Major Travel Scams to Avoid

Major Travel Scams to Avoid

Many travelers become victims of travel scams at least once in their lifetime. However, it’s possible to avoid scams while traveling. You just need to be suspicious and use common sense. And, whenever a deal seems too good, think twice. What’s more, if you get a tourists guidebook, read it carefully. You will find most scams in your destination country in that guidebook.

Here are the major travel scams that you are likely to encounter in almost any global travel destination:

Taxi Overcharge

This occurs when a taxi driver tells you that the vehicle has a broken meter and asks you to pay more than you expected. You can also see their meter go faster and higher than expected. To ensure that you are not a victim of this travel scam, know the amount that you should pay for a ride. You can ask the hotel staff about the cost of your ride to your destination to know the right rate to negotiate for.

Closed Accommodation

A taxi driver can tell you that the hotel you booked is closed or overbooked. This is a scam. I mean, there is no way you could have booked the hotel if it was closed or overbooked. So, just ignore the taxi driver and insist that they take you there. Alternatively, take a different cab.

Free Items

This scam happens when a stranger pretends to be friendly. After holding a conversation with you for a few minutes, they will place a free item like a friendship bracelet on you. They can also ask you to hold an item for them. Once you accept the free item, they will immediately demand money from you. And, because you don’t want to cause a scene, you will most likely comply. To avoid this scam, never accept free items from strangers while traveling.

Basically, these are the three major travel scams that you should avoid whenever you travel. Be extra keen on what strangers tell or give you. Most importantly, use common sense and be suspicious whenever you travel.