Imagine ... you’ve just landed in the vibrant heart of Marrakech. The air is warm, spices hang heavy in the breeze, and the sounds of street performers echo down the maze-like alleys. You’re taking it all in - until someone kindly offers to show you to the main square. “No charge, I’m just helping,” they say with a grin. Minutes later, you’re asked for money. A lot of it. Welcome to one of the world’s most common tourist scams.
Holidaying abroad is meant to be joyful, eye-opening, and full of adventure. But when you're in unfamiliar territory, it’s easy to fall into traps set specifically for tourists. Scammers often count on your excitement, jet lag, or simple unfamiliarity with the local culture. Whether it’s a “free” gift, a “friendly” local, or an “official” taxi, scams come in all shapes and sizes.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through 15 common tourist scams from around the world - how they work, where they’re common, and what you can do to avoid them. Consider it your scam survival kit.
1. The "Helpful" Local
You’re wandering a bit lost when someone appears out of nowhere offering to guide you. They're friendly, chatty, and seem like they're just doing a good deed. But once you get where you're going, out comes the demand for a tip - or worse, they’ve led you to a shop owned by their cousin who now pressures you into buying something.
Avoid it: Trust your maps (offline ones like Maps.me are brilliant), or ask shopkeepers or police for directions. If someone insists they’re helping for free, that’s your cue to decline.
2. The Bracelet Scam
You’re admiring a view when someone wraps a bracelet around your wrist, so fast you don’t have time to react. “A gift,” they say. But as you walk away, they demand payment - and suddenly a group surrounds you.
Avoid it: Keep your hands to yourself, avoid engaging with street vendors too closely, and firmly say no if anyone tries to physically interact with you.
3. The Broken Taxi Metre
You jump into a taxi, only to be told the metre is “broken.” The driver then quotes a price that seems reasonable - until you realise it’s five times the standard fare.
Avoid it: Always insist on the metre. Use ride-hailing apps like Grab, Uber, or Bolt in countries where they’re legal. If a driver refuses, just walk away.
4. Currency Confusion – Argentina, Vietnam
You hand over a high-denomination note. The vendor swaps it for a counterfeit or claims you gave them a smaller note. With unfamiliar currency, it’s easy to be tricked.
Avoid it: Familiarise yourself with the local currency, count out change carefully, and try to use smaller notes for purchases.
5. “Closed” Attractions – Thailand, Sri Lanka
A friendly tuk-tuk driver tells you the palace or museum is closed for a religious ceremony - but he knows another “authentic” place. This turns into a tour of overpriced shops where you’re pressured to buy.
Avoid it: Check opening hours online. If a site looks open but someone says it isn’t, go verify yourself.
6. The Fake Police – Mexico City, Manila
Someone approaches you claiming to be a police officer. They ask to see your passport and wallet for a “routine check,” then make some cash disappear.
Avoid it: Real police rarely ask for your wallet. Always ask for ID, and suggest going to the nearest police station if you’re unsure.
7. The "Spilled Drink" Diversion – Barcelona, Buenos Aires
You feel a splash. A helpful stranger offers to clean your jacket. While distracted, their mate picks your pocket.
Avoid it: If someone spills something on you, back away. Check your valuables immediately and avoid crowded areas with your wallet in your back pocket.
8. Photo Opportunity Scams – New York, Beijing
You take a photo with a costumed character or street performer, and suddenly they (or their crew) are aggressively demanding money.
Avoid it: Always ask first. If they say it’s free, expect a hustle. Carry only small change in an easy-to-access pocket.
9. Overpriced Menus or “Tourist Menus”
You’re lured into a charming restaurant with a nice menu out front. After the meal, the bill arrives - it’s triple the price you expected. The menu was only “for show,” apparently.
Avoid it: Read Google or TripAdvisor reviews beforehand. Take a photo of the menu before ordering. Avoid places where staff push you aggressively to come in.
