Travel scamsOther tricks
Other travel scams
51 reported in 38 countries. How each works and how to avoid it.
- SpainCommonFake email from a friend in troubleA bogus email appears to come from someone you know. It claims that person is in trouble and urgently needs money.
- SpainOccasionalFake El Gordo lottery winA message says you have won a large prize in the Spanish lottery, El Gordo, even though you never entered. You must first transfer money for taxes or fees, or travel to Spain to complete the transaction.
- SpainOccasionalFake inheritance requiring an advance paymentSomeone claims you are due a large inheritance. They ask you to deposit money into a Spanish bank account before the inheritance can be processed.
- TürkiyeOccasionalGuidebook reputation used to justify higher pricesAfter receiving a favourable listing in a popular travel guide, some owners sharply raise prices and cut costs. The old recommendation may no longer reflect the value or quality.Istanbul
- United KingdomOccasionalFree stress-test recruitmentAn offer of a free 'stress test' may be a way to recruit you into the Church of Scientology.London
- United Arab EmiratesOccasionalFake lottery winAn unexpected message or automated call claims that you have won a lottery.Abu Dhabi
- United Arab EmiratesOccasionalFake gift from a SheikhAn unexpected message or automated call claims that a Sheikh has chosen to give you free money.Abu Dhabi
- ThailandOccasionalDriver commission recommendationsA driver recommends a business because it pays commission. The recommendation serves the driver rather than your needs.Bangkok
- MalaysiaCommonPostal counter overchargingPostal employees may charge tourists more than the recorded price for sending gifts, clothes or other packages.Kuala Lumpur
- ChinaVery commonPyramid and Ponzi investment schemesCriminals draw people into dishonest investment schemes. These schemes are described as widespread in Chengdu. Operators may become violent if they think they will be exposed.Chengdu
- ChinaOccasionalSuspicious phone callsFraudulent or suspicious phone calls can occur. No specific caller story or payment method is described. The scam enquiry number is 96110.
- ChinaOccasionalUnnecessary dental treatment upsellingA dentist identifies unnecessary problems to sell extra treatment. No specific incident or dishonest clinic is named.
- Hong KongOccasionalSuspicious phone callsYou receive a phone call that you suspect is a scam.
- VietnamOccasionalMisleading bus information websiteThe polished website danabus.vn may look official but has outdated fares and possibly routes. Deliberate fraud is not established.Da Nang
- MoroccoOccasionalDrugging followed by an attackA traveller is drugged and then attacked or robbed. Solo travellers are warned to take particular care.Marrakech
- EgyptOccasionalEntrapment linked to offers of sexAn offer of sex can be part of an entrapment scheme. Gay men are specifically identified as having been targeted. The exact setup is not described.
- IndiaCommonInternet scams and other financial confidence fraudFraudsters use online scams or gain your trust to take money. The methods vary and can cause large losses.
- BulgariaCommonConfidence tricksSomeone gains your trust to deceive you or obtain money. No specific story or method is described.
- AlbaniaCommonTourist-site ticket money being pocketedSomeone taking admission payments reuses tickets or keeps the money instead of putting it through the proper ticket process. This is a ticket-handling fraud; it does not necessarily mean you have been charged extra.
- PhilippinesOccasionalTargeted kidnapping and hostage takingCriminals or armed groups seize people and hold them hostage, sometimes for ransom. Ethnic Chinese people and visitors from China are specifically noted as targets of ransom kidnappings. Paying does not guarantee release.Manila
- GeorgiaOccasionalHigh charges at a clinic aimed at foreignersThis clinic is described as overpriced and aimed at foreigners. Whether its bills are accepted by an international insurer depends on the policy. High charges alone do not establish fraud.Tbilisi
- UzbekistanOccasionalExcessive medical chargesSome doctors or hospitals may seek excessive payments from visitors. No specific billing method is described.Tashkent
- BrazilOccasionalKidnapping by armed groupsArmed groups operating in these areas can kidnap civilians. Groups mentioned include drug traffickers, pirates, foreign guerrillas and illegal militias.Rio de Janeiro, Salvador
- MacauOccasionalScam text messages at Portas do CercoFraudsters use equipment that imitates a mobile network to send scam messages. The messages try to get victims to reveal personal information.
- MaltaCommonParking donations presented as required feesAn attendant asks for a tip called a donation. They may insist that everyone pays and make it sound compulsory. Most public parking lots are free, and these tips are voluntary. Paid parking areas should have a sign.
- FinlandOccasionalOnline and phone fraudFraud occurs online and through phone approaches. No particular script or payment method is described.
- LatviaVery commonLanguage-course payments with no refundA school takes payment for intensive classes. It then cannot provide the classes and refuses a refund. Reviews from locals who attended free classes may give paying visitors a misleading impression.Riga
- SlovakiaOccasionalInflated bills at establishmentsVisitors may be overcharged. Asking for a printed receipt helps you check the bill and keep a record of what you paid.Bratislava
- PanamaOccasionalCounterfeit US$50 and US$100 notesCounterfeit US$50 and US$100 notes have circulated. Many businesses refuse these denominations. Those that accept them may ask for your passport and record your details and the notes' serial numbers.
- GuineaVery commonBusiness fraudBusiness fraud and scams are widespread. No specific scheme is described, so a convincing offer or business contact should not be treated as proof that a deal is genuine.
- BelarusCommonOnline fraud and dishonest private dealingsCybercrime is described as well developed. Dealings with individuals need particular caution, but no specific online fraud method is described.
- GhanaCommonTargeted extortionPeople suspected to be gay or queer can face targeting and demands for money. The exact threats, methods and people responsible are not specified.
- PalestineCommonTaxi or guide referrals with hidden commissionsA driver or guide charges for their service and also earns commission from the business they take you to. You may be taken to a restaurant with inflated prices. A restaurant or hotel may quote a higher price while the driver or guide stands beside you.
- SenegalCommonThe missing-change trickA seller or driver claims to have no change and may keep the extra cash. A Dakar taxi driver may do this even after promising to provide change. Some people genuinely cannot change large notes.
- BurundiOccasionalPetty crimePetty crime is reported, but no specific tourist scam, theft method or frequency is described. The frequency label should not be read as a measured rate.
- BelarusOccasionalDating-app traps targeting LGBT peoplePast reports describe vigilante groups using dating apps to target people. This is a personal-safety trap; no specific demand for money or theft method is described.Minsk
Reviewed by @snuck