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

6. The “Your Hotel Is Closed” Scam

You’ve just arrived in a new city, and your taxi or tuk-tuk driver strikes up a conversation. A few minutes in, they suddenly "inform" you that your hotel is closed, fully booked, under renovation, or even unsafe. Conveniently, they know a "much better" place—one they promise has availability, great rates, and is just around the corner. If you agree, you'll likely be taken to a subpar, overpriced hotel where the driver earns a hefty commission for bringing in guests. Worse, some travelers report being dropped off at a completely different hotel with a similar-sounding name, tricking them into believing their original booking was canceled. How to Avoid It: Never take a driver’s word for it. Call your hotel directly or check online before making any decisions. If your driver refuses to take you to your original booking, insist firmly or get out and find another taxi. If possible, arrange a hotel pickup in advance to avoid needing to rely on random drivers.