Judy Mason

Travel scams and how to avoid them

6 February 2025

Warning: These 5 Travel Scams Could Cost You

Traveling opens the door to incredible experiences, but it also makes you a target for scams. From taxi tricks to fake police officers, scammers prey on unsuspecting tourists. Stay one step ahead by knowing what to watch for and how to avoid falling victim.


The Taxi Meter Scam

The Scam: You hop into a taxi, and the driver claims the meter is broken or takes an unnecessarily long route. Suddenly, your fare is triple what it should be.

How to Avoid It:

Use ride-hailing apps like Uber or Bolt where available.

If taking a regular taxi, agree on the fare before starting the ride and get the driver to write it down.

Research standard taxi rates in advance to spot inflated prices.


This actually happened to me recently. I got on a taxi in Hamburg and the driver decided when he dropped us off to try and charge double. We spent a good couple of hours in the police station trying to sort this out and didnt end up paying it the end, but it did take a lot of time out of our day. Ask the driver to write down the cost beofre you get in...just asking is not enough.


The “Closed Hotel” Trick

The Scam: Your taxi driver or a friendly local insists that your hotel is closed, overbooked, or unsafe. They conveniently suggest another (more expensive and often lower-quality) place where they earn a commission.

How to Avoid It:

Call your hotel directly to confirm your booking (this should not happen if you are using a travel agent).

Be firm and insist on going to your original hotel.

Only trust information from official sources.


The Fake Police Officer

The Scam: Someone claiming to be a police officer asks to see your passport, wallet, or valuables for “inspection,” only to steal them.

How to Avoid It:

Always ask for official identification.

Never hand over your wallet or passport—offer to go to the nearest police station instead.

Keep copies of important documents separate from the originals.


The Friendship Bracelet or Free Gift Scam

The Scam: A street vendor places a bracelet on your wrist or hands you a small gift, then demands payment. If you refuse, they may cause a scene to pressure you into paying.

How to Avoid It:

Keep your hands to yourself and firmly decline unsolicited gifts.

Walk away confidently—don’t engage.

Be extra cautious in busy tourist areas where this is common


Again, I fell for this recently in Bali. The lady caused quite a commotion at the ferry termina and my husband was stunned that I fell for it!

.

The Card Skimming Scam

The Scam: You use your card at an ATM or a shady-looking shop, only to find out later that your card details have been stolen and used for fraudulent transactions.

How to Avoid It:

Use ATMs inside banks rather than on the street.

Cover your PIN when entering it.

Enable transaction alerts to monitor your account activity.


Final Thoughts

Traveling should be about exploring, not stressing over scams. By staying aware, doing your research, and trusting your instincts, you can protect yourself and your wallet. Stay smart, stay safe, and enjoy your adventures without the headache of falling victim to these common tricks. Dont accept anything from anyone and if it sounds 'too good to be true' , it probably is.


Have you ever encountered a travel scam? Share your experience in the comments - It will make me feel better knowing I am not the only one!

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