spilling something on you or causing a commotion to divert your attention. Skilled scammers often work in teams in places such as public transportation, popular landmarks, and busy markets.

How to avoid it:

Be aware of your surroundings and mindful of where your bags/purses are. Keep zippers or ties closed and hold your bag or purse in front of you, if possible, to make it more difficult for someone to snatch something from it without you noticing.
Do not travel with valuable personal items or large quantities of cash. If you must, leave them in a secure location (such as a hotel safe) instead of carrying them around with you in your bag.

ATM/Transactions

ATM skimming is a common form of card fraud. Scammers input a small device in ATM machines which “skim” information from the inserted card. Although they are often hidden, there are ways to spot a skimming machine.

How to avoid it:

One should always inspect the ATM’s payment terminal before inserting a card. Signs of tampering to look out for are a loose or damaged card reader, tape or glue on the machine, or an unusually thick PIN pad. If you spot any of these signs, avoid the machine and find a safer option. ATMs within bank branches tend to be more closely monitored and protected.
If anyone offers to help you at an ATM machine, always politely excuse yourself and avoid the machine. Scammers often try to steal your PIN number and/or skim the information off your card.

Taxi/Driver Scams

Sometimes taxis or app-service drivers will try to take advantage of tourists or foreign visitors. There are several different variations of these types of scams. Below we list a few of the more common ones and tips on how to avoid them.

How it works:

If taking a taxi, make sure you use a reputable and legitimate taxis service or company. When in the taxi, make sure the meter is running and the rate is posted. If there is no meter/rate visible, they may try to charge you much higher rates at the end of the trip.
Another scam is when the driver tells you the main tourist attraction you requested to be driven to is “closed” or there is some “holiday” in that country and that they can instead take you to another location. To be safe, you can still have them drive you to where you originally wanted to go so you can see for yourself. Or you can check the attraction’s official website for details about closures and holidays. Before going to a different recommended site, make sure to check the location and open/closed status of that recommended site.
Drivers might also recommend you make a stop along the way to your final destination. This stop will often be to the driver’s friend or relative’s store where you might be pressured into making a purchase. Don’t agree to stop at any unplanned stops.
As an additional safety measure, do not get into a taxi or car that already has a fare or stop to pick up another unknown fare.

Region Specific Scams and Prevention Resources

Below are examples of common scams targeting tourists in specific regions. While certain scams are more common in specific countries, these scams could occur elsewhere.

Common Scams in Europe

False Petitions:

Common in France, Italy, Germany
Young children will approach with a petition, claiming to be deaf and/or intellectually disabled from a recognized charity. They ask for a signature and money

How to avoid it:

Ignore them and walk away while securing your valuables
Report the scammer to the police – impersonating a charity is punishable by 10 years imprisonment and a €1 million fine for the organized scammers.

Impersonating Police Officers

Common in the Czech Republic, Germany, France, and Italy, and Spain
Initially, someone will approach you and offer you a vague illicit substance. Next, a poorly dressed man posing as a police officer will appear and demand to see your passport and wallet while accusing you of a crime.

How to avoid it:

Offer to accompany them to the nearest police station
Recognize that police officers in the Czech Republic do not have the right to check your money
Continue walking and report the incident to the nearest police officer

The Flower-Giving Scam

Common in the UK, Italy, Hungary, Greece, and France
A woman will walk up to you holding a bunch of roses. She will offer the rose like it is a gift, but when you take it, she will demand you give her money.
Scammers might do the same tactic but with bracelets or henna tattoos

How to avoid it:

Ignore any woman offering to give you a flower or other souvenir and keep walking.

Newspaper/Map Scam

Common in the UK, France, Italy
These types of scams usually occur with tourists dining outside at cafes. Placing their phones and wallets on the table, scammers will come up pretending to be tourists with a map or locals selling newspapers. The scammers will use either the map or newspaper to block your view and slyly steal your belongings.

How to avoid it:

Make sure all valuables are hidden when dining outside, either in a protected bag or pocket. If you are approached by an apparent scammer, remain vigilant and protect your belongings.

Counterfeit Money

Common in Hungary, Spain
Unofficial money changers and taxi drivers are infamous for giving fake bills to tourists in exchange. These notes are either invalid or from neighboring countries.

