By Ah, travel. The open road, the exotic foods, the inevitable realization that you’ve just been scammed. Nothing screams “authentic cultural experience” like handing over way too much money to a con artist in a suit shop who just swore his cousin lives in your hometown.
If you’re a new traveler, let me save you some time (and dignity). Here are 18 of the most common scams you’re going to encounter—and, more importantly, how to avoid getting played like a tourist-shaped violin.
1. The Taxi Scam (A.K.A. “The Meter is Broken”)
Oh, you thought taxis were a safe bet? Adorable. Either the driver claims the meter is “broken,” or it’s running faster than your panic when you realize you’re being ripped off.
How to avoid it: Ask your hotel/hostel what a normal fare should be. Insist on the meter or threaten to get out. Better yet, use Uber or a local ride-sharing app so you can get scammed digitally instead.
2. “Your Hotel is Closed”
According to your taxi driver, your hostel tragically burned down just this morning! But don’t worry, his cousin runs a much better place!
How to avoid it: Have the actual address pulled up on Google Maps and insist on going there. Don’t let them take you anywhere else unless you enjoy the thrill of getting conned.
3. The Rigged Shell Game
Ah, the old “where’s the ball under the cup” trick. What a mystery! Except the only mystery is why you thought you had a chance of winning.
How to avoid it: Walk away. Seriously. The only people “winning” are the ones in on the scam.
4. “Come in for Tea and Help Me Write a Letter”
Oh wow, a stranger needs your help with an English letter? What an honor! Just follow them inside their shop, where you’ll be aggressively pressured into buying a $500 carpet.
How to avoid it: Politely decline and keep walking. If you must help, hand them a fake email address and flee.
5. The “Free” Bracelet
A friendly local places a bracelet on your wrist, then suddenly demands money. When you refuse, they cause a scene, because obviously public embarrassment is worth at least 10 bucks.
How to avoid it: Keep your hands in your pockets and say “no” like you mean it. If they put something on you, take it off and walk away—quickly.
6. The “Accidental” Spill
Oops! A friendly stranger just happens to spill something on you and insists on cleaning it up while their partner picks your pocket.
How to avoid it: Step away, check your valuables, and clean yourself up alone.
7. Motorbike Rental Scam
You rent a motorbike. You return a motorbike. Suddenly, there’s “damage” you didn’t notice before. How convenient.
How to avoid it: Take detailed pictures of the bike before you leave. Lock it up yourself. And never, ever hand over your passport as collateral.
8. The “Too Good to Be True” Local Date
Wow! You’re suddenly 10 times more attractive in this new country! That stunning local at the bar definitely isn’t luring you into a place where you’ll be stuck with an insane bill.
How to avoid it: If someone is being suspiciously friendly, assume the worst. If they insist on a specific bar, run.
9. “The Temple is Closed for Lunch”
You arrive at a famous attraction, but a helpful local tells you it’s closed. How unfortunate! But don’t worry—they know some “better” places (read: scam shops).
How to avoid it: Walk to the main entrance and check for yourself. Shocking, I know.
10. The “Found” Gold Ring
A “random” person picks up a totally real gold ring near you. What luck! And guess what? They’re willing to sell it to you for cheap!
How to avoid it: Keep walking. If gold was really that easy to find, you wouldn’t be staying in a budget hostel.
11. The Fake Petition
A sweet-looking child or woman shoves a petition in your face. You sign it just to get them to go away—then they demand a donation.
How to avoid it: Don’t sign anything from a stranger. Unless it’s a restraining order against scammers, of course.
12. The Drug Bust Scam
A local offers you some totally legal substances, and wow, what a coincidence! A cop just happens to be nearby and wants a very expensive bribe to “let you go.”
How to avoid it: Don’t buy drugs in foreign countries. Not even once.
13. The ATM Skimmer Special
You swipe your card. Your bank account mysteriously empties. Welcome to the magic of card skimmers!
How to avoid it: Use ATMs inside banks. If something looks weird, walk away.
14. The Fake Monk Scam
A friendly “monk” gives you a bracelet and asks for a “donation.” Spoiler alert: real monks don’t shake you down for cash.
How to avoid it: If a monk actively approaches you, they’re a scammer. Keep your money.
15. The Broken Money Change
Oh, look! You got the wrong change! How weird that half the bills are fake!
How to avoid it: Always count your change before walking away. Yes, even if there’s a long line behind you.
16. The Switcheroo Trick
You buy a designer product for a shockingly good price. But when you open the bag later, it’s a cheap knockoff.
How to avoid it: Watch them pack the item. Or better yet, don’t buy “designer” goods at street markets.
17. The Fake Wi-Fi Hotspot
A “free” public Wi-Fi network? What a deal! Too bad it’s just a hacker collecting your data.
How to avoid it: Use a VPN and never log into banking or sensitive accounts on public Wi-Fi.
18. The “Exchange Money Here!” Trap
A friendly “money changer” offers a fantastic exchange rate. You take the cash and—whoops! Half of it is counterfeit.
How to avoid it: Only exchange money at official places. If someone is too eager to help, run.
Final Thought: Common Sense is Free
If you remember nothing else, remember this:
- If it seems too good to be true, it is.
- If someone is insisting you go somewhere with them, don’t.
- If a situation feels off, it is.
Getting scammed sucks, but it happens to the best of us. Just keep your wits about you, trust no one offering you “amazing deals,” and maybe—just maybe—you’ll make it through your trip with your dignity (and wallet) intact.
Or you’ll be telling your own “I got scammed” story soon. Your call. 🤷♂️