21 Common Travel Scams Making a Comeback and How to Spot Them
Today’s traveler may be armed with GPS, translation apps, and online reviews—but some scams are older (and slicker) than your Wi-Fi connection. As tourism booms post-pandemic, a wave of classic cons is making an uninvited comeback—slick card games, fake officials, too-good-to-be-true taxi fares, and more—all cleverly repackaged for the digital age. What’s worse? These scams prey on the very things that make travel magical: trust, spontaneity, and curiosity. That’s why we’ve expanded our list to 21 Common Travel Scams Making a Comeback and How to Spot Them—a must-read field guide for anyone with a passport and a sense of adventure. Whether you’re sipping chai in a bustling bazaar or navigating a “free” walking tour in Europe, knowing what to watch for can be the difference between a smooth journey and a costly misstep. Because being street-smart is just as essential as being wanderlust-fueled. Here's how to outsmart the con before it ruins the view.
1. The Fake Taxi Fare Frenzy
One of the most common scams to resurface in bustling cities around the world is the fake taxi fare scam. Tourists, often exhausted from long flights and unfamiliar with local currency and customs, become easy targets for unscrupulous taxi drivers who manipulate fare meters or take unnecessarily long routes to inflate the fare. In some cases, drivers may even quote a flat rate that is exorbitantly higher than the standard fare, banking on the traveler's ignorance. To avoid falling victim to this scam, travelers should always research the average taxi fare from the airport to their destination beforehand. Utilizing ride-sharing apps can also provide a more transparent and often more affordable alternative. Additionally, confirming the fare with the driver before starting the journey and insisting on using the meter can help protect against inflated charges. By staying informed and assertive, travelers can ensure that their first impression of a new city isn't marred by a bad experience.
