Got your bags packed and ready to go? Traveling is a way to recharge your energy and especially rest, but you can also get off on the wrong foot by falling victim to these travel scams. From fake tours to misleading accommodations, it’s easy to be misled if you’re not careful. Hope this will never happen to you, but it is better to be prepared.
Beware of people who try these travel scams. Always be alert and have a safe trip!
1. Finding a hotel
As you leave the airport, you will probably be greeted by several people who promise all good deals if you are staying at their hotel or apartment. However, these offers can often be a part of travel scams. You choose one of them and find upon your arrival that their offer is really not worth it. You are therefore faced with a waste of time and money. A good piece of advice, book your hotel in advance from hotel comparison sites to assess and find the best.
2. Getting to your hotel
You have just arrived and left the airport to reach your home or hotel. A driver approaches you and tells you that he can take you to your hotel without making you wait. Be cautious, as this could be one of the many travel scams targeting tourists. Make sure you have an official or private taxi driver as needed.
Also, prefer to book your driver in advance. Check the prices beforehand so that you don’t face any unpleasant surprises on the spot or during your ride.
3. An irresistible offer from your room
An unknown person slips a menu under your living room door! You call the number displayed on the card and place an order. You will notice that the food never arrives and they keep all of your credit card information. This is a common example of a travel scam, where scammers target unsuspecting travelers to steal personal information.
If you want to make a reservation, check with the hotel for recommendations before calling an unknown number from a leaflet slipped under your door.
4. The bad awakening
You’ve been traveling all day and just want to rest before you start your day. The phone rings, you answer it to find the receptionist on the other end and ask to verify your credit card information. You tell the receptionist that they have the wrong number and you give them the right information. Problem? You just gave someone pretending to be a receptionist your credit card information.
You go back to bed to find in the morning that your credit card has been used by someone else. If this happens to you, call the front desk or, better yet, come down in person. To avoid these types of travel scams, never give out your credit card information on a call that was not initiated by you.
5. Don’t let them distract you
You grab something for lunch from a vendor. Someone standing nearby offers you a meal or a drink. They only offer to help find out that they helped you get out of your wallet.
6. Take a picture of me
Oh, how many times have you asked someone to take a picture of you? Keep an eye on your camera. They can easily disappear when they have your camera in hand. You may also have issues if they ask you to take their photo.
They give you their camera, you tell them it’s not working, and they end up in a scene screaming “you broke their camera.” They will continue to get everyone’s attention in the hopes that you will give them money to fix the camera. These travel scams work because most people will pay to stop them from paying attention to you.
7. Watch your luggage
Have you ever thrown your luggage on the roof of a train (in Asia)? Be careful when walking through dark tunnels. Thieves are waiting in these areas, and travel scams are more common than you might think. They quickly grab your bag and keep going to the next car while the car you’re in remains dark. You don’t realize your bag has been stolen until you’re ready to grab it. Try to secure the bag to the luggage rack when you take a train so that it is not easy to take.
8. Stop for a minute to explore the street artists
It’s very funny, there is a big crowd. Sometimes these performances require the audience to come out and form a larger circle. Then they all ask to move in. At this point, people meet. Now is the perfect time for your pockets to grab your belongings. Travel scams often thrive in crowded situations like these. Be careful when forming large groups to attend a performance.
9. The attraction is closed
This is how this usually happens: On your way to visit an amusement park or another type of attraction, someone will approach you and tell you the park is closed. This is a fake guide. They will then offer to take you on a private tour elsewhere and bring you back when the park opens again. This is a scam, and it’s one of the many travel scams you should watch out for. Don’t fall for it.
10. Return of change
When you pay for something, make sure you know how much you are going to get back. If you seem in a rush, the vendors can count your change very slowly and drag things out. Their hope is that you think the transaction is complete, take your money and go, not realizing that they have only calculated part of your change.
Now that you are aware of these travel scams, you can keep your eyes open and stay away from the dangers of vacationing. The world is a beautiful place but it isn’t perfect. People will always want to try to take advantage of things you do not know.
But we’ve helped you out of that disadvantage. You can now enjoy a safer holiday and create beautiful memories you’ll cherish forever.
If you plan your vacation for Suffolk County, Long Island, you can avoid airport scams and hotel scams by traveling with a trusted personal chauffeur. In addition to protecting you from these common travel scams, you can reserve our car service to pick you up at the airport, take you to your hotel or other destination, and help you along the way with directions, suggestions, and your luggage — if you want it. Fast Break Limo is positioned to serve you in the best way possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common travel scams tourists should be aware of?
Some of the most common travel scams include fake hotel deals, overcharging taxi drivers, credit card fraud at hotels, pickpocketing in crowded areas, and misleading street performers. Scammers often target tourists who are unfamiliar with local scams, so staying alert is key.
How can I avoid travel scams when booking a hotel?
To avoid travel scams related to accommodations, always book your hotel through reputable booking sites. Avoid last-minute deals offered by strangers at the airport, as they might lead to overpriced or low-quality stays.
Are taxi scams a real concern for travelers?
Yes, taxi travel scams are common, especially at airports. Some drivers claim that your hotel is closed or fully booked, then take you to a more expensive place where they get a commission. To avoid this, use licensed taxis or pre-book a reliable transportation service.
How do scammers steal credit card information from hotel guests?
One common travel scam involves fake food menus slipped under your hotel door. When you call to order, scammers collect your credit card details and use them fraudulently. Always verify with the hotel before placing any order.
How can I prevent pickpocketing scams while traveling?
Pickpocketing is one of the most frequent travel scams in crowded areas, like tourist attractions and street performances. Be cautious when people suddenly bump into you or distract you. Keep your valuables secure and avoid carrying large sums of cash.
