In an era of increasing global tourism, travellers need to stay vigilant against common scams that can turn a dream vacation into a nightmare. While most people you’ll meet abroad are honest and helpful, certain tourist hotspots attract professional scammers who have perfected their techniques over years of practice. Understanding these common schemes can help you avoid becoming a target and ensure your travels remain memorable for all the right reasons. Here’s what to watch for and how to protect yourself from some of the most prevalent travel scams worldwide.

The spilled drink or sauce leads to an expensive dry-cleaning suggestion

This elaborate scheme begins when someone “accidentally” spills a drink or condiment on your clothing while apologizing profusely. Their accomplice quickly appears, claiming to know a nearby dry cleaner who can fix it immediately. This fake cleaner then demands excessive payment or uses the distraction to pickpocket victims. The best defence is to politely decline assistance, clean the stain yourself later and maintain awareness of your surroundings and belongings. Remember that legitimate help rarely involves pressure or rushing to an unknown location.

Fake police officers demand to check tourist documents and wallets

In this unsettling scam, individuals posing as plainclothes police officers approach tourists claiming to investigate counterfeit currency or drug trafficking. They insist on checking wallets and travel documents, using sleight of hand to steal cash or replace real bills with fakes. Some even issue fake fines. Remember that legitimate police rarely conduct random searches of tourists. Ask for official identification, insist on going to the nearest police station and keep your documents secure. When in doubt, call the real police or your embassy.

A friendly local invites tourists to an overpriced traditional tea ceremony

Popular in Asian countries, this scam begins with a seemingly genuine cultural exchange when friendly locals invite tourists to experience a traditional tea ceremony. The victims later receive an astronomically inflated bill, often accompanied by intimidation tactics. Similar versions exist in art galleries, bars or cafes. While cultural exchanges can be wonderful, legitimate experiences are typically well-documented online and rarely begin with random street invitations. Research authentic experiences through reputable tour operators like Viator or GetYourGuide and be wary of overly friendly strangers with specific destination suggestions.

Taxi drivers often take tourists on expensive “scenic routes” to inflate fares

The taxi scam remains one of travel’s most persistent problems, especially when arriving tired after a long flight. Unscrupulous drivers may claim their meter is broken, take unnecessarily long routes or insist on exorbitant flat rates to popular tourist destinations. Some even switch legitimate bills for counterfeits when making change. Protect yourself by researching typical rates beforehand, using licensed taxi stands at airports, insisting on metered fares and keeping small bills handy. Consider using a service like GetTransfer.com or reliable ride-sharing apps where available, as they typically provide upfront pricing and driver accountability.

Broken bracelet scheme creates a forced purchase situation

In this common European scam, someone approaches to tie a friendship bracelet or string around your wrist. Once attached, they demand payment, claiming you’ve broken or must purchase it. Sometimes, the distraction allows accomplices to pickpocket victims. Similar schemes involve forcing roses, photos with costumed characters or other trinkets into tourists’ hands and then demanding payment. Remember that you’re never obligated to purchase anything. Keep your hands to yourself, firmly say no and walk away from aggressive vendors.

The rental car company claims you caused pre-existing damage

This increasingly common scam involves unscrupulous rental car agents charging tourists for damage they didn’t cause. Agents may quickly gloss over existing damage during pickup or claim tiny scratches are new during return inspection. Protect yourself by thoroughly photographing and videoing the entire vehicle before driving away, including close-ups of any existing damage. Always pay with a credit card that offers rental insurance, read contracts carefully and insist that all damage, no matter how small, is documented before accepting the vehicle. Consider using RentalCar.com to rent a car with a reputable agency.

Currency exchange workers use sleight of hand to short-change tourists

Money changers, particularly at unofficial exchange points, often use distraction and quick hand movements to short-change tourists or pass counterfeit bills. Some count money quickly, drop bills or create confusion about rates to manipulate the transaction. Protect yourself by using only official exchange offices or bank ATMs, counting money carefully before accepting it and understanding approximate exchange rates. Never exchange money with street vendors or individuals offering “special” rates, no matter how convincing their pitch.

Free bird seed attracts pigeons for costly tourist photos

Common in European city squares, scammers offer “free” birdseed to attract pigeons for photos. Once birds swarm and photos are taken, accomplices demand payment for the seed and photos, sometimes aggressively. Similar schemes involve animals for tourist photos or performances. While these photos might seem tempting, they often support animal exploitation and create uncomfortable confrontations. Avoid accepting anything “free” from strangers and photograph cities’ natural beauty instead.

The helpful local pipes your hotel credit card details

This sophisticated scam begins at your hotel’s front desk when a “helpful” staff member or accomplice offers to assist with your check-in. While processing your payment, they use a card skimmer to steal your credit card details. Similar schemes occur at restaurants and shops. Protect yourself by never letting your card out of sight, using contactless payment when possible and checking statements regularly. Consider using a separate credit card for travel with a modest limit to minimize potential fraud damage.

Fake vacation rental listings steal deposits and leave tourists stranded

With the rise of vacation rental platforms, scammers create fake listings using stolen photos and suspiciously low prices to lure budget-conscious travellers. After collecting deposits through unofficial payment methods, they disappear, leaving tourists without accommodation. Avoid this scam by booking only through verified platforms with secure payment systems, researching property reviews thoroughly and being wary of deals that seem too good to be true. Never wire money or pay via unsecured methods for vacation rentals.