Stay Safe On Your Travels: 3 Common Scams And How To Protect Yourself

Traveling can be a wonderful experience, but unfortunately, it also leaves you open to various scams. Whether it’s a group photo offer, a fake petition, or a broken taxi meter, scammers are always coming up with new ways to target unsuspecting tourists.

Here are three travel scams to watch out for and tips on how to avoid them.

Group Photo Offers

One common scam is for someone to offer to take a photo of you and your group. Once the photo is taken, the person may demand payment or become aggressive in their attempts to get you to pay.

To avoid this scam, always ask if there is a fee for the photo before agreeing to it. If there is a fee, decide if it’s worth it and negotiate the price beforehand.

Fake Petition

Another common scam is for someone to approach you with a petition to sign. While you’re signing, the person may ask for a donation, which can quickly turn into a demand for money.

To avoid this scam, be cautious when approached by strangers with petitions. Ask what the petition is for and if there is a donation required before signing or contributing any money.

Broken Taxi Meter

A third scam involves a taxi driver claiming their meter is broken and charging an exorbitant flat rate. To avoid this scam, make sure to only take taxis with functioning meters. If a driver claims their meter is broken, negotiate a fare before getting into the taxi, or consider finding another taxi.

In general, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and to be cautious when approached by strangers.

Always research your destination beforehand, including common scams to look out for. If you have doubts about a situation, rely on your intuition and remove yourself from it. By being aware and alert, you can avoid falling victim to travel scams and enjoy a safe and memorable trip.