Travel Scams

How the scam works: This usually occurs in poor countries – and maybe should not be considered a scam, but a trick into luring you to pay more. As you are walking by a busy place and looking around, you bump into a guy who has dropped a brush. He drops it on purpose, knowing […]

Shoe Shiner Approach Read More

How the scam works: You might have bought some items that you really loved while traveling abroad (paintings, statues, etc), but they are big, fragile, or heavy. You really need to ship them home, instead of having to carry them for the rest of your holiday. The merchant says no problem, and it seems like he’s […]

Shipping Items Home Read More

How the scam works: You are shopping in South East Asia and find a video camera advertised for an amazing price. You decide to buy it and, as the transaction goes through, the seller says they are out of stock and the camera you just played with is just for display, and doesn’t have a case […]

Out of Stock Product Read More

How the scam works: This is still happening a lot in several countries, but preponderantly takes place in Mexico, at gas stations. When you go to pay, the attendant will try to switch – for example – your 200 Peso note with a 20 Peso note, and then argue with you about it. There might […]

Short Change Read More

How the scam works: You might have heard of the famous papyrus, a thick paper-like material produced from the papyrus plant. In Egypt, in most places you’ll go, convincing men will probably approach you, offering you their own original papyrus papers for sale. Not only are they overpriced, but they are not original either. How […]

Papyrus for Sale Read More

How the scam works: Is it reported that in several parts of India, travelers are victims of this scam while they are eating in shady restaurants. During lunch or supper, a sharp feeling of dizziness and nausea comes out of the blue. Sweaty and a little concerned, the tourists ask the waiters for any kind […]

Sick in Restaurant Read More

How the scam works: Several shady companies located in the Caribbean, Eastern Europe, or India offer illegal documents. You find them online and all you have to do is send them money and they will send you passports or citizenships cards, claiming they are official. What they do is actually use passports of dead people […]

Passports and Citizenships Read More

How the scam works: The easiest and most convenient way to get from Northern Thailand to Laos is to take the Slow Boat down the Mekong River, into Luang Prabang. It’s only $9 and takes three days, but offers beautiful scenery – highly recommended: unspoiled traditional villages, fishing communities, paddy fields, etc. However, right when […]

Slow Boat in Thailand Read More

How the scam works: This has been reported to happen in many countries. As you are enjoying a touristy spot, your pocket or bag vibrates. A phone is ringing inside, but it is not yours! All of a sudden, a person standing five yards away starts yelling from the top of her lungs, accusing you […]

Phone Slipped in Your Pocket Read More

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 […]

Pick Pocketing/Famous Places Read More

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

How the scam works: Scenario 1: You are on vacation in Thailand and having the time of your life. You're walking down the street when suddenly, you find yourself being stopped by the Bangkok police! Asking what you are charged with, the officer tells you it's for having counterfeit bills. They check your wallet and pockets […]

Police Fake Arrests Read More

How the scam works: This horrible trap still happens in Vietnam. Not often, but enough to make you consider it. There are quite a few highway-side restaurants across the country that have deals with certain bus drivers working for low-rated travel companies. Between cities, the driver will stop at a specific restaurant for a “quick […]

Prison Restaurants Read More

How the scam works: Scenario 1. As you are enjoying your time on the beach, you are approached by a young gentlemen, holding a paper pad and claiming to be a city rep. He will show you the apartments located close to the beach and – stating that the beach is the property of that […]

Public Beaches Read More

How the scam works: You're visiting Thailand and you want to get around quickly but don't want to rent a car, so you decide to get a bike or a moped. You go to the rental agency, pick out a bike, test-drive it and sign the agreement. It mentions that if the bike is lost […]

Renting Bikes and Mopeds Read More

How the scam works: Tourists have reported that plenty of Indonesian market shops use rigged scales. This could happen anywhere, but it occurs frequently in fish-market restaurants, where the fish is cooked in front of the client, and the vendor charges by weight. How to avoid: It is really hard to figure this out, but […]

Rigged Scales Read More

How the scam works: Rum and cigars are the most famous Cuban exports, so stocking up on them while visiting is popular amongst travelers. Locals know this as well and there are quite a few of them who are monetizing on tourists’ naivety. There are tons of counterfeit cigars and rum bottles sold by vendors at the Caribbean […]

Rum in the Caribbean Read More