Don’t get fooled: How to spot and avoid travel scams around the world
Scams can happen anywhere. No destination is completely free of opportunists hoping to take advantage of travellers, even the most experienced ones. And when you are travelling solo, you can sometimes feel like an easy target. You are navigating new streets, juggling your bags, trying to find your accommodation, and suddenly someone approaches you with a smile and an offer to help.
I once nearly fell for the infamous friendship bracelet trick in Paris. A friendly man grabbed my wrist, tied a colourful thread around it before I could even react and then demanded money for it. It wasn’t much, but the experience stuck with me. It was a reminder that staying alert doesn’t mean being paranoid; it simply means being prepared and sometimes forgetting the politeness that’s been ingrained in you since you were a child. In this post, I will share how to spot and avoid common travel scams before they happen. With a few smart habits and a bit of awareness, you can enjoy your adventures feeling safe, confident and scam-free.
Why travel scams work
The truth is, scams work because they play on basic human instincts. Most involve confidence, distraction, urgency or kindness. Scammers are experts at reading people and knowing when someone looks unsure or vulnerable. You might be tired from a long flight, carrying heavy luggage, or simply excited about exploring somewhere new. In those moments, it is easy to trust the wrong person or react too quickly. Even the most seasoned travellers get caught out sometimes. Understanding the psychology behind these tricks helps you spot them early and stay one step ahead.
The most common travel scams
The taxi overcharge
This is one of the most common travel scams to watch out for. Drivers take scenic routes or claim the meter is broken to charge you extra. This often happens at ferry ports and airports, where arriving travellers are at their most disoriented. When you get off the boat in places like Bali, coming from the Gili Islands or Nusa Penida, for example, it can feel like chaos. I remember the scene vividly: crowds shouting offers, people grabbing bags, and drivers competing for fares. Even the transfer we had prebooked tried to get more money out of us. Because of the situation we were in, they ended up succeeding. It wasn’t a lot, but it was still frustrating. The best thing you can do is research standard fares before you arrive or use trusted apps to book your rides. Prebooked transfers can always take the heat off, but like I said, you should still be cautious of them.
The helpful local or fake guide
Someone might insist on helping you with tickets or directions, only to demand a tip afterwards. Sometimes they will even lead you to a shop or tour company owned by a friend or family member, earning themselves a small commission in the process. It might seem harmless, but it means you are often paying more or being steered towards something that is not in your best interest. If someone approaches you out of the blue offering help, politely decline and find information yourself. This was very common in Vietnam when going on the coconut boats in Hoi An. Even with a booking, our driver was trying to get us to go with his friend’s company and trick us into believing that that was the company we booked with.
Fake petitions or donations
This one is common near tourist landmarks. A group of people, often young and friendly-looking, will ask you to sign a petition or donate to a cause. Once you stop to listen, the pressure begins. They will crowd around you, guilt-trip you, and sometimes even touch your arm or block your path until you hand over cash. The best approach is to keep walking and avoid eye contact, it might seem rude, but it can sometimes be the only way to avoid it.
The distraction scam
One person causes a scene while another grabs your bag or wallet. It could be someone spilling a drink on you, asking for directions or pretending to trip. I actually fell for this scam in the UK in a service station on the A1. A lady asked me to sign her petition and then took my phone off the table when I wasn’t looking. These scams are fast and clever. Keep your eyes on your belongings at all times, and try not to carry valuables in easy-to-reach places. A small crossbody bag that zips shut and stays in front of you works wonders.
ATM or currency exchange tricks
Tampered ATMs, hidden fees, or sleight of hand with cash can cause huge headaches. This can be difficult to avoid completely, but you can take steps to reduce risk. In Thailand, I knew several people who had their cards swallowed by ATMs. I don’t think this was a scam, but it was definitely not ideal. Now I always travel with backup cards and use Revolut or Monzo. They are great for travel and if something does happen, they are easy to freeze or cancel from your phone. Avoid ATMs in isolated or dimly lit areas, and when exchanging cash, count it carefully before walking away. I always try to use ATMs in convenience stores like 7/11.
Romance or friendship scams
These are especially common for solo travellers. Someone gains your trust online or in person, then eventually asks for money or help. They might say they have lost their wallet, need money for a flight or are starting a business. It starts off genuine, but once money gets involved, things often go wrong. Always take time to get to know people properly, and never send money or share personal financial details with someone you have just met, no matter how convincing they seem.
How to avoid scams when travelling
The best defence against scams is awareness and preparation. Before you go, research common scams in your destination. Travel forums, Reddit threads, and TikTok videos can be great sources of honest, up-to-date advice. Learning what to look for means you will be far less likely to fall for it. Research made me aware of the blue taxi scam in Bali, letting me know that Blue Bird is a reliable service and to avoid the other company which is notorious for scams.
Take a moment to think before reacting to anything that feels pressured. Scammers rely on fast decisions. If someone approaches you and you are unsure, pause and assess the situation. Blending in also helps. Avoid looking lost or flashy. Keep your camera and jewellery tucked away and try to move confidently, even if you are not entirely sure where you are going. If you need to check your map, step into a café or quiet corner. Trust your gut. It is your best travel companion. If something feels off, it probably is. There is nothing wrong with saying no or walking away.
Technology can be a huge help when travelling. Download offline maps and use ride share apps instead of hailing taxis. Apps like Google Translate can also reduce your dependence on strangers for directions or information. Keep your money and documents safe. Crossbody anti-theft bags are worth the investment. Some travellers use decoy wallets with a bit of cash inside, just in case they are targeted. Store your main cards separately from your spending money.
Finally, know local emergency numbers and keep a copy of your passport saved securely online. Quick access to help builds confidence and can make a stressful situation easier to handle.
What to do if you get scammed
If you do get scammed, don’t panic. It happens to the best of us. Focus on minimising the damage. Report it to local authorities or your embassy, especially if important documents or large sums are involved. Cancel your cards immediately and change any passwords that might have been compromised. If it happens in a public place, warn others nearby or post about it online to help future travellers avoid the same trap. Treat it as a lesson rather than a failure. Almost every traveller I know has at least one story about getting caught out. It is part of the learning curve and with time, it makes you wiser and more resilient.
Scams can happen to anyone, but awareness gives you control. When you know what to look for, you can travel freely without fear. My biggest piece of advice and something I try to live by myself, is to think before reacting. Every time I have been involved in a travel scam, it has been because I acted too quickly. That moment of hesitation is exactly what scammers rely on. If you can take a breath and think, you will save yourself a lot of stress and probably a bit of money too.
If you have ever been caught in a scam or spotted one before it happened, share your story in the comments below. The more we talk about these experiences, the better we can prepare others.
