Whether you’re traveling solo or with others, you always run the risk of encountering travel scams, sneaky tricks, and potentially dangerous situations.
We polled our in-house travel experts and discussed the kinds of things we’ve seen (and heard about) when traveling around other countries. The moral of the story? Keep your wits about you and stay informed about what you might run into on your trip.
Ready or not, here’s our round-up of how to stay safe and avoid common travel scams …
1. The Fake Security or Police Officer Scam
How it works:
Playing on our trust in the law and authority figures, this travel scam works by having security personnel ask to see your passport or wallet for identification (sometimes even accusing you of a small crime). When you’re distracted they might steal your belongings under the guise of a search of your person.
How to avoid this common travel scam:
- Learn the appearance of the uniforms and vehicles of local law enforcement.
- Ask to see their credentials before revealing your own.
- Call 911 (or local emergency line) to verify that you should, in fact, reveal any documentation or accompany them directly to a police station.
2. The Accommodation Scam
How it works:
Travellers pay for accommodations for their visit but arrive at a destination that doesn’t exist or has been rented to another traveller. The scary fact is that this is one of the types of travel scams that can even happen when the place is reserved through a reputable website.
How to avoid this common travel scam:
- Only use legitimate vacation websites that offer purchase protection and have customer service available for disputes.
- Read the reviews carefully and check for detailed feedback of the property.
- Only pay through secure, verified payment methods.
- Use a private online phone number.
3. The Petition Scam
How it works:
A canvasser approaches you with a clipboard of signatures for a worthwhile cause. Additionally, they might demand payment to accompany your signature or potentially pickpocket you while distracted.
How to avoid this common travel scam:
- Decline to sign and keep walking.
- Do not approach anyone soliciting signatures and do not engage with any that seem to be coming in your direction.
4. The Wi-Fi Scam
How it works:
Depending exclusively on WiFi on the road can be tricky. Another of the popular travel scams to watch out for is an unsecure WiFi network that allows scammers unrestricted access to your personal data once you connect, including your credit card information and secure logins.
How to avoid this common travel scam:
- An aloSIM eSIM means access to data when travelling wherever there are mobile networks available.
- Purchase and install your eSIM before you arrive at your destination country to ensure that you have the ability to communicate and aren’t dependent on unreliable or unsecure internet connections.
5. The Gift Scam
How it works:
Sometimes known as a scam unique to Paris or Rome, this trick involves approaching you with a gift of a “free” small item like a friendship bracelet. Some will even go as far as to forcefully tie a bracelet onto your wrist. If you accept the gift, the scammers will then demand money in exchange.
How to avoid this common travel scam:
- Decline the gift
- Keep walking
- Don’t give them time to engage
Be wary of strangers or anyone approaching you. Remember that your personal safety needs to come ahead of being polite.