How to avoid it:

Examine any large bills received abroad. Check for a shiny foil hologram on any Euros as well as the bill’s fine print.
Don’t use street money changers, only reputable establishments such as banks. Hungarian bank notes have 7 security features to prove authenticity, information on this can be found at Main page (mnb.hu)

Common Scams in Asia/Oceania

The Practice English Scam

Common in China
A stranger invites you to dinner so they can “practice their English.” What happens is the dinner is very expensive and you are left to pay the bill when the scammer leaves you with the receipt. This also occurs with invites to tea tasting ceremonies.

How to avoid it:

Be wary of who you eat or drink with, politely decline if you sense a scam

Photography Scam

Common in Australia, Taiwan
A local will ask you to take their picture and hand you, their camera. Upon returning the camera, they purposely drop it and blame you for breaking their camera, demanding you pay them.

How to avoid it:

Kindly refuse to take anyone’s picture unless you are 100% sure they are not locals.

Fake Monk Scam

Common in Hong Kong, Japan (Tokyo), and South Korea
A person dressed like a monk might come over to you and ask for money. They will request you donate for some religious purposes. They will show you a book with a list of names and donation amounts of other people to look credible. The people listed and or donation amounts are most likely fake

How to avoid it:

Recognize that monks everywhere DO NOT solicit money on the street, thus immediately avoid any who come up to you asking for donations.

Gem Scam

Common in Thailand
A local will approach you, usually at a tourist site, about a “gem sale.” They will mention it is an exclusive sale where you can buy gems at a large discount. Multiple scammers will advertise this “sale” at different locations, increasing its believability. A tuk-tuk will take you to the “participating jeweler” who requests you pay in gold. They will not give you the gem there but send them by mail. Either your package will never come, or you will receive a few pieces of glass in the mail. These scams can be financially draining and cost more than $1000.

How to avoid it:

As soon as anyone mentions a “gem sale,” politely decline their offer.

Common Scams in Africa/Middle East

“Human Google Maps”

Common in Morocco, and South Africa
In big cities, you may encounter natives who insist on giving you instructions. Once they’ve directed you to your destination, whether you asked them or not, they will demand up to 50MAD. Even if the tourist does not request guidance, the scammer might follow you and then claim they assisted in guiding you there.

How to Avoid it:

Avoid this one by not going with someone who voluntarily asks whether they can point you in the right direction as they are more likely to scam you. Also, always discuss the rate of remuneration before strolling with someone who resides in the region to show you around.

“Free/Cheap” Animal Rides

Common in Jordan, Morocco, and Egypt
At major tourist sites, such as the Petra archaeological sites and Pyramids of Giza, local guides will offer tourists cheap or free horse and camel rides through the attractions. At the end of the ride, the guide will demand either an exorbitant tip or a higher price than initially settled on.

How to Avoid it:

In Egypt, if you are comfortable, demand the price of 350 pounds. This price is set by the government. Only ride a horse or camel from a reputable organization, book ahead of time.

Photography Scam

Common in Ghana
See above for “Photography Scam” under the section “Common Scams in Asia/Oceania”

Storytelling Scams

Common in South Africa
In some cases, con artists approach tourists looking distressed and make up a story about how they need money for some necessities. You might also find some locals being overtly friendly and make attempts to carry a conversation with you. Most of the time, these locals will try to rip a couple notes from you or try to pickpocket you during conversation.

How to Avoid it:

Move towards a crowded area and politely refuse any offer.

Common Scams in South America / Latin America

The Mustard Scam

Common in Argentina and Chile
A stranger might tap you on the shoulder saying that you have mustard on your shirt. While you are distracted, a thief will try to sneakily pickpocket you. This tactic is common with scammers using other stains, not just mustard.

How to avoid it:

Be vigilant when strangers approach you and politely excuse yourself if someone tells you about a stain on your clothing.

Motochorros (Motorcycle thieves)

Common in Argentina, Brazil, and Chile
Motochorros are criminals who work in pairs, with one on a motorcycle and the other on the street snatching valuables. Tourists in busy areas, sidewalk cafes, or affluent neighborhoods are most vulnerable.

How to avoid it:

Keep a close eye on your belongings, making sure they’re especially protected when near the street.

Impersonating Police Officers

Common in Costa Rica
See above for “Impersonating Police Officers” under the section in Common Scams in Europe