10. Free Wi-Fi with a Price – Public areas worldwide
You connect to an open Wi-Fi in a café or airport. It looks harmless, but hackers use it to steal your data - emails, passwords, even bank logins.
Avoid it: Use a VPN when browsing on public Wi-Fi. Avoid entering sensitive info when not on a secured network.
11. Fake Souvenirs
That “ancient coin” or “handmade” item you bought? It was churned out of a factory last week and cost a fraction of what you paid.
Avoid it: Be wary of high-pressure sales. Do your research on what genuine items should look like, and try to buy from reputable shops or government-approved artisans.
12. Credit Card Skimming
You use your card at a restaurant or ATM, and days later, dodgy charges start piling up.
Avoid it: Use ATMs in bank branches. Cover your PIN and check machines for tampering. Carry some cash to avoid card overuse.
13. “Accidental” Damages – Florence, Delhi
A vendor or passerby accuses you of breaking something a statue, sunglasses, or trinket - and demands compensation. You’re shocked, unsure, and intimidated.
Avoid it: Stay calm and don’t pay immediately. Often, it’s staged. Threaten to call the police or involve your hotel staff.
14. The Tinder Swindle
You match with someone local, go on a date, and they suggest a bar or club. After a few drinks, the bill is astronomical - and your date is nowhere to be seen.
Avoid it: Be cautious about meeting strangers abroad. Always choose the venue yourself and watch your drinks. If something feels off, trust your gut.
15. Bogus Charity Collectors
Someone with a clipboard stops you to sign a petition - often claiming it’s for the deaf or disabled. Once signed, you’re asked for a “donation.” Refuse and things may get aggressive.
Avoid it: Ignore clipboard-wielders. Walk on confidently and don’t make eye contact if you sense a setup.
How to Outsmart a Scammer
Scammers rely on three main tactics: distraction, pressure, and guilt. Here's how to disarm each one:
💡 Be Alert, Not Paranoid
Stay aware of your surroundings, but don’t let fear stop you from enjoying your trip. Scams are rare if you’re paying attention and avoiding risky situations.
💬 Learn a Few Local Phrases
A simple “No thank you” or “I don’t understand” in the local language can help. It signals you’ve done your homework.
🚷 Don’t Be Too Polite
You’re not being rude by saying no, walking away, or ignoring a suspicious person. Politeness is often what scammers exploit.
📲 Use Tech to Your Advantage
Apps like Google Translate, currency converters, and offline maps are lifesavers. Review platforms like Google, Yelp, and Booking.com can expose scams before you fall for them.
📞 Know Emergency Contacts
Have your embassy’s number saved. Know how to call local police. If you’re ever unsure, hotel staff or tour guides can be good allies.
What If You Do Get Scammed?
Let’s be real - it happens to even the most seasoned travellers. If you do fall for a scam:
Don’t beat yourself up. It’s part of the learning curve.
Report it. To local authorities, your embassy, or even your credit card provider.
Warn others. Leave a review or comment online to help fellow travellers avoid the same fate.
Learn from it. You’re now better equipped for next time.
Final Thoughts
Travel is one of the best things you can do in life, it broadens the mind, feeds the soul, and leaves you with stories for a lifetime. But just as you’d lock your door at home or cross the road carefully, travelling smart means being just a little streetwise.
Most locals you meet will be warm, genuine people. But when someone’s being too helpful, too friendly, or too quick to offer a deal, take a step back. Scammers rely on impulse and confusion, so your best defence is a bit of patience, a dash of knowledge, and trust in your gut.
So pack your bags, grab your passport, and go explore this incredible world. Just keep one hand on your wallet - and both eyes wide open.
YouTube has plenty of videos about common travel scams - many focused on specific cities or countries. They're worth checking out before your trip.
Have you ever fallen for a tourist scam? Share your story in the comments below and let’s help each other travel smarter.
If you know someone who might find this helpful, don’t keep it to yourself—please share it.
You never know how much of a difference it could make in someone’s life.
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