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

Traveling is one of life’s greatest joys, but nothing ruins a trip faster than falling victim to a scam. While pickpockets and overpriced taxis are common concerns, scammers worldwide are constantly coming up with new, clever ways to separate travelers from their money. Some of these scams are so subtle that you might not even realize you’ve been duped until it’s too late. From fake petitions to counterfeit police officers and restaurant bill scams, we’re here to reveal 12 lesser-known travel scams that can catch even the savviest explorers off guard. But don’t worry—we won’t just tell you what to watch out for; we’ll also arm you with the best strategies to avoid them. With a little preparation, a keen eye, and the right mindset, you can navigate the world safely and with confidence. Let’s dive in!

1. The “Friendship Bracelet” Trap

This seemingly innocent scam plays on the kindness of unsuspecting travelers. A friendly local—often appearing cheerful and welcoming—approaches you, offering a small "free gift" like a bracelet, woven charm, or even a small token of "friendship." Before you know it, they’ve tied it onto your wrist, making it difficult to remove without struggling. The moment it’s on, their demeanor changes. They demand money, sometimes aggressively, insisting that you pay for it. If you refuse, they may create a scene, hoping to pressure you into handing over cash to avoid embarrassment. In some cases, while you’re distracted, an accomplice might pickpocket you. How to Avoid It: Keep your hands close to your body, and if someone approaches offering a "gift," firmly decline and keep walking. If they manage to tie something on you, don’t engage—remove it yourself later and walk away confidently. Avoid making eye contact or slowing down in areas where this scam is common.

2. The “Helpful” ATM Assistant

Navigating an unfamiliar ATM can be stressful, and scammers take full advantage of this by offering unsolicited “help.” A stranger, often posing as a bank employee or just a friendly local, will offer assistance, claiming the ATM is tricky to use or warning you about potential card problems. They might suggest you try entering your PIN multiple times, press certain buttons, or even discreetly position themselves to see your PIN as you enter it. In worse cases, they’ll distract you just long enough for an accomplice to grab your cash as it’s dispensed. Some scammers will even use sleight of hand to swap out your card. How to Avoid It: Never accept ATM assistance from strangers, no matter how helpful they seem. Always use ATMs inside banks, shopping malls, or well-lit, secure areas. Cover your PIN when entering it, and if an ATM appears suspicious, find another one. If someone is hovering too close, cancel your transaction and walk away.

3. The Fake Petitions & Donations Scam

You're strolling through a bustling city when a young woman or a child rushes up to you, holding a clipboard and a pen. They claim to be collecting signatures for a noble cause—often something emotionally compelling, like helping the disabled, environmental protection, or supporting children in need. Their friendly approach and seemingly legitimate paperwork make it feel safe to sign. But as soon as you do, they demand a donation, sometimes getting aggressive if you refuse. In the worst cases, while you’re distracted signing, an accomplice is quietly pickpocketing you. How to Avoid It: If someone approaches you with a clipboard, firmly but politely say, “No, thank you,” and keep walking. Avoid engaging, as these scammers rely on friendly interaction to rope you in. If someone blocks your path or tries to pressure you, step aside and walk away quickly. Never hand over money without verifying the legitimacy of a charity or organization first.

4. The Broken Taxi Meter Trick

This scam preys on travelers unfamiliar with local taxi fares. After getting in the cab, the driver casually informs you that the meter is “broken” or that it’s an “old model” and doesn’t work properly. Instead of the standard rate, they charge you a highly inflated fare, often two or three times the normal price. In some cases, drivers will deliberately take the longest route possible, racking up a massive fare before dropping you off. This trick is especially common at airports, train stations, and tourist-heavy areas where travelers are unlikely to know the usual prices. How to Avoid It: Before getting into any taxi, confirm that the meter is working and ask for an estimate of the fare. If the driver refuses, get out and find another cab. Research standard taxi fares beforehand and use rideshare apps like Uber or Bolt whenever possible, as they provide set fares. If taxis are the only option, consider asking your hotel or a local for advice on what you should expect to pay.

5. The Free Food or Drink Scam

This scam is particularly dangerous because it can have serious consequences beyond just losing money. A friendly stranger—often in a bar, restaurant, or bustling market—approaches and offers you a drink, a snack, or even a free sample of something local. If you accept, you may later be hit with an outrageous bill for something you thought was free. In bars, the “friendly” stranger may disappear, leaving you responsible for their expensive tab. In more sinister cases, the drink may be spiked, leading to theft or worse. How to Avoid It: Never accept unsolicited food or drinks from strangers, no matter how friendly they seem. If someone offers to buy you a drink, insist on watching the bartender pour it. In markets or restaurants, clarify the price before accepting anything—even a small sample. If someone pressures you into accepting a "gift," politely but firmly decline and walk away.

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.

7. The Fake Police Officer Scam

You’re walking down a busy street when someone posing as a plainclothes police officer approaches. They flash a fake badge and claim you’ve committed an offense—perhaps jaywalking, loitering, or carrying counterfeit money. To "resolve" the issue quickly, they demand an on-the-spot fine. These scams often occur near ATMs, where the fake officer may pressure you into withdrawing cash to pay the bogus fine. In more elaborate versions, an accomplice posing as a fellow traveler confirms the officer’s legitimacy, making it seem more believable. How to Avoid It: Always ask for proper identification and remain calm. Real police officers don’t demand instant cash payments. Say you’ll pay at the nearest police station instead. If they resist or become aggressive, walk toward a crowded area, hotel, or embassy. If necessary, call the local police department yourself to verify their legitimacy. Genuine officers will have no issue with this request, but scammers will likely back off.

