Travel scams
Tourist scams by country
1,597 tourist scams in 205 countries, and how to avoid them.
The tricks travellers meet most
Open a kind of scam to see every country that reports it.
- Theft414 scams
- Taxis284 scams
- Shopping201 scams
- On the street131 scams
- Changing money112 scams
- Buses and trains100 scams
- Fake officials64 scams
- Food and drink58 scams
- Other tricks51 scams
- Cards and ATMs44 scams
- FrancePickpocketing and distraction theftA thief takes your wallet, phone or other belongings without you noticing. Some work with another person who distracts you. Groups may surround you while someone reaches into a pocket or bag.
- SpainPickpocketing and team distractionsThieves take wallets, phones or passports from pockets and bags. Some work in teams. One person distracts you while another steals. Barcelona has a particular warning about passport theft.
- TürkiyeTourist prices and hidden chargesYou order or buy something without checking the price. The seller then charges much more than expected. Tourists may be charged five to ten times the usual price, even for tea. High opening prices are also common at street markets.
- MexicoFree gifts that lead to timeshare sales pitchesPromoters offer free meals, hotel nights, rental cars, tickets or tours in return for attending a timeshare presentation. Some present themselves as tourist information staff. The sales pitch can last one to two hours or longer. Sellers may make false promises, claim an agency will buy back the timeshare or pressure you to sign immediately. Promised gifts can be hard to collect.
- United KingdomCup and ball betting gameA person moves three cups and asks you to bet on which hides a ball. They secretly remove the ball, so you cannot win by following it. People who stop to watch may also be pickpocketed.
- AustriaBicycle theftThieves steal bicycles left where they can be taken away. Bicycle theft is widespread in bigger cities.
France
Spain
Türkiye
Mexico
United Kingdom
AustriaDestinations where scams are most common
Go prepared: read the scam guide before you land.
Scam guides for every country
205 countries
Scams by continent
Travel guides for these countries
- Greece travel guide
- Austria travel guide
- United Arab Emirates travel guide
- Saudi Arabia travel guide
- Thailand travel guide
- Japan travel guide
- Portugal travel guide
- Malaysia travel guide
- China travel guide
- Hong Kong travel guide
- Netherlands travel guide
- Poland travel guide
- Canada travel guide
- Croatia travel guide
- Vietnam travel guide
- Switzerland travel guide
Questions
What is a travel scam?
A trick to take money from visitors: fake taxis, rigged prices, fake officials, or 'friendly' strangers leading you to overpriced shops.
Which scams are most common?
Unlicensed taxis without meters, 'the place is closed today' detours, fake police asking to check your wallet, and over-charging for photos or gifts.
How do I avoid taxi scams?
Use official taxi ranks or ride apps, agree the price before you get in, and keep small change so drivers can't claim they have none.
What should I do if I'm scammed?
Stay calm and leave. Report it to the tourist police or your hotel, and call your bank straight away if a card was used.
Are scams a reason not to travel?
No. Most visits go smoothly. Knowing the common tricks before you arrive is usually enough to avoid them.
How many countries does snuck cover?
We list 1597 scams across 205 countries, taken from traveller guides and written in plain words.
Can someone in uniform be a scammer?
Yes. Real officials rarely ask for cash on the street. Ask for ID, offer to go to the police station, and never hand over your wallet.
Is it safe to accept help at the airport?
Accept help only from staff behind official desks. People who approach you offering taxis, SIM cards or currency exchange often charge far too much.
Reviewed by @snuck