Getting scammed can ruin a vacation and leave you with a negative impression of a place. Unfortunately, travel scams are common across the globe. Tourists are targeted due to their vulnerability in an unfamiliar environment and the fact that they often carry large amounts of cash.
On top of this, online scams now target travelers before they even leave their homes. Booking.com warned in 2024 that AI was driving an explosion in travel scams, noting a 500 to 900% increase in 18 months.
To keep yourself safe online and while traveling, it is essential to recognize and steer clear of these scams. From fake taxis to phishing and bogus tickets, here are five of the most common travel scams to watch out for.
1. The Bracelet Scam
This scam is so common that it has become synonymous with many of Europe’s top sites, as ubiquitous as plastic fridge magnets and light-up balloons. While you are distracted, close to the Eiffel Tower or the Coliseum, someone will come up and tie a bracelet around your wrist.
They will then demand money for it, often quite forcefully. Have your wits about you, and know that these bracelets are never a friendly gift.
2. The Extortionate Taxi
Another classic tourist scam comes from taxi drivers trying to overcharge you. They might pretend that their meter is broken and demand a considerable rate. Or you might get in the taxi and see the number on the meter skyrocket. It is worth asking your hotel which taxi companies are reliable.
If you have a bad experience, take note of their license plate number and report them to their company or the local tourist police.
Since the appearance of ridesharing apps, these scams have become easier to avoid. You can either book through the app or use it to check how much a fare should be. However, in some places, even these apps aren’t safe from scammers.
3. The Non-Existent Vacation
The very definition of a holiday from hell is arriving at your airport, accommodation, or tour only to find out your booking doesn’t exist. Your ticket is fake. This can happen when you accidentally use a clone website that looks like a trusted booking site but is actually a copy.
Some scammers even send fake confirmation emails and booking references. Customers have reported a fake Airbnb site, a carbon copy of the original, where visitors are urged to send a wire transfer to make a booking.
To avoid this, check that the URL is correct, and keep an eye out for formatting or spelling mistakes that would be out of character on a legitimate site. Even better, use cybersecurity tools while booking your holidays. Many premium VPNs include anti-phishing features and will warn you about sites that are known as malicious.
You might wonder: are VPNs legal? In most countries, the answer is yes, although it’s always a good idea to ensure it’s legal where you live.
4. The Fake Wi-Fi Hub
Tourists are often on the lookout for Wi-Fi, but be careful not to connect to every hotspot you find. Scammers can set up fake networks, often named to mimic legitimate networks in popular tourist areas, cafés, or hotels.
Once connected, they can intercept sensitive information like passwords, credit card details, or personal messages without you even realizing it.
To avoid falling victim to these scams, always check with the establishment to confirm the official Wi-Fi network name before connecting. If possible, use a VPN to encrypt your data. For a more secure browsing experience, consider using the best VPN available on the market.
Avoid accessing sensitive accounts, such as banking or email, while using public Wi-Fi, and disable auto-connect settings on your devices to prevent accidental connections.
5. A Night To Remember
Another common scam targets men in particular. A young, attractive woman will join him at a bar and start chatting and ordering drinks. Pleased with the interaction, he will be lulled into a false sense of security until he sees the bill at the end of the night. These beautiful women are usually in cahoots with the bar to drive up immense bills.
It is important to remember that most people you meet when traveling are perfectly decent and honest. While it’s important not to be naive, you shouldn’t let suspicions ruin your trip either. By knowing the most common scams and taking simple precautions, you can relax and enjoy your trip!
