Travel Scams

Shell Game: How It Works (with explanatory video below) The shell game has existed since at least the 90s, all over the world, but people still lose money over it. Scammers set up on street sidewalks, especially in high tourist areas (Las Vegas, New York, Barcelona, Eastern Europe, etc). The game requires three shells (lids, […]

Shell Game Read More

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: 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: 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: 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: You are in an airport or a train station, in a country that's not your own. You need to make a phone call back home, but you don't have the proper coins. Finally, you find a public phone that takes credit cards. The phone, just like many others, has a sticker […]

Long Distance Call Sticker Scam Read More

How the scam works: You are going to a different country for a few weeks and are planning to rent a car. Since you don’t have an international driving permit, you research on-line about local driving licenses’ rules and regulations. You come across a website that offers temporary permits while there. Since you are on […]

International Driving License Read More

How the scam works: You are in Istanbul and want to do a tour of the beautiful Bosphorus, which links Europe to Asia. The tour promises a great half-day of fantastic views, stops at old castles, etc. The price is not too shabby, either: 25 Turkish Lira (about $15, 10 EURO, or 9 GBP). As […]

Istanbul Ferry Read More

How the scam works: Never buy jewelry when you are a tourist, especially from countries like Thailand or Mexico. The crooks are offering fake diamonds and sapphires that look real, making you pay $1,000 for a $3 piece of zirconium. The scammers will make you believe they know somebody at the “jewelry factory” and can […]

Jewelry Factory Scam Read More

How the scam works: (with video below) If you are visiting Pattaya, Thailand, and want to rent a jet ski, be very careful. Thousands of tourists have complained about a scam that is being pulled there. How does it work? When you bring back the jet ski, the agent will “find” damages on it (big, […]

Jet Ski/ Hotel in Thailand Read More

How The Key Tossing Scam Works: This is a scam that happens mostly in Europe, where sidewalks are crammed with busy patios and coffee shops. Towards the end of the article, we will also offer you a video with 25 other scams you should be aware of while traveling. Let's say you are sitting at […]

Key Tossing Read More

Night Club Scam: How It Works (with video below) This scam could be called in many ways: Gentlemen's Club Scam, Strip Club Scam, or the Lady Bar Scam – they are all operating in the same way. It's very dangerous and it targets male clients of bars that initially seem to be very friendly. It […]

Gentlemen’s Club Scam Read More

How the scam works: Certain cab drivers in Las Vegas work just for this scam. They pick up groups of clients from the airport, have a nice conversation while driving (“First time in Vegas?”), and pretend they are in a hurry as soon as they drop the customers off. Mesmerized by the mirage of Las […]

Las Vegas Cabbies Read More

How the scam works: The streets of Marrakech are so narrow in some places that travelers usually get lost in the maze. A big part in losing track of their whereabouts comes from many teenagers, who are actually misguiding the tourists on purpose. They are showing opposite directions when recommending the way, just to “rescue” […]

Lost in Morocco Read More

How the scam works: You are soaking up the sun in the Mayan Riviera and couldn't be happier about it. Strolling through the town nearest to your resort, freshly buzzed from your last margarita, you find a street vendor who sells great items for super cheap. He has everything: beer tees for $5, fake Oakley’s […]

Mexican Mayan Dollars Read More

How the scam works: Did you ever notice that wherever you travel the jewelry is much cheaper than wherever you live? And it just happens that you really find a good deal? Well, that’s because the scammers know the tourists’ mindset inside out. If you are in Mexico and you find a beautiful silver necklace […]

Mexican Silver Read More