{"id":11919,"date":"2020-01-16T06:59:34","date_gmt":"2020-01-16T06:59:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hotelsbyday.com\/blog\/?p=11919"},"modified":"2020-01-16T06:59:34","modified_gmt":"2020-01-16T06:59:34","slug":"most-common-travel-scams-know-avoid","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hotelsbyday.com\/blog\/most-common-travel-scams-know-avoid\/","title":{"rendered":"7 Most Common Travel Scams to Know and Avoid"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">People travel for all kinds of reasons. Whether it\u2019s for business or pleasure, there\u2019s always something novel about going to an unfamiliar place. It\u2019s estimated that about <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.atag.org\/facts-figures.html\" target=\"_blank\">4.4 billion<\/a> people take a flight somewhere in any given year, and <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/ourworldindata.org\/tourism\" target=\"_blank\">1.4 billion<\/a> arrive internationally. While most aspects of travel should be considered positive experiences, there are some less savory aspects people should keep on their radar. Travel scams are one of those things.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Few people embark on a travel experience with the idea of being scammed top of mind \u2014 unless they\u2019ve fallen victim to such a scam in the past, of course. The fact that it can be hard to expect and detect scams is one of the things that make them a danger to travelers. Here are seven of the most common travel scams to know about and avoid.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Pickpocketing<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many people are overwhelmed when they\u2019re in a foreign place. You might be in a crowded area where you\u2019re unfamiliar with the primary spoken language. Or, it\u2019s possible you\u2019re in a highly congested tourist spot that attracts large groups and commotion. Either way, travelers are the prime targets for pickpockets.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">People who pickpocket are often highly skilled at the craft. This is why there are <a href=\"https:\/\/www.irishexaminer.com\/lifestyle\/features\/how-to-send-the-pickpockets-packing-233422.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">about 400,000 pickpocket incidents across the world<\/a> on a daily basis. They\u2019re able to find wallets or remove jewelry without the target even realizing it until later, once it\u2019s far too late to do anything. Major European cities such as Barcelona, Rome, Prague, Madrid, Paris are often cited as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.independent.co.uk\/travel\/news-and-advice\/the-10-cities-youre-most-likely-to-be-pickpocketed-a6844696.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">the most common locations for pickpocketing<\/a>. These destinations are extremely popular for tourists, which in turn attracts individuals who want to take advantage of them.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are many iterations of the pickpocketing scam, which is one of the things that makes it so prevalent to tourists. Here are a couple of the most common occurrences:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Packed trains are the ideal place for a pickpocket. Everyone is pressed together anyway, so it\u2019s not unreasonable for people to be touching you innocently. The issue is a pickpocket can pretend they\u2019re just a bystander, while actually taking your money and identification.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Distractions are a common tool for pickpocketing scams. These are often coordinated among a few criminals. One or a few people will create a distraction or spectacle. This could be a wide range of things, from a street performance to an impromptu mob. While travelers are confused or engrossed by what they\u2019re seeing, other members of the crowd can rob them blind.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pickpocketing can be incorporated into just about any scam. That\u2019s why it\u2019s essential for travelers to <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.travelwithjane.com\/13-travel-safety-tips-protect-valuables\/\" target=\"_blank\">keep their belongings safe<\/a>. Getting a money belt is one of the best ways to do this when in public. Backpacks and back pockets are extremely easy targets for competent pickpockets. It\u2019s best to only keep small amounts of money on you at any time, and keep all valuables in places that are nearly impossible to pickpocket.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br \/><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"13 Ways How Pickpockets Rob You!\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/U8JFxbevCQc?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption><br \/><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Money Switching<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Money switching is an easy scam that\u2019s often used against travelers who aren\u2019t paying close attention. Cashiers or tellers might switch bills, give change slowly or drastically short the exchange rate in order to take advantage of those not familiar with the currency or distracted by something else. Many people consider an action like purchasing an item or getting cash to be an afterthought. It\u2019s something you do all the time when at home. But it can be hard to catch this scam as it happens, especially if you\u2019re preoccupied.