Even the most experienced globetrotters get caught off guard. Travel scams aren’t just shady alley hustles anymore—they’re often sophisticated, subtle, and perfectly tailored to fool tourists. Whether you’re backpacking through Southeast Asia or strolling the streets of Paris, here’s a brutally honest look at five of the most common scams (including a few you might not have heard of) and the exact steps to avoid them.
1. Fake Taxi Drivers & Rigged Meters
What happens: You land exhausted, grab a cab, and suddenly you’re on the most “scenic” route in town or the meter is mysteriously racing. In some cities, fake taxis look almost identical to licensed ones.
What even seasoned travelers miss:
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Some drivers deliberately take you to the wrong hotel (“Sorry, yours is closed”) to funnel you into a friend’s overpriced guesthouse.
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Others use “switcheroo scams” — you hand over a large bill, and they swap it for a smaller one and claim you underpaid.
How to avoid it:
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Before you go: Check what licensed taxis look like (official color, plate pattern) and the usual fare from the airport.
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On the ground: Use a ride-hailing app where possible. If you must use a taxi, take a picture of the car’s license plate before you get in. Have small change ready to avoid bill-swapping scams.
2. “Free” Bracelets, Flowers, or Photos
What happens: Someone hands you a “free” flower, ties a bracelet on your wrist, or offers to take your photo—then aggressively demands payment.
What even seasoned travelers miss:
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Sometimes these scammers work in teams—while you argue with one, another may pickpocket you.
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In some tourist-heavy cities, these people look official (matching T-shirts, badges) to appear legit.
How to avoid it:
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Walk confidently and keep moving. Avoid making eye contact if someone approaches with something in their hands.
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If something ends up on you (bracelet, flower, etc.), calmly remove it and drop it at their feet while walking away.
3. ATM & Card Skimming
What happens: You withdraw cash and later find hundreds drained from your account. Skimmers can copy your card data, or thieves install tiny cameras to capture your PIN.
What even seasoned travelers miss:
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Card “shimming” devices can sit inside the card slot—impossible to see from the outside.
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Some scammers hover nearby, ready to “help” if your card jams (they’re the ones who jammed it in the first place).
How to avoid it:
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Always use ATMs inside a bank or airport, never free-standing ones on the street.
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Wiggle the card slot before inserting your card—if it feels loose, skip that ATM.
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Shield the keypad with your whole hand, not just your fingers.
4. Overpriced Tours, Tickets, & “Exclusive” Access
What happens: Street sellers offer “VIP” access or last-minute tour deals that turn out to be triple the price—or outright fake.
What even seasoned travelers miss:
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Some websites are designed to look like official ticket sites but are resellers with huge markups.
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“Free walking tours” aren’t always free—guides can pressure you into paying high “tips” or taking you to partner shops where you’re pushed to buy.
How to avoid it:
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Check official websites for ticket prices before you travel.
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Book through your travel advisor (hi, that’s me!) or platforms like GetYourGuide/Viator that vet vendors.
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If doing a free tour, clarify tipping expectations upfront.
5. Fake Police or Officials
What happens: Someone dressed as an officer claims you broke a law (jaywalking, taking photos, carrying contraband) and demands an immediate cash fine.
What even seasoned travelers miss:
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In some cities, the “fine” collectors carry fake badges and official-looking paperwork.
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Some scammers flash a real badge but are off-duty officers running an illegal side hustle.
How to avoid it:
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Calmly ask for their badge number and say you’d prefer to settle the issue at the nearest police station. A real officer will agree.
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Never hand over your passport—show a photocopy or digital version instead.
Bonus Scam to Watch For: Fake Wi-Fi Networks
Free airport or café Wi-Fi is convenient, but some networks are traps that steal your passwords.Solution: Use your phone’s hotspot or a trusted VPN when entering sensitive info (bank logins, bookings).
Want a trip where you never have to second-guess who’s legit? That’s literally my job—creating scam-proof, stress-free itineraries.
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