We get it. It’s the holidays, the wind is blowing through your hair, the sun is shining above. You’re having the best time of your life with your spouse and kids.
The last thing you want to worry about is some scheming con artist out to steal your money.
When it comes to travelling out or even in the country, preparing for travel scams is the least of our concerns.
After all, what are the chances that you of all people could fall victim to such obvious frauds?
Well, that’s what a lot of scam victims likely thought as well—before they were cheated, swindled or bamboozled for all their worth.
Whether you’re travelling domestically or overseas, here are some things you need to know about travel scams and how to avoid being a victim.
Why Tourists May Fall for Travel Scams
Tourists may often be one of the easiest pickings because they are in unfamiliar territory. This is especially true even when you’re travelling local.
A trip to a neighbouring Malaysian state can be equally fraught with scams because you haven’t heard all the stories.
Tourists also suffer from a deluded sense of optimism.
You’re travelling and having a good time; the locals are being so nice.
You have your guard down. After all, what’s the worst that can happen?
As a tourist, you’re also easily distracted.
There are so many new and interesting sights and scenes to absorb and experience. Who has time to watch out for their valuables?
This is why it’s so important to be wary of common travel frauds and scams.
Being a tourist puts you at such a vulnerable position.
All the more so if you’re in strangers’ land. You don’t know anyone and there is no one to help you if something goes wrong.
If you have kids along, it’s also your responsibility to keep them safe, especially if they’re still babies.
Here are some of the most common travel scams you should watch out for.
Most Common Travel Frauds and Scams
The Innocent Passer-by
One popular scam that’s not necessarily exclusive to tourism is the ‘bump and grab’ method.
Scammers or rather pickpockets, will innocently bump into you, apologise and then walk away.
The next thing you know, your wallet is gone, your phone’s disappeared and your jewellery is missing.
To avoid, make sure you pay attention to passers-by.
Avoid walking in crowded areas if you don’t have to. And invest in some theft-proof gear.
The Good Samaritan
Opportunistic scammers will take advantage of your gullibility by playing the nice guy.
They’ll offer to take your luggage, or look after it while you go to the bathroom, for instance.
We are often trusting of kind people, which is what makes this scam so prevalent.
As if being an adult isn’t cynical enough, you need to be a lot more suspicious of people.
Simply offer a smile and say ‘no, thank you’.
Just know that even if they were being genuine, its better to be safe than sorry.
The Road Victim
A popular local travel scam that often befalls road-trippers.
Scammers will pose as hit and run victims in the middle of a secluded road. Any decent person would get out of their car to help.
Big mistake.
Just like the previous cam, your kindness is your weakness. Call the police and report the incident instead.
If they are truly hit and run victims, there’s nothing you can do anyway until help arrives.
Otherwise, the moment you leave your car, you’ll be ambushed.
They will either steal your possessions or kidnap you, or both.
A spin-off of this is putting obstacles like tree branches or roadblocks in the middle of the road.
By all means, stay in your car and keep the doors locked. Immediately phone the authorities.
The Photographer
We all can’t resist a good photo-op while we’re travelling. But be careful who you give your phone too.
The next thing you know, they’ll make off with your only means of communication and you’ll end up having to waste money on a new one.
The Street Peddler
A popular tourist scam in Middle Eastern countries like Egypt, the street peddler scam takes advantage of gullible tourists by offering them ‘free items’ which they then have to pay for afterwards.
These are more common in marketplaces, bazaars, or street vendors where you will bombarded with so many shopkeepers waving merchandise and knickknacks in your face.
Don’t be fooled by their enthusiasm and charity. You will literally pay for it later.
The Chauffeur
A potentially dangerous scam that can quite literally cost you your life are taxi scams.
Best case scenario, the taxi driver overcharges you, or takes the long route just so they can charge you more for the distance. What they call ‘tourist price’.
Worst case scenario, they’re fake taxis who will take you somewhere else to be held for ransom, sold or some other gruesome fate.
If any e-hailing service is available where you’re going, use them.
It’s traceable, so you’ll likely be much safer compared to hopping into a local taxi.
The Authority Figure
What’s your first reaction when you see a police officer?
Fear, perhaps? Intimidation? Terror even?
Well, that’s what these types of scammers are counting on. Our fear of law enforcement.
Some even go so far as to dress up as policemen just to scam tourists.
This would either come in the form of fines, extortion or even kidnapping.
One good way to avoid this scam is to visit a police station as soon as you touch down.
Get to know their local hotlines, their identification cards.
While you’re at it, ask them about any popular tourist scams in the area that you may not know about that we haven’t listed in this article.
Don’t Be A Victim of Travel Scams
Travel scams are unavoidable, you’re either lucky enough to avoid them or you’re not.
In which case, it’s better to do as much research as you can.
Read articles about travel scams that may be going on in your travel destination.
Don’t let one scam ruin your entire vacation; be smart, be prepared.
As an alternative, consider travelling under a travel agency where you have a designated guide who knows the area well. And are thus familiar with all the frauds and scams the locals use to swindle unsuspecting tourists.
This takes away all of your worries, ensuring you have a happy, safe and carefree vacation.
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