32 Common Travel Scams and How to Avoid Them Like a Pro

32. The Fake Ride Share Scam

In major cities, scammers hang near rideshare pickup zones pretending to be your driver. They might call your name or show a fake app screen. Once you’re inside, they drive off and demand cash or take a longer route. How to Avoid It: Always verify your driver’s name, photo, car model and more with the app you are using.

Travel is meant to broaden your mind, not empty your wallet. But in today’s hyperconnected world, scams are evolving as fast as our bucket lists. From sleek cons in major cities to subtle traps in sleepy towns, even the savviest traveler can get blindsided. That’s why awareness—not just caution—is your strongest currency. You don’t have to walk around suspicious of every stranger, but you do need to recognize when something feels off. With the right mix of curiosity and caution, you can immerse yourself in new cultures without falling for their cons. Think of this list not as a warning, but as a toolkit—arming you with the kind of street smarts that preserve the magic of the journey. Because the best stories come from adventure, not aftermath. So go ahead—wander wide, wonder deeply, and remember: when you travel informed, you don’t just see the world. You see through it.