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Avoid using high-denomination bills on small purchases, or at places that don\u2019t seem as trustworthy. If you must do this, make sure you\u2019re engaging with the cashier and pay attention to exactly the bills and coins you give and receive.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While on the topic of money, it\u2019s also wise to be careful when using ATMs. People might try to capture your PIN and card information. Try to only use ATMs at trustworthy establishments. If you\u2019re not able to find a recognizable financial institution, these are a few things to keep in mind:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Be aware of your surroundings when using an ATM. Shield the PIN pad when you\u2019re using it so no one can see the numbers as you enter them.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Some criminals will use <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tripsavvy.com\/atm-fraud-what-travelers-need-to-know-2973092\" target=\"_blank\">card readers on ATMs<\/a> to get card and PIN information. Look out if it looks like a piece has been inserted into the card reader or if there are extra security cameras.&nbsp;<br \/><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-4-3 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Finding an ATM Skimmer in Vienna\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/ll4f0Wim4pM?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption><br \/><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>[activecampaign form=2]<br \/><br \/><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Cab Scams&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are several ways cab drivers might try to scam you while traveling. Transportation is essential to travelers, and drivers know tourists are often less comfortable saying \u201cno\u201d or going on their own. There are a few ways cab drivers might try to take advantage of this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>The broken meter scam can lead to passengers getting charged far more than they actually should be for a ride. When the ride is over, the driver might get confrontational and threaten the riders if they don\u2019t pay up. If there\u2019s an issue with the meter, get out and find a different cab.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Some drivers might take passengers the wrong way intentionally in order to rack up a larger fare. This is especially true when coming from and going to the airport.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>There\u2019s even a chance a driver will try taking you to a different destination than you requested. If you give a location, the driver might say it\u2019s closed or not that great, then take you somewhere else where they get a kickback. Tell the driver to take you to your destination or get a different cab.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>In other cases, a friendly cab driver might try to shortchange you, quickly switching your bill with a lower denomination while demanding that more payment is needed. <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If something seems fishy, just take a different cab. Most drivers aren\u2019t trying to scam you. Many cities now offer ride shares services as well, which make these kinds of scams less prevalent.&nbsp;<br \/><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"How To Avoid A Taxi Scam\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/b1MHuW00BuQ?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption><br \/><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Free Gift Scams<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are all kinds of odd characters out there in the world. Sometimes people will approach you in a happy manner and try to put something on your body or in your hand under the premise that it\u2019s free. They then might go on to make a scene and demand payment from you after the fact.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Don\u2019t believe it when someone says they\u2019re giving you something for free and don\u2019t let anyone touch you without your consent. Move away from people who try to do otherwise.&nbsp;<br \/><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"How To Avoid The Free Perfume Scam\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/QIMnznDD1Hw?start=5&#038;feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption><br \/><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Fake Police<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are several ways fake police might try to intimidate you into handing over your ID and\/or money. They will often try to say you committed some petty crime you weren\u2019t aware of. This kind of thing happens all over the world, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcphiladelphia.com\/news\/local\/fake-police-officers-warning-pennsylvania_philadelphia\/198921\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">even in the United States<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is especially common when people try to purchase drugs or other illegal items when traveling. They might meet someone on the street, then soon after be stopped by individuals claiming to be police. It\u2019s likely that these are actually fake police working alongside the person who sold the drugs.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Demand they confirm they\u2019re real police and call the police to your location to do this. Don\u2019t hand over your IDs or money to them until real law enforcement has arrived. Make sure you save emergency contact numbers when visiting a new place.