Travelers are reminded to beware of common scams during the holidays

With the holiday season approaching, millions are expected to travel abroad, and potentially fall victim to numerous scams that prey upon vulnerable travelers and aim to take advantage of them.

These scams can range from extorting or stealing money in some way, which can be a huge risk for holidaymakers, gap year students, and anyone traveling to a foreign country. 

Kayla Anzalone, Director of Marketing for student travel company Rustic Pathways, has offered some essential tips to help travelers both recognize and avoid some of the most common travel scams, in case they are targeted by any of them on their next trip.  

Fake booking scams 

When travelers are booking for an upcoming vacation, they need to be on the lookout for a variety of online scams that may try to trick them.

There may be fake deals for hotels, flights, and holiday packages offered over social media or directly via email that are too good to be true. 

Similarly, travelers may encounter emails referring to fake cancellations or be brought onto a sophisticated clone of an intended website to input the traveler’s banking details. This is designed to make them hand over unnecessary money or steal important information.   

Travelers should always check the address of any website they are directed to and see whether it looks accurate, as well as avoid clicking any links. Search the hotel or airline directly to determine whether the deals are legitimate or too good to be true.  

Taxi overcharging scams 

Many tourists have fallen prey to taxi drivers who charge far too much money for their services.

They may have a meter that goes up too quickly or attempt to negotiate a rate without one. Knowing how much a journey should cost will give a traveler an advantage. 

There is also the possibility of being tricked by an unlicensed taxi, which may look legitimate but might not have a meter or have been safety approved. They could charge even more money for a journey or take a traveler somewhere unintended. 

Ask hotel staff or the official tourist board to order a taxi, since they will know which companies are legitimate. Travelers should also avoid getting into any unlicensed taxis and ask to be pulled over if the charge rate seems strange. Finally, agree on a rate for the journey in advance if the price seems reasonable to avoid any large surprise bills.  

Free gift scams 

This scam involves being approached by a seemingly friendly individual and either being offered or forcefully given a bracelet, a hat or some form of ‘free gift.’ They will then request money for it and cause a scene to make a traveler pay and avoid embarrassment.  

A similar method involves having someone offer to take a photograph and then ask for payment. This is why travelers should be wary of anyone giving them something for free and be strong enough to walk away from a situation instead of feeling pressured to pay up. 

Travelers should refuse anything being put on their body or simply hand it back to them if they do it anyway. Then just walk away to show that they are not worth wasting their time. It is very rare that the scammers will continue to make a scene after this.  

Wrong change

scams

Make sure to know the local currency and take the time to count out change, because some people may try to give the wrong money back or even withhold expected change completely. They hope tourists will be in a rush and not look properly. 

This is common in countries with lots of similar looking notes, or places where travelers can be easily distracted during the payment process. They may even hand a traveler a pile of change and expect they will assume that the amount of money given back is correct. 

Do not feel embarrassed about ensuring that the right money is returned, even if scammers try to hurry tourists due to a long queue. It is also valuable to be informed on the different coins and bills beforehand so travelers can see if they are being shortchanged. 

Friendly stranger scams 

While there may be some individuals who are genuinely helpful, many scammers will try to lure travelers into a false sense of security. They usually approach on the street and attempt to lead travelers somewhere or ask them to help with paying for something expected. 

This can take many different forms, such as an attractive individual bringing a traveler to a bar or restaurant with the intention of creating a massive bill and leaving the traveler to pay, or a local person leading them somewhere with expensive items to pressure them into buying. 

Be cautious when someone approaches and question why they would be coming to a traveler for help or to offer something nice unless they had an ulterior motive. Travelers should continue with their day and be firm enough to tell them no, even if they keep insisting. 

Pickpocket scams 

Tourists are often targeted by thieves working alone or as part of a team, especially in busy areas with a high crime rate. They assume travelers will be more vulnerable, easier to trick, and will be carrying money or expensive items directly on their person. 

Distractions can involve being knocked into and given help in collecting items, being brought into a conversation while another person steals from a pocket, or watching a nearby attraction or show while thieves steal from onlookers. 

Keep valuable items locked away in a hotel and know that thieves are most likely to target outside pockets or carried bags. Invest in equipment with anti-theft protection, such as locks and concealed compartments, and be wary of sudden physical contact. 

—This story was provided by Rustic Pathways, a student travel company. More information can be found by visiting https://rusticpathways.com/.