5 Unbelievable Travel Scams to Avoid
Avoiding travel fraud requires a lot of common sense and a healthy dose of presumption. Here are some of the most common travel scams around the world. As a traveler, it is easy to think that we are smart enough to avoid being ripped off by travel scams.
From ridiculously cluttered on taxi rides to the unwitting disclosure of credit card information, scams like this are found all over the world. While it is almost impossible to know when you are being cheated on, it is essential to know what type of travel fraud exists and what to do about travel security if situations arise.
Broken Taxi Meter
Either the driver will tell you that the meter is broken and try to charge you a huge rate, or you will see the meter go higher and faster than Superman. Taxi drivers near airports or train stations are known to pull this scam, but it can happen anywhere.
When you get into a taxi and start driving, the driver will inform you that the meter is broken and charge you a ridiculous price. To avoid this scam, you first need to know how much a trip should cost. Always ask the hostel or hotel staff what a trip should have such a framework of reference.
Fake Cops
The fake cop fraud is a popular one in many big cities. During the conversation, one or two other people will appear who appear to be police officers and flashing badges. However, they are not police officers.
Fake police officers appear to be all over the world and travelers will often be cheated by these faux authorities to get up to speed. Her modus operandi is to ask for your ID and then fine you for no good reason. Real police can ask for your ID, but they will never ask you to pay the fine locally.
Free Bracelets
A friendly man or woman will approach to chat, then put a free friendship bracelet on your wrist. A provider approaches you and aggressively asks if you can help him with a demonstration. He continues to make a friendship bracelet directly on his arm.
When he’s done, he asks you to pay a premium for the bracelet he made just for you. Do not allow anyone to put anything on your body and be extremely careful to accept everything for free. If they put something on you, take it out, give it back to them, and be firm with it.
Spills on Your Clothing
Beware of people who intrude on you if it is not already a crowded area. When this happens, push people away and clean it yourself. Common in Europe, a traveler will walk down the street and feel something plop on his shoulder, often a bird poop or a fast-food spice.
Then a friendly stranger approaches and begins to wipe off the insulting chaos while plucking your wallet out of your pocket or purse. You get pushed in a crowd when someone spills ketchup or fake pigeon poop on your shirt. Or, worse, someone throws a baby in your arms while your bags are vital.
The Switcheroo
You are in a store and you see a designer item at a bargain price. To avoid this scam, keep in mind that no designer thing will be so cheap. Remember, if it seems too good to be true, it is not true. Second, be sure always to see what the seller is giving you, to be sure that it is precisely the item you wanted.
They are approaching the exchange rate and asking for money exchange. During the transition, the clerk puts similar notes and you end up with less than you paid for. Make sure you check your money before you go and don’t get rushed during the process. It is important to keep your eyes peeled as many currencies have denominations that appear similar in color and design.