8. The Overpriced Currency Exchange

You find a small exchange booth with a flashy sign offering "the best rates in town." It seems like a great deal—until you realize you've been shortchanged, given fake bills, or hit with hidden fees. Some scammers use sleight of hand to swap high-denomination bills for lower ones, then claim you gave them the wrong amount. Others might distract you mid-transaction, counting out the cash in a confusing way so you don’t realize you're getting less than you should. How to Avoid It: Always exchange money at banks, airport exchange counters, or reputable currency exchange offices. Avoid street exchangers or booths with suspiciously good rates. If using an ATM, choose one inside a bank or shopping center rather than a random street machine. Always count your cash before leaving the counter, and familiarize yourself with the local currency to spot counterfeit bills. When in doubt, use a credit card for major purchases to minimize cash handling.

9. The "Closed Attraction" Scam

You’re excited to visit a famous temple, museum, or landmark, but just as you arrive, a friendly local approaches, telling you it's closed for the day due to a "special event," "private tour," or "renovation." They seem helpful, offering to guide you to an alternative attraction—or more often, a souvenir shop, market, or expensive tour where they earn a commission. In some cases, they’ll even suggest an overpriced tuk-tuk or taxi ride to take you somewhere else, pocketing a cut of the fare. How to Avoid It: Never take a stranger’s word that an attraction is closed. Always check the official website, Google reviews, or ask security staff at the entrance. If an attraction is genuinely closed, staff will provide clear information, not a random person on the street. Politely decline any alternative offers and continue with your plans. If you need directions or alternative activities, ask a hotel concierge or visit a local tourist information center instead.

10. The Overpriced Market Scam

Markets and street vendors are fantastic places to pick up unique souvenirs, sample local flavors, and immerse yourself in the culture. However, they can also be hotspots for price-gouging. Vendors in tourist-heavy areas often inflate prices dramatically, banking on travelers who don’t know the real value of an item. A common trick is claiming something is “handmade,” “antique,” or “one of a kind” when it’s actually mass-produced or sourced cheaply. In some cases, vendors use high-pressure tactics, making you feel obligated to buy after asking the price. How to Avoid It: Research local pricing before shopping—travel forums, local blogs, and guides often give price ranges for common souvenirs. If you see the same item in multiple stalls, it’s likely mass-produced, so negotiate with confidence. Haggling is expected in many cultures—start by offering half the asking price and negotiate up. If a deal doesn’t feel fair, politely decline and walk away—chances are, the vendor will call you back with a better offer.

11. The Fake Wi-Fi Hub Scam

Finding free Wi-Fi while traveling feels like striking gold, but hackers know this too. Fraudulent public Wi-Fi networks—often named something innocuous like “Free Airport Wi-Fi” or “Guest Café Network”—are created by cybercriminals to steal your personal data. Once connected, they can monitor everything you type, including login credentials, credit card details, and private messages. Worse, some fake networks can install malware onto your device without you realizing it, allowing scammers to access your accounts long after you’ve disconnected. How to Avoid It: Always use Wi-Fi from reputable sources—hotels, cafés, and official airport networks. If you must use public Wi-Fi, never access sensitive accounts like online banking or emails. Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) adds an extra layer of security by encrypting your data. When in doubt, stick to mobile data or invest in an international SIM card to avoid needing sketchy Wi-Fi in the first place.

12. The Rental Damage Scam

You rent a scooter, bike, or car, enjoy a fantastic day exploring, and return it without issue—only to be hit with a huge bill for "damages" you supposedly caused. Rental companies, especially in high-tourism areas, sometimes falsely claim scratches, dents, or mechanical problems that were already there, pocketing your cash as a fraudulent repair fee. Some even take your passport as a security deposit and refuse to return it until you pay up. How to Avoid It: Before renting, take a full set of timestamped photos and videos of the vehicle from every angle, including existing scratches, dents, and even the tires. Show these to the rental agent and, if possible, have them sign off on the vehicle's condition before you leave. Avoid places that insist on holding your passport—offer a photocopy or another form of deposit instead. If something feels off, trust your gut and rent elsewhere.

Final Boarding Call: Travel Smart, Stay Savvy

Scams can happen anywhere, but they don’t have to define your trip. The best way to outsmart scammers is to stay informed, trust your instincts, and remember that if something feels off, it probably is. A little skepticism goes a long way—question too-good-to-be-true deals, double-check information, and always be aware of your surroundings. Confidence is your best armor; walk with purpose, stay calm under pressure, and don’t let small deceptions shake your love for travel. The world is full of incredible experiences waiting to be explored, and by keeping these savvy travel tips in your back pocket, you can navigate your adventures safely and stress-free. So go ahead—immerse yourself in new cultures, explore hidden gems, and create unforgettable memories. Just remember to stay sharp, trust your gut, and, most importantly, enjoy every moment of the journey. Safe travels, and may your adventures always be scam-free!