Common Travel Scams And Tips To Avoid Them

When in a new country, we often find ourselves confused and vulnerable which involves a massive element of risk of getting scammed or in trouble. We are always very keen to encourage our guests to engage with local people in a positive way. But travelers also need to be aware that they are likely to be the target of any number scams. Every country has its fair share of con artists and scammers. The best way to find out about them is to talk to other travelers who have been inthat country for a while. Ask around when you get there, also to be aware of your belongings and your surroundings at all times.

THE AIRPORT PICK-UP
The first of the scams to look out for is being picked up by the wrong person when you first arrive at the airport. Please make sure that your driver knows your name, who you have booked with and where you are headed. Ask these questions before letting them get sight of your paperwork or baggage tags and be aware that they might easily be able to guess where you are headed.

TAXI METER

When you get into a taxi and start to drive, the driver will inform you that the meter is broken and charge you a ridiculous price. Negotiate rates ahead of time, or ensure the meter is in fact working before you get in the car.

FRAUD ON EXCHANGE

Street moneychangers will lure you by an attractive rate, and after they cheat or simply give you fake notes. Never change money on the street, because for this purpose there are banks and exchangers with a fixed and understandable rate. Another option is to get the currency right from the ATM. When withdrawing cash, you will automatically be given the equivalent in local currency.

LODGE STAFF
it is rare, but on occasion you can even get scammed by lodge staff. The most common manifestation of this is when you leave something behind at a lodge. Rather than call you or send the items on after you, they are often placed quietly away in a cupboard for a quarantine period, to see whether or not you return. It is always worth to keep a close eye on your belongings, cash and credit cards change and check no amounts that have been added to your bill, of course without getting too paranoid.

BAR SCAM

You arrive in a new country, decide to head out and experience the nightlife by grabbing a drink at the local bar. A friendly local comes up to you and strikes up a conversation and eventually asks if you want to get a beer at a great local place he knows. You both get into a taxi and soon you’re at a place with lots of “character. As the night wears on and the drinks flow, finally the local disappears, leaving you with a surprise – a huge, overpriced bar bill or your wallet has been pickpocketed. Always keep an eye on your valuables and drinks. Keep a track of how much you are drinking.

INJURED OR CHILD BEGGARS

Usually deaf, blind, or pregnant, sometimes accompanied by a “helper”, beggars will ask you for money. Women with babies are common (they might not even be theirs). Children are also frequently used by begging gangs to collect money. Sometimes an accomplice nearby is just watching to see where you keep your wallet so they can pickpocket you later. If you want to help, it’s usually better to donate to a local charity that can make sure your money goes to those that really need it.

ATTRACTION IS CLOSED

A common travel scam in major tourist areas, some friendly local will approach and inform you that the attraction you want to visit is closed for any number of reasons (religious ceremony, holiday, etc.). Then they’ll guide you to a different attraction or shop where you’re pressured to purchase something or pay a lot for entry.

CAR/MOTORBIKE RENTAL DAMAGE

After you rent a car or motorbike, it gets damaged overnight. The owner will demand additional payment or expensive repairs as compensation. What you don’t know is that it was the owner or his friends who caused the damage or stole the bike from you. To avoid this, Rent through a reputable company. Take photos of the vehicle before you leave the premises and keep an eye on your rental at all times. If the disagreement escalates, contact the police or embassy.

FAKE BUS//PLANE TICKETS

Someone offers to sell you train tickets at a discount, or avoid the line and pay a slightly higher price. Maybe a taxi driver offers to bring you to his friend who’s a local travel agent. However the tickets they are selling aren’t real, and by the time you figure it out, the scammers are gone with your money.

FLIRTATIOUS LOCAL WOMEN

You arrive to a new country only to discover that beautiful local women seem to pay much more attention to you than back home. One of them invites you out to a nightclub or bar. However after a wild night, the woman disappears and you’re forced to pay an overpriced bill. Or worse, drugged and robbed. Be wary of attractive women who are unusually forward or hitting on you aggressively.

Staying Safe:

Wear a flat money belt that fits underneath your clothes. Use this to keep the majority of your cash, your credit cards, passport, and other identity or travel documents safe.

Use a fanny pack or your pockets for your day-to-day cash as a decoy. If you get robbed, then all you lose is a day’s worth of spending money.

Make a copy of your passport, visa, and credit card numbers. Put these in your main luggage, so that if the originals are stolen, you still have all the information for insurance and replacement purposes.

Don’t wear jewelry, flashy watches, or cameras around your neck. Instead, keep your camera hidden discreetly under your clothes or in a backpack.

Watch your belongings and pockets very carefully at busy bus stations, markets, and bazaars.

Don’t look too obviously lost even if you are. You can always walk purposefully into a shop, bank, or hotel to ask for directions or consult a map.

Avoid the poorer areas of big cities and towns, including informal settlements and townships, unless you’re traveling with a licensed local guide.

Don’t walk alone at night, especially in major towns and cities, and stick to well-lit areas, even if you are walking with a group.

Similarly, don’t walk alone in remote areas including beaches. Ask your hotel concierge or tour guide for advice if you’re not sure whether an area is safe or not.