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br \/><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Fake Police Officer - Safety Scouts Advice - Episode 34 [HD,4K]\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/lDt86WJ0or8?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption><br \/><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Wi-Fi Scams<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Free Internet is a blessing when you\u2019re traveling. But it\u2019s important to not fall into something that\u2019s too good to be true. Some fraudsters will set up unrestricted Wi-Fi access to lure in unexpecting tourists. This can allow them to steal financial information, passwords, and identities.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Only connect to official Wi-Fi accounts. Double-check about this before browsing. It\u2019s also wise to <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.theverge.com\/2019\/3\/1\/18222182\/vpn-how-to-set-up-virtual-private-network-wi-fi-security-privacy\" target=\"_blank\">utilize a VPN<\/a>, which can encrypt your online activity.<br \/><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Using Free Public Wifi While Traveling | How to Avoid Identity &amp; Data Theft\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/R1lnxjKwNLc?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption><br \/><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Friendly Local Scams<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Everyone wants to make friends with the locals when traveling. That\u2019s the kind of thing that makes the greatest travel stories and experiences. But a too-friendly local might be trying to take advantage of you, especially if alcohol is involved.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Be cognizant of situations and don\u2019t allow yourself to let your guard down too much. Don\u2019t keep open tabs at bars, go into areas you don\u2019t know, or leave valuables unattended. These kinds of scams are often perpetrated against men by a suspiciously friendly and attractive woman. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are all kinds of travel scams out there. Falling victim to one of these can turn your dream vacation into an absolute nightmare. Take all precautions necessary when traveling to assure you can avoid these travel scams.&nbsp;<br \/><br \/><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.hotelsbyday.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Capture-d\u2019e\u0301cran-2017-10-13-a\u0300-15.46.12-18-1024x518.png\" alt=\"Whether you partake in alcohol on your flight or not, there'll be a day use room to rest or recharge in the city you touch down.\" class=\"wp-image-7376\"\/><figcaption><br \/><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Image Credits:<\/span>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Featured image: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/unicellular\/4859562060\/in\/photolist-8pqwuL-9HQpjY-Bs7tsF-4EAdMq-2g8ayo9-2hzyhuw-2hAacAJ-2hAA7Ro-4EAdQG-4EAdXd-8pnjHx-4EAgN9-4EvY4c-4EAebq-4EAefC-4EAdTY-4EvXCH-8pqvmL-8pnkpn-zPUQm5-4EzXZL-4EvGyt-4EzZ2b-4EvGV2-4EvJuc-4EzZFo-21eJ2dQ-4EvH2k-4EzZgw-232SQDc-5d6HqB-YEmpfr-bEczkY-2hVpTfG-MrLmyZ-2hAaedG-Q9jDhV-2bUeXG-2gXABPz-wqMzu6-6fSWMq-2hKB57J-mqTSJe-cKNuzm-4EzYMJ-4EvH5e-Qjodmo-4EzZJW-4EzXTA-4EzYdN\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">&#8220;Portobello Market, Packed&#8221;<\/a> by <a class=\"owner-name truncate\" title=\"Go to unicellular&#039;s photostream\" href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/unicellular\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-track=\"attributionNameClick\">Unicellular<\/a>&nbsp;via <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/2.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">(CC BY-SA 2.0)<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>People travel for all kinds of reasons. Whether it\u2019s for business or pleasure, there\u2019s always something novel about going to an unfamiliar place. It\u2019s estimated that about 4.4 billion people take a flight somewhere in any given year, and 1.4 billion arrive internationally. While most aspects of travel should be considered positive experiences, there are [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":35,"featured_media":11928,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-11919","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-travel-smarts"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.hotelsbyday.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/Common-travel-scams-1.jpg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.hotelsbyday.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11919","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.hotelsbyday.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.hotelsbyday.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hotelsbyday.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/35"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hotelsbyday.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11919"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.hotelsbyday.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11919\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hotelsbyday.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/11928"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.hotelsbyday.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11919"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hotelsbyday.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11919"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hotelsbyday.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11919"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}