Beware of these 8 common travel scams

Public Wi-Fi Networks

Be wary of free Wi-Fi networks that you can connect to without a password. You may be connected to a hacker’s hotspot, which makes it easy for them to take over your computer or phone.

Instead, what should be done?

Instead of joining the first network you see in a cafe, store, or other public place, check with an employee to make sure you know how to log in. This information might also be on an official piece of writing, like a menu.

USB Ports That Don’t Work

You’ve probably seen free places to charge your phone in airport terminals after security. Because they are in a restricted area, these airport kiosks are probably safe to use. But you should be careful about connecting your phone to a public charging cable in shopping centres or other places with a lot of people.

When you connect the right USB charging cable to your phone, the “juice jacking” scam may make it look like your phone is charging. But the cable could put malware on your device that can steal your personal information.

Instead, what should be done?

If you can, bring your own charging cable and plug it directly into a power port. You could also put a portable battery bank on your list of things to pack in your carry-on.

ATM Skimmers

As more travellers use credit and debit cards with chips, ATM scams happen less often. But they can still happen, so check the card reader on ATMs and self-service gas pumps before you put your card in.

For more complicated scams, two people may gather around an ATM kiosk. Most of the time, it looks like a bystander is telling the person trying to withdraw money that the machine is broken. Then, the tourist comes up and asks for help from a bystander. The bystander helps the tourist, but the tourist ends up putting their debit card into a skimmer.

Instead, what should be done?

Before putting your card in the card reader, you could look at it and give it a good tug. If you want to feel more safe, you might look for ATM kiosks in bank lobbies or other safe places, where they are less likely to be hacked.

Pickpockets

Pickpocket scams come in a lot of different forms. These three types are the most well-known:

In a big crowd, a stranger bumps into you and takes something out of your pocket. Most likely, this scam takes place on busy streets or in train stations.

Spilled drinks or stains: Someone might say that your clothes have a drink stain or a bird dropping on them. Then they get closer to looking at it or cleaning it, and they might steal something from you.

Locals Who Are Nice: A group of people from the area might talk to you a lot. Since there are many people, it can be hard to keep track of everyone. Someone might have a brief chance to steal something, like a laptop, from a bag compartment that zips shut.

These schemes have been going on for a long time, and they have changed to fit the needs of today’s people. The character “The Artful Dodger” in Oliver Twist, written by Charles Dickens in 1838, is a good example. He would steal kerchiefs, watches, and other valuables from people who didn’t deserve them.

Instead, what should be done?

You might want to leave your valuables at home or put small items and important papers in a lap belt. Also, try to keep your important things in plain sight.

Trinkets and Fortunes

Scammers sometimes hang out in touristy areas of popular international destinations. They might give you a small ring, a rose, or a balloon that looks like it’s worth a lot of money. Everything is fine until the end, when they ask for money.

Instead, what should be done?

If you can, walk away or tell the person “no” instead of talking to them when you see them coming toward you. If that’s too late, try returning the item and telling them “no.”

Broken Taxi Meters

Most taxi scams get you from Point A to Point B, but they charge you too much. Taxis outside of airports and hotels may look like they are real, but the driver may say that the metre is broken or not working right. It’s also possible that the metre works but the cab isn’t licenced.

Instead, what should be done?

Use only a licenced taxi service, and if you can, try to negotiate the price before you get in. At international transportation hubs, there should be a place in the terminal where you can get a ticket for a taxi that you can give to the driver.

You could also call Uber, Lyft, or a similar service in your area.

Ridesharing apps have prices that are easy to understand and extra safety features to keep riders safe.

Fake Tuk-Tuk Tours

Scams involving tuk-tuks are common in Asia, where they are most popular, but they are becoming more common in cities around the world.

Tourists like to take tuk-tuk tours so they can go shopping and see interesting places. Fake tours, on the other hand, involve long stops at stores where the driver probably gets a commission from the store owner. These tours could take a long time and may not take you to the places you want to see.

Instead, what should be done?

Look for trustworthy operators on Airbnb Experiences or other well-known travel sites. You should also stay away from free or cheap tours because they are more likely to give you a bad time.

Damaged Mopeds or Jet Skis

If you rent a moped, jet ski, or other similar piece of power equipment while on vacation, the owner may say that you broke it or messed with it. In international countries, the owner may hold your passport or other personal documents for ransom until you pay for the repairs.

Instead, what should be done?

Before you agree to rent the place, check it carefully for any damage and let the owner know about any problems you find. At check-in, you should also take pictures or videos.

For overnight rentals, try to keep the equipment in a safe place where it is less likely to be messed with or damaged.

Fraudulent rental services may pay people to take off attachments while you’re sleeping and then put them back on after you pay for the damage.

You can also stay away from travel scams by reading customer reviews for rental services.

Summary

Even travellers who are well-prepared can fall for travel scams. When you know what could happen, it’s easier to spot red flags. You can also feel more certain about following your gut and staying away from bad situations.