Tourist Scams to Avoid

Don't become a victim to tourist scams while traveling. The most important travel tip is to research the city you will be visiting. Check out one of my guides to see if your destination is there or do research on your own. Here are some popular tourist scams you'll want to avoid.

This list will not include pickpocketing. For pickpocketing tips check this post here.

"Free" Gifts

It is common in major tourist cities that scammers will pretend to be gifting you items and then follow you demanding money.

Advice: Never accept anything from anyone.

• Roses - It doesn't seem that unusual that someone will gift you a rose as a kind gesture but when traveling never accept. They will badger you to give them a donation.

• Bracelets/Jewelry - Most commonly a person will put a bracelet around your wrist and demand money.

Ring Scam

For this scam they will drop a ring in front of you and when you pick it up ask if it is yours. When you say no, they will demand money for it.

Advice: Never pick up anything that does not belong to you.

Street Performers

Often times, especially in the era of social media when people see street performers they want to record or take a picture. This is present in many different countries. They may or may not insist that you take a picture with them or of them and then demand money. The instances that I've seen usually consist of people dressed in costumes.

Advice: Avoid taking pictures/videos of street performers/entertainers.

Extra Tip: Performances are common pickpocketing areas so always be aware of your belongings.

Petitions

If you are approached by someone to sign a petition for something and make a donation, they are scammers. Most legitimate petitions only ask registered voters to sign and don't ask for donations.

Advice: Never sign or donate any money.

Beggars

In many countries it is not unlikely to encounter a beggar. There are many beggars that are being dishonest about their situation just to make you feel bad for them. Children are used for this as well to evoke sadness in people but don't give them money.

Advice: If you want to help people that are less fortunate you can instead donate to an established charity or offer them food, toiletries, etc.

"Courteous" Offers

It may be possible that if a stranger offers you help, they may just be nice people: however, this is a tactic people used to steal your belongings or scam you for money.

• Taking your picture: Someone may offer to take your picture and then steal your camera/phone or refuse to give it back to you unless you pay them a lot of money.

• Help with your luggage: Someone may see you struggle with your luggage and offer to help and then steal your luggage.

Advice: Never accept assistance from anyone. Only travel with luggage that you know you can carry and walk with for an extended period of time.

Fake Law Enforcement

A person may pretend to be a law enforcement officer and demand your documents which they will either steal or ask for a bribe. In some cases, they may be real police officers that are corrupt.

Advice: This is a very unfortunate position. Always have copies of your documents with you to show officials and keep some in your luggage just in case you lose your documents and need the copies for reference. Offer to go with them to police station and show your documents there.