Did you know about these major travel scams?
Traveling is both exciting and risky. When you’re going to new places, there are lots of opportunities to discover and explore new things. It’s like a whole new world is awaiting you. But there’s also some risk lurking around that you may not be aware of.
Since you’ve never been in a place before, most of the things are new to you, so you may not be able to determine what’s normal and what’s not. Unfortunately, there are people who take advantage of that. These scammers prey on unaware tourists, hoping to make a quick buck by deceiving someone willing to trust them.
We’ve rounded up some of the major travel scams around the world, so make sure you read this, especially if you travel often. Some of these scams are universal, while others are almost unique and occur in certain places.
Let’s get started!
1. People will invite you to a tea ceremony in Beijing and Shanghai
No. 1 on our list of major travel scams is one where someone invites you to have tea. This scam is popular all over Asia, but you can become a victim of it in other parts of the world as well.
The kind that takes place in shopping districts in major cities like Beijing and Shanghai goes a little like this. One or two young women approach a tourist, usually a man. They ask for help in English, then ask you to accompany them to a tea ceremony they are on their way to.
Once you’re there, consider yourself already tricked. The woman you’ve come with will make a hasty exit, leaving you to pick up the tab. The price will be pretty high, and if you try to leave without paying, you will find yourself in trouble with the doormen.
2. Low-priced Great Wall tours
The next entry on our list of major travel scams is one you should be wary of when visiting the Great Wall of China. There’s no denying that this place is one of the world’s biggest tourist attractions. Did you know that it’s visible from space?
Anyway, the Great Wall draws in millions of visitors every year, but it also has its fair share of scammers. If you go there to visit it, you’ll likely run into these swindlers. In fact, they may approach before you set foot on the Wall, if you even make it there.
If you’re coming from Beijing, chances are some people will come to you offering what seems to be a good deal on tours. The trick is that you’ll go anywhere and everywhere except for the main attraction—the Wall.
You’ll stop at thinly disguised tourist spots that include performances, shops, and “traditional” medicine. It’s all meant to make you spend your money at the scammers’ businesses, making it one of the major travel scams around the world.
3. Bracelets at Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps
No. 3 on our list of major travel scams around the world is something you can find in different destinations across the globe, but it’s particularly popular at tourist hot spots in Rome. According to travel experts, you’re likely to encounter this scam at the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain. Moreover, it seems that it particularly preys on young women tourists.
The trick goes like this: someone will approach you and place a “free” bracelet on your wrist. Other versions of the scam include receiving a sprig of rosemary “for good luck”. This may seem like a nice gesture at first, except it’s not. Once you’ve accepted the so-called gift, they will demand payment, even though they claimed at first it was free!
Similar to other major travel scams, the best advice is not to let them give or place anything on you in the first place.
4. The lost ring scam
Next on our list of major travel scams is one that involves a ring and can happen almost anywhere, but it’s especially popular in Paris. In fact, there’s almost no better place for swindlers to set up shop than in front of the most famous travel attraction in this city, the Eiffel Tower. Here’s how it works.
A stranger will approach you with a ring or another valuable item, saying they saw you drop it. You’ll obviously say that it doesn’t belong to you, but the scammer will suggest that you keep it anyway. And here’s the trick: They will ask for money for the item.
In this situation, it’s best to just walk away. If the stranger insists, keep refusing the item and leave the area.
Keep reading to discover other major travel scams around the world!
5. Fake Buddhist monks in New York and Boston
This is one of those major travel scams that you can find all over the world, from Asia to America. However, Boston and New York City seem to be among the favorite places to strike for scammers who turn to this trick.
They dress as Buddhist monks and stand outside major attractions. Similar to scams at the Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps, the monks will give you a “free” gift. These may be bracelets, medallions, or beads.
Then, they will ask for a donation in exchange for the gift, which obviously leaves most people in an awkward position. You probably wouldn’t want to be the person who refused to donate to the monks. So most tourists will pony up, even if they have a feeling that these monks aren’t so holy.
Similar to other major travel scams, it’s best to refuse any “gift” right from the start.
6. Unofficial tour guides
Major travel scams also occur when you’re trying to book a tour guide at the destination. That’s why, when you’re planning to visit a popular tourist attraction, it’s recommended to always book in advance. If you’re already there, book through the hotel concierge or look at review websites to find highly-rated tour companies.
If you don’t book in advance and do it at the site, chances are you’ll get scammed, as there are unofficial tour guides all over the place. Similar to other major travel scams, this one is particularly popular in Asia, but you can fall prey to it almost anywhere else in the world.
In some versions of the scam, you’ll be required to pay up front and then pay the rest later. Another version is that you’ll spend your money on a very low-quality tour.
7. The “warning” scam
There are many popular attractions around the world where you’ll find pickpockets. When it comes to famous cities, you should also be wary whenever you’re out in highly trafficked areas like public plazas, bus stops, and subway stations.
The pickpocket scam is evolving, however, as swindlers will now actually “warn” you about purse-snitchers! As you walk away, you’ll likely check for your money, phone, or other valuables. By doing that, you’ll only signal to the so-called helpful stranger’s complications which pockets they need to target.
You may think that stranger was nice for putting you on guard, but don’t fall for their apparent kindness. Make sure you carry limited amounts of cash and keep your purse secure. Even better, you can buy an anti-theft bag to really lower your chances of getting pickpocked. Here are some great options!
If you liked our article on major travel scams around the world, you may also want to read 7 Travel Destinations You’re Most Likely to Be Pickpocketed.
