Traveling is one of my favorite ways to break out of the day-to-day grind—there’s something about new sights, sounds, and tastes that really energizes the soul.
But as exciting as it is to explore different cultures and try local specialties, we sometimes forget that not everyone we meet has our best interests at heart.
Below are nine cunning tricks that scammers use to target tourists. Let’s dive in and uncover these traps so we can avoid them before it’s too late.
1. The “broken” taxi meter
I still remember the first time I fell for this one. I hopped into a cab after a late-night flight overseas, exhausted and just wanting to crash at my hotel.
The driver smiled and said his meter was “broken,” but he offered a “good deal” if I paid a flat fee. Of course, that “good deal” turned out to be almost triple the standard rate.
The tactic works because travelers often don’t know the going rate or local currency value.
I was too drained to argue and just forked over the money. This classic taxi scam is common in major tourist hubs from Bangkok to Rome.
How to outsmart it:
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Ask if the meter works before you get in.
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If it’s “broken,” politely decline and find another taxi.
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For even more certainty, use ride-hailing apps where possible, since they usually give an upfront cost.
2. Fake police officers
This one preys on your trust in authority. You might be walking along a busy street when someone claiming to be a police officer approaches you.
They flash a badge—often just a cheap knockoff—and accuse you of a minor violation like loitering or carrying fake currency. They might demand an on-the-spot payment or insist on checking your wallet “for counterfeit bills.”
As Dale Carnegie once said, “When dealing with people, remember you are not dealing with creatures of logic, but creatures of emotion.”
Scammers know you’ll be flustered and anxious to prove your innocence. That fear often drives immediate compliance.
How to outsmart it:
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Ask for official identification or request to be taken to the nearest police station. Real police officers should have no issue with this.
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Never hand over cash or show your wallet on the street.
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If something feels off, step away and look for uniformed, on-duty police or head to a nearby store for help.
3. Shady currency exchange
Convenient currency exchange spots with flashy signs like “0% Commission!” lure travelers who need local cash quickly.
But the posted rates can be deceptive, or the teller might tack on hidden fees. Sometimes you’ll only notice the extra charges once you’ve walked away—far too late to complain.
It’s easy to be thrown off by persuasive window displays that promise the best deals, especially when you’re jet-lagged.
How to outsmart it:
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Use official bank ATMs or well-reviewed exchange bureaus.
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Double-check the rate against what’s shown on a reliable currency app or a trusted financial website.
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Always count your money carefully before leaving the counter.
4. The “free gift” trick
Whether it’s a “friendship bracelet,” a rose, or a simple trinket, this scam usually starts with someone cheerily offering a small “gift.”
The second you accept it, they demand payment. Often, they switch tones in an instant, going from friendly to aggressive to guilt-trip you into handing over cash.
I’ve personally been ambushed by someone in Barcelona who tried to tie a bracelet onto my wrist while babbling compliments in rapid-fire Spanish.
It felt rude to yank my arm away, so I let them finish—only for them to insist I pay an absurd amount for their “handmade” bracelet. That was the last time I fell for that.
How to outsmart it:
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If someone on the street offers you something for “free,” politely refuse.
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Keep your hands in your pockets if necessary. If the item is already on you, remove it and put it back in their hand.
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Walk away with a firm “no” if they persist.
5. Unofficial tour guides
I love discovering hidden gems when I travel, so I used to be a total sucker for friendly locals who claim they can show me “secret spots.”
Sometimes, these “guides” aren’t actually providing a real tour—they’re leading you into shops or restaurants where they get a hefty kickback. Other times, they’ll demand a “tour fee” at the end, even if it wasn’t mentioned upfront.
As noted by many travel experts, one big red flag is an unsolicited offer for a personal tour.
Real, credentialed guides usually operate through legitimate channels, not by hanging around street corners.
How to outsmart it:
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Book tours through reputable agencies or apps.
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If approached spontaneously, politely decline.
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If you do decide to go for an unofficial tour, agree on a price before you start walking.
6. The “closed attraction” con
Picture this: You’ve just arrived in a new city and head out to see a famous landmark. On the way, a “kind” stranger tells you it’s closed for the day—maybe due to a holiday or renovation.
But guess what, they have an alternative site they can show you, or they know a “better” place to visit.
In reality, the original attraction is probably open. These scammers get you to pay for a taxi or buy tickets to a subpar location where they’ll earn a commission from whatever store, workshop, or restaurant they shuttle you to.
This can eat up your time and money, and you never get to see what you actually came for.
How to outsmart it:
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Always double-check opening hours online or call ahead.
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Don’t take directions at face value from unsolicited strangers.
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If someone tells you your planned destination is closed, verify by walking to the entrance or confirming with official staff.
7. ATM and credit card skimming
High-tech scams are growing at an alarming rate. Skimming devices can be attached to ATMs or card readers in restaurants and shops, capturing your card info when you swipe or insert it.
I once noticed a loose-fitting slot on a gas station ATM in Northern California. Having worked in digital marketing, I’d read enough cybersecurity news to know that if something looks off, it usually is.
Some travelers get hit with surprise charges days or even weeks after their trip ends.
By then, it’s often a nightmare to get your money back, especially if your bank is back home and you’re on another continent.
How to outsmart it:
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Inspect ATM card slots for anything that seems loose or mismatched.
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Use ATMs in secure locations (banks, well-lit hotels, or airports).
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Pay attention to your bank statements. Report suspicious activity immediately.
8. The fake ticket scam
Visiting museums, concerts, or popular sporting events can be the highlight of any trip.
But outside these venues, counterfeit tickets often flood the sidewalk stands or online resale sites. The tickets might look legit—complete with barcodes and official logos.
You only realize they’re worthless when you’re denied entry at the gate.
“People do not buy goods and services. They buy relations, stories, and magic,” Seth Godin famously said. Scammers capitalize on this by peddling the magic of a “can’t-miss” event, knowing we’re eager for an unforgettable travel moment.
How to outsmart it:
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Always buy tickets from official websites or recognized vendors.
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Double-check vendor reputations if you’re using a secondary marketplace.
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If a deal seems too good to be true, it usually is.
9. Hidden fees and phantom charges
Last but not least, watch out for random charges that show up on your bill—everything from “extra service fees” at a restaurant to “cleaning charges” at a rental apartment.
Sometimes these fees are quietly added, hoping you won’t notice until you’ve already handed over your credit card or have left the country.
My friend recently rented a beachside condo through a non-official platform. When the final invoice arrived, there was a “resort fee” that never got mentioned in the listing.
The rental owner insisted it was mandatory, but it turned out to be made up.
How to outsmart it:
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Review all invoices and contracts carefully.
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Ask for a breakdown of fees if something looks unfamiliar.
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Pay attention to user reviews where guests might have reported similar charges.
Putting it all yogether
Travel is supposed to be fun, eye-opening, and rich with positive experiences. Still, there’s no denying that scammers worldwide have become increasingly creative at separating tourists from their cash.
By staying alert, doing a bit of research before you go, and trusting your gut when something feels off, you can keep these sneaky scams at bay.
Here at DM News, we’re big on making informed decisions—especially when it comes to your wallet and your peace of mind.
It doesn’t take paranoia to travel smarter; it just takes awareness. Whether you’re trekking through busy markets in Southeast Asia or touring historic sites in Europe, a quick mental check can mean the difference between a dream trip and a travel nightmare.
Safe journeys, and remember: when it comes to scams, prevention is always better than cure.
