Be careful of travel scams when booking that next vacation or that once-in-a-lifetime trip. Many people have been duped into a scheme and have had thousands of dollars stolen from them in some instances.
What gets so many people in trouble is the prospect of saving substantial sums of money by booking plane travel, lodging or other aspects of vacationing through third parties promising them.
The most dangerous fraud when it comes to travel are the bogus travel sites. Luckily, here is how to detect a fake travel website and avoid traps.
Be careful when booking your next vacation. Keep your eyes open, and learn about what travel scams are out there. See below:
How the scam works: This scam takes place in most of the European capitals’ subway stations, but it could easily occur in any other country, so beware. Whenever you are purchasing tickets from the dispensers located underground, somebody will come and help you, while you are trying to figure out the machine. Besides the employees […]
How the scam works: This scam belongs to the Timeshare Scam group. Somebody conducting a survey approaches you on the sidewalk. After a few questions, they will politely give you a scratch card as a token of appreciation for your time. The card is a winning one (lucky you!), but in order to receive the prize […]
How the scam works: In Vietnam, one of the most efficient ways to travel fast is by bike. Indeed, for tourists, there are several taxi-bikes available on most of the streets. They are called Xe Om, which means “Bike Hug”. The problem is that – just like in any other touristy place – these rides […]
How the scam works: Alright, if you have never heard of this one, you have probably never traveled outside your city. As a tourist, you most likely don’t know the cab rates or the map of a new town. Scammers pose as taxi drivers at airports, without being licensed, using this knowledge on tourists. They will […]
How the scam works: You are in China and decide to check out the street market. As you are walking through what seems to be hundreds of vendors, you're approached by a woman who speaks very good English. You're happy to have someone to talk to and she gives you a few great tips on […]
How the scam works: You are visiting Egypt and ask the taxi driver to take you to a landmark you want to visit, say the Pyramids. “Sure thing”, he says. “We can stop by a ticket office first, so you buy it there, instead of waiting in a line-up at the Pyramids”. You appreciate the initiative and happily […]
How the scam works: Scenario 1. You are traveling through Thailand and getting closer to the border. Along the way, the bus stops for breaks. At one of these breaks, the shops around offer visas to go into Cambodia. “Get your visas from here. It is cheaper than what they charge you at the border”, […]
How the scam works: The Egyptian markets are beautiful, but be careful not to touch the items. There are vendors who will demand that you buy the item, once you have touched it. They might even cause a scene and try to embarrass you, threatening to call the police. How to avoid: You are not in North […]
How the scam works: If you are traveling by train in India, an employee of the railroad company might approach you while you are patiently waiting for another two hours to pass until your departure. He will advise you on the potential thieves around the station, and offer to “lock up” your luggage so it […]
Beware of the travel club scam. You're invited to a travel conference offering a great opportunity: a travel club membership like no other.
How the scam works: Turkey is an amazing country to visit, but it has the most aggressive street vendors in the world. Walking through the streets of Istanbul or Urgup (Cappadocia), victims are approached by extremely pushy men urging them to come into their shops and buy. Some victims might not see a problem with […]
How the scam works: This scam used to happen very often on the Ukrainian overnight trains coming from Poland or Belarus. Once the train crossed the border, immigration officers would visit the cabins for the necessary visas, passports, etc. However, it was reported that their trick was to find a tourists with photo/video cameras outside […]
Vacation Home Rental Scam: How It Works (with video below) Some vacation home rentals are truly phenomenal, but beware of the newest trap: the Vacation Rentals By Owner or For Rent by Owner scam! Imagine this: You are ready to have the vacation of your dreams and, hoping to save some money, look for […]
How the scam works: You're in Thailand and have seen all Bangkok has to offer. You want to move to one of the neighboring countries for a couple of days and decide on Laos. You've met a few locals and have become quite chummy, so they recommend places for you to go to get the […]
Beware of a new vacation rental scam, where the criminal is the 'tourist' trying to rent your property. Here is how it works:
How the scam works: If you are visiting, let’s say, the Coliseum in Rome, you will most likely have to stand in line for about 15-20 minutes, on a good day. The line is compact and thick (4-5 people wide) and slowly advances, as everybody is mesmerized by the overwhelming construction. Almost everybody looks up […]
How the scam works: (with video below) How often do you order pizza? Be aware of a menu –featuring a big juicy pizza, chicken wings or onion rings– sitting in your mailbox, hotel or motel room, regardless of where you live. The scam is so easy to pull that you could fall victim whether you […]
Order Pizza Much? Here’s A Fake Menu Waiting In Your Mailbox Read More
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